You know from reading our posts earlier this month that The Pavilion at University Hospital offers patients a tranquil setting and access to a wide variety of mental health professionals along with high-quality care.

At The Pavilion, we provide inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care for adult, child and adolescent patients. We care for such problems as alcohol and drug abuse; anxiety disorders like post traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and separation anxiety; mood disorders like bipolar and depression; and schizophrenia. We offer crisis intervention, family counseling, marriage counseling, individual counseling, group counseling, recreation and art therapy, and referrals to community support groups.

We are also proud to offer a very special kind of complementary therapy that has proven benefits for all patients: pet therapy.

Pet therapy programs have been used successfully for years in hospitals. Numerous studies have demonstrated the many health benefits for patients.

Visiting with an animal lowers a patient’s blood pressure, and decreases anxiety, depression and loneliness. It provides a welcome distraction from pain and illness. An animal also improves a patient’s interaction and responsiveness. Animals motivate patients to look, speak and reach out to make contact.

So, why does pet therapy work so well?

Acceptance

Animals accept you without qualification. They don’t care how you look or what you say. They are forgiving. Their acceptance is nonjudgmental and a welcome respite for many patients.

Mental Stimulation

Animals’ presence brightens the atmosphere and increases amusement. The positive distraction often goes a long way toward decreasing a patient’s negative feelings and increasing their engagement.

Outward Focus

Patients coping with mental illness focus on themselves. Animals help them change focus. Patients stop thinking about themselves and their problems and start watching, talking and interacting with the animals.

Physiological

Patients relax in the presence of animals, especially when petting them. Numerous studies have shown a marked decrease in blood pressure.

Rapport

Animals can improve communication between a patient and a mental health professional. They help create an atmosphere that is emotionally safe and may break down a person’s initial resistance. Children are especially likely to connect with an animal.

Socialization

Studies have shown that when animals come to visit a facility, there is more laughter and interaction than at any other event. Animals encourage socialization among clients, staff, family and visitors.

Touch

Much has been written about the correlation between touch and health. Patients who live without touch don’t develop healthy relationships. They often fail to thrive and grow. Having an animal to hold can make a world of difference to people who might otherwise have no positive, appropriate physical contact.

The Pavilion at University Hospital offers the care and expertise that patients need to overcome their mental illness. If you think you may be at risk for depression, please take this short self-assessment test and then visit The Pavilion website for more information. We can help.