A new era for mental health services: more services and more effective treatment
New and fresh winds are blowing in mental health and substance abuse services. Various experiments are planned for Western Uusimaa as early as this year. We are working hard to ensure that all residents of our region can find mental health and substance abuse services which are suitable for their situation at just the right time, more easily and with a clearer treatment path.
Digital services complement the range of services
The problem with the current situation is that people have had to wait for services. Mental health problems have not increased significantly as such, but – fortunately – treatment is being sought at a lower threshold than before. Mental health issues are no longer the same taboo as they used to be, and well-being is generally discussed more both in the media and with friends.
The need for services has, therefore, changed, and the range of services must change with it. We want to provide more practical advice and guidance as well as increase the client’s ability to make choices about their own care. Digital services play a major role in the latter, enabling the client to carry out tasks and surveys in support of their own well-being between appointments in the future.
Digital services diversify services and facilitate access to treatment. Conventional clinic and telephone services will, of course, remain alongside them.
“There is no need to worry that patients’ treatment will be transferred completely online – the purpose of digital activities is to support holistic care, not to replace it,” says Petri Luomaa, Project Manager.
Fewer complications, more services
When we are able to provide more versatile services and care, the personnel have a more comprehensive toolbox at their disposal and the client receives all their services more easily and without unnecessary additional visits.
Better services are always created together. In Western Uusimaa, plans are already being made on how to make everyone’s voices heard. Consultations with residents, experts by experience and the association sector all have a role to play in designing new and more effective mental health and substance abuse services.
“Through cooperation, we ensure that all the residents of Western Uusimaa have the same equal opportunities to receive the service, regardless of their municipality of residence. Local services are not disappearing; it’s rather the opposite,” says Petri Luomaa.
This is a good place from which to continue our journey.