The Behavioral Health unit at ELIH  has a fresh new look.  The therapeutic atmosphere helps patients on the road to recovery.

With 5 additional beds to serve the community, the expansion has helped Long Island patients previously forced to go outside their community to receive care close to home.

Laura Fischer,  Behavorial Health Coordinator, notes, “the team stands ready to support, educate and provide the best medical care for each patient.  Everyone is very compassionate.”

“With a focus on individualized comprehensive treatment by a multi-discplinary team, a small village heals this community,” she adds.

Laura Fischer tells us, if you see an extreme change in the behavior of a loved one or a long lasting feeling of hopelessness- other than the general seasonal blues, consult a health care professional for help.

Patients are commonly treated for the following at ELIH: 

• Thought Disorders
  (such as schizophrenia)
•  Mood Disorders
  (such as bi-polar/depression)

With the proper treatment, these illnesses are manageable.

Treatment includes:

• Medication
• Group Therapy
• Recreational Therapy
• One on one-patient care
• Family Therapy
• Family Education
• Pet Therapy

Each patient’s treatment is customized and carefully discussed with a skilled team of professionals. No two patient illnesses are exact, so no two patient treatments are the same. 

The ultimate goal is to get  patients back to their normal routine.  Patients stay an average of 7-10 days.  The length of stay is based on the patient’s individual needs.

The staff  is highly skilled in helping patients adjust to new medications, assimulate back into their community and resume daily activities.

For admission information or or to inquire about care for a family member call (631) 477-5268.

Eastern Long Island Hospital (ELIH) is pleased to announce the appointment of  Douglas K. Hoverkamp, MD, as Director of Psychiatry.

“Dr. Hoverkamp’s compassionate style and clinical expertise fills a great need for those facing mental health issues,”  notes Paul J. Connor III, ELIH’s President and Chief Executive Officer. 

Hoverkamp’s extensive training includes residencies in Adult Psychiatry with the University of Virginia Health System and  North Shore University Hospital.  He also completed a Child-Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center. 

Hoverkamp is a member of the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Association.

Dr. Hoverkamp sees patients by appointment at the Gladys Brooks Medical Village, 300 Atlantic Avenue, Greenport. For an appointment, call 631-627-1559.