Arc Mercer answers the challenge of mental healthcare
The American mental health crisis is exacerbated for the I/DD community by the lack of experienced providers and the few who accept Medicaid payments. In 2011, Arc Mercer recognized this need and committed to do something about it. We built our own practice from the ground up hiring medical professionals with a passion for this community and the commitment to make a difference.
From humble beginnings, this state of the art healthcare center has developed the capacity to now serve over 400 patients across the Mercer County Region.
Psychiatry
A proper balance of medication assisted therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy is key to enabling our residents to realize their goals. As we work to increase independence, our team of Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners have reduced the use of psychotropic drugs across all of our patients, leading to a greater quality of life. We employ two part-time psychiatrists and three psychiatric nurse practitioners with years of experience treating those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Therapy
Talk therapy has been proven to increase compliance with treatment plans, decrease instances of crisis, and improve patients' goal achievement. Our staff of three licensed counselors work with Direct Support Professionals to treat patients in person and virtually across the state.
Behavioral Supports
Arc Mercer Behavioral Supports provides community-based assessments and support for those in need. Our behaviorists work in collaboration with our licensed psychiatric practitioners to reduce harm, improve outcomes, and better integrate our patients with their community.
Results
We’ve had spectacular success within our own agency. First by virtually eliminating crisis center visits with a 98% reduction. Arc Mercer reduced the use of psychotropic medication by 40% utilizing our I/DD-focused therapy team. Finally, our medical professionals were able to achieve a stunning 550% drop in medical hospitalizations through the use of dynamic care coordination.
Even though it’s financially challenging, we have opened our doors to other provider agencies serving patients as far as two hours away so that no one goes without the care they deserve. Other agencies that we serve have reported greater success with consumer goals and a 20% reduction in their own crisis visits as a result of our providers’ work.
Looking Forward
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were forced to pivot our practice from fully face to face to fully remote. As we transition from COVID, Arc Mercer is developing a hybrid program offering both options. In the months and years to come, we plan to expand the reach of our practice into neighboring counties by partnering with other Arc chapters.