Op-ed: More to do in the mental health crisis of Utah

Nearly one in five people in the United States is struggling with a mental health problem. In a context of massive public shootings, increasing dependence on opioids and increasing rates of depression, it is discouraging to read about the suicides of fashion designer Kate Spade and the leader, author and personality of television Anthony Bourdain. It is clear that wealth alone does not protect against the ravages of mental illness, but it is in the news. For example, a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that 49 states have seen a 25% increase in suicide rates between 1999 and 2016. Suicide prevention is a complex and multi-faceted issue. The dramatic shortage of psychiatrists and other mental health providers across the country is one of many barriers to access to care.

Utah has not emerged from this crisis and our growing population is suffering from a higher rate of mental illness than in the United States. average. Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 311 mental health providers per 100,000 people. In Utah, that's 209 per 100,000. At the national and local level, there are not enough hospital beds and treatment programs for good mental health care.

University of Utah Health aims to be a leader in improving access to mental health specialists. . We are already developing innovative programs to help the group of mental health providers take care of more people in our community by increasing the number of physicians in our psychiatry residency program and continuing to recruit, hire and train qualified mental health providers. . Community programs that make a difference include Giving Access to All, which extends mental health services to children and adults by matching primary care physicians and psychiatry specialists for electronic consultation. Through this service, we can provide high quality care for families and children while reducing costs and maintaining most home treatments. U. of U. Health also invested in the Integration of Mental Health where we place therapists and psychiatrists alongside primary care clinicians in the clinic. These innovative programs offer tremendous value to patients, but unfortunately they are not adequately reimbursed by insurers.

At the University Neuropsychiatric Institute, we partnered with Salt Lake County, Optum Salt Lake County and Utah. Mental Health to provide a crisis line at 800-273-8255 to keep our family members, friends and neighbors safe 24/7 from the state. The Crisis Line is the hub of Utah for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Authorized clinicians provide prompt and compassionate intervention, as well as referral and follow-up services. The line takes about 50,000 calls a year and averages three to five active rescues a week. In addition, an average of 14,000 calls per year are processed by the Warm Line. On this line, residents of Salt Lake County in crisis may receive support, commitment or encouragement from specialists.

When highly trained professionals determine that an emergency phone line requires in-person intervention, our mobile team meets with county residents. they are, on average, more than 325 meetings a month. Youth and adult service teams are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to support individuals, families, schools, caregivers and first responders. and peak line. The Utah Legislature, State Board of Education, Attorney General's Office, Law Enforcement, Human Services Division and the Neuropsychiatric Institute academic have all contributed to the application, which is widely used throughout the state

. crisis intervention to students through texting and a confidential counseling program – directly from a smartphone. Certified clinicians at a 24/7 call center answer all incoming calls, tips and tricks. They help manage emotional crises, bullying, cyberbullying, drug and alcohol problems, relationship problems and mental health or suicide issues. All advice is confidential. Students are encouraged to send advice on threats of violence in school and other emergencies.

Unfortunately, traditional outpatient services are not always sufficient. We have expanded inpatient services, including the development of a nationally recognized comprehensive treatment program for children and adolescents with complex mental health issues. The program offers a full range of intermediary services, including residential care, day treatment, intensive outpatient services and addiction treatment services. The University's Institute of Neuropsychiatry has the Clinic of Mood Disorders, which offers a full range of neurostimulation treatments.

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Clearly, more needs to be done. It is a critical issue facing our nation, our state and our individual families. As the only academic medical center in Utah, we seek to create more innovative and practical programs to promote healthier minds and better lives. But we can not do it alone. We appreciate the collaboration, contributions and ideas of government leaders, community organizers, religious leaders, teachers and you. We are a community. We are stronger together. We are Utah and we can lead the country in solving the mental health crisis.

Howard R. Weeks is an associate professor of infant and juvenile psychiatry at the University of Utah School of Medicine.