Peace of Mind

The Depression Intervention Project

Imagine waking up every day, not sure if you can get out of bed. Everything seems bleak and hopeless, and you aren’t sure where to turn for help. This is a reality for more than 18 million American adults who suffer from depression.

Volunteers In Medicine Clinic has offered mental health services for five years. While many patients seek such help on their own, others do not. In light of this, Dr. Peter Schur, Mental Health Director and the Clinic staff launched the new Depression Intervention Project (DIP) on October 1, 2008 to identify patients in need of treatment. Funding for this project has been provided by grants from: Meyer Memorial Trust, the Collins Foundation, the Baker Foundation, PacificSource Health Plans, and the Bess Spiva Timmons Foundation. A goal was set to screen every patient at the Clinic for depression. This allows the staff to establish a baseline of the patient’s mood and functioning so providers can effectively monitor their need for on-going care, as well as the effectiveness of treatment. By relieving the patients of the responsibility of broaching a difficult subject, we can provide compassionate care without compromising their dignity.

Since November 2008, about 12 patients per week are screened for depression. This rate increases weekly. Of those patients screened, approximately 50 percent report clinical levels of depressive symptoms. By providing mental health care along with medical care, we have improved lives. Some patients are prescribed medication to help with their depression. Patients on medications are followed up with by telephone. This gives the patients another opportunity to report how they are doing, and to
express their concerns about the medication, all in a supportive and timely manner.

The positive response from our volunteer medical providers has affirmed DIP's goals. Not only have our
providers been proactive in addressing clients mental health needs as presented in the screening instruments; they have also been proactive in administering additional screenings and making referrals to mental health providers. This ensures that every patient with mental health concerns receives appropriate care.

Jordan Shin, MS, DIP Project Coordinator, said the project has challenged him to take on a different role as a counselor. "Instead of intervening in every crisis, I can recognize patients' potential process to heal, and I can facilitate this process of healing." Jordan said since coming on as DIP Coordinator, he has observed providers and patients connecting with one another to create a healing
environment, which has strengthened his personal commitment to the Clinic.

Through the Depression Intervention Project, the Clinic is continuing its legacy of providing compassionate health care for the uninsured, helping heal not only the body, but the mind and the soul.