Acute options for mental health care insights paper

This insights report focuses on acute options that can provide an alternative to acute inpatient care. Increasing the range of acute options provides people with viable and welcome alternatives that allow them to stay safe and supported in their local community.

A high-quality acute continuum of mental health care can provide a safety net for anyone who needs it, anywhere, and at any time. It provides clear pathways to culturally appropriate assessment, treatment, and social support, in line with people’s needs and preferences. There is an ongoing need to expand acute options to ensure acute mental health services are accessible, acceptable, and effective.

This paper highlights peer-led, community-based, and Kaupapa Māori services as these types of services show positive outcomes and are well received by people who need acute care.

Alternative options have some key features that resonate with those with lived experience. Tāngata whaiora felt supported and accepted by peer-led services, which managed decisions about risk and safety in collaboration with them. These services provided a gateway to other services when required and were most effective when they had strong relationships with local clinical services and crisis teams.

Increasing the range of acute services can relieve some of the pressure that acute inpatient services are under. By drawing on a more diverse workforce and strengthening the peer specialist workforce, this can ensure more efficient use of the clinical specialist workforce.