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Dr. Authur C. Evans’ Testimony Begins at 1:09:36
LAST IN THIS SERIES
“It is counterintuitive that the solution to a perceived inpatient bed shortage is to build a strong community-based service system. But, experience consistently shows this to be the case. An over emphasis on inpatient beds can drain needed resources away from the very services that prevent people from needing crisis services.” Arthur C. Evans Jr.
The director of mental health services in Philadelphia told the House Energy and Commerce subcommitte that most individuals can recovery. His city provides early intervention, Mental Health First Aid, Crisis Intervention Training for police and wrap around services, such as housing.
Community-based outpatient treatment and support services can prevent the need for inpatient services; communities differ dramatically in these resources. Outpatient resources and support services are part of any equation to understand the drivers of the utilization of inpatient psychiatric treatment. These community-based resources include intensive outpatient therapy, partial hospital services, intensive case management, assertive community treatment, and other community support systems, such as safe housing, employment opportunities, family education and support such as respite care. A system with comprehensive community services will have less need for inpatient beds as compared to a community without such services. By increasing these resources and improving their linkages to one another, we can decrease the need for inpatient hospitalization and improve long-terms outcomes for people experiencing a mental health crisis.
You can watch his 5 minute testimony above or read it by clicking here.
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