Welcome to the simulation titled Adult Mental Health and Wellness. This is a transcript of the simulation designed for screenreaders.
This virtual simulation is designed to help you learn common risk factors and warning signs for mental health disorders, screening tools that provide insight into clients’ mental health condition, and best practices for follow-up to increase client adherence to management plans. Practice effective conversation techniques for assessing a client’s condition, collaboratively exploring management options, and assisting with referrals to treatment.
Pic 0: The title card appears before the screen fades into a scene of a man and woman sitting at a table together. A banner appears under the man that says “Austin Rodgers.”
Austin: Hi. I’m Austin Rodgers.
We know that identifying and managing clients who have mental health disorders is important because the physical and mental wellbeing of our clients are often very closely connected.
Pic 1: The camera goes to a close-up of Austin.
We also know this can be challenging, especially when we’re pressed for time. And, after all, we’re not mental health experts.
Pic 2: The camera widens to include the woman again. A banner appears under the woman that “Linda Eber: Psychiatrist.”
Dr. Eber: This is where I come in! I’m Linda Eber, a psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience identifying and managing clients who have mental health concerns.
Austin: And because these clients can present with physical, not only mental, concerns, they’re the ones who keep coming back without recovery. So they might be the clients we see most frequently.
Pic 3: The camera cuts to a close-up of Dr. Eber
Dr. Eber: Right. Clients who have mental health disorders often seek help from their primary care providers instead of going straightaway to a mental health professional.
Pic 4: A list appears next to Dr. Eber with the title “Mental Health Disorders”
Today we’ll talk about four common mental health disorders: depression, substance use disorders, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (or GAD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (or PTSD). Left untreated, all four can have lasting impacts on clients’ physical health and quality of life. They can also lead to suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Pic 5: The screen changes to a page with the title “Which of These Can You Relate To?” with the following options:
Think about some reasons why clients who are at risk for mental health disorders might go unidentified or untreated in the primary care setting.
Pic 6: The screen returns to a close-up of Dr. Eber.
Lack of insurance may always be a barrier. But, some mental health screenings and consultations are covered by insurance companies.
Pic 7: The screen transitions to a close-up of Austin.
Austin: In our office, the biggest challenge is time. I see a lot of clients each day. I wish I could spend more time talking to them, but my schedule only allows about 15 minutes, tops, with each. This is something I always struggle with, and it’s really the reason I want to learn more about this. See, recently, I had a visit with a client named Vanessa.
Pic 8: A text box appears next to Austin with the title “Vanessa” with a small image of a woman’s face. The list underneath reads:
Vanessa just graduated from law school, and she’s been a client at our office for a few years now. About six months ago, she started coming in more frequently, with reports of insomnia and digestive problems. We talked about making diet and lifestyle changes, but, at her last visit, she showed no improvement.
She also seemed anxious, fidgety, and she’d lost a good deal of weight over the last six months.