Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment Center

San Juan Capestrano Hospital offers a comprehensive, leading treatment program for schizoaffective disorder in San Juan and other locations throughout Puerto Rico. We provide a full continuum of care including detox, inpatient, and outpatient services for adolescents, adults and seniors.

Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment

Learn more about schizoaffective disorder treatment at San Juan Capestrano Hospital in Puerto Rico

Individuals who battle episodes of psychosis often have a great deal of difficulty functioning in a healthy manner in a number of settings. The obstacles faced by those who experience the delusions and/or hallucinations that are cornerstone to psychosis can be even more overwhelming when symptoms similar to those associated with bipolar disorder, such as depression and mania, are experienced at the same time. When all of these symptoms are present, schizoaffective disorder is likely the cause of this disruption. The staff at San Juan Capestrano Hospital understands how devastating this disorder is for individuals who suffer from it and are trained to help these people overcome and heal from this serious mental health condition. At San Juan Capestrano Hospital, we are here to help. Let us be your or your loved one’s guiding light towards a bright and happy future.

Since its inception in 1988, San Juan Capestrano Hospital, a 172-bed short-stay hospital, has been the foremost provider of mental health treatment on the main island of Puerto Rico. With services available for the care of several mental health conditions and chemical dependency concerns, adolescents, adults, and senior adults can receive superior treatment for these issues in a safe environment that is conducive to true healing and recovery. Our caring and compassionate staff, which is comprised of numerous qualified mental health professionals, addiction specialists, and experienced medical personnel, facilitates services within each program with the understanding that each patient has unique needs and strengths. We pride ourselves in being able to offer the highest quality of individualized care that allows each patient to return to his or her respective community with an improved sense of emotional and physical wellbeing. If you, a friend, or loved one is struggling with symptoms synonymous with a mental illness, such as schizoaffective disorder, or a co-occurring substance abuse problem, look no further than San Juan Capestrano Hospital. Our comprehensive and invaluable treatment is the solution to even the most plaguing of mental health concerns.

How to Help a Loved One

Helping a loved one get treatment for schizoaffective disorder

If your loved one or family member is battling schizoaffective disorder, you may be wondering how you can help him or her get the beneficial treatment that can better his or her life. By following through on the listed suggestions, you can play an integral role in assisting the person you care for in coming to know a life in which symptoms of this mental health condition are manageable and less distressing:

  • Educate yourself on schizoaffective disorder, including its symptoms and potential effects. In doing this, you can gain a better understanding of what your loved one is going through.
  • Consult with a mental health professional regarding treatment for this condition. Many mental health professionals can direct you to an effective treatment center that can facilitate care for your loved one. If you are not sure of how to get in touch with such a professionals, research treatment centers in your area and inquire about their services.
  • Once a treatment provider is located, contact its staff and schedule an evaluation for care to begin the treatment process.
  • Go with your loved one to his or her evaluation. Doing this can convey to your loved one that you will be a source of support during this difficult time.

Finally, try to play an active role in your loved one’s care. The treatment of schizoaffective disorder can involve any number of therapeutic interventions, including family therapy. When family therapy is part of your loved one’s care, it is a good idea to attend these sessions and work proactively and collaboratively with your friend or family member and his or her treatment provider.

Why Consider Treatment

Why consider treatment for schizoaffective disorder at San Juan Capestrano Hospital in Puerto Rico

When schizoaffective disorder is a factor in a person’s life, it could become difficult for that individual to complete even the most mundane of daily tasks. Furthermore, the debilitating symptoms of this serious mental health condition can lead to the development of an additional mental health disorder if treatment is not sought. Unfortunately, because the symptoms of this disorder can cause a great deal of inner turmoil, many people who meet diagnostic criteria for schizoaffective disorder resolve to using and/or abusing drugs and/or alcohol to dull or mask symptoms of this illness. Seeking care for schizoaffective disorder can prevent such risks and allow sufferers to find relief and healing.

While less restrictive options for care can effectively treat a number of mental health conditions, schizoaffective disorder is one such mental illness that is most effectively cared for in an inpatient setting. In many cases, the treatment of this condition elicits pharmaceutical intervention under the supervision of a trained psychiatrist. Within inpatient treatment, psychiatrists are available to prescribe medications, monitor a patient’s progress once taking said medications, and can make adjustments to any prescriptions if it is necessary. Furthermore, other qualified mental health professionals are on hand to teach methods for coping with distressing symptoms and offer invaluable support for the duration of treatment. It is within an inpatient treatment setting that a person can make great strides towards managing symptoms of schizoaffective disorder.

Types of Treatment

Types of schizoaffective disorder treatment offered at San Juan Capestrano Hospital in Puerto Rico

At San Juan Capestrano Hospital, we wholeheartedly ascribe to the notion that each patient should have individualized treatment that meets his or her every need. Because of this belief, we afford each patient who entrusts us with his or her care with individually tailored plans for treatment that are distinct to the adolescents, adults, and senior adults who come to San Juan Capestrano Hospital for mental health services. These plans detail the specific courses of treatment that patients will engage in and include aftercare recommendations as formulated by our staff so that every patient experiences a full continuum of care. The planning of treatment begins during the time of assessment and can be altered should additional concerns arise during the course of treatment at our hospital.

In order to meet the varying needs of people suffering from mental health disorders and/or substance use concerns, San Juan Capestrano Hospital is pleased to provide different levels of care and specialized programming options. Our hospital features separate adult and adolescent inpatient programs that treat a myriad of mental health conditions, such as schizoaffective disorder, and chemical dependency concerns, as well as adult substance abuse services that are designed to care for even the most serious and long-standing of addictions. The level of care most appropriate for a patient is decided upon during the initial psychiatric evaluation, wherein a patient’s needs are assessed, a physical examination is conducted, and a mental status assessment is administered in order to determine which program will produce the most favorable treatment outcomes for a given patient.

Once admitted to one of our programs, patients have the ability to partake in a number of treatment methods. These methods are rooted in evidence-based principles and techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and the 12-step model. The following methods for care are the ones primarily used at San Juan Capestrano Hospital and are implemented so that patients can find relief from concerns, including those caused by the presence of schizoaffective disorder:

Medical detoxification: For those that are battling a chemical dependency problem or polysubstance use concerns in addition to the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder, San Juan Capestrano Hospital offers medically supervised detoxification services that are aimed to help adults, ages 18 and older, withdraw from substances in the most effective and safest manner possible. These services are monitored by medical professionals who have experience in making withdrawal comfortable so that patients can partake in therapeutic interventions with addiction specialists who can help springboard them towards lasting healing and recovery from addiction.

Medication management: For some individuals, psychotropic medications can be of great assistance in alleviating the symptoms of many mental illnesses, including schizoaffective disorder. When this is the case, our qualified psychiatrists determine each patient’s need for medication, can prescribe medication(s), and will monitor any pharmaceutical interventions that become part of a patient’s treatment plan. These services are in place so that every patient has the ability to receive medication if it is deemed necessary for a patient’s care.

Individual therapy: All patients who take part in our inpatient programming engage in individual therapy sessions four times per week. Individual therapy is a treatment method used so that a patient can process emotions and thoughts on a one-to-one basis with a member of our staff. For example, if a patient is battling schizoaffective disorder, he or she can discuss his or her progress in overcoming the manic, psychotic, and/or depressive symptoms that could be present.

Group therapy: San Juan Capestrano Hospital offers a number of group therapy opportunities that allow patients to find support in one another and hone skills that have been learned. Such sessions can be especially beneficial for individuals who are struggling with symptoms synonymous with schizoaffective disorder as they can provide them with the sense of comfort that comes with knowing that they are not alone in their struggles. Some of the topics covered in these groups include techniques for managing stress, improving communication, learning and adapting healthy coping methods, bettering self-esteem, dealing with grief and loss, and persevering through trauma. These groups are offered several times per week to maximize the benefits of treatment offered in a group setting.    

Family therapy: Family therapy is offered as a method of treatment during inpatient programming so that our patients can receive ample support from the people who care for them most. During family therapy sessions, patients and their loved ones can work through conflicts and improve communication so as to heal and better familial relationships through the implementation of skills that can service a family unit well for a lifetime.

We also include a number of other therapeutic interventions as a way to wholly treat the individuals who come to our hospital for care. Especially for those who are battling the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder and require additional support and/or resources, we supply the following interventions and group topics as part of our treatment; these interventions have proven effectiveness in helping our patients learn to manage stress and turmoil while gaining the tools needed to successfully manage debilitating symptoms and other concerns:   

  • Marijuana Anonymous
  • Alcoholics Anonymous
  • Pilates
  • Occupational therapy
  • Canine therapy
  • Anger management
  • Medical issues management
  • Crisis management
  • Infection control
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Psychoeducation
  • Recreational therapy

Continuing Care

Continuing care and levels of treatment for schizoaffective disorder

We strive to provide the most comprehensive services that embody the highest quality of care possible. To fulfill this goal, we begin discharge planning at the time of admissions and feature a number of continuing care options at varying levels of treatment so that each and every one of our patient’s needs can be treated once a higher level of care is no longer required.

San Juan Capestrano Hospital offers partial hospitalization programs for both adolescents and adults. The adolescent program is catered to youth between the ages of 13 and 17 years old who are struggling with mental health concerns. While in this program, young people partake in a number of therapies and are able to return home at the end of the day to be with their loved ones. The adult program is similarly structured and also treats a myriad of mental health conditions with group therapy being the primary method for care.

Our hospital also features an adult substance abuse intensive outpatient program for those aged 18 and older. This program is designed to continue the recovery process and help patients maintain sobriety after completing inpatient services. The groups available in this program are facilitated in stages so that patients can then practice the tools and skills learned in this program while living in their respective communities.

Lastly, San Juan Capestrano Hospital provides outpatient services at eleven different locations on the island, including San Juan, Hatillo, Mayagüez, Caguas, Humanao, Manatí, Condado, Carolina, Ponce, Bayamón, and Guaynabo. Outpatient care allows patients to process feelings and thoughts with a mental health professional on a weekly basis.

Whatever your mental healthcare needs, the staff at San Juan Capestrano Hospital is devoted to helping you or a loved one overcome mental health issues or substance abuse concerns. We will put forth every effort to ensure that healing and lasting recovery from schizoaffective disorder are achievable for each person who comes to us for care.

My severe depression had taken over my life. I’m so thankful for San Juan Capestrano Hospital for giving me the strength to start living my life again to the fullest.

– Luis S.