2011 AFHTO conference presentation PRESENTER (S): Dr. Kathleen Brooks, M.D., FRCP (C); Mary Jane McDowell, MSW FHT/ORG: Prince Edward FHT ABSTRACT: Within the services offered by the Prince Edward Family Team nowhere is critical decision making more important than at the point of entry to our mental health system. At a time when demand for mental health services exceeds available resources, the importance of effective triage at the front door takes on increased importance. Mental health agencies can sometimes be reluctant to divert scarce clinical staff, especially the more experienced, in order to perform the role of coordination, intake and triage. The PEFHT views mental health intake as a critical decision point in serving our patients with mental health issues and as such our first hire to the program was a social worker who assumed the title of mental health program coordinator. Experienced and effective coordination and triage provides for a cohesive, accessible and equitable use of a limited resource. Click here to view presentation.
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