Supporting Complex Mental Illness Through Clarity’s Model of Care
Written by Aimee Oliveri (Clinical Psychologist & Mental Health Content Creator) in Collaboration with Clarity Health Care
In recent years, the landscape of mental health care in Australia has undergone a significant transformation. Innovative approaches and holistic models of care have emerged to provide individuals with complex mental health needs the support and treatment they deserve. Clarity Health Care, has been at the forefront of this change, offering a model of care that has already shown remarkable results in improving the lives of those with complex mental illnesses.
Let's delve into Clarity Health Care's model of care and explore how this model is making a real difference in the lives of individuals facing complex mental health challenges.
Clarity Health Care
Founded in 2013, Clarity Health Care (Clarity) is a mental health service that offers effective treatment to people with any form of mental health concern or illness at any point in their life. In particular, Clarity is renowned for the work they do in improving the lives of those with complex mental illnesses. Services are offered nationally, through telehealth and clinics in Victoria and Tasmania.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Mental Health Care:
Clarity's model of care recognises that complex mental illnesses require a comprehensive approach. Clarity delivers evidence-based care through a multidisciplinary team of Psychiatrists, Clinical Psychologists, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Mental Health Social Workers, and Registered Nurses. Evidence shows that a multidisciplinary team-based approach leads to stronger recovery for patients.
Addressing the Need for Psychiatry Services in High-Risk Populations:
Clarity's model of care has identified a crucial need for psychiatry services in managing high-risk patients. Many individuals lack access to appropriate mental health support such as a community psychiatrist. Clarity is addressing this issue by providing comprehensive care that includes psychiatric support.
A Diverse Range of Service Offerings Catering to All Needs:
The team at Clarity specialises in all areas of mental health, and have the skills and expertise to support all individuals seeking mental health treatment.
1. Psychological Therapies:
· Working within a trauma-informed framework, Clarity offer a range of psychological therapies, including:
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR Therapy)
- Schema Therapy
- Family/Couples Therapy
- Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Exposure and Response Prevention
- Motivational Interviewing
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Biofeedback/Neurofeedback
- Pharmacology Therapy
2. Modalities:
· Clarity’s services are delivered through various modalities, including:
- Telehealth,
- Clinic-based appointments, and
- Group interventions
3. Care Coordination and Continuity of Care:
· Clarity’s model of care also prioritises care-coordination and continuity, offering:
- Individual sessions
- Family meetings and
- Joint sessions (allied health and psychiatrist)
This diverse and flexible approach allows patients to receive care that suits their specific needs and preferences.
Community Based Support – Clarity’s Hospital Substitution Program:
One of Clarity Health Care’s primary aims is to provide an alternative to the hospital setting for individuals experiencing severe mental illness. As such, Clarity offers hospital substitution programs, providing clinic-based care for people with ongoing and complex psychiatric issues who have a history of multiple inpatient admissions. This program offers services that go beyond traditional models by:
- Working collaboratively with patients’ treating teams to ensure a consistent, evidence-based approach and reduce the amount of hospital re-admissions.
- Mitigating risk of re-admission through utilisation of service offerings such as telehealth, group programs, care coordination and administration of psychometric and cognitive assessments.
- Providing crisis support within clinic hours, which allows Clarity to manage risk assertively and prevent deterioration and hospitalisation.
- Clarity's model of care also allows for flexibility and responsiveness, with the frequency of appointments increasing or decreasing depending on consumer and clinical need.
Read more about clarity’s hospital substitution program here:
A Focus on Quality and Continuous Improvement:
One of the key strengths of Clarity's approach is the robust monitoring, reporting, and evaluation framework they have established. This framework ensures efficient and effective clinical governance, facilitates continuous improvement, and provides timely and appropriate reporting.
Clinical data is collected using validated tools, including the WHO-QOL brief, which measures the global well-being of all consumers. Additional tools are utilised to cater to individual needs and presentations, collecting data at baseline and quarterly intervals. Furthermore, Clarity conducts consumer and carer satisfaction surveys to ensure that the care provided aligns with the needs and expectations of those they serve.
Clarity's commitment to continuous improvement extends to research and training. They collaborate with universities to stay at the forefront of evidence-based treatment modalities, ensuring that their services are always up-to-date and aligned with best practices.
Clarity’s Health Care Model in Action
Since 2017, Clarity has been collaborating with Bupa to deliver Bupa Mind Care Choices. This program aims to bridge the gap in mental health care, providing accessible and community-based support, with the ultimate goal of reducing high readmission rates for inpatient psychiatric care.
Impressive Results and Reduced Readmission Rates:
One of the standout achievements of this program is the substantial reduction in the average length of stay in psychiatric hospital care, which has decreased from 35 to just 13 days. In 2022 alone, this translated to saving an estimated 4,840 bed-days. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent individuals who are now receiving more effective and efficient care.
What's even more compelling is that this program now operates nationally, and it has significantly reduced readmission rates. Only 18.6% of those who are part of the program and receive care in the community are readmitted to hospital care, compared to a significantly higher 48% for those who receive care in a hospital setting.
This is a testament to the effectiveness of Clarity's model of care and the positive impact it's having on individuals with complex mental illnesses. The reduced readmission rates not only signify better care but also improved quality of life for those who are part of the program.
Achieving the Quadruple Aim of Healthcare:
During the Bupa program delivery, Clarity's commitment to supporting people with complex mental health illnesses has proven to align perfectly with the quadruple aim of healthcare by:
1. Improving the health outcomes of individuals with complex mental illnesses
- After a period of six months, patients displayed improved health outcomes.
- Specifically, their Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores decreased, indicating a reduction in severity of depression symptoms from ‘moderately severe’ to ‘moderate’.
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7(GAD-7) scores also decreased, indicating a reduction in symptoms associated with generalised anxiety.
- These results demonstrate that Clarity's model has a proven track record of achieving positive recovery outcomes.
2. Enhancing patient experience by offering tailored and effective care
- On the Net Promoter Score (NPS), a measure of customer loyalty and satisfaction, patients rated Clarity’s Program an NPS of 80.
- This indicates that a significant majority of patients are extremely satisfied with the program and are highly likely to recommend the service to others.
3. Reducing costs for both the organisation and patients
- 3:1 Return on Investment meaning that for every dollar invested, there was a return.
- A 90% reduction in readmissions meaning the number of patients who had to return to the facility after being discharged decreased by 90%.
- A 62.5% reduction in bed days meaning the total number of days patients spent in hospital beds decreased by 62.5%.
- Overall: These results indicate improved efficiency in patient care, reduced healthcare costs, fewer readmissions, and increased bed availability for other patients.
4. Improving the provider experience
- Clarity facilitates a team care approach for providers, including regular opportunities to meet for clinical reviews, team meetings, peer supervision and continued professional development.
- This collaboration enhances patient care, minimises stress, enhances skills, fosters a more supportive work environment, and ultimately has a positive impact on the work-life balance and well-being of healthcare providers.
To learn more about Clarity Health Care’s partnerships, click here:
How Can Clarity Health Care Support You
Knowing where to find the right mental health support can be difficult to navigate, causing additional distress and delays in starting treatment. Clarity’s model of care gives you access to a range of mental health clinicians with various specialisations who can support your needs - all from one clinic.
Once Clarity has received your referral, they will assess your support needs and preferences, and allocate the right clinician for you.
Clarity takes great care to find the best "fit" for you, as this is an important factor in ensuring successful outcomes for both you and the clinician. Your care team may include a Psychiatrist or other multi-disciplinary team members.
Where to From Here?
Clarity Health Care’s overarching vision is to become the most impactful provider of comprehensive mental health care in the community throughout Australia. They are deeply committed to providing an alternative to the hospital setting for individuals experiencing severe mental illness.
In fact, by 2030, Clarity’s goal is to support 100,000 individuals on their path to recovery within the community.
Key Takeaways
Clarity Health Care's model of care represents a significant step forward in the provision of mental health care in Australia. Its multidisciplinary approach and commitment to continuous improvement make it a leader in the field of complex mental health care. By making mental health accessible, effective and tailored to the needs of each individual, Clarity is set to continue making a positive impact in the lives of people experiencing complex mental illness and their carers/families.
If you or someone you know could benefit from the comprehensive mental health services provided by Clarity Health Care, please reach out.
Contact Clarity Health Care here for guidance on booking an appointment.