What else can I do for a person when I’ve made the referral for mental services, but they’ve been waitlisted or they do not want to go?
A member contacted us with this great question. When a person is not interested in mental health services, or they are but the waitlist is long, it can be stressful. But remember - there are many options and you have a lot to offer!
These skills from the Respond and Extend core tasks in the framework can guide you to other supports you can consider with the person.
- Use a mini-intervention. Mini-interventions are just that - an intervention! Keep this tip sheet handy so you’re prepared to use them just at the right time.
- Work with the person to develop contingency plans for foreseeable changes and a broader safety plan.
- Can you increase contact or observation frequency? Consider these options:
- Messages through your electronic health record
- Phone check-ins
- Schedule follow-up appointments - either with yourself or another staff member
- Send caring contacts (need a refresh on caring contacts? Click here)
- Refer to Crisis Services
- Refer to other services or supports for additional unmet needs. They can target identified stressors and foreseeable changes directly.
- If the person is not comfortable seeking mental health support, you could explore other options for connection such as linking with a peer worker or support group.
- Explore how to engage family/carers to widen the circle of support.
- “I’ve worked with other patients that have found it really helpful to share what they’re going through with a loved one - a spouse, a friend, a sibling. A support person who can check in with you, you can share your safety plan with, and just feel like you can ask them for extra help if you need it. Who might a person like that be for you?”
- “Could we call that person right now? Or maybe they could come with you to your follow-up appointment next week?”
We'd love to hear from you - what are your other ideas about how to support someone?