Intervention Sites and the Process of Care
System Framework
The following section describes behavioral health ( including SUD ) intervention points . The process of care described is intended to reflect the primary , system-level access points and processes faced by those seeking behavioral health care . Although there may be some unique instances not fitting into the model below , it shows the processes faced by the majority of people in need of behavioral health care in Polk County . Specifically , the purpose of the following section is three-fold :
• Illustrate the complexities of receiving care in Polk County
• Enumerate several key points at which people seek care for behavioral health issues and / or are identified as needing care
• Underscore the importance of collaborative work to break down silos and advance care to those in need .
The process of care is complicated , especially for behavioral health and substance misuse services . Multiple contact points or intervention sites in the community can exist for any individual seeking to get help . In addition , the process of care differs depending on the patient ’ s insurance ( or lack thereof ) and the funder of the specific program or facility providing the care . To further exacerbate challenges , the pathway to receive care is not linear – one patient may touch multiple contact points or intervention points throughout his or her lifetime .
In yet another unique structure , the public safety or criminal justice system has distinct channels and processes ( since a large percentage of people in the Polk County jail or prison system have or have had behavioral health or substance misuse concerns at some point in their lives ).
Patients face challenges when trying to get the right care at the right time in the right place . Access to care challenges remain – even after an initial experience in the behavioral health care system . Ongoing , or chronic , conditions pose ongoing challenges , as provider requirements changes , patient needs evolve , and process of care issues realign .
Stage 2 research was used to help illuminate the issues and serve as a basis to construct a simple to follow illustration of patient intervention points and channels to care sites . Specifically , it defined process of care components based on feedback from providers , general community members ( including users of the behavioral health system ), and other key stakeholders . The process of care components covered discussed in this section include the following :
• Environment Sectors : The broad categories or places within society with which people identify or where they live , work or play on a regular basis .
• Intervention Sites or Contact Points : People or places within the sectors that can identify or help inform someone who needs help with behavioral health or substance misuse issues .
• Care Sites : Facilities where people can receive behavioral health or substance misuse services .
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