Mental health services “preoccupied” by risk management

A network of walk-in community health centres offering advice
and access to specialist services ought to be developed as part of
a “universalist” approach to mental health, according a
major new report published today, writes Simeon
Brody.

The study by the Institute for Public Policy Research think tank
argues that mental health services have become preoccupied with
risk management, medication and the small group of people who are
acutely unwell.

To redress the balance and meet the needs of those with
long-term or more common mental health problems the report, which
sets out a vision for services in 2025, suggests setting up
“community health centres”.

The centres would provide information and support focusing on
physical and mental health and wellbeing and would be a base for
different health, social care and voluntary sector
professionals.

The report also proposes introducing “access
workers” as an alternative to GPs as an entry point into
services. The workers could offer counselling or a route into
specialist services.

Mental Health in the Mainstream from www.ippr.org.uk

For the Bigger Picture on Mental Health go to:-

https://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/article.asp?liarticleid=48118&liSectionID=22&sKeys=&liParentID=26