 |
 |
|
A high school psychology class set Glenn Most on the career path that led to his current role as Director of Behavioral Health Services at Exempla West Pines Behavioral Health Hospital.
"That class was my 'aha!' moment," he says. His undergraduate studies at Franklin and Marshall College and graduate work at New York University revealed the primary reason he chose the field of psychology — to make a difference in people's lives.
"This propelled me to my first job with Bellevue Hospital in New York," he says. "I loved connecting with patients about their issues and helping them learn to solve their problems so they could stay out of the hospital."
Later, he moved to Colorado to pursue a doctorate at the University of Denver and fell in love with the area. He rounded out his experience by working in private, VA and state facilities. Ten years ago, he joined West Pines Behavioral Health Hospital at Exempla Lutheran Medical Center in Wheat Ridge.
One of the most challenging issues in mental health services, says Most, is the lack of resources in the community to assist patients immediately after they are discharged. After leaving the hospital, many patients often must wait a couple of months before their first appointment with a therapist. Many end up back in the emergency room or readmitted. To help bridge the gap between discharge and outpatient therapy, West Pines has established a medication clinic, which sees patients several times to monitor their medications and to keep them stable.
In late 2008, the hospital launched the West Pines Recovery Center and its innovative two-week recovery program. The center's approach is novel in several ways. It treats both addictions and mental illness. The treatments are holistic and incorporate non-traditional therapies, such as acupuncture and high ropes courses. And the length is two weeks instead of the traditional 28 days. Similar in length to a vacation, the recovery program makes it easier for the employed to get care discreetly and without having to take a leave of absence.
"The West Pine Recovery Center completes our continuum of care," Most emphasizes. "We now provide inpatient treatment, the recovery center and outpatient therapy."
 |
 |
|
 |
|
Local Vacation — Taking my two young kids to the Heritage Square Alpine Slide.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
Published in the West Chamber Resource Guide 2009 Best of Business Directory & Magazine, an annual publication of The West Chamber Serving Jefferson County.
Return to List of Executive Profiles
|
