Our department, though part of a general hospital, is distinguished in that it we maintain a sealed ward which has three protective rooms available.  We provide inpatient treatment for schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, dementia, eating disorders and other developmental disorders during the critical phase of care.  In order to deal with the heaviest forms of mental illness, we also employ electroconvulsive therapy or treatment with Clozapine.  We also treat physical conditions that can occur related to mental disorders, and work with patients who require treatment for other conditions at other hospital departments, but who cannot be treated safely in the regular ward environment.
Given these specialties, our department is currently unable to offer treatment for personality disorders or substance abuse.  In order to maintain the safest environment for all patients, we limit the patients we treat to those who are capable of cooperating with the hospital staff, willing to follow the ward’s rules, and who don’t interfere with other patients’ care.  We recommend that those interested in treatment come to the hospital to tour the facilities.

We can treat a wide spectrum of psychologic conditions on an outpatient basis.  Initial consultations are from 8:45am to 11:30am each day.  Afternoon sessions are by appointment only.  Patients who are being treated at other psychologic clinics or facilities, who are seeking continuation of their treatment with us or to consult about their medication should always bring a referral letter from their current care provider when coming for a consultation.  If, following consultation, the doctor believes that counseling could be effective, we have clinical psychologists on our staff who can work with patients.  In addition, we have also set up several specialized outpatient programs, as explained below:

While medication can be very effective in treating psychologic problems during the critical phase of care, hands-on rehabilitation efforts are crucial for treating chronic conditions.  For patients receiving treatment here, we offer both “short care” outpatient services and occupational therapy. 

Acquired brain injuries, typically the result of stroke, hemorrhage, brain trauma, diffuse axonal injury (typically from traffic accidents) or encephalitis often result in impairment of speech, memory, attentiveness, reasoning ability and/or visuospatial dysfunction.  We work with patients and their families to consult on strategies going forward and treatments with speech therapists and occupational therapists.  We can also offer lifestyle advice and support for situations where employment, study or daily life are severely impaired.  When employment in regular situations is deemed to be difficult, we work with social institutions in Ashikaga and surrounding cities to help identify opportunities for work that are appropriate the patient’s situation and that can allow them to return to a productive daily routine.  Supporting patients and their families to help avoid them from becoming “shut-ins” is our main goal.