News-Record.com

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Billie M. Pierce

Consumers across North Carolina are transitioning from receiving many of their mental health care services at public, government-operated facilities to private providers' offices. These changing times can be confusing for consumers.

This letter provides clarification on what services will still be offered to Guilford County's consumers at the Guilford Center buildings at 201 North Eugene St., Greensboro, and 211 South Centennial St., High Point.

The Guilford Center will continue to provide psychiatric and medical services for both children and adults. Although many areas of North Carolina are reporting a shortage of psychiatrists, our county employs a team of 11 full- and part-time physicians to perform psychiatric assessments, prescribe/dispense medications, and monitor the medical management of our mental health consumers.

The Guilford Center is not divesting its Crisis/Emergency units. In fact, the center has been designated by the state as a regional crisis facility. In Greensboro, the Crisis/Emergency unit is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. High Point's unit is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, with after-hours services offered by High Point Regional Health System.

The Guilford Center's toll-free, 24-hour/7-day ACCESS telephone line for consumer information, support and referral services has not changed and will not change: (800) 853-5163 The Guilford Center has added a new TTY ACCESS number for deaf and hard-of-hearing consumers: (866) 518-6778.

In addition, the Guilford Center will retain specialized treatment programs that were originally scheduled for divestiture:

•Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services for Children and Adults;

•Specialized Treatment of Perpetrators (STOP) Program, a program for assessment and treatment of youth who have committed sexual offenses.

Some areas of the Guilford Center have been strengthened by mental health reform. The agency is expanding training efforts for providers. Consumers and their families will benefit from the enhanced program of customized trainings, continuing education courses and support offered to community providers and long-term care facilities. The center also employs best-practice specialists to work closely with community providers in assuring that treatments follow accepted standards.

Yes, the Guilford Center's role as a mental health service provider has changed. However, the center continues to provide many critical services at this crucial time.

The writer is director of the Guilford Center.