Behavioral Health Services in Berlin, MD
Treatment for Anxiety, Depression & Other Mental Health Disorders
When you or a loved one are suffering from a mental health crisis, the experienced behavioral health specialists at Atlantic General are here to help. Mental health disorders often go undiagnosed and untreated because people try to ignore the symptoms. Sadness and stress are normal parts of the human experience, but when these feelings start to interfere with your daily activities, work, school, or things you enjoy, then you could be dealing with depression, an anxiety disorder, or other mental health problem.
The following symptoms could be signs of a mental health disorder:
- Feeling fatigued or lethargic even when getting plenty of sleep
- Difficulty sleeping
- Increased use of substances (alcohol, drug, etc.)
- Suicidal thoughts
- Mood swings
- Constant feelings of fear or anxiety
- Feeling disconnected from reality
- Distancing oneself from friends and family
- Avoiding work, school, or social activities
Mental health is health. If left untreated, anxiety and depression and other mental health conditions can lead to heart disease, malnutrition, suicidal thoughts, and other serious health problems. Do not ignore or trivialize these problems. Your mental and spiritual wellbeing is important, and you deserve help when going through a crisis.
Our On-Site Behavioral Health Care Providers
Bryce Blanton, MD
Bryce Blanton, M.D., provides psychiatric care for patients ages 18 and
older. Dr. Blanton joined Atlantic General Health System in 2019 upon
completing his adult psychiatry residency at Tulane University School
of Medicine, in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he gained expertise in diagnosing
and treating a wide range of mental health issues including depression,
bipolar disorder, anxiety and panic disorders, psychoses, trauma/PTSD,
neuropsychiatric illness, and substance use disorders. With a comprehensive,
bio-psycho-social approach and individualized treatment plans, he utilizes
psychopharmacology, brief cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive therapy,
and motivational interviewing to help patients achieve psychological wellness.
He earned his medical education with honors at Ross University School
of Medicine in Roseau, Dominica and completed his internship and residency
in adult psychiatry at Tulane. Dr. Blanton is currently accepting new
patients at his office within the Atlantic Health Center. To make an appointment,
call 410-641-3340.
Diane Skolka, PMHNP
Diane Skolka, ANCC board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
(PMHNP) joined Atlantic General Health System to provide psychiatric and
behavioral health care alongside Psychiatrist Bryce Blanton, MD, in November
2020 . Diane has 19 years’ experience as a registered nurse. She
has a background in Critical Care/Post Anesthesia Care in addition to
her role as a Patient Care Coordinator in Case Management/Population Health.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing at Wilmington University
and her master’s degree in PMHNP studies at Eastern Kentucky University.
She will provide the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders including,
but not limited to depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic
disorders, PTSD, ADD/ADHD, and personality disorders, with use of psychopharmacology
and therapy. Her philosophy for practice is based on facilitating positive
personal change and growth. She incorporates a “whole person”
approach to care with respect to the mind-body connection. Diane is currently
accepting new patients ages 18 and older. To schedule an appointment,
please call 410-641-3340.
Paige Harrington, LMSW, CAC-AD
Paige Harrington, LMSW, CAC-AD, joined the Atlantic General Behavioral
Health team in 2021 to provide care to patients ages 16 and older. Paige
began her career as a certified addictions counselor, providing intensive
outpatient substance abuse services in Wicomico County. Paige went on
to earned a master’s degree in social work from Salisbury University,
expanding on her expertise in clinical counseling. While completing her
degree, she was selected as the Behavioral Health Workforce Integration
Service and Education (BHWISE), Substance Use Disorder Workforce Expansion
(SUDWE) fellow for 2020. During the year, Paige provided various methods
of individual and group therapy including in-person and telehealth platforms.
Paige strives to assist patients in taking the steps towards creating
the changes they wish to see.
Virtual Mental Health Services for Our Primary Care Patients
Patients can receive comprehensive behavioral health services right from their Atlantic General Health System primary care provider's office. Made possible through telehealth technology, the service includes counseling and medication management with our dedicated provider, board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, Diane Skolka. To get started, call our center at 410-641-3340.
This program is funded in part through support from the Rural Maryland Council.
Our Tele-Psychiatry Providers:
- CareMind Health provides tele-psychiatry services to behavioral health patients delivered using live interactive videoconferencing equipment.
- Kennedy Krieger Institute partners with Atlantic General Hospital to provide neurodevelopmental specialists to deliver the most advanced diagnostics and treatment to children and adolescents in our region. This partnership is dedicated to improving the lives of children with developmental disabilities.