HBO explores mental health in "One South: Portrait of a Psych Unit"

June 12, 2024

Courtesy of HBO

The latest HBO documentary shares an inspiring and immediately impactful story about the importance of mental health and the everyday struggles of featured patients in real crisis as they navigate the trials of overcoming adversity to commit to a path of mental health and healing. The series provides an intimate look behind the locked doors of one of the only inpatient units in the United States specializing in treating college students.

The two-part HBO Original follows the lives of young adults in the inpatient program at Zucker Hillside Hospital in Queens, New York. It showcases the staff, patients, counselors, and supervisors of the college program. The Peabody Award-winning Alexandra Shiva produced and directed the documentary, with credits including "How to Dance in Ohio" and "This Is Home." Lindsey Megrue, also of "This Is Home," is also involved. HBO executives Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, and Anna Klein have contributed to the documentary.

The official synopsis (provided by Warner Bros. Discovery media release) is as follows: A young woman is plagued by crippling anxiety after her GPA drops. A young man struggling with depression is recovering from an overdose. A first-generation college student repeatedly contemplates suicide. These are the stories of some of the patients on the "One South" unit of Northwell's Zucker Hillside Hospital in Queens, New York. They are not alone. One in 10 young adults in the United States are diagnosed with a serious mental illness. Utilizing rare access, ONE SOUTH: PORTRAIT OF A PSYCH UNIT demystifies the treatment process and offers a compassionate understanding of mental health issues young adults are facing today and how to help them.

This intimate look behind the locked doors of one of the only inpatient units in the U.S. that specializes in treating college students follows several young patients undergoing treatment for serious mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. Many of the patients have come to One South because of suicide attempts or ideation. The film echoes the trajectory of a hospital admission, from intake to discharge, through the ups and downs of treatment, spending time with patients as they attend one-on-one and group therapy sessions, participate in mindfulness activities, and make meaningful connections with their peers.  The film also highlights the work of the dedicated medical team, who grapple with the limitations of the U.S. healthcare system as well as concerns about the effectiveness of treatments and the future safety of their patients.

Emphasizing the critical importance of mental health, "One South: Portrait of a Psych Unit" presents a narrative of optimism. The project is profoundly moving, aiming to enable patients to use their newfound insights, skills, and treatment plans to transition from the safety of the unit and embrace a journey toward mental health and recovery.

"One South: Portrait of a Psych Unit" debuts on Tuesday, June 25 at 9 pm. ET/PT, followed by part two on Wednesday, June 26 also at 9 pm on HBO. Both segments will be available to stream on Max beginning June 25.