Psychological factors such as behaviors due to chronic pain, stress, depression, and cultural beliefs can have an adverse affect on the body’s physical condition making the treatment of both the patients’ psychological and physiological aspects of health crucial in increasing the success of the patient’s treatment outcomes, one’s adherence to medical regimens and maintaining and improving one’s wellness. Therefore, in the attempt of improving overall patient health, measurable by shorter hospitalizations and improved adherence to medical regimens, a psychiatry division comprised of five specialists specializing in substance abuse psychology, inpatient-only psychology, child psychology, adult psychology, and pain management has been developed with the responsibility of improving patient health through the use of psychological methods. The implementation of these methods are targeted to concentrate on the weaknesses and strengths of those needing psychological help in the hopes of improving the health and well-being of all those involved. Substance Abuse Counselor

The substance abuse counselor is one, which helps individuals dealing and suffering from a variety of different addictions such as those of alcohol and drugs. The substance abuse counselor is to counsel individuals who are addicted to these substances, helping him or, she to identify and understand the behaviors and problems associated with his or, her addiction. Addiction can become a very debilitating disorder if not treated properly and for those seeking help and treatment for, one’s addiction by this type of method. Both the psychological and physical side of the individual needs to be addressed in order to benefit fully the chances of the patients overall success with the treatment (Substance use and Abuse, Week Four reading, aXcess, HCA250- The Psychology of Health course web site, 2007). Those suffering from an addiction must receive a thorough assessment that will concentrate on the in-depth consideration of the patient’s chemical abuse or, dependency issues as they relate to his or, her psychological well-being, financial status, and/or social circumstances in order to create a treatment plan appropriate to the patients needs. Withdrawal experiences and complications will need to be considered and approached carefully to ensure the least amount of physical discomfort and psychological distress on the patient. The use of a detailed detoxification assessment fitted to the needs of the individual through normal and chemical means if deemed necessary will sustain these needs. Relapse prevention methods will also need to be classified and established in the forms of individual and group therapy sessions to ensure the success of the patient during and after treatment has ended. Therapy sessions will allow the patient to identify with the causes of one’s abuse as well as with others that are struggling with similar issues, giving the patient inspiration, and hope in ones recovery. According to NIDA (2008), “The ultimate goal of drug addiction treatment is to enable an individual to achieve lasting abstinence, but the immediate goals are to reduce drug abuse, improve the patient's ability to function, and minimize the medical and social complications of drug abuse and addiction” (¶2). Therefore, the substance abuse counselor will be responsible for coordinating the use of recovery programs for substance abuse in coherence to the patients needs as well as working with a social worker in ensuring that care needs are in place upon discharge of the patient. Along with the substance abuse psychologist, a division of inpatient-only psychologists will also be established and employed.

Inpatient-Only Psychologist The inpatient-only psychologist’s duties will include that of working with the chronic, terminal, or acute patient to facilitate effective coping skills, coordinating outpatient care for the recovering addict, diagnosing stress disorders and aiding in stress-relief interventions and providing patient preparation training prior to medical procedures. The in-patient only psychologist deals with those of all ages hospitalized for in-patient cares. Therefore, the psychologist will use age appropriate methods in educating the patient in procedure treatments and recovery methods to help ensure that the patient does not suffer from an increase in anxiety and stress (In the Hospital: The Setting, Procedures, and Effects on Patients, Week SIX reading, aXcess, HCA250- The Psychology of Health course web site, 2007). The psychologist will promote and identify to the patient and his or, her family quality psychological services dealing with the use of behavioral and cognitive methods in the attempts of enhancing the patient’s physical well-being, psychological well-being, independence, and cognitive functions and adaptations. The psychologist will be working closely with many other specialists in accordance to the patient’s needs and forwarding information to these specialists to ensure that the patient receives all cares necessary to promote a full and healthy recovery. Coping skills for the patient will be developed using cognitive methods such as relaxation and biofeedback. Pain assessments of each patient will be conducted and treated and outpatient treatment measures will be established for those suffering from illnesses requiring ongoing treatment measures. In-patient only psychologists are essential in the success of the patient just as the child psychologist is.

Child Psychologist

The child psychologist will be responsible for providing psychological methods for children prior to medical procedures and collaborating with local schools. In providing psychological methods prior to medical procedures, the child psychologist will be responsible for working with the children in reducing one’s stress and anxiety levels about being hospitalized and undergoing treatments for ones condition. The child will be seen by the psychologist prior to hospitalization with the goal of successfully educating both the child and the parents on the upcoming stay and/or procedure. A tour of the hospital will also be provided to familiarize the child and his, or her parents with the new surroundings (In the Hospital: The Setting, Procedures, and Effects on Patients, Week SIX reading, aXcess, HCA250- The Psychology of Health course web site, 2007). With the education and visual aspects of the treatment, procedure established for the child. The psychologist would also establish and promote activities after procedures are performed through play such as music, art, and group activities. These activities will involve other children if applicable so, that the children will be able to interact in-group play sessions and the child psychologist will be able to observe and determine the areas of success and concern in regard to the patient (Christensen, 2003-2009). Mental health and psychosocial services to children and their families will also be available by the psychologist through the use of play therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and parent intervention for those dealing with an illness such as a chemical dependency, eating disorder, sleep disorder and learning disability or, developmental delay. The child psychologist will be working closely with schools in ensuring that the children treated receive recommended exercise programs, healthy food choices, daily medications if needed, and the proper education techniques for those suffering from a learning disability or, delay. Another responsibility of the child psychologist is to work closely with the family, physicians, surgeons, nurses, and schools to ensure minimal stress for the child during and after ones procedure and to enhance the recovery and success of the patient. Along with the child psychologist, a division of adult psychologists will also be established and employed. Adult Psychologist The adult psychologist is similar to that of the child psychologist. However, the roles of this type of psychologist are a little different and will include that of providing psychological preparation methods for adults prior to medical procedures, the use of various methods to help adjust the patient in coping skills attached to chronic or, terminal illnesses and diagnosing stress disorders and aiding in stress-relief interventions. The psychologist will provide the individual in question with a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation at the beginning of the treatment and will design a treatment plan focused on the target problems with the use of cognitive and behavioral techniques. The psychologist will be working with other divisions of care when necessary such as that of pain management specialists to ensure that the patient is receiving adequate care for ones condition. Information will be given to the patient prior to hospitalization and procedures to help the patient understand and deal with stress issues that may be related to the procedure ahead. The patient will also receive information and strategies from the psychologist designed to help them with coping with a chronic or, terminal illness. In providing help to chronic or, terminal illnesses, the psychologist will be working closely with both the patient and the family and help aid in information concerning treatment options such as hospice services, in home care, living will arrangements, and other information regarding the care of the patient and final stage preparations. Although psychologists are beneficial to the recovery and coping of an illness, pain management specialists are also needed to ensure the success of the patient. Pain Specialist The pain management specialist will assess the pain felt by the patient and will design and implement a treatment plan appropriate for the patient’s individual needs. Since pain can become a very debilitating illness for the one suffering from it. The reduction or, illumination of the pain by a pain specialist can help the patient adhere to medical regimens, maintain a positive outlook on treatments, and reduce one’s chances of suffering from other debilitating illnesses such as depression (Managing and Controlling Clinical Pain, Week SIX reading, aXcess, HCA250- The Psychology of Health course web site, 2007). In cases involving acute pain, the specialist will provide the patient with temporary chemical treatments such as painkillers to relieve the pain and discomfort felt by the patient as well as encourage the use of behavior and cognitive approaches. Upon discharge if the patient is still suffering from pain the patient may continue to reduce post-operative pain by using over-the-counter medications suggested by the specialist such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. In cases, involving those suffering from chronic pain caused from illnesses or, procedures. The specialist will be used in developing a plan of treatment that includes the most beneficial use of methods such as those of chemical substances, physical therapy, biofeedback, relaxation training, cognitive restructuring, and message therapy (Managing and Controlling Clinical Pain, Week SIX reading, aXcess, HCA250- The Psychology of Health course web site, 2007). To prevent the occurrence of dependency upon chemical treatments, the specialist will closely monitor the patient and make changes within the plan as necessary. The specialist will work on an individual level with the patient and families to enhance coping skills and ensure that patients with chronic or, terminal illnesses are kept as comfortable and pain free as possible. The goal of each specialist is to enhance the patients view on treatments through the use of psychological methods which will improve the outcome of one’s stay and decrease the chance of re-hospitalization. Treatment Success The roles of each provider mentioned will help to establish shorter hospital stays and enhance the well-being of the patient by ensuring that the patient receives the adequate care needed for the illness that he or, she is experiencing. The methods used by all specialists help to increase the feeling of control and enhance the patients perspective on treating and battling against ones illness helping the individual more effectively cope with the situation in front of them and increase ones chance of success. In order properly to treat individuals many methods need to be used overlapping the jobs of all those mentioned above. Some psychologists are able properly to treat symptoms such as those associated with substance abuse with the use of methods like behavior alterations however, what if that patient was also suffering from symptoms such as pain. The substance abuse psychologist would then need to employ and use the knowledge and methods provided by the pain management specialist. Each individual needs something different when it comes to the care that one receives which is why it is so important that all psychologists and medical personnel work together when pursuing the best care possible for the patient.

Conclusion Suffering from an illness can be both a very frustrating and scary experience for all those in need making the implication of treatment plans and coping skills by a psychologist a very beneficial aspect in treating the patient as a whole. The implementation of each role provided will help the patients involved have a better outlook on one’s life and improve the quality of care in which they receive. In recent studies, it has been proven that psychologists offer patients another route towards recovery and although these services were not as common in the past one must remember that the patient is more than just a physical being. The emotional health of patients is just as important as the physical and in order truly to treat patients both sides the physical and the emotional should be addressed and treated. With the incorporation of psychology into healthcare better outcomes for those in need of services are guaranteed. Every patient should be given the ability to seek comprehensive and positively life altering treatment, which makes the implementation of these specialists a positive and beneficial aspect for all those involved.

References Axia College of University of Phoenix. (2007). In the Hospital: The Setting, Procedures, and Effects on Patients. Retrieved February 17, 2009, from Axia College, Week SIX reading, HCA250- The Psychology of Health course web site, 2007 Axia College of University of Phoenix. (2007). Managing and Controlling Clinical Pain. Retrieved on February 18, 2009, from Axia College, Week SIX reading, HCA250- The Psychology of Health course web site, 2007 Axia College of University of Phoenix. (2007). Substance Use and Abuse, Retrieved February 17, 2009 from Axia College, Week Four reading, HCA250- The Psychology of Health course web site, 2007 Christensen, E. T. (2003-2009). What Does a Child Psychologist Do? Retrieved on February 18, 2009, from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-does-a-child-psychologist-do.htm NIDA. (2008). NIDA InfoFacts: Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction. Retrieved on February 17, 2009, from http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofacts/treatmeth.html Springer, W. D., McNeece, C. A, & Mayfield, E. (2003). Assessment and Diagnosis. Substance abuse treatment for criminal offenders: An evidence-based guide for practitioners. Retrieved on February 17, 2009, from the EBSCOhost power search database.