Community Based Health Service Delivery for Mental Health Patients

Running head: MENTAL HEALTH 1
Mental Health
Name
Institution

MENTAL HEALTH 2
Community Based Health Service Delivery
Stefan’s Perspective
Stefan has developed a mental health condition that has changed his recent behaviours
and activities. He needs care services to help him recover and ensure his safety and the safety of
those around him. From his perspective, it is clear that he does not fancy going to a mental health
hospital because of his distrust of doctors. He claims that his friend had a condition similar to his
and when he was placed under medication, he gained a lot of weight. His core treatment goals in
his perspective would, therefore, be to avoid hospitalization and medications that may lead to
weight gain. From the scenario, it is clear that Stefan is frustrated with his condition and requires
help but he does not trust doctors. This may be due to his paranoia which is a mental health
disorder that is characterized by an irrational distrust of others (Valiente, Provencio, Espinosa,
Duque & Everts, 2015). He also has this belief that medications for his condition may potentially
lead to weight gain which could destroy his shape and appearance. For these reasons, he needs a
type of treatment where he can be able to trust his caregivers to help him get back to his former
self. Another treatment goal/need could be regaining his independence and ability to fend for
himself. From the case, it is stated that he is constantly stealing money and therefore finding a
treatment plan that can train him not to take what is not his could be very important in his
recovery.
The Victoria Mental Health Service Delivery Model can be used to address Stefan’s
treatment goals. One of the available options is the use of Community Care Units. This type of
care is important in cases such as Stefan’s because it provides recovery and rehabilitation
services in an environment that resembles the home setting ("Subacute mental health services",
2019). This, therefore, means that Stefan can receive care and still feel like he is home with his

MENTAL HEALTH 3
family thus improving his adherence to care services. Additionally, this type of service ensures
that the path towards recovery is easier by helping patients to relearn their skills in
communication and self-care ("Subacute mental health services", 2019).
Another option that may be available for Stefan is the use of prevention and recovery
centres. These centres are designed for short-term care of mentally ill patients who do not need
to be admitted at a mental health hospital. From the case provided it is clear that Stefan may not
agree to hospital admission due to his distrust of doctors; therefore this treatment option may be
very important. Another reason for this option is that it is fundamental in offering clinical
treatments and short-term residential support for patients who may not be comfortable with
going to a mental health doctor in the hospital like is the case with Stefan ("Department of
Health | Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the MBS
(Better Access) initiative", 2019). Finally, this program aims to avoid inpatient admissions
because it ensures that early interventions are in place for the provision of care services in mental
health conditions.
Maria’s Perspective
Maria has noticed changes in Stefan’s behaviours and is desperate to find any help to
ensure that Stefan recovers and she is also safe with her other two kids. From her perspective,
Stefan’s core treatment goals could be a reduction in his aggression and reverse his withdrawal
so that he can engage with the family on more occasions. From the case provided, it is stated that
Stefan always gets aggressive every time Maria raises an issue of seeking treatment. Aggressive
behaviours may a characteristic of mentally ill individuals which may need urgent treatment to
avoid harm to self or others (Sajatovic & Ramirez, 2012). This kind of harm is what Maria is
worried about because she seems unsure what could happen if Stefan’s condition gets worse.