In October 2022, For All Seasons launched an innovative method to eliminate its waitlist and allow individuals and families to begin mental health services in a timely way. For All Seasons’ Open Access program allows individuals to select a time window and a location, complete their intake, and meet with a therapist on the same day. Open Access is the first mental health delivery model of its kind on the Eastern Shore.

“Open Access was about finding a way to open up more spots to increase the capacity of the agency because there was such a need in the community. We started small initially to make sure that we could handle the capacity of clients who were coming in. We wanted to make sure that we didn’t overpromise and underdeliver. It was really important for us to make sure that when somebody came in through Open Access for their assessment that we could pair them up with their longtime clinician,” comments Lesa Lee, Chief Clinical Officer at For All Seasons.

“We had a wonderful team working together to transition people from the waitlist to Open Access and safely to clinicians. Because we were hiring new clinicians, we could open up more spots to increase that capacity.”

For All Seasons started with 16 Open Access appointments a week and has increased that number to 22 appointments, which includes its office locations in Easton and Denton, as well as telehealth appointments. In addition, the agency offers an appointment each week in support of its partnership with Chesapeake College students. In the last eight months, For All Seasons has brought in 509 new clients through Open Access and eliminated its waitlist.

Because the Open Access process allows For All Seasons staff to gather all the client information at once, including insurance information, consents, and releases of information, the process is expedited and enables clients to complete a licensed mental health assessment during the same visit. This streamlined process allows people to receive care when they need it rather than waiting months for an initial assessment. Staff have also found that clients entering through Open Access are more motivated to begin services and are more likely to remain engaged in treatment over time.

In addition to offering Open Access at its Talbot Street office, For All Seasons also provides Open Access at its Market Street office in Denton and through telehealth, reducing barriers for people living anywhere in Maryland to receive mental health services. This expansion has extended the agency’s reach beyond the Mid-Shore. As a recognized trauma-informed provider, For All Seasons has also seen increased demand for its specialized services.

Open Access appointments are available in person at For All Seasons’ 300 Talbot Street office in Easton (Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays between 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. and Wednesdays between 12:00 and 1:30 p.m.), at its 322 Market Street office in Denton (Mondays and Thursdays between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m.), and through telehealth (Fridays between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. via Zoom). Open Access operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The initial intake typically takes about 25 minutes, followed by a mental health assessment of up to one hour. Once the visit is complete, individuals are scheduled for ongoing therapy appointments within a week at a mutually agreeable date, time, and location at one of For All Seasons’ offices or through telehealth. Psychiatric appointments are typically scheduled within two weeks. If all Open Access appointments are filled on a given day, individuals are encouraged to return during the next available session.

“We encourage individuals to come in as early as possible for Open Access to reserve a spot and to confirm Open Access times on our website before coming. With Open Access through telehealth, individuals do not need to come in person as everything is done virtually, which helps our clients who live a distance or are disabled,” she adds.

The Open Access model has also helped expand access to care in Caroline County, where there is a significant need for behavioral health services. In addition, For All Seasons has interpreters available to help overcome language barriers and ensure services are accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds.

For Client Services Specialist Omar Bolden, being able to reassure clients that they can access services quickly makes him feel more connected to their healing journey from the very beginning.

“It makes me feel more confident in my job, knowing that this option gives them a guaranteed timeframe of when they can come in and start services. On the frontline, I create a relationship right from the beginning with the client. Having a positive attitude and always remaining calm helps to set the tone for how our agency’s services will be provided. It’s more so of a helping hand – I am taking them by the hand and personally helping them get to where they need to go through Open Access.”

“These clients are coming in from all kinds of backgrounds. They may be suicidal, have gone through a difficult breakup, or experienced a traumatic event or loss. Being able to see a therapist for the very first time and not having to wait is a huge reassurance to them. I can say that Open Access is having a positive effect on our community,” Bolden adds.

For further information regarding documentation needed for Open Access or appointment times, call (410) 822-1018 or visit forallseasonsinc.org. Individuals needing financial assistance for Open Access should call the For All Seasons billing department at (410) 822-1018 ext. 311.