VISN 22 MIRECC Clinical Programs
VISN 22 MIRECC Clinical Programs and Resources
Our center does not offer clinical services directly to veterans, however, veterans may be eligible to participate in one of our clinical research projects. For other mental health services, contact one of the convenient Network 22 VA Facilities for information on eligibility and treatment options. The VISN 22 MIRECC does, however, provide clinical resources and treatment manuals to improve quality of care for Veterans. See below for more information.
Enhancing Quality and Utilization in Psychosis (EQUIP)
The EQUIP collaborative care model is designed to improve treatment though assertive management of care, involvement and education of caregivers, and feedback of clinical information to clinicians. The model extends proven illness self-management approaches to family members and other caregivers, since these individuals are a critical component of successful treatment for schizophrenia. It creates a collaborative environment within which psychiatrists are responsible for guideline-concordant prescribing, and case managers are responsible for ensuring access to needed treatment services. By implementing a collaborative care model, the project targets key problems in care identified in previous studies of treatment quality in schizophrenia (failure to coordinate and monitor care for individual patients, lack of attention to illness self-management skills, and a minimal availability of clinical information).
Enhancing Quality and Utilization in Psychosis (EQUIP) - Wellness Program
The EQUIP team developed an implementation toolkit for the Wellness program which included standardized protocols for weight management services specifically designed for clients with severe mental illness. The Wellness Implementation Toolkit was based on the Solutions for Wellness program, a psychoeducational program of weight management topics designed for individuals with cognitive difficulties which included written handouts at a fifth grade reading level. The research team manualized Solutions for Wellness by slightly modifying two sections of its program (the Fitness and Exercise section and the Nutrition, Wellness, and Living a Healthy Lifestyle section) and assembling these topics into a 16-session, weekly, group program.
TelePsychosis Consultation Service
Schizophrenia and other persistent psychotic disorders can be quite disabling. Veterans with schizophrenia have difficulty reintegrating into civilian life and building social, educational, occupational, and financial foundations. The National TeleMental Health Center TelePsychosis Service provides a secure clinical video-telehealth consultation and evidence-based recommendations for care and treatment to Veterans with psychotic disorders and their mental health clinicians.
Veteran-Centered Brief Family Consultation
Veteran-Centered Brief Family Consultation is a brief intervention designed to integrate the Veteran’s family and/or chosen supports into their recovery process. The intervention is typically 1-3 sessions with a maximum of 5 session. The documents and information available here are intended for clinicians who are implementing Family Consultation into their clinical practice.
