SPOKANE, Wash – Spokane’s largest hospital is changing the way it treats patients in need of behavioral health services.
Providence announced Monday it’s changing the model for how it assesses and treats patients who need mental and behavioral health.
Right now, psych triage in the emergency department is done by unlicensed counselors. As of July 14th, those employees will be replaced by licensed therapists.
Mental health counselors who currently work in behavioral health will be replaced by certified nursing assistants who have special training in those roles.
Patients receiving group and individual therapy won’t see a change and will continue to be served by a licensed therapist.
Providence says 40 positions will be impacted by the change.
“Behavioral health needs in our community have changed, and it is our responsibility to adapt,” said Providence Chief Executive Susan Stacey. “It’s important to know that these services are not going away. By evolving our model of care, we are better positioned to provide the right level of clinical expertise for a vulnerable population.”
Providence says the change aligns with best practices across health care systems.
“Providence is deeply grateful for the compassion and service these caregivers have provided to patients and families at Sacred Heart Medical Center, many of them for decades,” Providence said in a news release announcing the changes. “This decision is not a reflection of their work, nor is it financially driven; it is to respond to changing behavioral health needs and ensure patients receive appropriate clinical care.”
Providence says there will be no interruption to patient care during the transition.
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