Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Sheppard Pratt has been leading the way since our founding in 1853. Meeting the unmet needs of our communities was part of our founder, Moses Sheppard’s vision. Throughout the past several centuries, we have evolved to extend our reach, expand our programs and resources, and develop new and groundbreaking treatments to best meet the needs of those we serve. 

Each year, we serve more than 70,000 individuals from 15 countries and 34 states, in more than 160 programs including inpatient and outpatient treatment, housing, education, job training, and rehabilitation services, among many others.

This past year we have continued to lead the way by opening new programs and offering new services to help the most vulnerable, cultivating a pipeline of trained professionals to meet the increasing mental health demands in our society, and engaging actively in advocacy efforts to ensure our communities receive the care and treatment that they need and deserve.

In this year’s report, you will learn more about how Sheppard Pratt is changing the face of youth mental health and our commitment to assessing and addressing the youth mental health crisis. You will read about how we are filling a care gap with the opening of our Center for Autism. You’ll see how our employment and job readiness programs support those with mental illness and physical and developmental disabilities. You’ll go inside our adult residential treatment centers, which address a wide scope of behavioral healthcare needs. You’ll also learn how we are providing world-class continuing education programs and making our resources accessible for a wide variety of mental health professionals. You’ll get an up-close look at how we are leading innovation through the launch of our Institute for Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics, which houses our new Center of Excellence for Psilocybin Research and Treatment; the expansion of Sheppard Pratt Solutions, a new division that is partnering with hospitals and health systems nationwide to make mental health more accessible; and so much more.

Leading the way to meet unmet needs is in our DNA. Our mission has always been to help people in need when they need it the most. We’ve already been able to accomplish so much, yet we know our community—locally, nationally, and globally—needs more. And we are determined to do more.

Sincerely,

Harsh K. Trivedi, MD, MBA
President and CEO, Sheppard Pratt

Joshua Kakel
Chair, Sheppard Pratt Board of Trustees

At Sheppard Pratt, we know nothing is more difficult for a parent than seeing their child struggle. Not knowing how to support your child evokes feelings of exasperation and helplessness. The reality is that there has been a youth mental health crisis taking place in America before the term “COVID-19” was known to anyone. As the pandemic unfolded, isolation and social disconnection, fear, depression, anxiety, loss of loved ones, family financial stress, and heightened use of social media changed the way people lived their lives. And it rapidly accelerated the need for behavioral health support and mental healthcare services. 

Sheppard Pratt is already the largest provider of youth mental health services with the most comprehensive continuum of children’s programs in the nation. And yet, we know that the magnitude of need requires assessing and addressing these needs through a different lens—one that can radically change the state of youth mental health locally, nationally, and around the world. It calls for a process of reimagination, where access to mental health services is expanded and barriers are eliminated. It involves empowering parents, teachers, coaches, and community leaders to be sources of support for kids who need help and ensuring they know where to turn when professional evaluation and treatment are needed. 

Looking forward, Sheppard Pratt has announced a bold vision to open a dedicated children’s psychiatric hospital on the Towson campus. It will be the premier place for families to access state-of-the-art care from the best child and adolescent psychiatrists, who apply cutting-edge research and evidence-based approaches in their day-to-day work. Sheppard Pratt has 100-inpatient beds for youth and offers specialized programs and outpatient services for children and families. Propelling our mission forward, here are a few that are already making a positive difference in our community. 

Highlighting Our LifeLaunch Program 

LifeLaunch is a short-term residential program that admits adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 who are struggling with depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, autism, and substance use disorders. It delivers around-the-clock support and clinical oversight, with goals to stabilize psychiatric symptoms and de-escalate crisis situations, in an environment of care that is safe and supportive. LifeLaunch features fully furnished suites that are comfortable and inviting, a gymnasium, basketball court, and enclosed outdoor courtyard. 

LifeLaunch residents are evaluated by Sheppard Pratt’s expert team and participate in a personalized plan of care tailored to address clinical needs. Modalities can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure with response prevention (ERP), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), family therapy, occupational therapy, art therapy, and movement therapy. 

“We develop an effective, holistic treatment plan based on a diagnostic assessment that takes place when the patient is admitted,” said Todd Peters, MD, vice president and chief medical officer at Sheppard Pratt. “The goal of the care we provide is to help teens cope when the stresses of everyday life become overwhelming. It also allows them to rediscover who they are and who they want to be.” 

The average LifeLaunch stay is one to three months. During this time, family engagement and participation is highly encouraged. In addition to participation in care team meetings and family therapy sessions, parents are educated so they better understand their child’s conditions, symptoms, and behaviors, and can respond effectively to distress after their child has been discharged. 

“Our program prioritizes care and support our youth as well as their families,” said Dr. Peters. “Family communication and participation is crucial for successful outcomes.” 

Growing School-Based Mental Health Services 

As division director of school and community-based services, Evelyn Saim-Lobos has invested a significant amount of time analyzing youth mental health issues and developing programs that address what kids need. The delivery of these programs in school-based settings has been impactful, leading to progressive growth across Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Baltimore City. 

“Our team goes into schools, builds relationships with administrators and teachers, and identifies the most pressing needs that are relevant within each school’s population,” said Saim-Lobos. “Conversations around mental health have actually become easier over the past two years. Generally speaking, depression, anxiety, and other behavioral health issues are not as stigmatized as they once were. There is much more acceptance and appreciation for what we do.” 

Sheppard Pratt therapists and counselors have a presence in more than 40 middle and high schools in Prince George’s County, and in 26 elementary, middle, and high schools in Montgomery County. Additionally, a new contract began with Baltimore City Schools at the start of the 2022—2023 academic year, making mental health services accessible in 10 more city high schools. The scope of what is offered in each school depends heavily on demonstrated need, but the most common services include mental health therapy, substance use recovery, newcomer reunification for families separated by immigration, crisis management, and trauma-informed therapies for victims and witnesses of crime, assault, and domestic disturbances. 

“Before the pandemic, we would go into schools and make ourselves available for kids in need of mental health support, but now, school leaders are asking for us to come and to do more,” said Saim-Lobos. “We’ve also seen drastic changes in parent perception and buy-in. We are seeing a higher level of acceptance when a child needs help. Parents are more willing to grant permission for their child to participate, and they are also expressing gratitude for the services helping their child do better.”

Expanding Child and Adolescent Day Hospital Services to Our Baltimore/Washington Campus

In June of 2021, Sheppard Pratt officially opened the doors to its new, state-of-the-art Baltimore/Washington Campus in Elkridge, Maryland, with a goal of expanding care and services available to the local community. As part of this expansion, the organization launched the second location of its well-known and respected Child and Adolescent Day Hospital program. The expansion of this existing program, previously available only on the Towson campus, delivers on Sheppard Pratt’s commitment to creating greater access to services for children across more communities.

“From our experience, we know that it isn’t always easy to engage adolescents, especially when we are working with patients who don’t want to be here or don’t think they need to be here,” said Kristen Pruitt, MPA, LCPC, NCC, director of day hospitals at Sheppard Pratt. “We think out of the box and come up with approaches that are simple but fun. For example, we may toss a ball around the room that has a series of questions on it, to encourage the person who catches to answer and share their personal feelings.”

Additionally, patients at the day hospital have opportunities to participate in creative expression activities that offer perspective on what they are thinking and feeling. Groups engage in role-playing activities as well as various art projects. One particularly impactful exercise, Pruitt said, is to paint a mask, with half of the artwork demonstrating what that patient hides and the other half reflecting what they believe people see in them.

“Mindfulness is a key theme in our work,” said Pruitt. “We concentrate on helping patients ‘be in the moment’ and capturing key takeaways from the process. There is a lot that can be gained when we ask them to share and compare how they felt when the activity started with how they felt when the activity concluded.” 

Pruitt said that as patients at the child and adolescent day hospital get acclimated to their environment of care, they build rapport and get comfortable with those who surround them and who have similar challenges. 

“We see an interesting shift happen around day number three,” she said. “Patients realize they are in a safe space with others who understand them, and then they don’t want to leave. We remind them that the goal is for them to return to their homes, schools, and communities, and apply what they learned here, in those environments.” 

Connecting Families Through Off-Site Counseling Services 

On any given day, 30 off-site licensed therapists, who are part of Sheppard Pratt’s clinical team, make their way through Baltimore, Frederick, Montgomery, and Washington counties, with a goal to connect with and engage local families in treatment. The households they aim to reach are those with a need for individual and/or family counseling services, but who face barriers when it comes to accessing care. Therapy services are offered in schools, homes, and community settings such as recreation centers or libraries with confidential space.

“Sometimes the challenge is transportation. Other times, it’s that the family doesn’t have time to schedule appointments around busy work and school schedules,” said Rebekah Gildersleeve, LCSW-C, director of off-site counseling services at Sheppard Pratt. “So, we bring our services to their door or to their child’s school instead. By standing on their porch knocking, a multitude of barriers to treatment have already been eliminated. Our in-home services help individuals and families achieve stability and growth.” During the academic year, therapists provide therapy in the school setting and coordinate services with school staff such as teachers, principals, and guidance counselors.

Many children who can benefit from off-site counseling services are referred to Sheppard Pratt by guidance counselors or teachers. The scope of need is incredibly diverse and can range from depression and anxiety to ADHD, mood disorders, conflict management, and trauma recovery. Therapy can be facilitated for individual family members or in group structures with parents, siblings, and grandparents. Therapists strive to meet with each family two times per month, on an ongoing basis, and individual clients weekly.

“It is very rewarding when we see families making positive progress as a direct result of their work with our therapists,” said Gildersleeve. “In some cases, we get to be part of important milestones and transitions, such as when a teen who never imagined leaving home heads off to college. It’s in these moments that we really understand the impact of these services. It truly inspires us to do more.

One of Sheppard Pratt’s guiding principles is learning, which informs its commitment to enhancing professional knowledge and skills through inquiry, teaching, and research. Sheppard Pratt is delivering on that commitment in a number of ways, by creatively bringing new talent into the organization, strategically boosting staff retention, and engaging colleagues near and far in continuing education.

Building the Next Generation of Behavioral Health Nurses

Sheppard Pratt’s Nurse Extern Program allows nursing students to gain real-world experience through opportunities to work with experienced providers. Nurse externs participate in clinical observations across a variety of disciplines and treatment modalities, attend care team meetings, conduct behavioral crisis simulations, and develop core clinical skills that prepare them for their careers. The program teaches patient engagement strategies, therapeutic communication approaches, and crisis management skills in clinical environments that emphasize the importance of the mind-body connection.

“Our Nurse Extern Program teaches students how to engage with our patients and other providers who have worked in the field for a long time, all of whom can offer valuable perspectives,” said Maria Purcell, liaison for diversity partnerships at Sheppard Pratt. “The program brings students to our door early and shows them what psychiatric nursing is all about.”

Under Purcell’s leadership, Sheppard Pratt is growing its student population through the development of partnerships with several local colleges and universities, including those recognized as HBCUs (historically Black colleges and universities). A new relationship with Coppin State University was born last year, and an agreement with Morgan State University began in fall 2022, paving the way for nursing students to join Sheppard Pratt as externs while they pursue their degrees. Collectively, these partnerships are diversifying Sheppard Pratt’s staffing pipeline and elevating the strength of the organization’s nursing programs.

“This process aims to recruit and retain qualified nursing students,” said Purcell. “Students get to create meaningful connections and are exposed to the reasons why a career in behavioral health could be a good fit. The hope is that those who have a good experience here will choose to become engaged, long-term employees.”

Sheppard Pratt’s Nurse Residency Program officially launched in early 2022 to support new-to-practice nurses as they make the transition from students to providers. As new nurses are hired to be part of Sheppard Pratt’s team, they are oriented through hands-on training and clinical experiences over a period of 12 months. They gain core skills and confidence and have the opportunity to identify their niche in the world of mental healthcare.

“We know that as some nurses begin their careers, they are still trying to figure out exactly where they want to be from a clinical perspective,” said Stacey Garnett, RN, MSN, vice president and chief nursing officer for Sheppard Pratt. “The Nurse Residency Program opens their eyes to all areas of behavioral health. It is designed to be engaging, challenging, and motivating, all at once.” 

Sheppard Pratt’s Nurse Residency Program is facilitated in partnership with Vizient and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), and its curriculum centers on a set of core learning objectives and participation in evidence-based projects. New nurses with less than one year of clinical experience are automatically enrolled in the program on their date of hire. As residents, they are challenged to formulate a personal professional development plan in line with their career vision and goals. 

“The residency program incorporates research-based evidence into our nursing practices and aims to strengthen each person’s professional commitment to nursing,” said Garnett. “It creates a pathway for people to do more than they thought they could.” 

Sheppard Pratt’s Nurse Preceptor Program plays an important role in supporting both nurse externs and nurse residents. An extension of the organization’s education department, preceptors are typically nurse practitioners and physicians with a desire to guide others. They work closely with new staff and postgraduate students to assure they are trained to work and excel in the challenging and sensitive behavioral healthcare environment. Additionally, they are individuals who are identified as strong advocates of Sheppard Pratt’s patient care approaches and values.

“Our preceptor program is another example of the many ways Sheppard Pratt is committed to supporting and growing our staff at all levels,” said Purcell. “New nurses get guidance, support, and mentorship. And our seasoned providers get a leadership opportunity by sharing their knowledge and experiences.”

Shaping the Future Through the Center for Professional Education

Sheppard Pratt has long provided world-class continuing education programs and resources for a wide variety of mental health professionals—both inside and outside of Sheppard Pratt. In January 2020, the organization expanded these offerings and housed them all within the Center for Professional Education, an education hub for behavioral health nurses, therapists, social workers, and other clinicians. Those who choose to participate can earn continuing medical education (CME) credits by attending in-person events, web-based live events, or online on- demand events.

“The Center for Professional Education was founded to engage leaders who are renowned and who are actively shaping the future of behavioral healthcare,” said Todd Peters, MD, vice president and chief medical information officer at Sheppard Pratt. “It gives our team as well as colleagues from around the world access to information and perspectives they otherwise would not have.”

As of July 2022, more than 4,000 providers had established an account with the Center for Professional Education and are actively leveraging the resources Sheppard Pratt is making available. Users are located in 45 states across the country and in 15 countries around the world. The use of a virtual platform has made it possible for Sheppard Pratt to engage providers looking to learn and providers eager to educate, in remarkable ways.

“The field of mental health has changed so much over the past decade, and especially in the past two years. When the pandemic restrictions began in March 2020, our team pivoted quickly and transitioned all functions to a virtual format,” said Dr. Peters. “This alone underscores how Sheppard Pratt leads in the field. We know that we need to create more access to mental healthcare services, but we also know that having enough providers with the right training and skills has to come first so that we can keep delivering resources that positively impact patient care.”

Dr. Peters and his team are committed to continuously growing the Center for Professional Education to align with what behavioral health professionals need. They initiate surveys to collect insights from attendees on topics they would like to learn about or speakers they would like to hear from in the future.

“We want leaders in our field to bring what they learn to this platform and share it. And we want providers to reference this platform regularly, to learn and grow,” said Dr. Peters. “It keeps us all on the leading edge as professionals and creates great opportunities for Sheppard Pratt to continue extending its footprint as a global leader.”

Sheppard Pratt has long been a place to turn for those with developmental disabilities to get the care and special education services they need to thrive. The expertise of Sheppard Pratt’s clinicians and educators, coupled with the dynamic nature of its treatment and support programs, is and always has been second to none. But in recent years, one of the most significant challenges families have faced is finding diagnostic and specialty evaluation services for children who are demonstrating developmental delays. The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the United States has been rising since researchers first began to track it in 2000. Of all 8-year-old children in the U.S. today, one in 44 is diagnosed with ASD. But the number of providers and practices evaluating and diagnosing autism remains limited. This has resulted in lengthy wait times for families in urgent need of care and support.

Recognizing the need for increased access to care and underscoring its place as a leader in the behavioral health field, Sheppard Pratt proudly opened the doors to its new Center for Autism in December 2021. It serves children ages 2 and up, as well as adults, and presents a new “front door to care” for those who have historically struggled to find a place to start.

“In the past, families endured long waits for evaluation, were eventually diagnosed elsewhere, and then finally referred to us for care,” said Harsh K. Trivedi, MD, MBA, president and CEO at Sheppard Pratt. “With the opening of our new Center for Autism, we can be the starting point where families turn for answers, as well as a continuum of services that can last throughout their child’s life, well into adulthood.”

Research shows that early intervention is crucial for children with autism. Autism tends to impact social function, social development, language and communication, and sensory capabilities.

“The early childhood years are a time when critical development takes place. It’s when kids typically learn to talk, play, and socialize,” said Tom Flis, clinical director of the Center for Autism. “The earlier a need is identified and addressed, the better. Early diagnosis means we can work on critical life skills sooner and have a greater impact on the individual’s long-term progress and functional abilities.”

The Center for Autism was opened with financial support from the Women’s Hospital Foundation, which recognized the need for diagnostic autism services in the community and wanted to contribute in a meaningful, solutions-centered way. The foundation committed to a $2 million grant, funded over a period of five years, to support the construction, opening, and staffing of the new center. It has not only reduced wait times for those in need of initial evaluations, it has also created a warm, welcoming space for patients and families to receive care and guidance.

The center features two waiting rooms—one geared toward children that is bright, colorful, and packed with toys, and another designed for those who require less stimulation. There is also a comfortable sensory room with special lighting, sound machines, and bean bag chairs. Testing occurs in four evaluation rooms, specially designed to be conducive to what kids need.

“We were very intentional in creating spaces that addressed a variety of sensory needs, so that patients would have choices on where to go, based on what makes them most comfortable,” said Flis. “There is a common saying … if you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism. There is so much truth in that statement. Every person diagnosed with autism has unique circumstances and needs, and we have created an environment that is calming and safe for all.”

The Center for Autism is so effective because of its unique, interdisciplinary approach to patient care. A team composed of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurse practitioners, social workers, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, and case managers work collaboratively to assess patient needs.

After a diagnosis is made, the team develops a comprehensive care plan. It ensures that the individuals served have all the supports and services they need to thrive throughout their lives. Many care providers only offer case management and care services until a child with autism turns 21. Sheppard Pratt has the resources and knowledge to provide care throughout the life span, giving parents peace of mind that their child will have all the support they need—no matter the circumstances. From inpatient to school-based, and community-based services, Sheppard Pratt brings its expertise and individualized care to those who need it, wherever they are.

“The people who are part of our team are genuinely passionate about what we do, and that has played a big part in Sheppard Pratt’s earned reputation as an expert provider of comprehensive autism care,” said Flis.

School-Based Services Boost Continuity of Care for Kids With Autism

When a child is diagnosed with autism, early intervention is crucial. It can impact speech, language, and behavioral skills, as well as approaches to education. Key insights can be gained when therapists have an opportunity to work with young children with autism in their everyday environments. During early intervention, our providers and caregivers observe children’s patterns to better anticipate their short- and long-term needs. They also identify possible solutions to challenges they may be facing.

Sheppard Pratt’s special education schools are designed with these principles in mind and underscore the importance and value of continuity of care. Clinicians, behavioral specialists, teachers, and educational assistants who specialize in autism comprise the team in each of our 12 schools across Maryland. They provide highly individualized care for children and their families in environments that are structured, predictable, and familiar.

“We offer specialized care informed by current best practices in our special education schools. We know that a million different approaches can be explored when you are working with children with autism,” said Kathy Flannery, MEd, regional director of Sheppard Pratt Schools. “We meet each student where they are and provide highly individualized programming that focuses on each child’s strengths and interests. This increases engagement and leads to better outcomes.”

While working in the schools, therapists account for each child’s individualized education plan (IEP), often bringing in visual tools and facilitating engaging activities to guide the learning process. Small groups of children are also brought together for social skill development.

“Our goal is to help each child achieve stability, and this often means establishing a relationship with a child early on and then working with them throughout their entire childhood,” said Flannery. “When we have the opportunity to provide care for a child from the time they are very young until they are transitioning from high school into college, the impact can be exponential, and the outcomes are life changing.”

As we navigated through the pandemic, the quality of our services to patients, students, families, and communities remained unchanged. We are proud that our ever-growing network of more than 160 high-quality programs expands beyond Maryland to provide hope and meet the growing need for behavioral health services.

Dear Friends, 

Shortly after our new hospital opened on the Baltimore/Washington Campus, a woman brought her teenage daughter to our Psychiatric Urgent Care. This program provides walk-in, same-day access to a psychiatric evaluation. Her daughter was evaluated and subsequently admitted to the inpatient adolescent unit, where she got the help she needed. Reflecting on years of unsuccessfully seeking help, this mother said, “Sheppard Pratt was the best thing that has happened to my daughter since she was 4 years old.” 

No parent should have to wait so long to get mental healthcare for their child; no child should have to endure that wait. 

That is why Sheppard Pratt is making child and adolescent mental healthcare the focus of its campaign, “Now more than ever.” Our campaign builds upon the $50 million campaign we began three years ago. We surpassed that goal in half the time expected, so we are raising the goal to $100 million and putting a special emphasis on youth mental health. 

We know the pandemic has been especially difficult for young people. Children and adolescents have struggled with the isolation of distance learning. Many are trying to catch up academically and socially. Elementary school students continue to struggle with developmental delays and basic skills of in-person learning like sitting at a desk and navigating conflicts with others. Older students may have spent excessive time on social media and are experiencing a spike of depression, eating disorders, or substance abuse. 

No health system is more qualified than Sheppard Pratt to lead the way. Our specialized care for children and adolescents includes 12 special education schools, outpatient and inpatient programs for children as young as 4 years old, diagnostic and support services for children on the autism spectrum, and more. In fact, we provide the most comprehensive set of youth mental health services in the nation. At a time of unprecedented need, your support will allow us to help more children today, so they can reach their potential tomorrow. 

Our ability to meet the mental health needs of our young people depends on you. 

I am a parent and a grandparent, and like everyone who has children in their lives, I want to do whatever I can to ensure our youth are physically and mentally healthy. Their well-being is critical to the strength of our society. We know more needs to be done, and together, we can accomplish great things. 

I am grateful to all of you, who share our passion to provide high-quality mental healthcare for everyone. I look forward to a year of innovation, enthusiasm, and progress toward improved mental health among our young people. 

Thank you for caring about their future. 

Donna L. Richardson 
Vice President and Chief Development Officer

Our donors and partners play an important role in helping us lead the way. With your support, we will continue to meet the unmet needs of our communities.