Date of this Version

2021

Document Type

DNP Project

Abstract

Background: Many individuals suffering mental illness who then seek the services of mental health professionals, are often offered only one form of treatment. The treatment modalities normally offered are either that of psychotherapy or the use of psychotropic medication. Research indicates that across different mental health illnesses, patients undergoing either one of these treatment modalities saw improvements, but when both modalities were introduced under a collaborative treatment plan, they had greater rates of recovery and decreases in relapses of symptoms.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to measure the effect on providers, and specifically on their perceptions and knowledge of psychiatric approaches and psychotherapy approaches to treating mental illness, after taking an educational module on using both treatment modalities,

Methods: In this study, each provider participated in surveys before and after the educational module, and the observations of the pre-test and post-test surveys were paired. Paired t-tests were used to determine the difference in providers’ perceptions and knowledge before and after the educational module.

Results: The findings of the quality improvement project indicate an overall shift in perception and understanding on the benefits of collaborative treatment plans for mental health patients. However, additional resources and tools can be implemented to increase this positive shift.

Discussion: Collaborative treatment among mental health care providers appears to increase positive patient outcomes. Clinicians should evaluate their patients’ perceptions of treatments for mental health, as well as barriers to treatments. Clinicians should provide patients with the option for adjunct treatment options due to the higher likelihood of positive outcomes.

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