The reorganization of a community mental health center for children and youth due to the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

The heath crisis caused by COVID-19 has required a reorganization of mental health centers. This article describes the reorganization proposal that was applied in a child and adolescent mental health unit (outpatient and community care). The specific intervention strategies developed in the different phases of the pandemic are presented according to the sanitary restriction measures and the different levels of intervention required (prevention, primary care, and specialized care). In addition, the number of visits made during March-July 2020 is compared to the same period in 2019. We conclude that there has been a rapid adaptation from the face-to-face care framework to a telematic approach through a flexible reorganization. However, the decrease in face-to-face assistance and the cancellation of therapeutic groups have significantly increased the pressure of care. A rise in autolytic behaviors and eating pathologies has been observed that should be investigated in future studies. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) (Spanish) La crisis sanitaria causada por la COVID-19 ha forzado una reorganizacion de los servicios de salud mental. El presente articulo describe una propuesta de reorganizacion aplicada en una unidad de salud mental infanto-juvenil (atencion ambulatoria y comunitaria). Se exponen las estrategias concretas de intervencion desarrolladas en las distintas fases de la pandemia segun las medidas de restriccion sanitarias y los distintos niveles de intervencion requeridos (prevencion, atencion primaria y atencion especializada). Ademas, se compara el numero de visitas hechas durante el periodo de Marzo-Julio de 2020 con el mismo periodo en 2019. Concluimos que se ha producido una rapida adaptacion del marco asistencial presencial a la metodologia telematica mediante una reorganizacion flexible. Sin embargo, la disminu- cion de la asistencia presencial y la cancelacion de grupos terapeuticos han incrementado la presion asistencial notablemente. Se ha ob- servado un incremento de conductas autoliticas y de problemas relacionados con la conducta alimentaria que deberan ser investigados en futuros estudios. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)