The Role of Rehabilitation in Interpersonal Growth
Kedren Health’s rehabilitation program is a client-centered, diverse structure that serves the Los Angeles area and caters to a wide array of clients’ individual needs, helping them both during their inpatient stay and after discharge. Several sessions are provided daily, ranging from coping strategy sessions to music therapy, to exercise groups and more. Each of these sessions is tailored to the preferences and interests of the clients, and as such requires communication between the occupational therapists running the sessions and the clients. To facilitate this, there are also workshops focused on aiding clients in building communication skills to foster a better connection between therapists and clients.
Dr. Ronald Dallatorre, Director of Occupational Therapy, has integrated several new practices into the rehabilitation program since starting with Kedren, including increasing the number of daily sessions, partnering with Alcoholics Anonymous, and providing discharge bags to clients. He noticed a trend with clients, which prompted him to explore the idea of providing clients with these bags. “What we have seen is clients not having the information on the resources they need to continue with their care after discharge,” Dr. Dallatorre said, “If a client needs clothes, for example, the discharge bag includes two sets of clean clothes for them to wear. If a client has a prescription or diagnosis, they receive information about it in the bag.”
Kedren Health’s rehabilitation program continues to thrive with initiatives aimed at transforming patient environments to promote healing and engagement. One standout project is the creation of a Children’s Garden, a vibrant and therapeutic space designed to connect patients with nature and foster a sense of calm and mindfulness. This project was pioneered by CIP occupational therapists Ashley Masuda, OTD, OTR/L, and Mark Galvan, OTR/L, whose dedication and vision brought this innovative idea to life. The garden serves as an interactive area for horticultural therapy and other nature-based activities, providing patients with a serene environment to support their journey toward recovery. “Nature has an incredible way of helping patients center themselves,” Dr. Dallatorre remarked, “offering them moments of peace and reflection during challenging times.”
Equally impactful is the transformation of the AIP Patio through a mural painting initiative, led by Marisa Rojo, OTD, OTR/L, as part of her doctoral capstone project. This initiative turned a once-sterile outdoor area into a colorful, inspiring space adorned with nature-themed murals and patient-contributed artwork. The project not only enhanced the visual appeal of the patio but also actively involved patients in therapeutic group painting sessions, which improved emotional regulation, promoted teamwork, and fostered a sense of pride and accomplishment. Surveys conducted post-project revealed that 79% of participants reported improved mental health due to the upgraded environment. These initiatives exemplify Kedren’s commitment to integrating environmental design and therapeutic practices to empower patients and enhance their overall care experience.
Regarding future plans, Dr. Dallatorre is exploring the idea of expanding the sessions into outpatient care, further aiding clients in following up after their discharge. Whether they are partaking in the inpatient rehabilitation program or simply desire to further their interpersonal skills, Kedren seeks to be capable of meeting every client at their level.