Cumberland Kiwanis
Minutes of August 9, 2010
Dr. Laurie Polubinsky
Speakers: Dr. Laurie Polubinsky, Medical
Director, Behavioral Health Services, Cumberland Hospital
Topic: In-Patient Behavioral Health Services
Dr. Polubinsky provided an extensive
overview of the services provided by the Behavioral Health Services Unit. She began by introducing herself as a
newer member of the staff, having grown up in the Twin Cities, and studied psychiatry
in Georgia and New York City.
The Cumberland facility
provides input services to a 13-county area, with 20 beds in-house. Most common complaints are depression
and substance abuse. Patients typically
stay one or two days and then are redirected after they have been
stabilized. The unit treats only
adults over 18 years. Where
possible, geriatric cases are sent to specialized facilities.
Admission could start at the
Emergency Room. However, many
patients are referred by law enforcement with an Order 5116. Individuals are evaluated and can be
released with a commitment to follow-up care. Most military veterans are treated by the VA. The unit also works with case workers
to help families of patients deal with the situation.
Insurance coverage for mental
illness continues to be a problem, with very strict criteria and limits. However, the County provides for 5116
admissions. For such cases, Dr.
Polubinsky often is called on to testify in court, but frequently by telephone.
John Westin could not resist
getting in an ethnic joke following the talk. He said his doctor asked if he was depressed. His answer was: ÒI canÕt tell, IÕm Swedish!!Ó