Rogers Behavioral Health applauds new state telehealth pilot helping officers connect people in crisis with care

Posted on 04/18/24 09:09:am

 

MADISON, Wis. First responders arrive on scene to all kinds of crises, including mental health emergencies. That’s prompted discussions and new programs nationwide aiming to better provide care for people whose mental health concerns play a role in the crisis.

Passed in late March, a new Wisconsin bill calls for the state’s Department of Health Services to establish a pilot program that will help law enforcement officers in the field connect people in crisis with virtual behavioral health services.

“By monitoring patient outcomes during and after treatment, we know that effective treatment, especially in times of crisis, can be absolutely life-changing,” says Cindy Meyer, Rogers’ president and CEO. “We applaud efforts to improve access to evidence-based care for anyone in need.”

According to the bill, certified county crisis agencies can apply for grants, and if awarded, they can contract with their local law enforcement jurisdictions to provide telehealth equipment and develop virtual behavioral health treatment. County crisis agencies that are awarded grants can also contract private entities for training, equipment, or decision-making support services.

“I’m thrilled about this program’s potential to support first responders. Telehealth has proven to be an effective and accessible way to deliver critical mental health care, and this program has the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of people experiencing crisis situations,” says Signa Meyers, Rogers’ vice president of strategic initiatives. “This helps both our communities and our first responders with direct access to professionals who are trained in situations such as these. I’m proud this initiative is coming to Wisconsin and believe similar programs should be a priority across the nation, particularly in underserved rural areas.”

Rogers’ virtual treatment for IOP and PHP (intensive outpatient programs and partial hospitalization programs that meet on weekdays typically for three to six hours a day for four to six weeks) are available for patients in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Tennessee. In Wisconsin, Rogers also now offers virtual outpatient psychiatric appointments for evaluation and medication management.

Studies show telehealth is an effective way to deliver treatment, resulting in significant symptom reduction as well as strong engagement between patients and telehealth providers. Clinical outcomes are comparable to in-person treatment. Many Rogers patients have shared with us that they felt at ease and were even more comfortable speaking up in a virtual environment.

According to Mental Health America, mental health crises should be treated using medical personnel or, even better, specialized mental health personnel whenever possible.

About Rogers Behavioral Health

Rogers Behavioral Health is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit provider of mental health and addiction services. Based in Wisconsin since 1907 with locations in 10 states, Rogers is one of the largest behavioral healthcare providers in the United States. Rogers offers evidence-based treatment for adults, children, and adolescents with depression and other mood disorders, eating disorders, addiction, OCD and anxiety disorders, trauma, and PTSD. In addition to a growing network of locations in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Washington, Rogers operates three inpatient behavioral health hospitals, 17 residential programs and seven outpatient centers in Wisconsin.

The System also includes Ladish Co. Foundation Center, home to Rogers Research Center, the Rogers Foundation, and the Ronald McDonald Family Room®. In addition, Rogers leads the nationwide WISE coalition with the goal of eliminating stigma related to mental health and substance use disorders. Learn more at rogersbh.org.

Contact:

Maddy O’Neill

Communications and Public Relations Lead

262-599-4542
madalyn.oneill@rogersbh.org