Attention to medical conditions during mental health clinic visits

With increased attention being devoted to the metabolic effects of antipsychotic medications, it becomes apparent that efforts need to be made to ensure that patients receiving treatment for a mental illness receive appropriate evaluation and treatment of their medical conditions as well. The individual provider may assist by offering relevant screenings, helping patients take responsibility for their own health, decreasing barriers to treatment, enlisting the assistance of support staff, making appropriate referrals, and collaborating with other providers.