High Tech Mental Health Solutions

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) has developed a high-tech solution for providing crisis mental health assessments for people living in the northern and remote areas of the county through the development of telemedicine technology for psychiatry in addition to a walk-in assessment center. Opened in January 2008, the North County Walk-in Assessment Center is a voluntary walk-in assessment center the provides age and culturally appropriate crisis mental health services to transition age youth, adults and seniors in the north San Diego County region. This walk-in service provides screening and triage for appropriateness of hospitalization to reduce escalation of crisis mental health situations and minimizes unnecessary inpatient treatment. These services are enhanced through the addition of an innovative telepsychiatry service provided through a partnership between the county and the provider, Exodus Recovery, Inc. This center offers comprehensive and integrated assessment of mental health, substance abuse, crisis intervention, follow up appointments and psychotropic medication management. Immediate referrals, appointments and linkages to community mental health clinics or other appropriate support services are offered on an as-needed basis when there is a temporary delay in the initiation of services.