The Impact of Deinstitutionalization on Inpatient Psychiatric Care

Deinstitutionalization refers to the process of reducing or eliminating the reliance on psychiatric hospitals by shifting the focus toward community-based mental health care. With the assistance of community-based services, these people have been able to live independently or in group homes, find jobs, and gain self-efficacy (Reardon, 2015). This policy has broadly impacted society and the healthcare system, affecting both the delivery of care and the responsibilities of psychiatric social workers.

Effects of Deinstitutionalization on Inpatient Psychiatric Care

The deinstitutionalization policy has had a significant impact on the delivery of inpatient psychiatric care. Offering treatment services within the community began to destigmatize mental illness and allowed patients to become active members of the communities from which they had long been restricted (Dewey, 2022). By reducing the reliance on psychiatric hospitals, this policy aimed to provide individuals with mental illness more autonomy and opportunities to live in the community. However, this shift has also brought about several challenges and consequences.

Impact on Society

One of the most notable impacts of deinstitutionalization on society is the increased burden on caregivers and families. The shift from institutional care to community-based care often leaves family members as the primary caregivers for individuals with mental illness. This can increase stress and strain on families as they navigate the challenges of providing ongoing care and support. Deinstitutionalization is also one of the leading causes that has been viewed as increasing the number of persons with mental illness entering the criminal justice system (Lamb & Weinberger, 2020).

Impact on the Healthcare System

The deinstitutionalization policy has also had significant effects on the healthcare system. The closure of psychiatric hospitals has led to a shortage of inpatient beds and increased the demand for community mental health services. The intensive needs of some people with serious mental illness have been too much for community-based services that are underresourced and overwhelmed by demand (Reardon, 2015). This has resulted in longer wait times for admission to psychiatric hospitals and inadequate access to specialized care.

Effect on Roles of Psychiatric Social Workers

The deinstitutionalization policy has significantly altered the role of psychiatric social workers. Traditionally, social workers played a crucial role in providing comprehensive care and support to individuals with mental illness while they were hospitalized. However, with the decline of inpatient psychiatric care, social workers have had to adapt their roles to focus on community-based mental health services and support. Solomon says more social workers need to open themselves up to working with clients with serious mental illness (Reardon, 2015). Sometimes these clients are seen as the "impossible" cases and work with them is seen as beneath the level of highly educated social workers (Reardon, 2015).

Resources for Patients with Mental Illness in Jackson County, Missouri:

To support individuals with mental illness and their caregivers in Jackson County, Missouri, the following resources are available:

1. University Health/Behavioral Health, https://www.universityhealthkc.org/services/behavioral-healthLinks to an external site.

University Health offers comprehensive mental health services, including counseling, therapy, psychiatric services, and support groups. Their behavioral health department aims to meet the needs of individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

1. Rediscover Mental Health, https://www.rediscovermh.orgLinks to an external site.

Rediscover Mental Health is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting mental well-being and providing support to individuals with mental illness and their caregivers. They offer workshops, support groups, and educational events to empower individuals and provide a sense of community.

1. Comprehensive Mental Health Services, https://thecmhs.comLinks to an external site.

Comprehensive Mental Health Services is a comprehensive mental health clinic offering various services, including therapy, medication management, and psychiatric evaluations. They provide individualized treatment plans tailored to each client's needs.

Evaluation:

While these resources serve an important role in supporting the mentally ill and their caregivers in Jackson County, they may only sometimes be able to meet all of their needs adequately. The need for mental health services in the community continues to grow, and the availability of resources may not always meet the demand. However, from my personal experience, having worked with Rediscover Mental Health for nearly 8 years, I have seen firsthand the impact the services they provided to the clients and their caregivers had on them. Some clients remained clients for over 20 years, a testament to the stability and support they received from the organization. In addition to the services provided by Rediscover Mental Health, the other two community mental health agencies in Jackson County are known for their exceptional care. I often refer clients to these agencies because I know the positive impact they can have on individuals' lives.

References:

Dewey, J. (2022). Deinstitutionalization. In Salem Press Encyclopedia. Salem Press

Reardon, C. (2015). Article stirs debate on long-term psychiatric care. Social Work Today, 15(4), 12. https://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/072115p12.shtmlLinks to an external site.

Lamb, H. R., & Weinberger, L. E. (2020). Deinstitutionalization and other factors in the criminalization of persons with serious mental illness and how it is being addressed. CNS Spectrums, 25(2), 173-180. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1092852919001524Links to an external site.

Expand on the post by explaining additional challenges caregivers might face when caring for individuals with mental illness.

Describe the similarities and differences between the local resources in Missouri vs resources available in Virginia.