For more than two decades, mixed messaging surrounding the use of hormone therapy has left many women uncertain about its safety and efficacy. Michele Helfgott, MD, PPG – Integrative Medicine, breaks down what we know now and how this treatment fits into menopause management today. (fb)

In response to the growing demand for accessible and high-quality behavioral health services, Parkview Behavioral Health Institute (PBHI) is proud to announce that its Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) have expanded to a new, specially designed space within the Family Education Center located at 909 East State Blvd. on the main Park Center campus. This transition reflects PBHI's commitment to providing accessible, high-quality care for individuals managing acute mental health and substance use needs while allowing them to stay in their homes, communities, and work environments. The new space houses adult and adolescent IOP services and will also begin to welcome patients for dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) programming in early June. Clients in these programs will benefit from fast-tracked access to psychiatric medication services, ensuring timely and integrated care. "We've seen a clear increase in the need for outpatient behavioral health care," said Dr. Ahsan Mahmood, chief medical officer, PBHI. "This move reinforces our dedication to helping individuals manage mental health and substance use challenges in ways that support their ability to remain active in their homes, their communities and their work roles. It's about delivering the highest quality care in the least disruptive way possible." The new space, designed by the Fort Wayne-based firm Design Collaborative, was shaped by input from Parkview co-workers and patients with the goal of creating a warm, homelike environment that promotes healing and comfort. Key features include flexible group therapy rooms that can adapt to various activities, casual "drop-in" spaces for privacy, and designated areas for one-on-one conversations between therapists and clients. Special attention was given to privacy, access to natural daylight, calming views and acoustic separation—all elements incorporated to promote emotional wellness and create a safe, welcoming atmosphere. "Those who struggle with mental health can be extraordinarily perceptive to their surroundings," said Rachel Vedder, senior architect and project manager at Design Collaborative. "People with trauma or anxiety can be hypersensitive to environmental and social cues, with their nervous system constantly scanning for safety or danger. This is a useful lens not just for therapists, but also for architects and designers, especially when we're shaping environments meant to support mental health and healing." Additionally, the building is equipped with technology that will expand PBHI's hybrid care model by allowing patients in rural or outlying counties to participate in virtual sessions while maintaining the option for in-person care. "We're excited about how this thoughtfully designed space will enhance the experience and clinical quality of our IOP and DBT services," said Adam Kurtz, vice president of operations, PBHI. "Whether a client is joining us in person or virtually, our goal is to provide a space that fosters connection, resilience, and healing. This move is a clear step forward in our mission to meet patients where they are and walk alongside them as they navigate their journey toward wellness." For questions regarding the transition or for those seeking services, please call the PBHI 24/7 Helpline at 260-471-9440. Phone numbers for individual therapists will remain unchanged. For more information about Parkview's Intensive Outpatient Programs, visit our website here: https://bit.ly/4mC2d3p (fb)