PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PSYCHIATRIC CARE
CARE PROCESS PHASES
In mental health care, the care process is a structured and dynamic pathway consisting of several phases. Together, these phases form a continuous process aimed at providing effective and personalized care to patients with psychological complaints. The goal of the care process is to establish a thorough diagnosis, draw up an appropriate treatment plan, and evaluate treatment progress so that each patient receives the best possible support.
Below are the most important phases of the care process at GGZ voor elkaar, from the first contact through the completion of treatment. These phases ensure that care is approached systematically and adapted to the needs of the patient.
Diagnostic cycle
1
Registration
Triage
2
Diagnosis
Exploring, Analyzing, Integrating, Diagnosis
3
Assessment
Goals, Indications, Choices, Care Plan
Treatment cycle
4
Treatment
Organizing, Carrying out, Monitoring, Result
5
Evaluation
Assessment
6
Completion
7
Aftercare
REGISTRATION
We will only accept patients who have a valid referral from a Dutch GP. We must receive this before we can proceed to a telephone pre-screening. GGZ voor elkaar is required to verify that the insurance details provided are correct, to register your BSN number, and to confirm your identity using an identity document. It is therefore extremely important that you bring your identity document to your first appointment at the location and also show it to the secretarial staff. They will add your details to the patient records. Most treatments at GGZ voor elkaar are reimbursed under the Generalist Basic Mental Health Care system. You therefore do not need supplementary insurance or special policy conditions for this. Treatment is reimbursed if your complaint meets the criteria for a reimbursable diagnosis. Both the GP and the psychologist assess whether there is a DSM-5 diagnosis (the manual for mental disorders). At registration, the practitioner assesses whether the care qualifies for reimbursement by the health insurer within Generalist Basic Mental Health Care or Specialized Mental Health Care. If this is not the case, this will be explicitly communicated to the patient. Exclusion criteria
DIAGNOSTICS
Every treatment at GGZ voor elkaar starts with a diagnostics phase,
which includes an intake with the practitioner and an intake with the
coordinating practitioner (for example, a GZ psychologist and/or the
psychiatrist). In this phase, we work with you to determine exactly
what is going on. The diagnostics phase also includes various
assessments to identify the core of your issues and confirm the
diagnosis. During the intake and diagnostics phase, you will be seen by
various disciplines, including the coordinating practitioner, before
you are assigned a regular practitioner. After completion of the intake
and diagnostics phase, the treatment plan will be discussed with you.
We aim for clarity in your treatment, so that you know what to expect.
For this reason, before treatment begins we estimate the treatment
duration and treatment method. We align the treatment goals
accordingly and aim to complete your treatment within the agreed
time frame.
In doing so, we call on your active commitment during the intake and
treatment so that together we can achieve a good recovery and ensure
that the results of your treatment are lasting. Your practitioner will
provide advice on this, and you are expected to follow it. You should
inform your practitioner as fully as possible and to the best of your
knowledge about important information needed for the treatment. The
consequences of treatment and any possible risks will always be shared
with you. It may happen that you do not agree with the diagnosis
established by GGZ voor elkaar. In that case, you can request a ‘second
opinion’ for an independent assessment of the diagnosis made by GGZ
voor elkaar by another expert party. At GGZ voor elkaar, everyone has
the right to equal treatment. The GGZ practitioner will draw up a
treatment plan together with you and the coordinating practitioner.
Once you sign the treatment plan, the treatment will be carried out in
accordance with it. The treatment plan can be adjusted in consultation.
You may stop treatment at any time. GGZ voor elkaar may only terminate
the agreement if there is a special reason.
INDICATION
After the diagnosis has been made, it is determined what treatment and care are needed. In this phase, treatment plans are drawn up based on the diagnosis and the patient’s needs. If necessary, family members and loved ones may also be involved in the treatment process. Their involvement can be valuable in supporting the patient and creating a strong support structure. In addition, the patient is given access to an e-health platform, allowing him or her to use digital tools and resources at their own pace and at a time that suits them to improve health. This e-health platform offers additional support and information, which can complement treatment and provide flexibility in the care process. This includes determining the type of treatment, the frequency of sessions, and any additional care.
TREATMENT
The treatment phase is a core part of the care process in mental health care (GGZ) and concerns the actual delivery of the therapies and treatments established during the indication phase. This phase is designed to effectively address the symptoms and problems identified during the diagnostics phase.
EVALUATION
Evaluation is essential in mental health care (GGZ) to monitor treatment progress, ensure effectiveness, and adjust treatment plans. This is an integral part of the care process at GGZ voor elkaar and ensures that treatments remain effective, personalized, and dynamic. It enables healthcare providers and patients to work together to achieve the best possible treatment outcomes. During the evaluation phase, the progress of the treatment is assessed together with the patient. This is done by regularly reviewing progress in relation to the treatment goals and making adjustments where necessary. The aim is to determine whether the treatment is effective and whether changes need to be made. Evaluation is carried out through conversations, questionnaires, observations, and self-reporting, and is crucial for effective, personalized, and dynamic care.
CLOSING
In the closing phase, the treatment is completed. This happens when the treatment goals have been achieved or when another form of care is needed. During this phase, it is discussed how the patient can best proceed, for example through aftercare or referral to other healthcare providers if necessary.
AFTERCARE
Aftercare is an integral part of GGZ voor elkaar that helps ensure the long-term well-being and recovery of patients. Through a combination of regular follow-up, self-help tools, support groups, and active patient participation, aftercare can provide the continuity of care and support needed for successful and lasting recovery.
