Glossary of terms

Care coordination: The collaboration between PMHCA teams and healthcare providers to provide holistic and comprehensive care to individuals with mental health needs. PMHCAs can provide the most efficient and effective support possible to individuals who need their service. This is coordinated through continuous information sharing, referrals to different health care specialties, enhanced follow-up care, and teamwork.

Licensing: Licensing involves obtaining legal permission or authorization. This is to practice a specific profession or provide certain services. The information can benefit PMHCA teams. It ensures that team members meet required standards and qualifications to provide crisis intervention services. Compliance with licensing regulations is crucial. Ensuring legality and sustainability of PMHCA team operations depends on it.

Patients: This subcategory involves providing information and resources to individuals receiving healthcare services. It empowers them to make informed decisions about their health. Patient education is essential for PMHCA teams. It fosters awareness, minimizes stigma, and encourages help-seeking behaviors. This is among individuals experiencing mental health crises. The resources in this subcategory promote early intervention and education for patients. They learn how to access PMHCA services when needed.

Prehospital: This subcategory refers to resources and protocols designed for emergency medical professionals. These include paramedics, EMTs, and first responders. They provide initial medical care outside of healthcare facilities. PMHCA teams must work collaboratively with prehospital emergency responders. PMHCA teams benefit from aligning their protocols and communication strategies with prehospital responders. This ensures seamless care transitions and timely interventions for individuals in crisis.

Providers: This subcategory involves training suited to doctors, nurses, therapists, and other health professionals. It is meant for those who work in direct health care settings. They play significant roles in diagnosing and treating individuals with mental health needs. Educational initiatives that enhance providers' understanding of mental health crises can benefit PMHCA teams. This is because they improve communication strategies and establish protocols for referrals/consultations with PMHCA teams.

Reimbursement: Reimbursement refers to the compensation that healthcare professionals receive for the services they provide. PMHCA teams need proper reimbursement for their services. This is essential for sustaining and funding the care they provide to individuals with mental health needs. It also improves PMHCA teams' understanding of reimbursement methods, billing codes, and insurance policies. This allows them to organize methods to receive compensation to continue their work.

Telehealth: Telehealth involves using technology to provide remote healthcare services. This includes video conferencing, phone calls, and secure messaging. It also provides resources for PMHCA teams. The resources help them reach individuals in crisis. It does so regardless of their location or any geographical barriers. Thus, it enhances accessibility to mental health services. It also allows for continuous support by PMHCA teams.