LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The University of Louisville Health is expanding its behavioral health services to the hands of those in need of help.
"We are seeing more and more people exhibiting mental health," UofL Health system director of Behavioral Health, Kelly Gillooly said " So we thought lets create tele- behavioral health and asses them, and determine what level of care and treatment they need."
Physicians with Peace Hospital announced its new telehealth program, "PeaceNow." The program helps providers, school counselors and social workers refer patients, students and clients for assessment.
Referrals are now open for patients aged 12 and above with a range of mental and substance us concerns, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- ADHD
- Substance use disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Trauma
- Grief
- Other mental health
Gillooly says this allows experts to catch early warning signs in children that typically go unnoticed.
"The early you can intervene and provide any help and treatment, the more successful they'll be in their life," she said.
While PeaceNow doesn't replace crisis intervention provided by emergency departments, officials hope it reduces wait times and expedites care.
"The window of time when people are willing to accept behavioral health help is sometimes narrow," Gillooly said. "The virtual environment allows us to see many referred patients immediately or on the same day."
A pilot program began in July 2022, officials said in its first six months more than 1,200 patients were served.
The telehealth assessments conducted through PeaceNow will be performed by a clinical psychologist or licensed therapist with additional referrals to the appropriate level of care.
"The virtual assessment may not entirely replace the need for in-person therapy, but it is a critical new access point," Dr. Robert Caudill said.
If you would like to use PeaceNow, contact your primary care provider, mental health therapist, school counselor, social worker, or visit UofL Health's website.
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If you or someone you know are in need of immediate help, please visit your nearest emergency room.
You can also call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.
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