REGIONAL SUPPORT TEAMS (RST)
In 2009 our County faces a budget crisis like no other. The Regional Support Teams that are the safety net for 8,831 adults with major psychiatric disabilities are being de-funded as of June 30, 2009. This total number of clients does not even take into account the 295 new clients that are referred to the Regional Support Teams each month. There are no other programs in the adult mental health system to accept the clients that are currently receiving services at the four Regional Support Team sites.
The impact to the community will be tremendous and ultimately devastating. We are aware that there may be MHSA funding available and request that the RSTs are considered a priority for that funding. We feel that planning must start immediately if there is to be any resolution to the RSTs current budget crisis.
In 1992 the County in collaboration with contract providers, family members, and consumers met for over one year to re-design the adult outpatient system due to a budget crisis and severe fiscal shortfall. In 1993 eight outpatient clinics were closed and three newly re-designed Regional Support Teams (RST’s) opened. The Regional Support Teams were to be the “one stop shopping” for adult clients in our system providing medication and psycho-social rehabilitation services. An additional Regional Support Team was opened in 1997 to accommodate the growth in our county and subsequent growth in adults requesting mental health services.
This past month the County held focus groups with adult and children providers, system partners, family members, consumers, and cultural groups. Among all groups, except the cultural group, out patient services ranked first and second (high intensity and low intensity) as the most essential services.
Listed below is an outline of impacts and potential impacts to the community, family members and clients, and the County.