PSYCHOEDUCATION: MAKE
THIS BEST PRACTICE STANDARD PRACTICE

A preventative modality such as psychoeducation conservatively would affect 1,200,000 a year in New York State (400,000 mentally ill patients treated plus one to three family/caretakers for each of them). It is 100% reimbursable and has an astonishing one-to-30 cost benefit ratio. Research has been found it to be an evidence-based, best practice.

After previous testimony as to these and other benefits (see related stories: board notes, the PORT study, a personal story) the New York State Office of Mental Health is indicating that a line in the '02 budget will be included for psychoeducation—already researched and mandated by OMH/NYS, but not implemented.

As NAMI advocate Judith Carrington points out,  psychoeducation can be 100% reimbursed (75% through Medicaid and the balance through the local carrier) and taught by the new influx of case managers OMH/NYS has provided with the budget.  

The one-in-30 cost benefit ratio means that the amount of reduction in relapse, decompensation and noncompliance (read rehospitalization) on a $30 million investment, could yield $450 million in savings to hospitals and taxpayers.

Sound high?  Of OMH/NYS's $4.3 billion budget, 54% of it ($2.4 billion) is spent on inpatient services. That, too, is a high figure, she points out. A PORT study which OMH credits and says psychoeducation can more than halve the cost of inpatient services in the first year. Besides  this 50% cut, studies show that psychoeducation reduces social disability and psychotic symptoms, as well as increases employment rates.   According to OMH research, "Adults with severe mental illness say their most important goal  is vocational (48%)—higher even than goals to get housing (39%), better interpersonal relationships (28%) and education (27%).

Although there are different approaches and models, the basic psychoeducation model provides:

• information about mental illnesses and medications
• information on community supports and assistance in connecting with them
• instruction in listening, communication and problem-solving techniques
• information about rehabilitation and peer support.
• how to pick up on early warning signs
• instruction on self-care
• advocacy training to learn how to get better services, privileges and public acceptance

A model for New York State was developed more than 30 years by Dr. William McFarlane, the "father" of this movement.  Thoroughly scientifically researched through 30 published research articles, tested and disseminated (Maine has 95% implementation),  it is an existing base from which to oversee, recruit and disseminate components of a program. Psychoeducation can create a bridge to the clinical team to enhance coordination and service to families. This helps assure that families gain a deep understanding of mental illness, how to deal with it and to access services as well as to get the support required to build a new relationship with their loved one. What can you do? Write: Commissioner James L. Stone, NYS Office of Mental Health ( 44 Holland Avenue,  Albany, NY 12229) and your legislators (contact information) with this sample message:

I support the institution of statewide psychoeducation, because NIMH's PORT study and others have shown, during the last 20 years, that psychoeducation cuts admissions to hospitals in the first yea by more than half, reduces social disability and aggravation of psychotic symptoms, increases employment rates for consumers while improving the health of caregivers and lowering their burdens.OMH/NYS support is overdue, in view of the long-known benefits of psychoeducation in New York State(OMH underwrote the research a decade ago). It has been scientifically proven effective for all major mental illnesses. OMH Official Policy PC-1050 OMH guidelines mandates it (described as "family support programs to provide educational and informational opportunities to families as partners in treatment") so does the organization that reviews standards on hospital care nationwide, the Joint Commission on Accrediting Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) as does the American Psychiatric Association in its "Practice Guidelines.

We believe that psychoeduction should receive funding on a parity with AOT/Kendra's Law ($85,465,2925 for '99-'02 from OMH/NYS; Cadre's law has generated about 1700 court orders to date). Budget for a preventative modality as psychoeducation is justified on the grounds it conservatively would affect, 1,200,000 (400,000 mentally ill patients treated in NYS plus one to three family/caretakers) annually. Is is 100% reimbursable, has an astonishing one-to-30 cost benefit ratio and is the evidence-based practice which OMH hails in its Five-Year Statewide Comprehensive Plan for 2001 - 5.

With questions, contact:Judith Carrington - E-mail: jcarring@mindspring.com
Committee of Families for Mental Health Education
345 East 57th Street, New York, NY lOO22
Voice: (2l2) 317-0710,Fax: (2l2) 317-0627

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