Owner of The Bloom Effect seeks approval for psychiatric rehabilitation clinic at 226 East Main Street

Taraca Berrain, owner of The Bloom Effect LLC, told the Elkton Planning Commission on March 9 that she is opening a state-regulated psychiatric rehabilitation program at 226 East Main Street and asked the Commission to recommend a special exception for a counseling office in the RO (residential office) zone.

Berrain, who said she has been a registered nurse for 17 years, described services that will focus on psychosocial supports, outreach, training, one-on-one counseling and remote (Zoom) sessions. "We can't place anybody on medication," she said, adding the program is "not a walk-in office" and that clients will be scheduled. She said the practice will initially focus on adults but may expand to children as young as seven in the future.

Director of Planning Jeanne Minner raised staff questions about parking near the building; Berrain said she believes there are four spaces in the rear but that she saw up to eight from her office window. Berrain said no signage is planned and that the office will not dispense medication; patients needing medication would be referred to psychiatrists.

After discussion, Commissioner Keith Thompson moved that the Planning Commission make a favorable recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals for the special exception; the motion was seconded by Edward Ginder and carried unanimously.

Why it matters: The proposal adds a locally based behavioral health service that the applicant described as intended to reduce hospitalizations and help clients with daily living tasks, job readiness and coping strategies. Staff follow-ups in the zoning and parking review and the Board of Zoning Appeals' final decision will determine whether and under what conditions the program may operate.

Next steps: The Planning Commission's recommendation goes to the Board of Zoning Appeals for final action.