Improved access to mental health support

Unfortunately, there appears to be less providers in the mental health area than what is needed. This means one has to be in crisis to be seen and treated - if even then.

Improved local access that was readily available during the initial stages of need would improve the overall well-being of our communities. It would also decrease the numbers reporting to acute services in crisis as they have been able to access something prior.

My vision is for counselling services to be offered as readily as GPs, perhaps in local health hubs or at local GP practices. I don't really understand why the two are kept so separate. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why the contribution is important

A family member has been part of the mental health system for a while. At the initial stages of becoming unwell, support is almost impossible to get unless they present to an acute service in absolute crisis.

If they could check in with a provider when they began to become unwell, I have no doubt their journey would be easier. As well they would require far less intensive support later on leaving this resource for others in need.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by marlowmews on March 18, 2023 at 05:28PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 5.0
Based on: 7 votes

Comments

  • Posted by rebeccahelenb March 21, 2023 at 15:20

    This is so absolutely right! I would add that study pathways to become a mental health advocate (counselor or training counselor) need to be more accessible too

  • Posted by Fredrick March 26, 2023 at 18:56

    In my experience (both as a parent of an affected person, and previously dealing with people in mental health crises for 18 years), the system is barely fit for any purpose.
    The barriers to access present at every attempt to gain help. Even people in severe crisis are deflected from the system, unless they’re actually injuring themselves or a danger to the public. The follow up is disjointed and the system seems to be about shuffling clients around so as to be seen to be doing something, meanwhile the client gains nothing, and eventually distances themselves from the service in frustration.
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