How Cascadia Health is Making a Difference in Mental Healthcare
The Importance of Mental Healthcare
Mental illness affects millions of people globally, and its impact has been increasing. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the urgency with which society needs to address mental health issues. With isolation, disruption to routines, increased stress and anxiety, and financial uncertainties, many people have been experiencing mental health challenges. Mental healthcare, therefore, remains a critical aspect of healthcare, and it is important for organizations to prioritize it.
Cascadia Health: Who Are They?
Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare is a Portland-based non-profit organization that has been providing mental health services to the community for over 35 years. They offer critical mental health services to people of all ages, including those who are homeless, low income, or who have experienced trauma. Cascadia Health serves over 16,000 clients every year and has a 95% retention rate.
How Cascadia Health is Making a Difference in Mental Healthcare
Cascadia Health has made significant strides in providing comprehensive and integrated mental healthcare services to its clients. Here’s how they are doing this:
1. Providing a range of mental health services
Cascadia Health has a comprehensive range of mental health services that are tailored to the different needs of their clients. These include mental health treatment and support, substance abuse treatment and support, primary care services, and housing services.
2. Collaborating with community organizations
Cascadia Health recognizes the importance of community collaboration in addressing mental healthcare challenges. They partner with other local organizations to provide the necessary resources and treatment services to their clients. For instance, Cascadia Health recently partnered with a local housing organization to provide housing to their homeless clients.
3. Focusing on client-centered care
Cascadia Health understands that every client has unique mental health needs. Therefore, they prioritize client-centered care, where the focus is on providing individualized care services that meet the unique needs of each client. This approach has been effective, with over 80% of their clients reporting improved outcomes.
4. Utilizing technology to enhance mental healthcare services
Cascadia Health has incorporated technology in its services to improve access to mental healthcare services for its clients. For example, they provide virtual appointments, a mobile app, and an online portal that allows clients to access their medical records, schedule appointments and access educational resources.
Conclusion
Cascadia Health has set the bar in mental healthcare provision by prioritizing client-centered care, collaborating with community organizations, and leveraging technology to enhance their services. The organization’s efforts have contributed significantly to addressing mental health challenges, and they remain committed to providing critical mental health services to the community. It is time for more organizations to follow the footsteps of Cascadia Health and prioritize mental healthcare.
