Mind Springs Health in Western Colorado has received recognition for developing phase-based mental health care.

Mind Springs Health received the 2019 Sherman Award for Excellence in Patient Engagement.

“It’s an honor to be recognized for the work we are doing at Mind Springs Health, and we believe that mental health treatment works,” said Dr. Jules Rosen, chief medical officer.

“For that reason, we know how critically important it is for those experiencing mental health challenges to access and engage in care rapidly and to achieve stability as soon as possible,” Rosen said. “We are proud of developing a new care model to better serve and heal people.”

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement Lucian Leape Institute and Taylor Health Care confers the Sherman Award on behalf of EngagingPatients.org, an online community that recognizes programs that improve care and outcomes.

The phase-based program at Mind Springs Health received the award for its collaboration, results and sustainability as well as its potential for replication.

Rosen developed phase-based care with Michelle Hoy, executive vice president of Mind Springs Health, and Dave Hayden, quality and compliance vice president.

Phase-based care offers patients an opportunity to be seen more quickly and receive more treatment touchpoints than traditional care models.

A rapid recovery clinic, the first of the phase-based clinics, treats patients in different stages of depression and shortens wait time for treatment from the national standard of 1 to 3 months to only 4 days. A multi-disciplinary team meets with patients to review treatment options — including psychotherapy and medication — and offers access to case management, peer support and group therapy that can be attended weekly without appointment.

To date, 63 percent of people were considered to be in recovery by week six, with 78 percent achieving recovery by week 12.  This recovery rate is two to four times greater than national averages.

Mind Springs Health offers counseling and mental health services in a 10-county region of Western Colorado with 12 outpatient offices and the West Springs Hospital in Grand Junction. For additional information, visit the website located at www.MindSpringsHealth.org.