Include family in behavioral/mental health treatments
With HIPAA laws in place, the family is excluded from treatment decisions. In most cases, it is the family that has to struggle to deal with mental health issues. More family involvement could help clinicians get a better picture of what they are trying to treat. A patient in crisis may not be able to sign a release of information form. A substance use disorder patient will not sign because they are afraid if a family member tells the truth, they could not continue to use. I have struggled with this for years.
Kathy Anderson
shared this idea
2 comments
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Deborah Fickling
commented
As long as it's the patient's family of choice - which is not necessarily their family of origin.
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Peggy
commented
Families are generally left out of the support and treatment of behavioral health treatment for consumers. They are a central part of the inclusiveness and connectiveness in our communities and in recovery.
