Mount Nittany Health is pleased to announce that the Behavioral Health Unit at Mount Nittany Medical Center is a 2023 Press Ganey Human Experience (HX) Guardian of Excellence Award® winner.

“As a winner of the Press Ganey HX Guardian of Excellence Award®, Mount Nittany Health is in the top 5% of healthcare providers in delivering inpatient behavioral health care in the last year,” said Tina Kephart, RN, PMH-BC, Manager, Behavioral Health. “I’m so proud of everyone on our team who are committed to providing high-quality and compassionate care to our patients. This well-deserved recognition is a testament to their collective efforts and dedication.”

This award is part of Press Ganey’s annual ranking of the top hospitals and health systems in the country, according to performance in patient experience – inpatient behavioral health. The award celebrates the achievements of outstanding institutions that have reached the 95th percentile for patient experience, employee or physician engagement, or clinical quality performance—awarded annually based on one year of data.

“This award symbolizes Mount Nittany Health’s commitment to raising the bar for healthcare standards, inspiring a culture of continuous improvement and innovation across the human experience,” said Patrick T. Ryan, CEO and chairman at Press Ganey. “It underscores the importance of placing patients, healthcare professionals, and industry partners at the core of our work, fostering a future where exceptional healthcare experiences are not just goals, but tangible achievements.”

Mount Nittany Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Unit provides short-term, inpatient care for adults in acute behavioral health crises. The team is made up of caring, highly qualified individuals and is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Led by a medical director certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Candace Good, MD, Provider, Psychiatry, the Unit employs licensed psychiatric social workers, a certified recreation therapist, counselors and registered nurses who, above all, strive to provide care that is safe, comfortable and confidential.

“Our overall goal is to help patients learn and practice new coping skills through a comprehensive approach encompassing individual, family, and group therapy,” said Good. “In certain instances, inpatient care may be the only safe setting for individuals contending with acute psychiatric crises, facilitating stabilization and a path toward recovery.”

Mount Nittany Health would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Behavioral Health Unit for their continued service to our patients and their commitment to Mount Nittany Health’s mission of “Healthier people, stronger community.”