Adaptation of Health and Social Services Initiatives: Specialized mental health services for English speakers of Laval (Agape and CISSS Laval).

The CHSSN’s initiative to adapt health and social services is supported by an investment from Health Canada, through the Roadmap for Canada’s Official Languages 2013-2018: Education, Immigration, Communities. This initiative is being undertaken in partnership with the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS). An implementation agreement between CHSSN and the MSSS was concluded in order to incorporate the projects into Quebec’s initiatives to improve access to health and social services in English. The agreement also divided the roles and responsibilities among the CHSSN, the MSSS, and the health and social services agencies. Source: http://chssn.org/chssn-programs-and-projects/adaptation-of-health-and-social-services-initiative-2014-2018/

The Agape/ CISSS Laval project is one of three projects. Overall Objectives of the Adaptation Initiatives: Project’s relevance in terms of the proposed objective and deliverables; Anticipated impact on English-speaking client groups; Anticipated impact on service practices and organization; Anticipated impact of the results on Programs of access of health and social services in English; Cooperation between the public institutions and the community Source: http://chssn.org/chssn-programs-and-projects/adaptation-of-health-and-social-services-initiative-2014-2018/ The Agape/ CISSS Laval project is one of three projects.

Mental Health needs of the English speaking adults of Laval This project is the continuation of the last adaptation project for mental health services in English from 2010- 2013. Primary mental health services in English (ex. CLSC) were found to be adequate but not for specialized mental health services (Psychiatric). By the end of our last project, we were satisfied with the results for access for youth mental health services. Circumstances out of our control did not allow us to make improvements for adult mental health services by March 31st 2013. This new project is from 2014-2018

Initial stages and Needs Assessment Meetings with partners (Centre Intégré de santé et de services sociaux Laval, Jewish General-Psychiatry, CH Sacré Coeur- Pavillon Albert Prévost). Need to validate our intuitions and findings from 2010-2013. How mental health services are accessed in Laval, still the same? (Bill 10). Essentials of findings: Specialized/ Psychiatric services are sectorized along East-West division in Laval. Those in the east are sent to Cité de la Santé and in the west to Albert-Prévost. Specialized mental health services are not available in English (Albert-Prévost or Cité de la Santé) English-speakers are transferred to the Jewish General Hospital. Few, if any, community organizations in Laval can provide mental health services in English. (heavy reliance on community for follow- up services) More and more Psychiatrists at our hospitals are bilingual but not the rest of the clinical team (Nurses, Occupational therapists, Psychologists, Social Workers etc).

Next phase (2016-2017/2017-2018) Results of the need assessment were shared with our partners. Planning of adapted services will be shortly underway, including forecasting English caseloads in specialized care, patient profile for Agape interventions, types of services such as group or individual counselling needed etc. Agape is currently looking for an English-speaking therapist who will work locally with select clientele from Cité de la Santé or Albert-Prévost who will benefit from services of a psychologist to compliment services that a patient/client is receiving from these institutions. Agape’s social worker can assist the clinical team on a needed basis for accompaniment or psychosocial follow-up of those who are receiving treatment. The frequency of clients/patients receiving complementary services from Agape will be maximum three interventions per week. This will curb the need for transfers to Montreal and be more equitable for English-speaking people of Laval who need specialized mental health services (most vulnerable).

What we expect to achieve First and foremost to create more equity for English-speaking service users (distance to travel/ risks, vulnerability- non compliance to treatment) Establish a best practice model in light of evidence base showing language barriers contributing to unnecessary costs to the healthcare institution (Sarah Bowen, 2001, Ouimet, A.M, Trempe N., Vissandjée B., et Bourdon J-F, 2013,INSPQ ). Things to consider: Better compliance (medication/ follow-up appointments) due to better communication Potentially easier/quicker recovery Avoiding unnecessary re-evaluation due to language barriers Avoiding longer hospitalization Avoiding repeat crises or admission to hospital for the reasons listed above.

Ian Williams s.w (450) 686-4333 ian.Williams@agapeassociationinc.com Questions? Thank you! Ian Williams s.w (450) 686-4333 ian.Williams@agapeassociationinc.com