Individuals who use mental health services indicate that access and availability are two of the most important elements for engaging in services. During their conference presentation, CMHA Lambton Kent shared an innovative approach to address mental health needs at early onset: the Rapid Assessment Intervention and Treatment (RAIT) Program. The RAIT program is an interdisciplinary team that helps develop a treatment plan in collaboration with the individual and their primary healthcare practitioner. Comprised of psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, psychotherapists and client care assistants, the RAIT team provides unique mental health care to individuals who have limited access to mental health services across Lambton/Kent counties.
Responsive access to the RAIT Program is available through the individuals Primary Health Care Practitioner with a target response within business hours. Services are short-term in duration, with a solution based focus and facilitating ongoing mental health services when necessary, and may include any of the following: psychiatric consult and recommendations, nursing assessment and treatment, psychotherapy treatment, psychosocial interventions, and life skills coaching. Linkages and referrals to other resources and services are also offered when needed.
For more information on the RAIT program, visit the CMHA Lambton Kent website.