Pic 0: The screen shifts to a title card before fading to a close-up of Dr. Eber. A text box appears with the title “Action Items” and a list that includes “Discuss treatment options” and “Collaboratively make a decision,” each with a green checkmark.
Dr. Eber: (to users) Considering the warning signs you’ve noticed and the results of the screening tool, if you use one, discuss treatment options with the provider and your client, and collaboratively make a decision about the best course of action.
Pic 1: The text box is replaced by a new one titled “Treatment Options”
The provider may want to refer the client to a mental health professional or prescribe a medication or recommend a combination of both. Assisting with a referral for detox and/or rehab may also be appropriate for clients who exhibit risky levels of substance use.
Pic 2: The screen widens to include Austin at the table.
(to Austin) Have you decided which options you’d like to discuss with Antoine?
Pic 3: The camera moves to a close-up on Austin. A text box appears with the title “Treatment Options for Antoine.”
Austin: Well, he does have pain, which seems to have both physical and psychological components. To address both, he would benefit from seeing an orthopedist and speaking with a mental health professional.
As for treatment I’d expect Dr. Singh to recommend physical therapy and an anti-inflammatory medication, instead of the Percocet. Percocet can be highly addictive. leading some clients to use it in hazardous or harmful ways. Additionally, Antoine seems to have been using it to help manage his PTSD manifestations.
Pic 4: The screen returns to a close-up of Dr. Eber. A text box appears next to her with the title “Treatment Approach” with a list below. Each object has a check mark next to it.
Dr. Eber: This sounds like a good plan. You’re working with his provider to tackle the underlying mental health issues, in addition to immediately managing his pain. You’re discussing a safer and long-term solution, rather than a quick fix for his back pain.
With this treatment approach it is less likely that Antoine will repeatedly return to seek treatment for the same problems, or that he’ll develop an opioid use disorder to a prescription pain medication.
Pic 5: The camera changes to a close-up of Austin.
Austin: I’m just worried that, because Antoine’s so insistent on getting more Percocet, he may not be receptive to other treatment options.
Pic 6: The camera returns to a wide shot of Dr. Eber and Austin.
Dr. Eber: True, he may not be interested in mental health treatment. But there are techniques you can use to make him more motivated.
Pic 7: The screen changes to a close-up of Dr. Eber. A text box appears next to her, with the title “Collaborative Decision-Making” and the text below reads, “Guide clients toward making decisions themselves.”
The key is to make treatment decisions collaboratively. Rather than telling clients they “need therapy,” guide them toward making the decision themselves.
Pic 8: The screen changes to a slide where two figures sit across from each other in chairs. One gestures with a question mark in a word bubble above their head.
Ask clients about their motivation to change. What they’d like to change and how willing they are to make that change.
Pic 9: The question mark in the word bubble is replaced with an image of a list.
Outline treatment options, including a mental health referral.
Pic 10: The image in the word bubble is replaced with a new one of two arrows pointing different ways.
Ask the client what treatment option they would like to pursue.
Pic 11: The image in the word bubble is replaced with a new image of a brick wall.
If they’re hesitant, discuss their concerns and barriers to treatment.
Pic 12: The image in the word bubble is replaced with a new image of a lit lightbulb.
Help them brainstorm solutions to overcome those barriers.
Pic 13: The word bubble now is connected to both of the figures, and has a new image of a figure climbing stairs.
Work with the provider and client to create an action plan together.
Pic 14: The screen transitions to a close-up on Austin.
Austin: Well, I don’t know what Antoine’s barriers might be, but some of his motivations seem clear: he wants to alleviate his pain and sleep better.
Pic 15: The camera moves to a close-up of Dr. Eber. A box appears with two tiers of text, with arrows pointing between the two. The top text reads “Pain and Insomnia” and the bottom text reads “Emotional Stress.” After a moment, these pieces of text are replaced with new ones, this time the top text reading “Speaking with a mental health professional” and the bottom reading “Better quality of life,” with an arrow pointing from the top text towards the bottom.
Dr. Eber: Right. We can try to guide Antoine to recognize the connection between his pain and insomnia and his emotional stress and to understand how speaking with a mental health professional may lead to a better overall quality of life. If Antoine recognizes this connection, his motivation to see a therapist should increase, and he’ll be more likely to act on the referral.