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Opening Access to Care
Mental and Behavioral Health Care
The Need
The need for mental health services for families, individuals, children, adolescents and elders mirrors the medical health care needs for resident in the region. Lack of available providers to deliver counseling and assessment services for mental health needs translates into unacceptably long waits for appointments, or excessive distance in order to see a provider.
Behavioral Health Services for those without chronic mental illness, for help with coping, medication management and other appropriate services are also at a premium. Most indididuals must rely on their primary healthcare provider to cover these services as well as their medical care.
Actions
HealthFirst Family Care Center is piloting a primary behavioral healthcare model for area residents who could appropriately be seen for assessment, short term behavioral coaching and referral to traditional mental health services, as appropriate. A Phd candidate Intern, has begun holding office hours at HealthFirst to support community members with their behavioral health needs. This service delivery model will be evaluated to determine its impact and effectiveness.
Involvement
With the collaboration of the regional mental health provider, HealthFirst Family Care Center was able to locate an Intern candidate to serve in this part-time position. Twin Rivers Counseling Center provides the supervision for the intern's position and also supports the program with coverage for crisis and /or emergency services. The program is possible through funding from the Federally Qualified Health Center Grant.
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