New mental health treatment facility opens, and others are in early stages
VTDigger
Several Vermonters with complex mental health needs were transferred to a new locked residential facility in Essex last week, officials from the state Department of Mental Health told legislators.
“It’s staffed and ready to go,” Commissioner Emily Hawes told the House Health Care Committee on Wednesday. “We’re really excited for folks to be engaged in that therapeutic environment.”
The newly constructed River Valley Therapeutic Residence marks a milestone in the state’s long journey to restructure its options for secure mental health care after historic flooding from Tropical Storm Irene in August 2011 closed the Vermont State Hospital. The project adds nine additional residential beds.