In 2024, 45 million people reported being in recovery from a mental health condition, while an additional 23.5 million reported being in recovery from a substance use disorder.1
Although access to behavioral health services has steadily increased to help meet the demand, other care settings, such as emergency departments and primary care settings, are still feeling the pressure of rising admissions. For example, 75% of primary care visits involve behavioral health components, ranging from chronic disease management to mental health and substance use issues.2
To help relieve capacity strains for these care settings and improve patient outcomes, it is crucial to invest in high quality behavioral health programming. However, not all behavioral health is created equal. The most effective programs:
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- Have access to both national and local resources to help ensure the most effective, up-to-date care is provided.
- Employ a specially trained interdisciplinary team of psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, mental health technicians and more.
- Support a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, PTSD, suicidal ideation and substance use disorders.
- Care for a diverse patient population, ranging from adolescents to the elderly.
- Invest in technology to aid in treatment enhancements and improved patient outcomes.
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An effective behavioral health program also maintains a high level of expertise on existing and emerging behavioral health conditions and trends. Partnering with an experienced post-acute provider is one of the best ways to help ensure these program expectations and outcomes are met.
The Critical Role of Post-Acute Partnership
While the expansion of behavioral health services is vital, building and managing a successful hospital or behavioral health unit (BHU) is complex. This is where post-acute care partners become indispensable. An experienced partner provides:
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- Specialized expertise: Partners with years of experience understand the nuances of a wide variety of conditions, co-occurring disorders, and the specific support required for long-term recovery.
- Reduced readmissions: Effective treatment significantly reduces the likelihood of patients needing to return to the hospital for additional care. The right partner will address patient needs during their stay and develop a comprehensive, customized discharge plan.
- Improved patient outcomes: Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the patient's quality of life. An experienced partner contributes to better long-term recovery rates, improved functioning, and greater independence, allowing individuals to successfully return home.
- Enhanced community outcomes: When individuals receive appropriate and readily available care, it benefits the entire community. It leads to a reduction in emergency services and primary care utilization, allowing patients in need of these critical services to receive prompt treatment.
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For behavioral health hospitals and BHUs, selecting the right post-acute partner isn't just a strategic decision, it's a commitment to patient well-being and community health. By prioritizing partnerships with experienced post-acute providers, hospitals can significantly increase their impact, ensuring that patients receive the care they need to live their healthiest life.
Lifepoint Behavioral Health is a leader in treating patients with mental health and substance use disorders through partnerships that integrate best practices, resources and innovative solutions – therefore producing quality care, streamlined performance and superior outcomes.
Contact us to learn how Lifepoint Behavioral Health can help your hospital provide the best care to its patients.
References:
- https://www.beckersbehavioralhealth.com/behavioral-health-news/hhs-agency-releases-2024-substance-use-disorder-survey-5-things-to-know/
- https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/issues/2021/0500/p3.html
