Mental Health Center Services Research Articles

Qualitative insights into mental health treatment through telemedicine during the COVID-19 crisis: a natural experiment in community mental health centers

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing mental health challenges and introduced new ones, particularly among vulnerable populations such as individuals within the criminal justice system, who disproportionately experienced employment, financial, and housing issues. As mandatory lockdowns and social distancing mandates were implemented, the United States saw unprecedented interruptions to treatment. Telemedicine emerged as a transformative tool in alleviating new and existing treatment barriers. Yet, limited empirical research has examined the impact and implications of telemedicine on mental health treatment in criminal justice populations.MethodsThe timing of this study’s data collection overlapped with the spread of COVID-19 in the United States and provided a unique opportunity to examine the impact of telemedicine as part of a natural experiment. Utilizing interviews with 61 community mental health center service providers, this study qualitatively examined service providers’ experiences in treating criminal justice-involved individuals with serious mental illness who were receiving mental health treatment through telemedicine.ResultsService providers expressed satisfaction with telemedicine in addressing client transportation and childcare barriers while increasing engagement. Service providers voiced new concerns regarding clients’ confidentiality, digital literacy, and limitations to gathering non-verbal client information during virtual treatment.ConclusionsMental health treatment offered through telemedicine mitigates barriers to treatment that disproportionately affect criminal justice clients. Despite its benefits, challenges like access to reliable internet and to internet-enabled devices, confidentiality concerns, and information gathering must be addressed to achieve optimal and equitable mental health treatment through telemedicine. The findings support the continued use of telemedicine in mental health treatment delivery for this population.

The Importance of Mental Health in Adolescents in MAN 1 Kediri City

Adolescents have the majority of physical and mental health in good condition, but due to several disorders, they are vulnerable to mental health problems. They are vulnerabilities have not been matched by the existence of a mental health service center, especially for adolescents at MAN 1 Kediri City. The purpose of this community service is to provide knowledge of the importance of mental health in adolescents. In this community service activity we conducted a mental health screening for adolescents at MAN 1 Kediri City, where we asked several questions about their problems, there were 85% of students at MAN 1 Kota Kediri experiencing mental health disorders, such as crying easily for no reason, difficulty sleeping, no appetite, and so forth. As for us, we also provide efforts to relax the mind, namely with 5 finger hypnosis. Five finger hypnosis is a type of hypnotherapy using five fingers where the client is assisted to change the perception of anxiety, stress, tension and fear by accepting suggestions on the verge of subconsciousness or in a relaxed state by moving his fingers on command. Students of MAN 1 City of Kediri can follow the 5 finger hypnosis steps calmly.

When Leadership Attacks: Stories of Surviving the Worst Bosses

When Leadership Attacks: Stories of Surviving the Worst Bosses

Comparison of Hospitalization Rate and Social Functioning of Patients Receiving Community Mental Health Service and Outpatient Psychiatry Policlinic.

This study aimed to compare the hospitalization rates and social functioning of patients receiving Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) services and those treated in the psychiatry policlinics of hospitals. A total of 145 patients who were diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder according to DSM-V criteria were included in the study. Of them, 81 received CMHC services at least for one year (CMHC group) and 64 were followed-up in psychiatry policlinics (hospital group). A personal information form containing socio-demographic and disease/treatment characteristics and hospitalization counts in the last year, Social Functioning Assessment Scale (SFAS) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) were used to collect data. The hospital group received antipsychotic medication therapy while a semi-structured psycho-social intervention program combined with antipsychotic drug therapy was applied in the CMHC group. The hospitalization counts, SFAS and PANSS scores of the groups were compared and the correlation of related factors were evaluated. Hospitalization rates were 0.21±0.56 in the CMHC group and 1.03±1.31 in the hospital group. The mean hospitalization rate was significantly lower in the CMHC group (p<0.001). The mean scores for the overall SFAS and its interpersonal relationships and entertaining subscale; were significantly higher in the CMHC. The mean overall PANSS scores were 84.23±15.28 and 99.50±15.99 in the CMHC and hospital groups, respectively (p<0.05). There was a moderate positive relationship between hospitalization rates and all PANSS scores. CMHC services led to a serious decrease in hospitalization rates, increased the psychosocial functioning of patients and improved their compliance to treatment. Transition to a community-based mental health model should be accelerated for holistic treatment. Further longitudinal studies with a control group should be conducted.

National advocate Jacki McKinney passes away

Nationally recognized advocate Jacki McKinney, M.S.W., passed away July 19. Harvey Rosenthal, president and CEO of the New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (NYAPRS), who learned of her passing last month, noted in the NYAPRS eNews on Oct. 18 that he first met McKinney in her role as a peer researcher in the early 1990s, possibly in connection with the Center on Women, Violence, and Trauma. (McKinney would have turned 87 on Oct. 18.) “From the start, she was a one‐of‐a‐kind force unto herself, someone who could light up the room with her stories of triumph over tragedy and family above all, warming our hearts with her ever kind loving compassion,” Rosenthal wrote. According to her obituary, McKinney was a recipient of Mental Health America's highest honor, the Clifford Beers Award; a consultant to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA's) Center for Mental Health Services; and a recipient of SAMHSA's Voice Awards Program.

SAMHSA CMHS director comments on record‐setting CMHC grants

Mental Health Weekly interviewed Anita Everett, M.D., director of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), last week following an earlier announcement last month that SAMHSA was awarding a record‐setting $825 million in grants to strengthen community mental health centers (CMHCs).

The effect of community mental health center services on the frequency of hospital admission, severity of disease symptoms, functional recovery, and insight in patients with schizophrenia

The effect of community mental health center services on the frequency of hospital admission, severity of disease symptoms, functional recovery, and insight in patients with schizophrenia

The Effectiveness of Counseling Delivered at A University Mental Health Service Center: Practice-based Evidence

1．华中师范大学心理学院，湖北省人的发展与心理健康重点实验室，青少年网络心理与行为教育部重点实验室，武汉； 2．武汉体育学院健康科学学院心理学系，武汉； 3．华中师范大学大学生心理健康教育中心，武汉

Parental Factors for Mental Health Service Engagement Among Chinese Young Adults.

Mental health service disengagement can have devastating consequences for people in need of mental health services. This study explored parental factors in mental health service engagement among Chinese young adult mental health service users. Seventy-two Chinese young adults, aged from 18 to 26years, were recruited from a Hong Kong community mental health service center. Nearly three-fifths (58.3%) of participants were female and over two-fifths (44.2%) attended college. Results of logistic regression analysis showed that Chinese young adult mental health service users with high levels of perceived need for services and low levels of perceived parental involvement in mental health services were more likely to engage in mental health services. However, concerns about the parent-child relationship, perceived parental encouragement and perceived parental demand for mental health service use were not associated with mental health service engagement. The practice implications of these results are discussed in light of the Chinese context.

HOSPITALIZATION RATES OF PATIENTS USING COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTER SERVICES

Non-adherence to treatment and hospital admissions are the common problems in severe mental disorders. To determine the contribution of community mental health center (CMHC) services to increased hospitalization rates of patients previously diagnosed with severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders and bipolar disorders. 356 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and unspecified schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders in accordance with the DSM–5 criteria and treated in the CMHC on the south coast of Turkey were included in this retrospective study.The hospitalization records of the patients were examined over three different periods. First and second period: two divided years which patients had not yet received CMHC services before registration. Third period: o ne-year, during which patients using CMHC services. A total of 356 patients were included in the study. SPSS 22.0 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, New York, United States) software was used in the analysis of variables. Normal distribution of data was assessed with the Shapiro–Wilk test. The diagnosis of the participants in the study were 157 (44%) schizophrenia, 35 (9.8%) schizoaffective disorder, 102 (28.7%) bipolar disorder and 62 (17.4%) unspecified schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. As a result of the hospitalization rates , there was a significant difference between three periods. The median number of hospitalization days during the first episod was calculated as 1.0 (mean 13.9), the second period 0.7 (mean 18.59) and third period 0.6 (mean 5.83), respectively. The rate of hospitalization was 32.9% in the first period, 42.4% in the second period and 12.9% in the third period. This study provides the new evidence regarding the ability of primary services offered in the community mental health centers.

HOSPITALIZATION RATES OF PATIENTS USING COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTER SERVICES

Non-adherence to treatment and hospital admissions are the common problems in severe mental disorders. To determine the contribution of community mental health center (CMHC) services to increased hospitalization rates of patients previously diagnosed with severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders and bipolar disorders. 356 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and unspecified schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders in accordance with the DSM–5 criteria and treated in the CMHC on the south coast of Turkey were included in this retrospective study.The hospitalization records of the patients were examined over three different periods. First and second period: two divided years which patients had not yet received CMHC services before registration. Third period: one-year, during which patients using CMHC services. A total of 356 patients were included in the study. SPSS 22.0 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, New York, United States) software was used in the analysis of variables. Normal distribution of data was assessed with the Shapiro–Wilk test. The diagnosis of the participants in the study were 157 (44%) schizophrenia, 35 (9.8%) schizoaffective disorder, 102 (28.7%) bipolar disorder and 62 (17.4%) unspecified schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. As a result of the hospitalization rates, there was a significant difference between three periods. The median number of hospitalization days during the first episod was calculated as 1.0 (mean 13.9), the second period 0.7 (mean 18.59) and third period 0.6 (mean 5.83), respectively.The rate of hospitalization was 32.9% in the first period, 42.4% in the second period and 12.9% in the third period. This study provides the new evidence regarding the ability of primary services offered in the community mental health centers.

In Case You Haven't Heard

There are things happening at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — probably best summed up as turnover, but considering that the new administration is halfway through its term, it's confusing that there is such little information. Chideha Ohuoha, M.D., M.P.H., announced as director of SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment just weeks ago (we were still waiting to be allowed to interview him), last week got a new position: senior medical officer of the Office of the Chief Medical Officer. At the same time, in a letter to stakeholders obtained by ADAW, he announced that he would retire from the federal government in February. Fran Harding, head of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, will be leaving this month — also not officially announced by SAMHSA. Paolo del Vecchio, longtime director of the Center for Mental Health Services, has been replaced by Anita Everett, M.D., who was appointed as chief medical officer at SAMHSA more than two years ago in a restructuring (see ADAW, Aug. 15, 2016). You guessed it — not officially announced. What's going on at the centers? Is there a restructuring? Are directors being replaced? The official response from SAMHSA: “No comment.” Comments from stakeholders in the field? A big sigh with a “who knows?” At least the agency is continuing to administer billions of dollars in new grants, under the plainspoken leadership of Elinore McCance‐Katz, M.D., who has bristled against what she saw as the nonmedical stance of former SAMHSA leadership.

Advancing the Provision of Mental Health Services and Supports on College and University Campuses: Toolkit and Resource Guide

The purpose of this Toolkit and Resource Guide is to provide a framework for US-based colleges and universities to advance their approach to mental health services and supports to their students. At a time when student demand for mental health services and supports has never been greater, so, too, has the challenge never been greater for universities to find ways to keep pace with this demand. In practice for colleges and universities, this means re-thinking their approach to mental health service and support provision, identifying areas of improvement with respect to how current systems are structured, examining novel ways of providing mental health services and supports, and finding new opportunities for collaboration beyond traditional individual counseling. This Toolkit and Resource Guide aims to support colleges and universities in this important journey. The Toolkit contains the following modules, which each examine a different aspect of this journey. Disclaimer: The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or policies of the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the inclusion of information about campus programs and select resources does not constitute official endorsement of the programs and resources. This publication was produced for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA). It was prepared by Social Solutions International, Inc. under contract HHSP233201700193A.

CMHS director Del Vecchio to be replaced, but no confirmation from SAMHSA

Last week, MHW told readers about the departing director of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA's) Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS). There has not been any official confirmation from SAMHSA since the news broke about Paolo del Vecchio as MHW headed to press.

Mind the Language: Film Advisory Boards and Best Themed Films Dealing With Mental Health

Films depicting individuals dealing with mental health have not been discussed from the viewpoint of movie advisory boards, the entities informing moviegoers of potential inappropriate contents included in films. Movies considered best by the Center for Mental Health Services were investigated for age-classifications and their justifications. All of the boards investigated, chosen as they provide some sort of justification for the age-decisions, cited profanity as their main concern. In the US, the UK, Ireland, Hong Kong and Singapore, these movies are mainly considered suitable for adult moviegoers, while the Australian and Dutch boards are far more lenient.

Integrated Care: Perspectives From A Behavioral Health Consultant

Integrated Care: Perspectives From A Behavioral Health Consultant

Relationship between Housing Status and Retention Rates among HIV-Positive African Americans Enrolled in a Comprehensive Care Program

ABSTRACTService provision using “one-stop shopping” of medical, psychiatric, and case management services at the same location has been associated with superior client retention. The Yadumu project tested this premise, with attention to HIV-infected African Americans. Each client was assigned a case manager, who arranged meetings with mental health, substance abuse, and medical care professionals. The Center for Mental Health Services, National Outcome Measures (CMHS NOMs) questionnaire was used to evaluate client progress. Data were collected longitudinally and the program evaluation was performed by an outside center. Among 129 clients, 47% were male, 30% were female, and 22% were transgender. The majority (72%) were African American. Clients who lived in detox/drug treatment programs had higher completion rates (48%) than those who were homeless or otherwise housed (28%) (p = 0.04). Logistic regression was used to assess associations between independent factors and retention. Clients satisfied with their housing situation were less likely to retain in the program than those who were not satisfied with their housing situation (OR = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.03–0.78). High discharge rates among HIV-infected people were observed and may reflect the unstable circumstances of the population studied, but structured residential programs could be advantageous for improving retention.

The effects of one community mental health center on antipsychotic polypharmacy: 12-months follow-up of patients with schizophrenia

Objective: Treatment with multiple antipsychotic medications (antipsychotic polypharmacy [APP]) in schizophrenia is recommended to be considered as a last resort, due to non-compliance, metabolic side effects and high mortality. On the other hand, in current clinical practice, APP is quite commonplace. The effects of one “community mental health center” (CMHC) activities on APP and clinical symptoms of enrolled schizophrenia patients were investigated in order to determine changes on antipsychotic treatment processes for schizophrenia. Methods: Sociodemographic Data Form, Positive and Negative Symptom Scale for Schizophrenia (PANSS) scores, Pharmacotherapy Compliance Scale evaluations and modes of medication utilization of 120 patients who were followed-up in this center for one year were evaluated retrospectively. Results: All PANSS subscale (positive, negative and general) scores of the patients decreased and compliance with drug treatment increased; rates of APP remained the same and mean drug treatment doses did not change. Conclusion: The insistence on APP, in spite of improvements in symptoms and patient compliance, shows the importance of maintaining community mental health activities as well as interventions targeting prescription habits of psychiatrists. Such interventions can provide a decrease in use of multiple medications. Results indicate the need to utilize community mental health center services to increase the effectiveness of psychopharmacotherapy for schizophrenia.

The Complicated Journey of a Family

Questions are presented at “consideration points” that follow a section that gives information about the case. One or more choices may be correct for each question; make your choices on the basis of your clinical knowledge and the history provided. Read all of the options for each question before making any selections. You are given points on a graded scale for the best possible answer(s), and points are deducted for answers that would result in a poor outcome or delay your arriving at the right answer. Answers that have little or no impact receive zero points. At the end of the exercise, you will add up your points to obtain a total score.

Psychopathology Associated with Cyberbullying among Middle School Students

Myung Jin Jo, MD, Jee Won Lee, MD, Minje Sung, PhD, Sook Hyung Song, MD, Young Moon Lee, MD, Je Jung Lee, MD, Sun Mi Cho, PhD, Mi Kyoung Park, and Yun Mi Shin, MD, PhD 1 Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea School of Business, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea Yong-In Mental Hospital, Yongin, Korea Gongju National Hospital, Gongju, Korea Suwon Child & Adolescent Community Mental Health Service Center, Suwon, Korea