Patients are referred to TarHeel Human Services who then refer to NCSTeP through ECU Health and are seen at the health department virtually. Once seen by provider, recommendations are then sent back to the health department providers through a summary of care. The patient then follows back up with primary care provider to discuss recommendations and maintenance of condition(s) and medications.

COVID19 posed many problems for patients, including access to care due to regulations. In 2022, as restrictions relaxed, many patients returned seeking much needed medical care after the pandemic left some experiencing mental health crisis, hence the upward trend of visits during that time.

What helps:

• virtual appointments provide patients with easier access to care 
• entire process is informant to patient and makes them feel included and autonomous in their care
• process in place for those who do not have insurance; seen by other providers within the county
• Easterseals Mobile Crisis program available 24/7 for 365 days per year and partners with Tarheel Human Services for continuation of care when necessary

What hurts:

• patients may be unaware of impact mental health has on other aspects of their life
• stigma that mental health problems may be viewed as a weakness
• transportation problems to get to the health department to initiate mental healthcare

NC STeP

James Sprunt Community College

ECU Health Duplin

Mobile Crisis

Tarheel Human Services

Providing cost-effective services that are convenient to address mental health needs.

• Involvement of other providers in virtual referral program 
• Increased advertisement of telepsych program and it's benefits to increase community awareness

• Increase awareness of program through advertisement via social media, billboards, partnering agency
• Encourage providers to discuss importance of mental healthcare during wellness or treatment visits with patients
• Review referral process with providers