Ravenwood Mental Health Center is now offering Same-Day Access to mental health care which has Geauga County residents and neighboring communities breathing a sigh of relief. Traditionally, scheduling an appointment for mental health services could take two weeks to months locally and throughout the country — prolonging treatment and leaving families to struggle with mental health problems alone.
Vicki Clark, chief executive officer of Ravenwood, says, “Deanna Brant, chief operating officer of intensive services at Ravenwood, and I attended a workshop in Columbus on same-day access to mental health care. At the time, Ravenwood had a significant waiting list — often several weeks. Our current delivery model was not working for our patients and us. We both agreed the Same-Day Access model would be a perfect fit for our community.”
Today, people in need of mental health services can call or visit Ravenwood Mental Health Center before 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday and be seen that day by an intake specialist or outpatient clinician. Individuals arriving after 2 p.m. are seen the next day if requested. At this first meeting, formal treatment is initiated. Patients leave with an initial diagnostic assessment, treatment plan, and at least one skill to help them cope. A first appointment for ongoing counseling will be initiated within seven days of that first meeting in most situations.
“Immediate access to care is a critical element of recovery from mental illness, trauma and addiction-related issues,” Clark explains. “Same-Day Access is fully up and running. We believe this will make treatment readily available to those most in need.”
She says it is critical patients feel treatment has begun on the first visit. “The goal of Same-Day Access is simple. When someone needs help — whether for an addiction problem or some mental health problem — they need help now. That is when we want to see them –when they are engaged and in the moment. Oftentimes, if a week or two has past, appointment cancellations or no-shows skyrocket,” Clark explains.
“Same-Day Access is separate from crisis intervention,” adds Brant. “People experiencing a crisis will typically be seen within 15 minutes of entering our facility.” Brant directly oversees intake scheduling for Same-Day Access. “My goal in life is to help people who are suffering. At Ravenwood, we are supporting a quality of life that, with treatment, can be much better, productive and happy. While sometimes there may be no cure, there is hope.”
Clark concurs, “We get to see progress — more than people may think. I believe same-day access to mental health care is the coming state-of-the-art. I’ve seen a huge increase in need for mental health services in Geauga County. In the past 15 years, Ravenwood’s caseload has tripled. Part of this growth is due to more sophisticated services being offered here. There is also a huge increase in demand for children and adolescent services and much more intensive services.” Since launching same-day access, Ravenwood staff are seeing on average 20 new clients a week.
While the demand for psychiatric services tops the list, counseling follows for all ages and every diagnosis — depression, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, etc.
Mental disorders affect tens of millions of people each year in the United States. Mental disorders among children is not only common but on the rise. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention 40 million Americans each year, or 18 percent, suffer from an anxiety disorder. Under recognized and under treated, more than six million men alone have depression each year, and left untreated, depression can lead to personal, family and financial troubles. With appropriate treatment, most people with depression recover.
There is a sliding scale for fees for Geauga County residents, depending on income and family size which is funded by the Geauga County Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services. Ravenwood accepts Medicaid, Medicare and most insurances.
For more information on Ravenwood Mental Health Center’s Same-Day Access or if you are in need of mental health, trauma-related and/or addiction-recovery services, please call our Intake Specialist at 440.285.3568 to request an appointment. Click here for 10 things you should bring to every doctor’s appointment.
PHOTO CAPTION: Ravenwood Mental Health Center’s Intake Specialist Patricia Spadaro meets with a client at Ravenwood.
