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This is the name given to the group of specialist mental health professionals who should be available to you in trying to access services. Each professional category has specific training, knowledge and experience with which they address your needs. The team usually meets on a weekly basis where they plan what particular form of treatment is appropriate for a specific individual and which professionals are needed to implement this treatment. In general the team should consist of the following professionals:
Consultant Psychiatrist
A medical doctor with a specialist qualification in mental health. The person with overall responsibility for treatment.
Registrar
A medical doctor also with a specialist qualification in mental health, but without overall responsibility for treatment.
Mental Health Social Worker
The social worker is the professional who will have the most expertise in all areas of social care e.g. accommodation, benefits and employment.
Clinical Psychologist
A clinical psychologist will possess a specialist qualification in mental health. They will be involved in psychological assessment and specific treatments such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, counselling and family therapy.
Psychiatric Nurse
The psychiatric nurse plays a central role in both hospital and community care. In hospital they administer prescribed drugs and attend to peoples? daily needs. In the community the nurse usually provides follow-up care on discharge, calling to peoples? homes and attending out-patient clinics.
The Occupational Therapist
The occupational therapist aims to enable the person to have as independent, productive and satisfying a lifestyle as possible. Treatment includes self care, personal development, stress management and social/living skills.
It is important to realise that all of the above professionals can offer advice and information. The key point to recognise is that person with schizophrenia and the family should try to build a stable trusting relationship with health professionals.
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