RASP (Rapid Access and Stabilization Program)

RASP offers patients that live in the Central Zone timely access to psychiatry consultation and the benefit of early input from a psychiatrist for the diagnosis and management of their mental health difficulties.

Referrals from primary care providers to RASP are sent to the Mental Health and Addictions Central Intake Service and usually indicates the reason for the request for psychiatry consultation (mental health assessment, diagnostic clarification and treatment recommendations).

Patients will be able to access one-time focused psychiatry consultations (in-person or virtually) with one of the psychiatrists in RASP clinic.

All patients attending RASP are also offered an opportunity to enroll in the Text4Support program which is a text messaging program that is free and is based on principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

In all cases, a summary of the psychiatric assessment is shared with the primary care practitioner, and the primary care practitioner remains responsible for the patient and for implementing the recommendations.

In some cases, the attending RASP Psychiatrist may transfer the patient to another service within the Mental Health and Addiction Program (MHAP) if they feel further ongoing specialist care is required.