Psychiatrist hopes to "change the trajectory" of kids she treats.

By RANDY GRIFFITH
The Tribune-Democrat

Children with behavioral problems have a strong support system in this area.

Organizations like the Alternative Community Resource Program, Nulton Diagnostics and Memorial Medical Center’s Aloysia Hall provide a wide range of help, nurse manager Holly Shomo said at Conemaugh Counseling Associates’ new office suite in Walnut Plaza, 119 Walnut St.

The only thing lacking was a full-time child psychiatrist.

Enter Dr. Aileen Oandasan, the newest member of Conemaugh Counseling and Memorial Medical Center’s behavior health staff.

“Having a psychiatrist helps bring together the whole spectrum of services we have available,” Shomo said. “With the medical options, it ups the level of treatment and improves outcomes.”

Ironically, it was the abundance of support programs that attracted Oandasan to this region.

“We have waiting lists, and there are some access issues,” Oandasan said.

“But the fact that we have these places is exciting. In (other areas), the resources aren’t there. We are lucky.”

Oandasan comes to Johnstown from Galveston, Texas, where she was associate professor of clinical psychiatry at the University of Texas Medical Branch. She and her husband were looking for a less urban setting for their two young sons. Memorial’s growing teaching program was another attraction.

“We are not a university, but there is a great deal of training here,” Oandasan said.

“That builds the reputation for a higher standard of care.”

Psychiatric treatment usually is reserved for more severe behavior problems stemming from mental and emotional disorders.

But Oandasan wants to extend her expertise in other areas.

“I see myself as a resource for the community,” she said. “I want to build relationships with the primary care doctors, pediatricians and the schools. If I am not able to directly see the patient, I am hoping to be a consultant.”

The current caseload of behavior problems already is keeping her busy.

“Families are so grateful not to have to drive to Pittsburgh for therapy,” Oandasan said, adding that the children with complicated disorders can be hard to control for the two-hour drive. It often requires two adults spending an entire day.

Effective therapy, often including medication, can make a huge difference, she said, adding that she is aware of the stigma of mental disorders in children and behavior modifying medication. It is a misconception, however, that the medicine will change the child’s personality or become addicting.

“It is a big deal to put your child on medication,”?Oandasan said. “It is my job to educate and share that journey of having your child on these medications. I take personal responsibility for every kid I see. I put myself in the parents’ shoes. I?try to be the kind of doctor I would want my kids to have.”

Positive results are what make her job worthwhile.

“People don’t see the amazing success stories,” Oandasan said. “To be able to take a kid who is not functioning, and give him his life back, and have the kid come around and meet the potential that is in the kid – it is one of the reasons I stay in the field. We are able to change the trajectory of a kid’s life.”

“They come back into the office like a different person,” Shomo said.

I can't wait till my newhpew gets his book done then Pa Parents will know exactly what their children are taught in thies places of alternative teaching.

I think the one thing he really hates to this day is the fact that they gave a 8 yr old alone time to masterbate. What are they teaching your chilldren at these places.