Philadelphia’s Leading Delusional Disorder Hospital

Learn about delusional disorder treatment at Belmont Behavioral Health System in Philadelphia, PA

Individuals who have delusional disorder experience the presence of irrational or unrealistic beliefs that persist despite evidence to the contrary. Delusions that are characteristic of this disorder may pertain to a number of subjects, including, but not limited to, relationship delusions (either delusions of jealousy or the idea that others are in love with the individual), persecutory delusions, delusions of illness or infestation, or grandiose delusions.

Individuals who are diagnosed with this disorder are fortunately able to live mostly functional lives in areas that do not pertain to the delusion. In some cases, delusions may pertain to relationships, or employment. In cases where the delusion impacts daily functioning, individuals may find themselves greatly impaired.

Fortunately, at Belmont Behavioral Health System, a delusional disorder treatment center in Philadelphia, we have a great deal of experience treating persons who struggle with delusional disorder. Because this disorder can have a large impact on those who suffer from it, we dedicate ourselves to providing comprehensive, individualized treatment that allows patients and their families to cope with this disorder and experience the best possible chance for healing. If it seems apparent that you or a person in your life is experiencing delusional disorder, seeking treatment can be an incredibly healing decision for you or your loved one.

Helping a loved one get treatment for delusional disorder

Delusional disorder may not be apparent at first. Once it is observed in a loved one, however, this disorder may be concerning, frustrating, and extremely worrisome. There are steps you can take to help someone who shows signs of this disorder, including:

• Learn as much as possible about delusional disorder. You can learn more about this illness by researching reputable websites, reading books on the topic, or even speaking with professionals in the mental health field. While your loved one may deny that he or she is experiencing symptoms of this disorder, take time to listen to him or her explain the delusion without confronting him or her in a harsh way. You may find that you begin to understand more about the scope and nature of this disorder in relation to how your loved one experiences the symptoms.
• Once you know more about this disorder and the types of delusions that your loved one is experiencing, you may want to research different treatment options. Every treatment center is unique, so you will want to learn more about each treatment center’s philosophy on how they provide care. You may want to look at websites for various treatment centers, or simply call and speak with a representative to get an idea about the care that is offered at that location. Use your research to compile a small list of potential treatment centers that fit the needs of your loved one.
• The nature of delusional disorder is that the individual who experiences the delusions does not perceive the delusions as unusual. Your loved one may not understand the need for treatment. You will need to talk patiently with your loved one about the disorder, and you may find that your loved one may be more willing to seek treatment for the troubling nature of the delusions or the impact that the delusions have on his or her relationships. Your treatment center of choice can help you approach these conversations with confidence and calmness.
• Once your loved one decides to accept treatment, you can help by assisting with any issues related to traveling to the center. You may also use this time to set up appointments for your loved one, or even help your loved one through the admissions process. Consider the daily needs of your loved one– will that person need assistance with pet care or child care while he or she is in treatment? If so, offer to help. Additionally, many treatment centers offer family sessions, which can be very helpful for both you and your loved one.
• Do not forget to take good care of yourself. You will not be able to help your loved one if you are exhausted, frustrated, or distressed. Take time to allow yourself to attend counseling as well, or lean on the support of friends and family. In addition, many treatment centers offer support groups or support networks for family members.

Why consider treatment for delusional disorder at Belmont Behavioral Health System in Philadelphia, PA

Although delusional disorder may allow an individual to live a relatively normal life, delusions may become severe and ultimately create unpleasant situations for your loved one. For instance, persecutory or erotomanic delusions may result in job loss, and jealous delusions may destroy marriages. Delusional disorder can be treated. With proper supportive care, this disorder may be better managed, allowing each person to begin living a more positive life.

Types of delusional disorder treatment offered at Belmont Behavioral Health System in Philadelphia, PA

Belmont Behavioral Health System, a hospital for delusional disorder treatment in Philadelphia, provides comprehensive inpatient care for children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients who have been experiencing a variety of behavioral health, mental health, and substance use disorders. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, our psychiatric hospital is housed on 13 serene acres, which provides our patients with the opportunity to heal in a comforting, park-like environment.

Since the day we accepted our first patient in 1937, our treatment center has been dedicated to offering the highest quality of care in a manner that is best suited to meeting the unique needs of each person who is entrusted into our care. After nearly a century of service, we remain committed to providing personalized care, promoting continued improvement in evidence-based practices, and upholding the highest standards of the healing profession.

Because each patient receives care that has been specifically designed according to his or her unique strengths, needs, and treatment goals, no two individuals will have identical experiences while being treated at our hospital. Depending upon those specific factors, the following are among the elements that may be included into a patient’s treatment plan while in our care:

Medically monitored detoxification: In some cases, individuals who have been experiencing delusional disorder also struggle with substance abuse and chemical dependency. For individuals who meet this description, and who have been incapable of ending their substance abuse prior to entering treatment at our delusional disorder treatment center, we provide medically monitored detoxification services so that they can rid their bodies of their substances of abuse with maximum safety and minimal discomfort. Once an individual has completed detox with us, he or she can then transition directly into inpatient care.

Medication management: Having certain prescription medications incorporated into their treatment plans has provided significant relief for many patients at our treatment center who have been struggling with delusional disorder and other mental health disorders. If our initial medical evaluation indicates that a patient may benefit from medications, he or she may receive medication management services from our psychiatrists and certified registered nurse practitioners.

Individual therapy: Individual sessions between a patient who is being treated for delusional disorder and a trained professional can provide valuable opportunities for the patient to process successes and setbacks, address specific issues related to his or her recovery, and receive essential guidance and feedback. At our hospital, individual therapy and counseling sessions are provided for all patients, with the frequency of sessions being based upon the patient’s age, unit, and need. All children and adolescent patients will participate in daily individual sessions with a member of their interdisciplinary treatment team. Adult patients will meet with case managers, rehab service providers, social services providers, pastoral counselors, and other trainees and clinicians on an as-needed basis.

Group therapy: Group therapy is a foundational element of treatment for virtually all patients who are healing at our treatment center, including those who are being treated for delusional disorder. These sessions, which may be led by members of our social services, case management, rehab, and nursing staffs, provide excellent opportunities for individuals in treatment to share their insights, learn from the experiences of others, and practice healthy interpersonal communication skills within a structured, supportive, and professionally supervised environment. Group therapy is conducted multiple times during every treatment day at our hospital for delusional disorder. While the specific content of each group will depend upon the unique contributions of each participant, the following are among the topics that may be addressed in group sessions during a patient’s time with us:

• The 12-step recovery model
• AA/NA support groups
• Aftercare
• ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)
• Alumni support meetings
• Behavioral activation
• Building strengths and resilience
• Cognitive-behavioral skills and interventions
• Community meeting (each morning and evening)
• Dialectical behavioral therapy skills
• Healthy boundaries
• Medication education
• Meditation and mindfulness
• Managing psychosis/illness management
• Peer-run groups
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Stages of Change
• Substance abuse
• Self-care
• Spirituality
• Self-esteem
• Trauma focused interventions
• Values and goals
• Wellness and recovery action planning

Family therapy: The impact of a behavioral and/or mental health disorder is rarely confined to the afflicted individual. Family members and close friends are likely to be affected by a person’s struggles with delusional disorder, and these same individuals can also play an essential role in supporting their loved one’s recovery. At our treatment center, we encourage family involvement throughout the treatment process, and we provide family therapy sessions so that loved ones can address individual issues, heal interfamilial rifts, and learn how best to support the patient both during and after his or her time with us. For children and adolescent patients, family sessions may also focus on developing and implementing crisis and safety plans.

Experiential therapy: Experiential therapies complement more traditional forms of therapy by providing participants with alternative means of interacting with their environment, expressing their feelings, and addressing issues with which they may have been struggling. Art therapy, guided imagery, music therapy, and role playing activities are among the types of experiential therapy that may be incorporated into a patient’s treatment plan while he or she is receiving care for delusional disorder at our hospital.

Education: Each weekday, children and adolescents who are being treated at our delusional disorder treatment center receive at least two hours of academic instruction. All instruction is provided in a manner that is consistent with each student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) and takes place in a supportive environment that features small class size and low teacher-to-student ratio. A child and adolescent social worker works closely with the child’s family and all other involved parties to ensure that the educational component of the young person’s time in treatment is consistent with their expectations and is of maximum benefit to the student.

Other interventions: Patients who can benefit from the following types of interventions may also have these services included into their treatment at our hospital:

• Autism services: Patients with autism and their families may consult with a behavior specialist on our staff who is certified in autism studies.
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): Elective ECT is available for patients who choose to participate in this alternative form of treatment to relieve symptoms such as catatonia, psychosis, depression, and mania. ECT treatment is provided only upon the request of the patient.
• Internal medicine: All patients may receive internal medicine services on an as-needed basis. A physical exam is part of the admissions process, and an internal medicine physician is available to all patients throughout their time with us.
• Motivational speakers: Patients often have the opportunity to hear from volunteer speakers, many of whom are trained as certified peer specialists, about their experiences recovering from mental illness and/or chemical dependency.
• Nutrition consultation: All individuals at our hospital have access to our staff dietician as needed.
• Sensory Tool Awareness Routines (STAR): STAR enhances patients’ self-awareness, increases their sense of inner balance, and empowers them to exert greater control over their own lives through the development of skills that focus on the regulation of the nervous system.
• Welcoming committee/Active treatment: These initiatives, which are part of our ongoing effort to provide the highest degree of personalized care, feature resources that allow patients to take more active roles in their own treatment and recovery. Features include self-help materials that are designed to help patients continue their growth outside of the group therapy setting.

At our treatment center, we understand that for individuals who are dealing with disorders such as delusional disorder, inpatient treatment is often just one step in the long journey of recovery. To ensure that each patient is best prepared to maintain and build upon the progress that he or she makes while in treatment with us, we begin planning for discharge the day the individual enters our treatment center. When a patient leaves our hospital, he or she will have a thorough plan that identifies the professional referrals, community-based organizations, and other external resources that will support his or her successful pursuit of long-term recovery.

For more information about any aspect of treatment at our center in Philadelphia, including answers to any specific questions you may have about treatment for delusional disorder, please feel free to contact us at your convenience. We look forward to helping you determine if our hospital is the ideal place for you or a loved one.