Clinics could reduce health care costs and hospital stays.

“Depression is the number one reason for disability worldwide,” said Dr. Raja Sohail Abbas, a psychiatrist with Blue Mountain Health System.Abbas says a clinic that treats mental health issues, medical issues and has outpatient treatment for depression and substance abuse will reduce the strain on hospital emergency rooms, reduce health care costs and reduce the interruption on the patient’s life.“Intensive three-hour outpatient treatment several times a week prevents hospitalizations, and (he or) she can stay in her job,” he said.Currently, if a person suffering from depression goes into an emergency room seeking help, the patient will be asked about if he or she feels like he or she might harm him or herself.By answering yes to that question, the patient has to be admitted to the hospital. If there are not enough beds in the psychiatric unit, some hospitals have kept patients in the ER for two or three days at a cost of $10,000 to $15,000 per day.Abbas said there is a better way to provide care for the patient.“I want the patients to feel like everyone is there to help them.”Abbas envisions clinics where patients suffering from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or substance abuse can stay in their homes, but come in for therapy anywhere from every day for five days to a couple days a week for a few hours depending on their needs.Some people may need some flexibility at work, but Abbas thinks it would also be beneficial to the employer.“If I see someone in my practice that isn’t doing well, then it’s my obligation to get her help,” he said. “You’ll lose that good worker if you don’t get her help.”In addition to traditional treatments, Abbas is using newer treatments.Transcranial magnetic stimulation involves using a magnetic pulse that stimulates the parts of the brain that regulates emotions.“I’ve treated 100 patients and have had good results,” he said.Another treatment is ketamine infusions. In Philadelphia, it is used by dentists as a pediatric anesthetic, but insurance companies do not cover it for use for depression. That use is pending in the Federal Drug Administration.“It is extremely effective in treating depression, chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder,” he said. “It’s another way to treat pain without threat of addiction.”