16.3 Referral to mental health resources

Mental health referrals connect patients with professionals for further evaluation and treatment. The process involves providing contact info, scheduling appointments, and facilitating communication. Follow-up care ensures continuity and monitors progress through regular check-ins and support.

Counseling services offer professional guidance for mental health challenges. Individual sessions address specific concerns, while group counseling brings together people with similar experiences. Support groups provide peer-led gatherings for mutual support and a sense of community.

Mental Health Services

Referral and Follow-up

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  Continuity of Care during Care Transition: Nurses’ Experiences and Challenges View original

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  Specialised teams or personal continuity across inpatient and outpatient mental healthcare ... View original

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• 

  Mental Health Models – Capacity to Connect: Supporting Students’ Mental Health and Wellness View original

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  Continuity of Care during Care Transition: Nurses’ Experiences and Challenges View original

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• Mental health referral connects the patient with appropriate mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) for further evaluation and treatment
• Referral process involves providing contact information, scheduling appointments, and facilitating communication between the patient and mental health providers
• Follow-up care ensures continuity of care and monitors the patient's progress after the initial referral
  • Involves regular check-ins with the patient to assess their mental well-being and adherence to treatment plans
  • Helps identify any challenges or barriers to accessing mental health services and provides support to overcome them

Counseling and Support

• Counseling services provide professional guidance and support to individuals experiencing mental health challenges or emotional distress
  • Individual counseling offers one-on-one sessions with a trained therapist to address specific concerns and develop coping strategies
  • Group counseling brings together individuals with similar experiences to share their struggles, gain insights, and learn from each other in a supportive environment
• Support groups are peer-led gatherings where individuals facing similar mental health issues can connect, share experiences, and provide mutual support
  • Examples of support groups include Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for individuals with substance use disorders and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for those affected by mental illness and their families
  • Support groups offer a sense of community, reduce feelings of isolation, and provide practical advice and encouragement from others who have faced similar challenges

Emergency Resources

Crisis Hotlines

• Crisis hotlines are telephone services that provide immediate support and intervention for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts
  • Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 to listen, assess the situation, and provide guidance and resources
  • Examples of crisis hotlines include the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) and the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741)
• Crisis hotlines offer a confidential and accessible way for individuals to seek help during a mental health emergency, especially when face-to-face services are not immediately available

Community Resources

• Community resources are local organizations and agencies that provide mental health services and support within a specific geographic area
  • Examples include community mental health centers, social service agencies, and faith-based organizations that offer counseling, support groups, and other mental health programs
  • Community resources often provide low-cost or free services, making mental health care more accessible to individuals with limited financial means
• Identifying and partnering with community resources allows for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to mental health care, ensuring that individuals receive the support they need within their local context

Patient Privacy

Confidentiality

• Confidentiality is the ethical and legal obligation to protect a patient's private information, including their mental health history, diagnosis, and treatment details
  • Mental health professionals are bound by confidentiality laws and professional codes of ethics to safeguard patient information and maintain trust in the therapeutic relationship
  • Exceptions to confidentiality may apply in cases where there is a clear and imminent risk of harm to the patient or others, or when required by law (e.g., child abuse reporting)
• Maintaining confidentiality is crucial for creating a safe and trusting environment where patients feel comfortable discussing sensitive mental health concerns without fear of judgment or negative consequences
  • Patients should be informed about the limits of confidentiality and the circumstances under which their information may be shared with others
  • Proper consent procedures should be followed when sharing patient information with other healthcare providers or family members involved in the patient's care