As we continue to learn and understand more about mental health, we are finding that in many cases — especially in rural areas of the state, that services simply cannot meet the need. To help alleviate some of that demand, Oswego Health has begun a relatively new program that helps meet people where they are.

Inside the Lakeview Center for Mental Health and Wellness sits the home of the assertive community treatment team: the ACTs. It's a group of mental health professionals that provide support and treatment during a crisis, out of the office.

“Their mission is to provide behavioral health services to our patients in the community. Very close to home, right at their home,” Oswego Health Associate Administrator of Behavioral Health Services said.

What You Need To Know

  • Oswego Health has a new team that is able to make house visits in case of a mental health need

  • The Assertive Community Treatment team has a goal of assessing a situation, and offering support and treatment without having to require a hospital or facility stay

  • The team says being at home, with family and loved ones is often a major help in treating a crisis

 

Jody Pittsley is the associate administrator for behavioral health services at Oswego Health. In her experience, she says, as we learn more about mental health and the services needed - especially in rural areas - they are discovering there simply are not enough hospital and facility beds to meet the need. And sometimes that's not even the best course of treatment anyway, because often times crisis requires comfort.

“You want to be around some of your family members, people that you have, whether there's someone on your safety plan, someone that you can connect with, that help that can help you get through that crisis,” Pittsley added.

And that's why this team hits the road and takes those visits. The patient can grow a bond with the professional in a place where loved ones are everywhere.

“You don't always feel comfortable telling strangers you know what your concern is, and maybe you don't feel comfortable, you know, telling everyone your personal business. So having that team and having your family is very important,” Pittsley said.

And at the same time, it also helps the team educate family members on mental health crisis needs and care, and it allows the team members to also help the family out with some support as well. The ACT team offers this support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.