In the realm of mental health services, a significant challenge faced by families is the transition from child psychiatric services to adult services. This transition period can often be intimidating and uncertain, leaving families in a state of limbo as they navigate towards adult care. It is common for families to be faced with the daunting prospect of re-entering waiting lists for adult services, adding to the anxiety and stress already present during this period of change.
The Need for Support and Guidance
Many families find themselves in need of support and guidance during this pivotal transition phase. The establishment of private clinics, such as Thrive, can play a vital role in alleviating the anxieties surrounding the transfer of care from pediatric to adult services. These clinics provide a sense of stability and continuity for families, offering a smoother transition process and ensuring that individuals receive the necessary support during this critical time.
The Current State of Affairs
Most psychiatrists specialize their area of services, and typically provide either pediatric/adolescent care or adult care. As such, as a teenager ages, they are required to move from one service to another, requiring them to locate a new provider willing to take over their psychiatric care. Unfortunately, most individuals in Ontario can wait up to 1 year or more to gain access to a psychiatrist, creating a significant gap in care for these transitioning adolescents.
How Clinics Like Thrive Therapy Can Help
Private clinics such as Thrive Therapy have short wait times, providing quick access to specialized psychiatric services. Individuals can reach out to Thrive Therapy to have their care taken over by a Nurse Practitioner.
What This Transition Looks Like
When you first contact Thrive Therapy, you will be offered a free 20-minute consultation session. During this phone call, you and your NP will discuss your goals and needs to ensure it is a good fit. If you choose to move forward, an intake appointment will be booked to complete a psychiatric assessment. Following this psychiatric intake appointment, care can promptly resume - whether through therapy sessions or medication prescriptions, these clinics offer comprehensive support to individuals and families.
The Nurse Practitioner typically requests previous records to ensure safe and effective ongoing psychiatric management.
Bridging the Gap
At Thrive Therapy, Nurse Practitioners are ready to assist clients while they are waiting for services from an OHIP-covered psychiatrist or treatment program. When a client moves on to these services, a comprehensive psychiatric report and discharge summary are forwarded to the new provider, easing the transition from one OHIP covered service to another.
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