A graffiti-inspired entrance, an office with an open door and no need for a doctor’s referral. The grips drawn in Vesterålen are simple but effective. Perhaps most of all with removing the need for referrals should one need help. – We had 120 people on the waiting list in the field of psychiatry and drug addiction, but now people get an offer within a week, says unit manager Olav Andre Fenes in “Sortlandshjelpa”. People can come to the door, or call on the phone and get an offer within a week. Have to do the work themselves This does not mean that there is no end to long courses of treatment with psychologists – but it is a faster way to go for many who need help and who are able to do part of the work themselves. – People who want change can do a lot on their own. This is where the real work is, we are just familiar with the tools. The person has to do the job themselves, says municipal psychologist Andreas Lande in Sortland. Sortlandshjelpa The offer that the municipality provides is a scheme developed by: National Competence Center for Mental Health Work (NAHPA) and psychologist Birgit Valla. She has been involved in creating similar offers in Stange municipality, among other places. The organization is about providing immediate help, or as soon as possible. The user must be open to making changes in their own life. Shorter courses and self-help are an important part of the offer. FIT (Feedback Informed Teneste) is one of several tools that help you not spend a lot of time on measures that don’t work. At the same time, some have extended needs. The field of mental health and addiction is very large, with depression, anxiety, psychosis and substance abuse problems and dual diagnoses. – We have an offer for the whole spectrum, says Fenes. Olav Andre Fenes is unit manager in “Sortlandshjelpa” Photo: John Inge Johansen / news – Is very forward-looking The way in which Sortland has now organized this service is being noticed. State Secretary Ole Henrik Krat Bjørkholt (Ap) in the Ministry of Health and Care believes this is very forward-looking. – This health service is exactly how we think it should be organised. It is a pilot and a prototype for Kommune-Norway, says Bjørkholt. He adds: – Those who need help get help quickly at a low-threshold service – and the philosophy that you should have your own treatment is a good way to do it. Sortlandshjelpa in Vesterålen receives praise from state secretary Ole Henrik Krat Bjørkholt (Ap). Photo: John Inge Johansen / news A certain personal effort, someone to talk to, a course and not least a system to give feedback on what works. These are the keys to “Sortlandshjelpa”. – We are more motivated that those who need help in the municipality receive help that helps, instead of being seen in a long course of treatment that has no effect, says Fenes. An additional effect is that the measures that have been implemented will also reduce waiting lists at doctors’ offices. Now you don’t have to wait for a doctor’s appointment to be seen and then wait for further specialist treatment.
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Sortland municipality in a pilot project for mental health care – has greatly reduced waiting lists – news Nordland
