EmPATH Units: Improving General Hospital Behavioral Emergency Care-Presentation Slides

Presentation Slides

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The document discusses the intersections between gender-based violence (GBV) and mental health, particularly among individuals living with complex or disabling mental health conditions. It highlights the high rates of GBV among people accessing mental health and substance use disorder services and the significant impact of GBV on mental health. The document also addresses the unique considerations for individuals experiencing GBV, such as ongoing risks and coercive control tactics targeted at mental health and substance use. It emphasizes the importance of incorporating conversations about GBV-related risks into mental health assessment processes and integrating strategies for addressing the needs and concerns of people experiencing GBV into clinical practice.<br /><br />The document provides recommendations for how to respond to GBV in clinical practice, including incorporating a GBV- and trauma-informed approach, recognizing mental health and substance use coercion, and creating safe opportunities to discuss GBV and its impact. It also emphasizes the importance of partnering with community GBV/IPV services and addressing other factors that increase GBV, mental health, and substance use-related risks.<br /><br />The document discusses the treatment of survivors of GBV who experience complex and/or disabling mental health conditions. It emphasizes the need for trauma-informed and gender-responsive approaches that address ongoing risks, support symptom stabilization, promote healing and recovery, and build connections and resilience. The effectiveness of various treatment modalities, such as trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure-based therapies, and gender-responsive trauma treatment, is discussed.<br /><br />The document also highlights the importance of considering the cultural, historical, and community context in trauma recovery and the use of approaches grounded in history, culture, and traditions. It emphasizes the need for a culturally responsive, GBV- and trauma-informed approach to enhance safety, treatment outcomes, healing/recovery, and quality of life.<br /><br />Additionally, the document emphasizes the role of personal beliefs, social, cultural, and institutional context, and political and economic structures in the treatment of survivors of GBV. It highlights the need for providers to be part of the solution and the importance of trauma-informed peer support and transforming conditions that contribute to abuse, violence, and trauma.<br /><br />Overall, the document emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and integrated approach to support survivors of GBV who experience complex and/or disabling mental health conditions, taking into account their unique experiences, cultural strengths, and the context in which the trauma occurred.

Keywords

gender-based violence

mental health

complex mental health conditions

GBV

coercive control tactics

trauma-informed approach

treatment of survivors

cultural context

peer support

comprehensive approach