Integrating education and research in an APRN mental health services program

The Mental Health Services Program (MHSP), using an advanced practice psychiatric nursing model of care, was developed in an effort to address the need for community mental health services for an underserved population in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Under the direction of an Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse (APRN), direct services were provided by contracted APRNs and graduate and undergraduate nursing students, under the supervision of APRNs. Services provided included screenings for mental health problems; individual, family, and group education and counseling; psychiatric assessments; and consultations. More than 1,500 individuals, the majority of whom were vulnerable or at risk, were provided services during the 3 years of this grant-funded project. Client satisfaction was measured using the Goal Attainment Scale. Results indicated a high level of satisfaction and served as an indirect measure of effectiveness of services. More than 95% of respondents indicated that their goals were met "much better than expected." Furthermore, responses from community agency personnel indicate a high level of satisfaction with the services offered. As a result of the MHSP, curriculum changes have been implemented to integrate student community involvement and collaboration, and to facilitate student projects in the community. These curriculum changes include a health promotion project, a group process project, a mental health group project, and a research project. The students who participated as part of the MHSP benefited from their work in the real world with an underserved population in a way that otherwise would not have been possible. Services to the community will continue through the significant curriculum enhancement for mental health projects.