The mission of the Department of Psychiatry at Franklin Hospital is to provide the highest quality of care to patients and the community while maintaining performance excellence of all the staff.

The psychiatric unit, located on the second floor of the hospital, has a capacity for 21 adult patients. The goal of the psychiatric unit is to provide a short-term intensive treatment program for patients who cannot function outside the hospital. The objective is to help restore patients to their optimal level of functioning and return home as quickly as possible with appropriate outpatient aftercare.

Patients are admitted to the unit either at the request of their attending psychiatrist or physician, through the Emergency Department or other community agencies.

Treatment

The team approach is stressed and the treatment plan is highly individualized. Each patient is cared for by a multidisciplinary team consisting of a psychiatrist, medical consultant, psychiatric nurse, social worker, occupational and recreational therapists and other hospital disciplines as needed. Treatment modalities include milieu therapy, individual and group psychotherapy, medication, electro convulsive therapy, occupational and recreational therapy and family therapy. Family meetings are held weekly as a support to families as well as providing education about community services and relapse prevention.

The concept of milieu therapy is utilized, focusing on healthy relationships as well as maintaining the patient's self-respect and sense of identity.

Patient confidentiality and legal rights are protected at all times. Every patient is afforded contact by the Nassau County Mental Hygiene Legal Services.

The treatment of all psychiatric patients is overseen by the Director of Psychiatry.

Diagnostics

A full range of diagnostic testing is provided as indicated, including psychological testing, neurological studies and medical testing.

Complementary Services

The Department of Psychiatry also provides consultation services to the general hospital, the Emergency Department and the Orzac Extended Care Division.

As a member of the North Shore-LIJ Health System, the Psychiatric Department actively participates in clinical integration services, performance improvement initiatives and other behavioral health projects that will improve the quality of care for our patients.

Department Head and Faculty

Marco T. Carpio, MD
Director of Psychiatry
(516) 256-6025

Cathy Nilsen, RN
Director Patient Care Services
(516) 256-6699

Michael Swierkowski, RN
Coordinator Patient Care Services
(516) 256-6291

Anne Ammon, NP
Nurse Practitioner
(516) 256-6290

Attending Psychiatrists

Robert Antoine, MD
Joel Bedard, MD
Espiridion Elio, MD
Pedro Gaztanaga, MD
Sujata Kulkarni, MD
Vitaliy Khaldarov, MD
Leslie Lorenson, MD
Frantz Lubin, MD
Monique Rousseau, MD

Location

Franklin Hospital
900 Franklin Ave.
Valley Stream, New York 11580