Technology used during pandemic

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Technology used during pandemic

Sat, 03/28/2020 - 14:20
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Grand Lake Mental Health Center is a 501C3 non-profit organization that provides integrated mental health, physical health and substance abuse services to individuals needing such services. They provide services for veterans and families as well. They offer a variety of programs and services for individuals and ages range from birth throughout adulthood.

This agency is in 12 counties with 22 different sites. The counties include Kay, Payne, Noble, Osage, Pawnee, Rogers, Washington, Nowata, Craig, Ottawa, Delaware and Mayes.

GLMHC provides integrated outpatient services, which include individual therapy, family and group therapy, individual and group rehabilitation, case management, medication management, substance use/addiction services and crisis services. In addition to the services above, they also offer programs specifically for children and adolescents such as systems of care/wraparound services, infant mental health and strengthening and celebrating families groups. Other programs are offered on a limited basis including Mental Health court and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

Prescription medication services are provided by board certified psychiatrists, APRN’s (nurse practitioners) and PA’s (physician assistants) and are continually monitored and adjusted as the individual progresses.

GLMHC operates three 24 hour clinics, including Structured Crisis Center and Psychiatric Urgent Care in Pryor, OK and two Intensive Outpatient Centers in Vinita and Stillwater. They are also located at the Opportunity Center for their Adult Services here in Ponca City. Sometimes people find themselves in need of assistance with food, housing, transportation and/or job opportunities. Case Managers work with the community and government resources to find the best solutions, along with expanding the individuals support system.

Larry Smith is the CEO of GLMHC and has been with the company for 25 years.

“My favorite thing about this organization is getting individuals services when and where they need the services through technology. I am passionate about NO STIGMA and speak freely about my own recovery from addiction. I am also a Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist and absolutely enjoy helping others overcome issues they may be facing, just as I did also.” said Larry Smith CEO and CPRSS.

GLMHC has a unique program where technology is used to help and makes them available to their clients 24/7. We want people to stay in the community to receive services. If someone is having a mental health issue at 2:00 a.m. they can touch a button on an IPad and talk to a Mental Health Professional.

“It is what works and what individuals want. Many individuals can communicate through an episode, get an appointment the next morning and reduce the need for further involvement or more restrictive environments.” Added Smith.

Every police officer already has an IPad in their vehicles at all times in every county we serve. Not every client has an IPad at this time, but it is our goal over the next year to have the Grand Care App on their own personal Ipad, available to every individual with an open chart at GLMHC. Currently, the agency has 8000 individuals; they are serving with about 2200 having an Ipad in their home furnished by GLMHC.

“Don’t get too excited about having an IPad provided by GLMHC, these IPAds are in single App Mode, so it can only be used to communicate with GLMHC staff or vice versa.

During the Coronavirus crisis, they are using other technology to communicate with their clients. This includes, but not limited to phones, smartphones, medication pickup in clinic parking lots and home visits if necessary. GLMHC is creating a physical distance, but at the same time they don’t want clients to be isolated. They can communicate and be available without total isolation. GLMHC is also using a TEAMS App to do video conferences from any computer or smartphone.

GLMHC wants its clients to know they are still available at the office or online to help clients with their mental health and/or substance abuse issues. If needed, clients are still also able to drop in at any clinic and staff is available for therapy or intake services.

They accept Medicaid, Medicare, and if you are indigent, GLMHC will provide services for free. There is no excuse to suffer alone with a mental health or substance abuse issue. Stigma is in the past and treatment is in the future and they want the public to know there is no judgement and all individuals are seen as only individuals. If you are experiencing a Mental Health Crisis please call 1-800-722-3611.