Clinical Writer: Nadell Asuru-Acey, MSW
Clinical Reviewer: Jenny Ryan, LCSW-C
IDENTIFYING THE GAPS
The significant gap between mental health needs and the treatments available in the healthcare system is one of the biggest challenges facing the healthcare system today. Mental health disorders affect a substantial portion of the population, with millions of individuals worldwide experiencing conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and more. Despite the prevalence of these conditions, the resources, services, and treatment options provided for mental health often fall short of meeting the growing demand.
According to NIH, approximately, 53% of all adolescent psychiatric crises that led to inpatient admission were related to COVID-19 stressors. Results of this study will be used to help understand the extraordinary mental health impacts of a global pandemic and will assist mental health service leaders to better plan for patient flow should there be another wave of quarantine/isolation. Additionally, these results can help inform and develop pandemic-related strategies and interventions that can reduce overall distress in children and adolescents.
The sharp increase in mental health-related emergency room visits among young individuals is a cause for concern. Various factors contribute to this rise, including the growing prevalence of mental health disorders, increased awareness and recognition of mental health issues, and limited access to timely and appropriate care. The findings of the report shed light on the inadequacy of the current mental health infrastructure to address the needs of this vulnerable population.
The strain on emergency departments caused by the increase in mental health-related visits is a significant concern. Emergency rooms are designed to handle acute physical emergencies, and the surge in mental health cases places additional burdens on staff, resources, and capacity. Emergency departments may not always have specialized mental health professionals available, resulting in suboptimal care for individuals in need. This situation highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive and integrated approach to mental healthcare that extends beyond emergency interventions.
Youme Healthcare aims to foster the collaboration between healthcare systems and the necessary outpatient treatment for children, adolescents, and their families. We aim to provide continuous support and seamless transitions between different levels of care, ultimately reducing the reliance on emergency departments as the primary avenue for mental health assistance.
HOW YOUME IS SIMPLIFYING TRANSITION CARE
Establishing Good Communication with the Inpatient Care Team: Communication between the inpatient and outpatient care teams is vital for continuity of care. By maintaining regular contact and sharing relevant patient information, the teams can ensure a smooth transition and consistent treatment approach.
Outcome Tracking: Connection to Youme Healthcare allows for efficient evaluation of patient needs, timely assignment of appropriate resources, and tracking of referrals to ensure patients receive the necessary care without delay. Youme tracks outcomes of readmission rates and shares data back with inpatient facilities to provide better insight into the transition from inpatient to outpatient care.
Immediate Openings; Narrowing the Transition Gap: Scheduling a clinical intake with a care team member is a valuable step to expedite the transition process. By promptly offering an initial assessment and developing an individualized treatment plan, Youme Healthcare can ensure that patients continue to receive appropriate care based on their specific needs and available community resources. This proactive approach reduces the time gap between inpatient and Youme Healthcare, minimizing the risk of treatment interruption. Youme Healthcare is prepared to take on the families THERAPY and PSYCHIATRY needs right out of the hospital!
Connecting with the Patient and Family Before Discharge: Establishing a connection with the patient and their family before discharge from the inpatient facility is crucial. This allows the Youme Healthcare team to introduce themselves, explain the next steps in the treatment process, and address any concerns or questions.
Reduce Readmission Rates: Youme Healthcare completes ongoing comprehensive assessments, helps families create and implement safety plans, provide evidence based therapeutic interventions, psychiatric psychoeducation and management of medications, and provides connections to resources in the families’ communities.
We have several different ways to refer a patient to seek telehealth mental health treatment whichever way is easiest for you that is the preferred way!
- Email: intake@youmehealthcare.com
- Completing the referral form at https://www.youmehealthcare.com/refer-a-patient/
- Call or text 866-968-6342
