Establishing linkages in a changing mental health practice environment

Mental health care reform in Washington State has resulted in redistribution of funded mental health services for acutely and chronically mentally ill individuals into regional care delivery systems. Collaboration between service providers in an Inpatient Program and providers of mental health services in a five-country regional community mental health system has established communication linkages that are critical to ensure continuity of care during health care reform. The role of the Inpatient Program in the establishment of linkages with community providers is described.