I Think You Should See Someone

Getting Patient Buy-In for Psychiatric/Mental Healthcare

Mental health disorders affect millions of people across the globe with the burden of these ailments seeing a significant rise, especially during the pandemic. Though there have been numerous efforts to normalize this area of medicine, it cannot be denied that there continues to be apprehension in this space that is difficult to overcome. However, reducing patient distress in seeking care for their overall well-being is vital.

It can be challenging to facilitate a patient’s medical care for numerous reasons, with barriers including cost, availability of resources, time, and mistrust of the system as a whole. As it relates to psychiatric care, there are additional fears of stigma and discrimination that span generations. To this end, getting patients’ buy-in for this type of treatment can be difficult and is often met with some resistance, as many patients fear being labeled “crazy” or “weak.” As physicians, in service of those we care for, it is imperative to address these concerns head-on and provide reassurance that seeking psychiatric care is not a deficiency, but actually a sign of strength and courage. For providers outside of the specialty, it can be helpful to have a scaffolding upon which to navigate these conversations.

What is important to THIS patient?

This is an essential first step! It’s crucial to approach the topic of psychiatric care with sensitivity and empathy, as many individuals may feel stigmatized or ashamed about seeking mental health treatment. One effective way to encourage someone to consider care is by highlighting the personal relevance of the recommendation. For instance, if an elderly person is hesitant to seek mental healthcare, you might consider framing the conversation around their relationship with their grandchildren. You could explain how untreated mental health conditions may negatively impact their ability to maintain positive relationships with their loved ones, potentially causing strain and distance in their family dynamics.

It’s important to note that each person’s motivations and concerns will be unique, so it’s essential to listen actively to their individual needs and perspectives. This will allow you to tailor your message to better resonate with them and help them feel heard and understood. By emphasizing the personal relevance of the recommendation, you can help remove some of the barriers that may prevent individuals from seeking treatment and improving their overall quality of life.

Why is this treatment being recommended?

When discussing psychiatric care with a patient, it’s essential to explain the reasoning behind the recommendation, as this can help patients feel more involved in the decision-making process as active participants, rather than passive recipients. This approach can be particularly helpful in encouraging patients to consider treatment, as it empowers them to take an active role in their own care.

In addition to discussing the patient’s condition and the potential benefits of psychiatric care, it’s also important to acknowledge the limitations of your own expertise. By acknowledging the boundaries of your own scope of practice, you can help build trust with the patient and demonstrate that you are committed to providing the best possible care. This approach can also help reduce feelings of shame or embarrassment that patients may experience about pursuing treatment, as it normalizes the idea of seeking specialized care for complex health issues.

Additionally, using suggestive rather than prescriptive language allows patients a level of autonomy. Phrases such as “One of the possibilities we can explore is having you see…,” incorporate the use of the word ‘we’ which signals involvement and may allow patients to feel like they are part of the care team. Providing patients with clear and transparent information about their care can help them feel more comfortable and empowered throughout the process.

Encourage, reassure, and comfort.

As physicians, we may sometimes struggle to balance the demands of our caseload quotas, overbooked schedules, and metric targets with the need to provide compassionate and empathetic care to our patients. However, when it comes to referring patients for mental health treatment, it’s important to prioritize patience, empathy, and compassion in every interaction.

This can be a sensitive and emotional time, and it’s essential that patients feel heard and valued throughout the process. It’s also important to remember that referring a patient for psychiatric care is not a reflection of any deficiencies on the part of either the patient or the physician. Rather, it’s an acknowledgment that specialized expertise is needed to address a complex condition comprehensively.

The goal is to acknowledge patient fears and concerns to help them understand the benefits of seeking specialized care by building trust through collaborative relationships, which will ultimately lead to improved patient satisfaction and better treatment outcomes.

This article was originally published in the May 2024 Medical Professionals Charlotte magazine. Dr. Stewart leads the Avance Psychiatry Charlotte practice and is currently accepting new patients.