UNM Hospital Psychosocial Rehabilitation Creates Supportive Social Environment for Improving Mental Health

On a sunny summer day in Albuquerque’s South Valley, The University of New Mexico Hospital Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) center is encouraging growth.

Outside, in the garden — tended by PSR clients and staff — fruits and vegetables grow: corn, tomatoes, pears, apples, zucchini, watermelons and more.

Inside, clients work on their mental health, growing and healing through group-based activities and skills practice.

They take classes, create art and sculptures, play games, exercise, eat together and socialize. They are learning how to understand their diagnoses, face obstacles and navigate life successfully.

“There is no typical day,” said Emilia Vigil, MA, LPCC, clinical manager at PSR. “We are a walk-in program, but, in general, there are classes going on, there are field trips, there are outings in the community, there’s laughter and joking. We’re just kind of getting to know each other as human beings, and doing skills work. So, talking about different coping skills, self-care skills, coping with diagnoses, trying to learn about ourselves and each other.”

PSR is an outpatient behavior health program under UNMH’s Community Based Services. It serves New Mexicans over age 18 who have a qualifying diagnosis of serious mental illness, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, PTSD, schizophrenia or other mental health issues. No referral is required.

Vigil said prospective clients without a diagnosis can get an assessment at PSR or their preferred mental health provider. She also said, since PSR services are covered by Medicaid or backup behavior-health funding, the program is open to all New Mexicans, regardless of insurance type or ability to pay.

Emilia Vigil, MA, LPCC, clinical manager of UNMH Psychosocial Rehabilitation in Albuquerque’s South Valley. Photo Credit: Michelle Nichols.

Clients at UNMH Psychosocial Rehabilitation in Albuquerque’s South Valley can play cards and other games as a way to socialize and develop interpersonal skills. Photo Credit: Michelle Nichols.

The garden at UNMH Psychosocial Rehabilitation in Albuquerque’s South Valley. Photo Credit: Michelle Nichols.

Asian pears from the garden of UNMH Psychosocial Rehabilitation in Albuquerque’s South Valley. Photo Credit: Michelle Nichols.

A solar-powered grow light is set up to help tomato plants ailing in the shade at UNMH Psychosocial Rehabilitation in Albuquerque’s South Valley. Photo Credit: Michelle Nichols.

PSR is tailored to each client’s goals, which can range widely and are highly personal.  

“Anything that’s been diminished or impacted negatively because of their diagnosis or treatment, or feeling isolated or stigmatized,” Vigil said.

Examples include getting back into school or the workforce, supporting self-care and self-compassion, building confidence in going out and interacting with others, learning how to set boundaries and becoming a strong self-advocate.

 

It’s about interacting with other people and knowing that you’re not on a journey alone, that it’s a shared journey that we all bring our own strengths to.

 

-Emilia Vigil, MA, LPCC, Clinical Manager, UNM Hospital Psychosocial Rehabilitation

Vigil said PSR clients receive short-term case management and can participate in classes in four areas: basic life skills, personal skills, interpersonal skills and community re-engagement.

Classes, taught by trained community support workers, range from adaptive coping skills and gardening, to ceramics, guitar skills and even games like Dungeons & Dragons.

“It’s about interacting with other people and knowing that you’re not on a journey alone, that it’s a shared journey that we all bring our own strengths to,” Vigil said.

She also said PSR works well with therapy, and staff can refer clients to a licensed mental health professional for one-on-one sessions to enhance their overall recovery.

Cecilia Youree is a PSR client who has a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder.

“The reason why I like PSR so much is the community — getting around people who understand what it’s like to struggle with mental illness,” Youree said.

She also said participating in PSR has had real benefits.

“This is the first time I’ve actually had friends, and people that I want to hang out with,” Youree said. “In other hospital settings, you don’t get friends, you don’t get people to hang out with. But here, you do.”

Vigil encourages people to take a tour and find out if this voluntary program is right for them.

“We create a space to be weird and wacky and be yourself and feel like you can belong and really create something meaningful with your life,” she said.

Banner Photo: The garden at UNMH Psychosocial Rehabilitation in Albuquerque’s South Valley. Photo Credit: Michelle Nichols.