Understanding mental health services for people with severe mental illnesses in MS
Serious mental illnesses (SMI), including schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and bipolar disorders, are a heterogeneous group defined by a variety of symptoms as well as significant deficits in psychosocial functioning. The first-line treatment for these disorders, pharmacotherapy, is beneficial, though reductions in symptoms tend to be small to moderate, and some patients do not have beneficial treatment response. Even with adequate symptom management, people with SMI often continue to experience functional challenges. Psychotherapy can be effective for symptom and functioning outcomes for people with SMI. However, psychotherapy is often not available to people with these disorders, and little is known about the availability of psychotherapy to people with SMI in the rural South. A review published in 2015 identified only five available reports on mental health services in rural areas for people with SMI (Weaver, Capobianco, & Ruffolo, 2015); even less work describes the availability of psychotherapy services for this group.
This study aims to fill this gap in the literature by using a three-pronged approach to examining psychotherapy service use and availability in southern Mississippi. First, we will collate and examine service use at the University of Southern Mississippi Center for Behavioral Health by individuals with SMI since its inception. Second, we will conduct qualitative interviews with local service providers to assess 1) service availability with focus on individual and group psychotherapy; 2) barriers and facilitators to the implementation of these services in their facility; and 3) perceived need for these services in the community. Third, we will conduct qualitative interviews with local people with SMI diagnoses to assess the 1) perceived availability of the mental health services they need; 2) interest and desire for psychotherapy services; 3) perceived barriers to the ability to engage in such services. This investigation will serve to increase our knowledge of psychotherapy service use and availability and provide guidance for service development in this region.
This study aims to fill this gap in the literature by using a three-pronged approach to examining psychotherapy service use and availability in southern Mississippi. First, we will collate and examine service use at the University of Southern Mississippi Center for Behavioral Health by individuals with SMI since its inception. Second, we will conduct qualitative interviews with local service providers to assess 1) service availability with focus on individual and group psychotherapy; 2) barriers and facilitators to the implementation of these services in their facility; and 3) perceived need for these services in the community. Third, we will conduct qualitative interviews with local people with SMI diagnoses to assess the 1) perceived availability of the mental health services they need; 2) interest and desire for psychotherapy services; 3) perceived barriers to the ability to engage in such services. This investigation will serve to increase our knowledge of psychotherapy service use and availability and provide guidance for service development in this region.