Service Engagement
The degree to which individuals actively participate in, follow through with, or utilize mental health services after initial contact or intervention.
Examples include:
- Attending follow-up appointments after an initial consultation or crisis intervention.
- Continuing or starting therapy after an initial mental health screening or intervention.
- Using crisis or support resources (such as hotlines, online counseling, or community services) recommended during initial contact.
- Completing recommended treatment plans, therapeutic exercises, or homework from an initial intervention.
Why it's important in SSIs:
- SSIs are often provided to individuals at their first point of contact with mental health support, sometimes in urgent or crisis settings (like emergency departments or walk-in clinics).
- Improving "service engagement" is crucial because even if a single session cannot completely resolve a person's mental health concerns, it can significantly enhance their likelihood of seeking ongoing, longer-term support.
- Effective SSIs frequently include components designed to encourage individuals to actively use additional support resources if needed.
Research Example:
- Studies have shown that individuals who participated in SSIs in crisis situations (e.g., emergency rooms after a mental health crisis) had higher follow-up treatment attendance and were less likely to need repeated emergency care, thus demonstrating effective "service engagement."
In summary, service engagement specifically relates to how effectively initial interventions (like SSIs) connect individuals with ongoing mental health care or support services.