Unity Psychiatric Care announced Dr. Vijay Jethanandani is the new medical director for its 16-bed psychiatric hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Jethanandani, informally known as “Dr. Jet,” will provide clinical oversight for the psychiatric nurse practitioners at the hospital and support local AHC skilled nursing facilities, which are owned by American Health Partners, the parent company of Unity Psychiatric Care.
Dr. Jet is board certified the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in both general psychiatry and geriatric psychiatry. He has more than 30 years’ experience treating mental illness and brain disorders in adults, with a special emphasis on the older individual.
“There has been a growing need for geriatric psychiatrists in this area,” said Lynn Bennett Doyle, administrator for the Unity Psychiatric Care in Memphis. “Having Dr. Jet on our staff is a big benefit to this community and will help us improve care for older patients struggling with mental health issues and complications from dementia.”
In addition to working directly with patients in the Memphis facility, Dr. Jet will also serve as medical director for the Unity Psychiatric Care hospital in Martin, Tennessee. He is specially trained in tele-psychiatry, which enables him to conduct remote video diagnostic evaluations for patients who otherwise might not be able to see a geriatric psychiatrist.
In addition to his experience as a medical director and staff psychiatrist in behavioral healthcare, Dr. Jet has taught university classes, acted as a clinical preceptor and volunteered with numerous international nonprofit and government agencies, including the World Health Organization.
“I’m happy to join the team at Unity Psychiatric Care,” said Dr. Jet. “I am looking forward to working with area physicians and other clinicians in the community to address the mental health needs of the geriatric population.”
Dr. Jet and his family recently moved to Jackson, Tennessee, from California. His wife, Melissa Ann, a psychiatric nurse practitioner. They have two daughters, enrolled at Tennessee universities. In his free time, Dr. Jets enjoys reading, playing tennis, swimming and learning the violin.
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About Unity Psychiatric Care in Memphis
Unity Psychiatric Care is a 16-bed psychiatric hospital that specializes in treating adults ages 55 and older who are experiencing a mental health crisis or behavioral disturbances, included those related to dementia. Private rooms are available, and admissions may be accepted 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Unity Psychiatric Care accepts Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance. The Memphis facility is one of five psychiatric hospitals operated by Franklin, Tenn.-based American Health Partners Inc. For more information, visit UnityPsych.com or call (901) 791-0600.
About American Health Partners
American Health Partners Inc. provides a continuum of post-acute healthcare that prevents unnecessary hospital stays and improves quality of life for older adults. In Tennessee and Alabama, the company owns 29 senior living, skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers; five psychiatric hospitals; multiple home health and hospice offices serving 31 counties; and a long-term care pharmacy. Two other divisions provide Institutional Special Needs Health Plans (I-SNPs) and medical staffing in nursing homes in Tennessee, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. American Health Partners is based in Franklin, Tenn. For more information, visit AmHealthPartners.com or call (615) 902-5200.
