Serving with Heart: Inside CentraCare - Monticello's Geriatric Behavioral Health Unit

At CentraCare - Monticello, a devoted team brings comfort, compassion, and dignity to seniors navigating mental health challenges.

Tucked within CentraCare, home to CentraCare's only Geriatric Behavioral Health Unit, a dedicated team provides essential, specialized care for adults aged 55 and older who are navigating complex mental health conditions. As the only inpatient program of its kind in Wright County and in the CentraCare system, this 10-bed secure unit offers round-the-clock psychiatric and behavioral health care in a safe, structured, and medically supported environment.

This dedicated behavioral health unit treats individuals facing a wide range of conditions including depression, anxiety, psychosis, suicidal thoughts, and behavioral symptoms of dementia. Many arrive in a state of emotional distress, adjusting to major life changes, recent losses, or newly diagnosed conditions. Each patient brings a unique history and a distinct set of needs.

The care team includes physicians, nurses, social workers, and therapists who collaborate closely to assess needs, develop personalized treatment plans, and set achievable goals for each individual. Treatment includes psychiatric evaluations, medication management, psychotherapy, and family education. The environment is designed with patient safety and dignity in mind, specialized safety features throughout the unity and continuous monitoring to ensure the highest standard of care.

"I've always been drawn to compassion and connection," said April Stadtler, Social Services Manager. "Older adults often have their behavioral health needs overlooked. I want to advocate for them, to support them with dignity and empathy."

CentraCare's approach goes beyond symptom management. Holistic therapies such as music and art therapy, gentle yoga, animal-assisted interactions, and cooking sessions are part of the broader therapeutic plan. These therapies foster engagement, reduce stress, and help patients reconnect with aspects of life that bring them joy and comfort.

"It's seeing patients feel safe, seen, and heard. That's the beauty of this work," April adds.

In the daily rhythm of the unit, these therapies integrate seamlessly with medical care. It's not uncommon to see a nurse singing quietly with a patient or a CNA sharing a moment over freshly baked cookie. It's simple acts that support healing alongside structured clinical interventions that make CentraCare's geriatric behavioral health unit unique.

"Our patients often come to us in deep crisis," said Amanda Ripplinger, Manager of Inpatient Services. "By the time they leave, they're in a better place to enjoy life again. That's incredibly rewarding."

Many patients benefit from learning new coping strategies to manage their symptoms and maintain progress after discharge.

"When I teach a patient a new coping skill and see them use that skill, it gives me a real sense of purpose," said Mary Salarz, Associate Psychotherapist.

CentraCare understands that this type of treatment is not one-size-fits-all. The unit stands out by recognizing the complexity of each individual and emphasizing flexibility, understanding, and personalized care is key in achieving the best outcomes for patients.

"Many geriatric behavioral health units focus solely on dementia," explains Amanda. "We're different. We treat a range of diagnoses, including suicidal ideation, psychosis, and neurocognitive decline."

While some conditions may be ongoing, the focus is on improving quality of life, promoting stability, and supporting both patients and families through the journey.

"Families are often deeply grateful. They see that we truly care," Amanda adds.

Reducing stigma is also part of the mission. By emphasizing empathy and understanding, the team fosters a space where patients are respected as individuals, and not defined by their diagnoses.

"We're not our diagnosis," said Shane Arne, Associate Psychotherapist. "People can still live and thrive with mental illness, even with dementia. The stigma is outdated."

Even after patients are discharged, the work continues through coordinated follow-up care and family collaboration. The aim is to ensure that healing continues beyond the hospital stay.

"These patients are just people," said Amanda. "Not any different than you or me. And if any of us ever needs help like this one day, I hope a place like this exists."

At its core, CentraCare's Geriatric Behavioral Health Unit combines clinical excellence with a human-centered philosophy. With every interaction, whether in therapy, during care planning, or through a shared moment of music or conversation, the team helps patients reclaim dignity, find stability, and age with purpose.