Understanding Mental Health Services Presented by: On: At:
Aims of this Session What are the mental health services? How do they work? Who works there? What other services are available? How to get the best from them?
The Day Hospital
Accessing the Psychiatric Day Hospital Referral by GP Initial appointment (assessment) Development of initial care plan Either: -Further specialist intervention and care planning, Or: -No further specialist intervention required
Accessing the Psychiatric Day Hospital
Staff in the Day Hospital Psychiatrist Community Mental Health Nurse Occupational Therapist Social Worker Clinical Psychologist Addiction Counsellor Medical Secretary
Staff in the Day Hospital: Psychiatrist Medical Doctor Specialist in treating mental health difficulties Clinical Lead of the team Work in collaboration with the Multi-disciplinary team Supported by two other doctors All are qualified to prescribe specialist medication
Staff in the Day Hospital: Community Mental Health Nurse Supporting people experience acute and/or enduring distress Assessing people and discussing best ways of meeting their needs Providing education and support around medication Working with the person and their family Arranging referral to other team members
Staff in the Day Hospital: Occupational Therapist Assist the person to reach optimum level of independence & to have a productive and satisfying lifestyle Evaluating and adapting the home environment Assist in developing leisure interests Training in activities of daily living Guidance and advice on employment
Staff in the Day Hospital: Social Worker Offering individual and group support programmes Providing family support Education and support to the wider community Liaising and making referrals to other agencies Providing information and advice on welfare and housing issues Advocating for people with other agencies
Staff in the Day Hospital: Clinical Psychologist Specialist qualification in mental health Use psychological knowledge and techniques Address a range of emotional and psychological problems Psychological assessment Use techniques e.g. CBT Work in partnership with client Usually over a number of sessions
Staff in the Day Hospital: Addiction Counsellor Strengthen self-worth Find positive ways to manage stressful events and emotions Learn how to react to common substance and behavioural triggers Develop practical skills for dealing with cravings Assist the individual with rebuilding trusting relationships with others Become responsible and compliant with other treatment plans
Staff in the Day Hospital: Medical Secretary Answers all telephone enquiries Liaises with members of the team Responds to general enquiries about the service Provides clerical support to the team Arranges all medical appointments Reception duties
Voluntary Services Please see handout for contact details AWARE Reach Out Please Talk Pieta House Aras Follain Samaritans GROW Shine Le Cheile You can use any or all of the voluntary services while attending the HSE services.
Getting the best from Services: Challenges For Family & Carers For Staff members For Service users
Challenges for Family & Carers Patience Understanding Learning about the illness Giving support Communication between professionals and family Difficult jargon Empathy
Challenges for Staff Members Time constraints Volume of workload Conflict in teams Carer fatigue Resource issues Burnout Challenging behaviour Vicarious trauma
Challenges for Service Users Access issues Resource issues Identifying most appropriate supports Following up aftercare plan Communication on both sides Lack of knowledge Fear Stigma Money Knowing where to go Knowing your rights
Getting the Best from Services: How to: Keeping appointments Prepare for appointments Getting to know the person Connecting Online resources Open & honest about symptoms Do your research Putting in the time Accepting the diagnosis Use other services while waiting Give all the information to the service provider Filling time between appointments Communication Persistence Knowing about MDT Private Care- quicker access GP Family support Asking for extra help
Thank you!
References http://www.addictioncounsellors.ie/about-counselling http://www.psihq.ie/page/art/65/0