When Becker's asked industry experts about their priorities and plans for mental healthcare in 2023, some common threads among industry experts were adolescent behavioral health services, addressing the staffing shortage and crisis care treatment.
Tim Quigley, DNP, RN, senior vice president of South Shore Health's special projects department, spoke with Becker's about how the South Weymouth, Mass.-based system is laying the groundwork for improving mental healthcare in 2023.
Editor's note: This response was edited lightly for clarity and brevity.
Q: What is your organization's focus with regard to behavioral healthcare going into 2023?
Dr. Tim Quigley: While Massachusetts' behavioral health resources were strained before COVID-19, the impacts of the pandemic have only further limited access to care for adults and children. Due to the demand for inpatient bed capacity and clinical staff throughout the behavioral health system, it is now even more challenging for those in crisis to get the services they need. Many patients turn to the emergency department, but it can often lead to days, weeks or months of "boarding" before the most appropriate location for care is secured.
In 2023, as in years past, we will advocate for more inpatient behavioral health beds in our region — which is in need of 200 to 300 beds for patients. Additionally, our health system and community will benefit from the $130 million Massachusetts has directed to build and support a statewide behavioral health workforce, both inpatient and outpatient, using loan forgiveness and tuition.
In the year ahead, South Shore Health will continue its clinical affiliation with Aspire Health Alliance to advance access to care for behavioral health services for our shared patients as we execute Massachusetts' new Community Behavioral Health plan.
We expect a continued increase in the utilization of South Shore Health's successful Bridge Program, which serves as a "community door" for patients that are looking to start treatment for substance use disorder, and our perinatal behavioral health/SHORE Program, which provides mental health and substance use disorder services to pregnant and parenting mothers.
The mental health and wellness of all of our colleagues is a top organizational priority during these challenging times. South Shore Health will continue a number of strategies to support our colleagues, including a 24/7 employee assistance program; peer support and listening sessions; resources; intervention; and connection around any emotionally demanding aspect of a colleague's job and/or personal life.