The Blue Mountain Health System received the green light from the Pennsylvania Department of Health to officially open its doors of the new Adult Behavioral Health Center on its Gnaden Huetten campus in Lehighton.

Nancy Hersch, director of the new center, stated the 22-bed unit offers short-term intensive treatment for adults 18 to 54 years of age who are diagnosed with mental illnesses such as major depression, anxiety, bipolar illness and schizophrenia.

The program consists of diagnosis and appropriate treatment, coping skills, education of patients and families, discharge planning and healing of the mind, body and spirit.