Thank God they're still alive': Kaiser therapists claim its new screening system puts patients at higher risk by delaying their care

"Marcucci-Morris states, 'Human work needs to stay with human beings,' emphasizing the importance of licensed professionals in mental health care."

"Five licensed therapists reported that since the new assessment process began, they've seen high-risk patients wait longer for necessary care."

"The introduction of clerical workers for patient assessments has raised concerns about the adequacy of care for those experiencing severe mental health issues."

"Marcucci-Morris reflects on the past, noting that licensed professionals used to be the first point of contact for patients with behavioral health issues."

Ilana Marcucci-Morris expresses concern over the new patient screening process at Kaiser Permanente's psychiatry outpatient clinic. The introduction of clerical workers for initial assessments has resulted in high-risk patients waiting longer for care. Licensed professionals previously served as the first point of contact, but the new system has altered this dynamic. Marcucci-Morris and other mental health professionals protested these changes, fearing that the use of AI could further compromise patient care and the quality of assessments.

Read at www.theguardian.com