What is the Short-Term Psychiatry Clinic (STP)?
The Short-Term Psychiatry Clinic (STP) is a time limited mental health outpatient clinic committed to providing services for patients 18 years and older who need short term help for psychiatric assessment, treatment, and recommendations of psychiatric medications. Initiation, adjustment, and monitoring of psychiatric medications will be provided and upon completion, transfer will occur to the care of your family physician or local walk-in-clinic for prescription renewals.
What happens when I am a client of the STP Clinic?
You will receive an initial assessment to determine the treatment options available to you.
The consulting psychiatrist assesses, diagnoses and monitors treatment to help you learn as much as possible about your illness, symptoms, and treatment to support your recovery.
The type of treatment you receive and the frequency of contact with your psychiatrist will be specific to your needs.
STP services are time limited and you can expect to be involved in the clinic if there is an identified need for medication adjustment, taper, or cross taper that cannot be done with the support of your family physician or local walk-in clinic.
What happens if I miss an appointment?
We request at least 48 hours-notice if you need to cancel or change an appointment time
The clinic uses a standardized no-show process tracker if you miss an appointment without providing notice.
Please know you may be discharged from the clinic if missing an appointment
If discharged, you will require a new referral for future service.
How can you actively participate in your treatment?
Individuals must be willing to attend appointments, follow treatment recommendations, and participate in treatment planning.
Provide at least 48 hours-notice if you need to cancel or change an appointment time
Be open and honest when talking about your concerns and sharing of thoughts as they arise
Take your medications as prescribed and inform your psychiatrist of any medication concerns or side-effects
Ask questions if you are unclear about your treatment plan
Is nursing support is available?
STP provides limited nursing support primarily for medication management and if experiencing side-effects related to medications.
Nursing will provide patient and family education, health teaching, and be available to liaison between community support workers and your psychiatrist if required.
Nursing will be able to complete standardized assessments to assist in providing and monitoring care.