Preferred Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit Treatment Program

Our psychiatric intensive care unit, or PICU, accepts adults of all genders age 18 and above. This program is designed for patients who have been experiencing severe symptoms of major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and related mental health challenges or psychiatric concerns. 

Please note that we are not able to accept patients whose struggles include eating disorders, autism, or dementia.  

The psychiatric intensive care unit at Rio Vista Behavioral Health may be the optimal environment for patients who require more intensive services than can be provided in our adult inpatient program.  

Each person who heals in our PICU will work toward specific individual goals. However, in general terms, the objective of the psychiatric intensive care unit at our El Paso, Texas, location is to help patients achieve stabilization and prepare them to return home or transition to a less intensive level of care. 

As is the case with all of our programs, admissions decisions for our psychiatric intensive care unit are made on a case-by-case basis. We review all pertinent information and make our determination based upon what is in the best interest of the prospective patient.  

If you believe that Rio Vista Behavioral Health may be the best place for yourself or a loved one, please contact us directly to learn more. A member of our team is available to speak with you or your loved one 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Most patients remain in our psychiatric intensive care unit for about five to seven days. Our commitment to individualized care means that no two people will have identical experiences with us, but everyone can expect the following fundamental services and benefits: 

Evidence-based interventions – The professionals who provide care in our psychiatric intensive care unit employ an array of evidence-based, research-supported methods and techniques. We adhere to the highest professional standards, we continually evolve our programming to reflect national best practices, and we are dedicated to offering superior services that have a proven history of effectiveness. 

Open and honest communication – When you or a loved one receives care in the Rio Vista Behavioral Health psychiatric intensive care unit, we want you to have the information you need, presented in the manner that’s best for you, every step of the way. Open and honest communication is essential to success in this program. The professionals with whom you work will encourage your questions and feedback, honor your voice and perspective, and welcome you as a valued member of the Rio Vista Behavioral Health family.  

Personalized care – Mental, behavioral, and psychiatric health challenges impact individuals and families in intensely personal ways. At Rio Vista Behavioral Health, we believe that the most effective approach to care is to focus on personalized solutions. Each person who enters the psychiatric intensive care unit at our El Paso, Texas, location will follow an individualized plan that is based upon a detailed analysis of their needs. Your team will continue to monitor and, when appropriate, adapt this plan to ensure that you are best prepared to experience true and lasting healing.

The following are examples of the services that may be included in your or your loved one’s personalized plan within the psychiatric intensive care unit at Rio Vista Behavioral Health in El Paso, Texas:

Medical care and medication management – Our medical staff is available to provide non-acute care for patients in the psychiatric intensive care unit. Medical services for psychiatric intensive care patients include medication management, minor wound care, and insulin and glucose monitoring for those who have diabetes. Please note that we do not provide services that require medical equipment, such as IV therapy, catheterization, oxygen therapy, and similar types of care.

Individual, group, and family sessions – Featuring the guidance and support of experienced professionals, individual, group, and family sessions offer significant benefits to psychiatric intensive care patients and their loved ones. These sessions are structured environments in which participants can process their experiences, form beneficial bonds, learn from others, and develop skills that are essential to continued healing. Multiple groups are held every day for patients in the psychiatric intensive care unit. Individual and family sessions are scheduled as needed.

Art and recreation sessions – Art and recreation sessions are innovative and dynamic opportunities for you or your loved one to address and express emotions. With the guidance of an experienced professional, art and recreation sessions can also help you or your loved one manage symptoms, deal with stress, and otherwise respond in a healthier manner to both negative and positive experiences. Patients in the psychiatric intensive care unit at Rio Vista Behavioral Health in El Paso, Texas, may also discover previously unrealized talents or interests through their participation in art or recreation sessions with us.

Discharge planning – Taking part in our psychiatric intensive care unit can be an essential step toward improved health. But it is just one step. When you or your loved one is ready to transition out of this program, you’ll receive a detailed discharge plan. This document will identify the services and resources that will help you or your loved one achieve continued progress after your time with us.

When you enter our psychiatric intensive care unit, or when you entrust a loved one to our care, you will have the opportunity to work with a dedicated and experienced team. The professionals who serve in the Rio Vista Behavioral Health psychiatric intensive care unit are committed to patient-focused, results-oriented care, provided in a supportive and respectful environment. Depending upon your mental or psychiatric health needs, or those of your loved one, care may be provided by the following professionals: 

• Psychiatrists 
• Physicians 
• Physician assistants (PAs) 
• Medical assistants 
• Registered nurses (RNs) 
• Nurse practitioners (NPs)  
• Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) 
• Licensed professional counselors (LPCs) 
• Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) 
• Recreation/activity therapists 
• Behavioral health technicians 
• Other experts as needed 

To learn more about our caregivers, or to get additional information about any other aspect of the psychiatric intensive care unit at Rio Vista Behavioral Health in El Paso, Texas, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are available to speak with you 24/7. We look forward to answering all of your questions and helping you determine if our psychiatric intensive care unit is the ideal place for you or your loved one.