Lighthouse International Launches New Mental Health Service Center
Clinic Will Help With Growing Number Of New Yorkers With Vision Loss
May 2, 2007 -- New York, NY -- Lighthouse International is launching its new Mental Health Service Center which provides psychiatrists and licensed psychotherapists to evaluate, treat, prescribe medication (when necessary) and offer support to family members and thousands of New Yorkers who have vision loss.
Approved by the New York State Office for Mental Health, the new center will address a growing demand for its services. An estimated 1.3 million people in New York State have vision loss that is not corrected by eyeglasses, surgery or medication. This number is expected to increase as baby boomers age and more people have such conditions as diabetes and macular degeneration.
According to Josephine DeFini, PhD, Director of the Lighthouse Mental Health Service Center, "We are very pleased to have New York State certification for this important clinic which will provide a vital new service. People who lose vision often confront feelings of depression, anxiety, loss of confidence and even sleeplessness. Some of these feelings are a direct result of changes in their vision. Our experts will address these problems and work with individuals and family members to identify solutions".
The Center, located at Lighthouse headquarters 111 East 59th Street in Manhattan, expands the mental health services Lighthouse International has provided and addresses the unique needs of people who have vision loss.
Lighthouse mental health services are part of a wide range of vision healthcare services the organization offers to help people of all ages overcome the challenges of vision loss. The Lighthouse is a Medicare and Medicaid provider, and accepts many insurance plans. For inquiries, please contact the mental health referral dept (212) 821-9232.
Founded in 1905, Lighthouse International is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to preserving vision and to providing critically needed health care services to help people of all ages overcome the challenges of vision loss. Through services, education, research and advocacy, the Lighthouse enables people with low vision and blindness to enjoy safe, independent and productive lives. For more information about vision loss, its causes and what you can do about it, contact Lighthouse International at 1-800-829-0500 or visit www.lighthouse.org
For Information: Leslie Gottlieb
(212) 821-9760