Most people think of private practice counselors when seeking counseling, but state-funded mental health services are also available. While these state-funded programs do not provide therapy for everyone, they can be an excellent place to start for those facing geographical and financial barriers. Intake specialists at community mental health programs can help determine if you qualify for the services. If not, they can refer you to the right resources. Below is a brief guide to state-funded mental health services.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient mental health services are residential, not outpatient. When people need treatment, a hospital stay is beneficial. Close monitoring and medication adjustments allow a professional to monitor the patient closely. A hospital stay is also necessary during acute episodes of mental illness. Aside from addressing various physical problems, inpatient mental health services help patients cope with different emotions. For more information about mental health care, read the following sections.
Inpatient mental health services are available in two forms: residential and hospitalization. Both models of care will typically include psychological assessments and a variety of therapy services. After a hospital stay, the patient will usually be able to return to society with help from a mental health professional. However, it is essential to remember that some inpatient programs may charge for things not covered by insurance. For example, supervised visiting hours may be offered by some facilities.
A residential mental health facility typically lasts 90 days, although it can extend to six months. The purpose of inpatient treatment is to stabilize the patient, so they can continue treatment in the community. In many cases, this type of care can save a person's life. In addition, a patient can develop healthy habits by committing to a structured schedule. Inpatient care will help patients develop these habits and establish new ones. You may even be able to learn new skills while at the facility.
Prescription Drugs
While many patients with mental illnesses can recover without prescription drugs, others find that they need the assistance of these drugs. Regardless of the situation, using these drugs can make a patient feel like a zombie and may temporarily worsen their symptoms. However, there are differences between patients with mental and physical illnesses, and medication management needs to be managed appropriately in both instances. Read on to learn more about the role of prescription drugs in mental health services.
There are several challenges to prescribing these drugs for mental health. Using these medications can lead to high health care costs and utilization and a strain on social services. Many patients who require psychopharmacologic treatment may find it challenging to adhere to their medication regimen. This can have harmful effects, such as increased suicidal or violent thoughts. Moreover, patients who require these drugs may be vulnerable to serious medical complications.
While using prior authorization policies for prescription drugs in Medicaid programs may result in significant cost savings, they can have unintended consequences. There is a lack of research on utilization management policies in psychiatry. Prior authorization policies have adverse effects on patients' health and increase costs. Further, it is unclear if these policies will improve patient access to psychopharmacologic treatments in Medicaid programs.
Volunteer roles in mental health services
Mental health volunteers work with a diverse group of people. Some are afflicted with more severe mental illness than others, but no demographic is immune. In addition, mental health services require various skills to keep the patient population functioning at its best. For these reasons, there are numerous volunteer roles available. Here are some of the most common and rewarding. These roles often involve working with clients who may have experienced severe abuse in childhood, been diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder, or been hospitalized against their will.
In some mental health services, volunteers may also support patients or visitors. These volunteers are often under the supervision of a professional nurse and assist in meeting patients' nonclinical needs. The volunteers may visit patients, help their families and visitors, or provide companionship. A volunteer's role is essential because it directly impacts the patient's mental health. Volunteers can visit patients and attend to their other needs in a hospital setting.
A Red Cross Helpline, which has handled almost 80,000 calls from New Yorkers seeking support in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, is a great example. Without its volunteers, the Helpline would not exist. They answered questions about local mental health resources, offered support for people dealing with stress and anxiety, and offered tips for coping with depression and anxiety. These services are only one example of volunteer roles in mental health services. Volunteers can also serve as advocates for those who are struggling.
