Providing Treatment for Psychiatric Illnesses and Substance Abuse
By Zac Borden ’24​Butler Hospital is a nonprofit psychiatric hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. Their mission is to provide treatment for psychiatric illness and substance abuse issues to adults, seniors, and adolescents in a respectful and dignified atmosphere while continuously looking for new, innovative ways to serve their patients.
During this past summer, I worked in the Adolescent and Young Adult Partial Programs which serve teens and young adults struggling with depression, anxiety, and other mood-related symptoms that seriously impact function and safety. I was tasked with several responsibilities including preparing and sanitizing group rooms, helping new patients with paperwork, conducting patient tours of the unit, and designing group activities during breaks to create an inclusive environment and keep patients engaged in their treatment. I also observed individual psychiatric evaluations and assisted licensed therapists and psychiatrists with running psychotherapy groups.
This experience helped to confirm that I want to pursue a career in the field of psychiatry. I learned that I am not only interested in direct interaction with patients through counseling, but I am also intrigued by the biology of the brain and biological causes of behavior as well as ways that doctors can use medication to improve patient health outcomes.
My favorite part of my internship was meeting new patients and demonstrating activities to help improve the well-being of the group. I also enjoyed Morning Huddle each day where I learned from the doctors and therapists as they discussed treatment plans for each patient during their time in the program.
Internship funded by the Peter Buck Internship Fund.