Increasingly, mental health professionals are collaborating with medical teams to ensure patient safety.
Yes, psychologists and counselors still place their main focus on helping patients manage their well-being. But today, mental health professionals’ role has expanded beyond providing therapy to looking for signs of abuse, distress, or other red flags in patients.
Keep reading to learn the ways that therapists can spot risk factors and help patients stay safe.
Looking for Indications of Abuse
Therapists may be the first health professionals to uncover signs of abuse in the individuals they serve.
As a patient begins recalling an experience, for example, they may divulge details that indicate an experience involving physical or emotional abuse. Maybe a teen patient comes in for a therapy session to cope with anxiety, but the narrative they present suggests physical abuse in their home.
Or, as another example, a therapist may work with a woman who expresses fear toward her husband. In that instance, details could emerge that point to domestic violence that requires follow-up intervention.
Therapists have the expertise to listen and assess risk levels within their patients. And once a therapist identifies a risk, such as sexual or emotional abuse, they can’t keep it bottled up.
Most states in the U.S. require that therapists report suspected abuse or neglect to the authorities, and therapists can read more about mandated reporting here. If therapists don’t report their findings, they could face significant repercussions, and their patient won’t get the extra layer of support they need.
Working with Other Healthcare Professionals
Most patients end up seeing healthcare professionals across different areas. Nurses and doctors, for instance, will collaborate as health partners to guide the patient care experience.
The concept of collaboration extends to therapists, as well, who often work alongside physicians and case managers to create comprehensive treatment plans. This approach to patient care offers a higher level of physical and mental health care that can help identify other issues, like signs of depression, that may be less obvious to someone working on a surgical team.
A patient’s demeanor could shift suddenly, for instance, when they’re in the hospital for anything from a broken arm to a colon surgery. These unexpected mood changes can make it wise to seek intervention from a therapist.
A therapist will have the unique skill set to determine whether a patient is merely experiencing anxiety about surgery or something deeper.
Helping Assess Risk
In medical settings, patients may express suicidal thoughts or exhibit self-harming behaviors. And in extreme cases, they may threaten the safety of other patients, nurses, or doctors. These are scenarios where therapists can arrive in the patient’s room to help the care team determine their level of risk and help shape an appropriate healthcare plan.
They may need to pursue emergency protocols if the patient is deemed a risk to employees or themself. Therapists can act as mediators to diffuse difficult situations or recommend ongoing mental health treatment. In short, therapists are a vital part of care teams when mental health issues arise.
Planning for After the Hospital Stay
Even after a patient is discharged, they may need help staying safe. Therapists aid in this process, and they can be heavily involved in discharge planning.
They’ll help evaluate a patient’s situation, determining whether they can go home and be safe in that environment. If they can, therapists can work with family members to help them understand how they can support a patient’s recovery, and what to do if they notice any concerning changes.
A therapist may schedule follow up appointments, especially for patients with mental health needs. In some cases, a patient may benefit from outpatient therapy or specific treatment plans. And in other cases, placement in a rehabilitation facility or transitional housing may make the most sense.
Turning to Therapists for Help
In healthcare environments where patients interact with several different providers, therapists play a critical role in assisting patients with personal safety. They can do assessments and intervene when patients are acting unexpectedly or revealing concerning information.
Nurses and doctors can collaborate with therapists to ensure all parts of a patient’s well-being receive the necessary attention they need.
Ultimately, integrating mental health professionals into healthcare teams offers a safer and more complete approach to healthcare.
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