Connecticut Behavioral Health Hospital
Connecticut Behavioral Health Hospital is an acute treatment program designed to address a wide range of psychiatric disorders that require hospitalization. Adults 50 years and older are at the intersection of many life changes which could cause unique behavioral health challenges. Issues may arise from psychological changes like loss of mobility, physical and mental health changes, chronic pain, and bereavement; to name a few. Our high-quality inpatient behavioral health treatment program is designed to address behavioral health concerns for adults who are 50 years+ experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms or behaviors that interfer with care at home or in an independent/assisted living community or skilled nursing facility.
Diagnosis and Symptoms Treated at Connecticut Behavioral Health Hospital
Once an admission receives clearance from our medical staff, the streamlined admission process enables patients to quickly enter Connecticut Behavioral Health Hospital's private entrance where they will be greeted by a caring, compassionate clinical team member. Treatment begins immediately, with a thorough clinical evaluation. Once acute symptoms have been stabilized, interventions, medications and therapeutic activities are integrated into the patient's plan of care.
For admission information please contact Pat Dickens, Admission Manager, at 860-218-2323.
Delivering Specialized Mental Health Care Since 2005
Connecticut Behavioral Health Hospital has been dedicated to serving adults 50 years or older with acute mental health challenges since 2005. CBHH has led the way in recognizing that patients experiencing mental health issues should be grouped by age therefore CBHH only serves adults who are 50 years and older. Knowing that older adults experience complex medical issues as well, all patients are treated by a psychiatrist and internist who specialize in the care and treatment of adults who are 50 years of age or older. A physician is on site 24 hours a day guaranteeing this vulnerable population receives timely care. Our highly skilled, interdisciplinary clinical team has chosen to work with older adults and take a holistic approach providing every patient with psychiatric and primary care. This unique approach provides a safe environment that allows for healing of the mind, body, spirit through personalized treatment plans. The Connecticut Behavioral Health Hospital care team includes:
Our Approach
Connecticut Behavioral Health Hospital Care Team
The care team at Connecticut Behavioral Health Hospital specializes in serving the behavioral health needs of older adults. Patients are co-managed by a psychiatrist who specializes in treating seniors and a geriatrician who specializes in the medical care of seniors. Our entire behavioral health team understands that aging brings unique challenges. Our interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, social workers, and pharmacists all have a specialty focus in the care and treatment of older adults
Denise Peterson, RN, FACHE, Hospital Administrator, President and CEO
Denise Peterson is a senior healthcare executive with progressive responsibilities in leading patient care services and clinical operations. Ms. Peterson is a visionary leader with proven ability to foster and build partnerships with physicians and staff in order to accomplish strategic goals while enhancing the patient experience. Ms. Peterson is proficient at improving and enhancing quality outcomes by engaging interdisciplinary teams through change processes with demonstrated strength in turnaround situations.
♥ Master of Science: Rensselaer, Healthcare Administration, Hartford, CT (1995)
♥ Bachelor of Science: University of Hartford, Nursing, Hartford, CT (1991)
♥ Diploma in Nursing: St. Francis School of Nursing, Hartford, CT (1982)
Ava Pannullo, MD, Geriatric Medicine, Medical Director, Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Pannullo is board-certified in Geriatrics and Internal Medicine. Dr. Pannullo is a member of the American Geriatric Society, American College of Physicians and American Medical Directors’ Association. Dr. Pannullo’s areas of interest include health and aging; including topics of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. Dr. Pannullo is the Director of the Outpatient Services for Connecticut Geriatric Specialty Group; Hebrew Senior Care’s physician practice dedicated to the care of seniors. Dr. Pannullo has practiced at Hebrew Senior Care since 1993. Dr. Pannullo speaks English, German, and Italian.
♥ Fellowship: University of Connecticut Traveler’s Center on Aging in 1993, Geriatrics
♥ Residency: University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical/ Beth Israel Medical Center
♥ Medical School: University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical/ Beth Israel Medical Center
♥ Undergraduate: Vanderbilt University, B.S.
Martin Cooper, MD, Psychiatrist-in-Chief
Dr. Martin Cooper is the Psychiatrist-in-Chief of Connecticut Behavioral Health Hospital. In 2003, Dr. Cooper was honored for career achievement by being named a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. In 2009, he was named Clinician of the Year by the American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry. Dr. Cooper is the Founder and Medical Director of Connecticut Mental Health Specialists which is recognized state-wide for providing exceptional psychiatric services for seniors across Connecticut.
♥ Fellowship: University of Connecticut, Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry
♥ Residency: University of Connecticut, Psychiatry
♥ Medical School: University of Connecticut – School of Medicine
♥ Undergraduate: Yale University, B.S.
♥ Faculty Appointments: University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry
Testimonials from Patient Families and Referral Sources
"I don't feel like words can express how extremely grateful we are for the wonderful care mom received during her stay at Connecticut Behavioral Health Hospital. I know she was a handful at time, but the way she was cared for made me feel secure in my decision that she was where she needed to be. She is settling into her new facility. We will remain forever grateful for the care she received from ALL of you!!!" C.Y. (Daughter)
"Full of laughter and all smiles, G. returned back to Ridgefield Station able to thrive thanks to the amazing work of Connecticut Behavioral Health Hospital. G. is an active member of our program and can be seen dancing and singing at any moment of the day. We are so grateful for your team and the work you do. Thank you for taking such good care of our lovely lady." Ridgefield Station
"You have really been wonderful and kept me (relatively) sane through this whole process - I know you too, must have a case load that is overwhelmng, but you are compassionate, communicative, and available for questions and that for me, is all I have ever asked of anyone dealing with my mom! Thank you so much - I appreciate you more than you know." Grateful Family Member
The link below provides our Financial Services Policy, Financial Aid Requirements, as well as Financial Applications. Should you need financial assistance for hospital services contact Financial Services at 860-523-3909.
