Learn the mental health support options available to you help including social care, community mental health team, and residential care.
Mental Health Support – These Are The Options
Taking care of your mental health is crucially important. As with physical health, there are times in which you will need help and support from others. However, whilst we may all know to go to the doctor or A&E if we are in physical pain our options when under mental duress are not as widely known about. Beyond your regular GP, there is further mental health support available. Below we have explored the most common and notable help including social care, community mental health teams, and residential care and explained the differences between each.
Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs)
Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs) work with people within the community with serious or complex mental health conditions. CMHTs are made up of different mental health professionals and support workers. A CMHTs may include a psychologist, occupational therapist, social worker, community support worker and a community psychiatric nurse (CPN).
If assigned to a CMHT you will typically be appointed a member of the team. This member will be your care coordinator and will maintain contact with you to plan your care.
Social Care
Social or community care offers support carrying out day to day tasks. For instance, it can be used for help with money management, arranging transport for attending appointments, and making benefits and housing applications. You can be referred to social services through your doctor or CMHTs. You can also contact them and ask for an assessment directly.
Residential Care
Where someone is unable to cope at home there are alternative accommodation options. You can discuss your options with a carer, support worker or CMHTs. Examples of alternative accommodation include:
- Residential Care Homes – offering a high level of care for people with more severe mental health problems.
- Supported Housing – furnished accommodation for living independently with backup support from a mental health worker.
- Hostels – supervised short-term accommodation to support you until you can live more independently
- Therapeutic Communities – short term accommodation with therapy for individuals or groups as part of a rehabilitation programme.
CRHT And Crisis Intervention
A crisis resolution and home treatment team (CRHT) help you through a crisis at home. They are an experienced team of mental health professionals which you can contact in the case of a mental health emergency. If longer-term solutions and support is required a CRHT team can make the necessary referrals.
Hospital Treatment
For people with severe mental health problems or people experiencing a crisis, hospital inpatient care may be the best option. Typically this support is voluntary for the patient however where you are assessed and judged to be a risk to yourself or other you may be detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. Whether you are detained or take on support voluntarily you will receive the highest care from trained professionals. Everything down to secure mental health ambulance transport is designed to assist people with mental health problems.
Mental Health Charities
There are many mental health charities which can help either directly or through helping you find the right support. To find the applicable charity for your needs check out this list of NHS recognised mental health charities. You can find many details surrounding mental health and your support options from mental health charity Mind (also included on the charities list above).
If you are experiencing mental health problems and require support use the resources listed to seek out the help you need. Your GP can help make the necessary referrals or you may be able to work with a charity to access a variety of mental health support and treatment.
How does EMA help with mental health patients?
We are proud to be a trusted mental health transport provider, with a team who is compassionate, caring and experienced in supporting mental health organisations and patients.
Our service can be booked by healthcare professionals, as well as the friends or family of the patient.
Call us today on 0800 634 1478, fill out an enquiry form or email and we will contact you to discuss how can help you.
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