PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: Clinical Services Team

For individuals who do not have a primary care physician or do not meet criteria for specialized programs in hospitals, it can be difficult to access certain clinical mental health and addiction supports. Our Clinical Services team is one of the ways we support individuals who might find themselves in this gap and in need of services like psychiatry, long-acting antipsychotic injectable (LAI) support, occupational therapy or diabetes care.

The Clinical Services program at CMHA TVAMHS supports individuals in Middlesex and Elgin County at this time, with most services provided in London. The team operates clinics for psychiatry, injections, and foot care as well as connects clients in need with an occupational therapist. All services offered within the program have been developed with a low-barrier, access-and-flow model in mind, to support high volumes of referrals. All programs are voluntary and individuals must have a degree of readiness for services. We work closely with hospital and community partners to collaborate and support with treatment recommendations. 

Psychiatry services are available in London, Strathroy and St. Thomas. These clinics were implemented as a result of issues with access either in the hospital system or in the community. The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care created a funding pocket called “Sessional Dollars” that were allocated to agencies that supported this population and could secure a psychiatrist.  This funding ensured that physicians and staff would be funded to offer psychiatric consultation and treatment to those individuals who didn’t meet criteria for or couldn’t access traditional support in private practice or hospital settings. Our clinics have been successful in offering support to those who had difficulty following up with traditional care models, which helps keep individuals well where they live.  We registered over 600 clients in the past year alone.

The Outreach Injection Clinic started as a pilot as a result of barriers in our community in receiving on-going antipsychotic injections when individuals didn’t have access to primary care.  Over the years, we have evolved to provide rapid engagement to anyone facing a barrier to receiving their injection.  We accept out of catchment referrals, those from the hospital and need on-going supports, referrals from our own psychiatrists, etc.  The goal is to stabilize individuals on their injection with the hope of transitioning this function to the primary care provider, walk-in clinics, pharmacies, close to where people live and a more natural environment. The Outreach Injection Clinic has almost 200 clients registered in this program in the last year.

Occupational Therapy was introduced to our agency as a result of a significant barrier in getting OT services in our community.  The scope of the OT is conducive to our clients as their main goal is to improve function and quality of life. Based on client’s goals, the OT will assess components of the activity, the person, and the environment. We feel lucky to have an OT with an ADP (Assistive Devices Program) certification, which has significantly enhanced the lives of many individuals.

And finally, our Foot Care services are essential to improve the overall wellbeing of our clients.  With the incidence of diabetes 3-4 times greater within the population we support, foot care is offered for free to assess neuropathy, concerns, address potential risks and offer preventative measures. The foot care nurse offers assessment, treatment and education for individuals who are at risk for developing foot problems. We have almost 250 clients registered each year.

Supporting individuals with psychiatry, injection, foot care and occupational needs with minimal wait times is one of this team’s proud accomplishments. This access and flow model affords them the ability to support approximately 1,000 individuals annually. 

The team is eager to continue their work to stabilize, provide treatment and prevent relapses while helping to improve clients’ self-care, productivity and quality of life.

Learn more about our programs and services by visiting our website.