Advocate Aurora Health investing in South Suburban mental health services

 Advocate Aurora Health investing in South Suburban mental health services

Recognizing the growing need for mental health care in South Chicagoland, Advocate Aurora Health recently announced
a $20-million investment in a new state-of the-art inpatient behavioral health facility at Advocate South Suburban Hospital
in Hazel Crest.

The investments come on the heels of a community needs assessment Advocate performed for the south suburbs. The survey identified access to mental health services – including substance abuse and addiction services – as a core priority, especially as families continue to grapple with the
effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their well-being.

“As healthcare providers, we are continually called on to evaluate the changing needs of our community and how to best
meet those needs while advancing our commitment to equity. This means moving beyond traditional thinking and embarking
on a more transformational approach to care delivery,” said Renee Donaldson, Advocate’s Vice President of Operations for Behavioral Health in Illinois. “These investments will allow us to fill a vital need in the south suburbs and to do so in an innovative,
forward-looking way.”

In addition, Advocate is expanding a pilot program that offers integrated behavioral health services in the south suburbs
that embeds social workers at its primary care clinics to connect more patients sooner to address underlying mental health needs.
Importantly, Advocate is also addressing pediatric mental health services, planning to expand access to service by up to 4,000
patient visits during the first year.

Integrated mental health care model: How it works

During a patient’s visit, their primary care provider asks some questions about their mood, well-being and social determinants
of health.

Based on the patient’s responses, the provider may recommend they connect with the social worker, who screens the patient
and schedules a telehealth virtual evaluation and, if appropriate, therapy with a licensed virtual clinician.

A consulting virtual psychiatrist meets regularly with the team to review the patient case and makes recommendations to the
Primary Care Provider for ongoing pharmacological
needs.

This model allows Advocate to increase access to services, especially among patients who may not seek out services
themselves or follow through with a physician referral.

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