Collaborative mental healthcare is an interconnected and interdisciplinary network of mental health professionals who share the common goal of improving mental healthcare. This improvement could be realized in many ways, including: a more holistic approach to care, higher quality referrals, more timely access to mental healthcare, and increased patient autonomy. A major flaw in the current mental healthcare system is that the burden of service seeking and utilization is disproportionately placed on patients. I believe collaborative mental healthcare is one of the steps necessary to address this issue.

 

I’m interested in working with vulnerable populations. I’ve worked in geriatric medical research for years, and our work often intersects physical and mental health (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease). Going forward, I’d like to explore LGBTQ+ healthcare and mental health. There is a pressing need for culturally competent mental healthcare care professionals to serve this community. I’d like to obtain a PhD in Clinical or Counselling Psychology. I’m leaning toward clinical, but maybe some CMH members can sway me.