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Delivering a Healthy WA
Art therapy

Information for case managers

Reflections Art Studio is a statewide adult mental health service, offering a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. We are a service for those with severe and persistent mental illnesses, aiming to enhance individuals’ creativity, as well as their sense of identity and belonging, through engagement with the visual arts. We provide art as therapy.

Please note, referrals for art psychotherapy and for acute needs should be made to the manager of Creative Expression Centre for Arts Therapy (CECAT).   

Eligibility

Applicants must meet all criteria

  • have a primary mental health diagnosis – ICD 10 codes required
  • have symptoms considered to be severe and persistent, of at least 5 years’ duration
  • have ongoing case management by a mental health or medical professional
  • have been stable for at least 6–12 months
  • be between 25 and 65 years of age (18 to 24 years may be considered)
  • enjoy working with the visual arts and have the motivation to attend
  • be able to function safely in the semi unstructured, social setting of the art studio
  • be able to learn to handle equipment and materials safely with minimum supervision
  • be independent in self care

We are not able to take those who

  • are acutely unwell, unstable and experiencing lots of change in their mental state – please direct referrals to CECAT
  • have been hospitalised in the past year for significant mental health issues – refer to CECAT
  • have severe personality disorders which may be disruptive to a group setting
  • have moderate to severe developmental, or pervasive learning disorders, brain injury or other organic disorders requiring intensive individual support
  • have medical conditions that are unstable and pose a risk in an art studio setting

Conditions

  • Those who need assistance with mobility will be accepted only with a care assistant who can be present at every session.
  • Those with dual diagnoses, including alcohol and drug issues, must have these actively managed.
  • Any participant who arrives at Reflections Art Studio in an intoxicated state or in possession of illicit substances will be asked to leave.

Application and referral process

Forms

These forms can also be obtained from the studio in person. Applicants can take the referral form to their case manager or fill in the expression of interest and ask the staff to send the referral form to their case manager.

For confidentiality reasons completed forms are to be posted back to Reflections, or if faxed use only first name and family name initial.

Assessment interview

Once we have both the Expression of Interest and Referral to Reflections form, the application will be assessed in terms of our service’s criteria. If suitable, the applicant will be asked to attend a short interview to confirm suitability for the Reflections Art Studio service.

Notification

If suitable, the applicant will be offered a position or if there is a wait list they will be told how long it is likely to be before a position can be offered. Unsuitable applicants will be informed by letter. Case managers will be informed of the outcome of the referral process.

Ongoing management

Attendance agreement

Participants accepted into the service will be asked to sign an attendance agreement. Clear attendance guidelines provide a structure that is relaxed and safe.

Reviews

Our art program changes 4 times a year and participants will meet with the art therapists quarterly to chose their new program. They will also review their experiences at the studio and the progress they have made in meeting their own recovery and artistic goals. Of these quarterly reviews, the mid year and end of year review are more in depth. A written copy of the review will be sent to the case manager and the participant.

Support

Informal support for mental health issues is available from the art therapists where appropriate or, if more help is required, the case manager will be contacted.

Ongoing management by the case manager and liaison

Reflections must be informed of significant changes in a participant’s mental health and/or changes to the referred client’s risk status. Likewise, changes in case management personnel must be communicated, to ensure continuity with liaison. Our weekly contact with your client offers regular monitoring, thus pertinent changes that may require clinical follow-up will be forwarded on to the case manager.

Thank you for your co-operation in working with us to support your clients.

More information about Reflections:

» About us
» Application process
» What we offer
» Indigenous program
» Gallery and exhibitions
» Contact us