A mental health care navigator is an individual who assists patients and families to find appropriate

mental health Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing cognition, perception, and behavior. It likewise determines how an individual handles stress, interpersonal relationships, and decision-making. Mental hea ...

caregivers A caregiver or carer is a paid or unpaid member of a person's social network who helps them with activities of daily living. Since they have no specific professional training, they are often described as informal caregivers. Caregivers most commo ...

, facilities and services. Individuals who are care navigators are often also trained

therapists A therapy or medical treatment (often abbreviated tx, Tx, or Tx) is the attempted remediation of a health problem, usually following a medical diagnosis. As a rule, each therapy has indications and contraindications. There are many different ...

and doctors.

Overview

The need for mental health care navigators arises from the fragmentation of the mental health industry, which can often leave patients with more questions than answers. Care navigators work closely with patients and families through discussion and collaboration to provide information on best options and referrals to healthcare professionals, facilities, and organizations specializing in the patients’ needs. The difference between other

mental health professional A mental health professional is a health care practitioner or social and human services provider who offers services for the purpose of improving an individual's mental health or to treat mental disorders. This broad category was developed as a ...

s and a care navigator is that a care navigator provides information and directs a patient to the best help rather than offering treatment. Still, care navigators may provide diagnosis and treatment planning. Mental health care navigation is also sometimes provided by self-help books.

Terminology

Many mental health organizations use “navigator” and “navigation” to describe the service of providing guidance through the health care industry. Care navigators are also sometimes referred to as “system navigators.”. One type of care navigator is an "educational consultant."

Models

Models for mental health care navigation can involve many scenarios from a brief consultation to an extended process with follow-up. They offer referrals, assistance with insurance and other financial matters and general support. A highly detailed method of care navigation with long-term follow up was developed in 2011 by San Francisco-based psychiatrist and mental health expert Eli Merritt, M.D. His model involves what he calls the “3 R’s” of mental health care: “Research, Resources, and Referrals.” It involves four steps: * Assessment & Needs Identification. In this preliminary, exploratory phase, care navigators meet with the individual or family seeking help. Patient history and needs are identified. Both the patient and the care navigator think through short- and long-term goals and levels of treatment sought. * Dialogue & Plan Formation. Through discussion and collaboration, both the patient and care navigator brainstorm next steps, establishing a plan that is specific to the patient's needs. * Care Coordination. After information gathering and brainstorming, doctors, therapists, and other mental health options are provided to the patient. Questions of affordability arise, and patients are advised toward the best solutions for their conditions and circumstances. * Continuity. After guiding patients to healthcare providers, care navigators maintain communication and continuity with patients, offering assistance with any future obstacles that might arise.

References

{{Reflist, 30em Mental health occupations

Overview

Terminology

Models

See also

References