Brightside Intensive Outpatient Program
Individual and Group Counseling
The Brightside Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a specialized mental health treatment program with Covington County Hospital in Collins, Mississippi. The program is designed to provide intensive outpatient care to patients aged 55 years and older who are experiencing mental health concerns.
The primary objective of the program is to help patients achieve a sense of mental well-being. The program offers a range of specialized services, including individual counseling, group therapy, medication management, and psychiatric evaluations. The program is staffed by a team of highly trained and compassionate mental health professionals who are dedicated to helping patients achieve their treatment goals.
Mental health concerns are widespread, and research shows that over half of all Americans will experience them at some point in their lives. Mental health conditions are experienced across all age groups, but they tend to increase with age. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the warning signs early and seek professional help. The Brightside IOP program provides a safe and supportive environment for patients to receive the care they need to improve their mental health and achieve a better quality of life.
Some Behavioral Health Warning Signs
Covington County Hospital Transportation Services provides transportation to and from the facility located on the hospital campus. Patients needing transportation services must live within a 50-mile radius of our facility.
Wheelchair-accessible vans are available as well.
Patients can also drive themselves to and from the program daily, with parking available at the facility.
Our program is designed to provide care and support for older adults who may be experiencing behavioral health-related challenges. We welcome patient referrals from anyone, including self-referrals. While our primary focus is on patients who are 55 years or older, we evaluate each referral on a case-by-case basis to determine if we can provide the best care possible for the patient. Referrals can come from primary care physicians, emergency room departments, employers, or any healthcare organization.
Once a referral is made, our team will schedule an initial screening with the potential patient to discuss their medical history, current health status, and any concerns they may have. This screening helps us to determine if our program would be the right fit for the patient. If the patient meets the criteria for the program, an evaluation will then be scheduled with Dr. Kristin Bevill, who will work with the patient to develop a personalized care plan.
Our goal is to provide compassionate care and support for our patients to help them maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. We are committed to working closely with patients, their families, and healthcare providers to ensure the best possible outcomes for those in our program.
To be eligible for our services:
• 55 years of age or older
• The patient’s condition must require the supervision of a psychiatrist
• Patients must have the capacity to benefit from and participate in group therapy
• Insurance covering outpatient mental health services. This includes Medicare Part B.
Some physical abilities are required and can be discussed during the intake. The program offers a comprehensive and immersive experience for patients seeking to regain balance and improve their mental health. Patients participate in four hours of group therapy per day, from 9 am to 2 pm, on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. During this time, patients engage in a variety of psychoeducational activities and therapeutic interventions, designed to support them in their journey towards recovery.
We know that good nutrition is an essential component of mental health, so we provide nutritious lunches and snacks for all patients. Our interdisciplinary team of therapists uses an eclectic, evidence-based approach to help patients gain the tools they need to cope with their symptoms and achieve lasting change.
The program’s duration can vary from three to six months, depending on the individual patient’s needs and progress. Our team meets with each patient on a monthly basis to make changes to their care plan, including medication management if necessary. Patients can expect to receive support from professionals and other people who are experiencing similar symptoms, providing them with a meaningful and supportive community to help them on their journey towards better mental health.
Kimberly Bennett, LCSW, CDP is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She received both her Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work from The University of Southern Mississippi. Kimberly is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and has many years of experience working with group, individual, and family therapy for geriatric patients’ various mental health needs. Kimberly is both the therapist and Program Director for Brightside IOP
Cambri Brewer, LMSW, is a social worker who serves in the Covington County Hospital Brightside Senior Behavioral Services Intensive Outpatient Program. She is a 2024 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi Master of Social Work program and a 2023 graduate of the University of Mississippi undergraduate social work program. She interned at Brightside as a student before taking the position full-time. Her primary expertise is with the older adult population.
Kayla Pettigrew, LMSW, is a social worker for Brightside Senior Behavioral Services Intensive Outpatient Program. She is a 2020 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi undergraduate social work program and a 2022 graduate of USM’s social work master’s degree program. Her work is driven by a desire to have a positive impact on the senior population as they navigate life’s challenges.
Other staff include a licensed nurse and a certified nursing assistant.