{"id":6561,"date":"2026-01-27T11:37:26","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T10:37:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ehdk.nl\/?page_id=6561"},"modified":"2026-03-07T10:54:28","modified_gmt":"2026-03-07T09:54:28","slug":"integrated-approach-for-persons-with-severe-mental-illness-smi","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ehdk.nl\/en\/expertise-2\/integrated-approach-for-persons-with-severe-mental-illness-smi\/","title":{"rendered":"Integrated approach for persons with Severe Mental Illness (SMI)"},"content":{"rendered":"

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1.6% of the population has a severe psychiatric disorder<\/strong> <\/span><\/div>\n

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\u20ac35,000 per SMI client per year, spread across Health Insurance Act (Zvw), Long-Term Care Act (Wlz), and municipal support (without an integrated approach) <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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10-year average length of care for residents with SMI<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#BEDBF7″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Persons with Severe Mental Illness (SMI): why this requires attention now” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”Bebas Neue||||||||” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_font_size=”64px” background_layout=”light” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_padding=”3px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#ACD8AA” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#28232a” header_font=”Bebas Neue||||||||” header_text_color=”#28232a” header_font_size=”64px” header_2_font=”Bebas Neue||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#28232a” header_2_font_size=”48px” custom_margin=”50px|||50px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Where do we see opportunities for improvement? <\/span><\/h1>\n

The fact that clients with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) still too often end up in a patchwork of services and access points is closely linked to how support is currently organised. Mental health treatment, participation, housing, income, and safety are all separate systems with their own processes and funding streams. Coordination takes time, warning signs are missed, and clients are left with multiple plans and professionals working in parallel. <\/p>\n

The integrated SMI approach makes a difference by no longer organising collaboration from within separate domains, but by establishing cross-domain teams. This makes cross-domain collaboration the norm: one team around the client, with clear communication lines and shared responsibility. <\/p>\n

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Sample case study – Marco<\/h2>\n

Below you\u2019ll find Marco\u2019s story. This case offers insight into what the integrated approach can mean for people with a severe psychiatric disorder. <\/p>\n

Marco is 34 years old and has been dealing with psychosis and periods of addiction for many years. He lives independently but repeatedly runs into trouble: rent arrears, tensions with neighbours, and recurring crises. Each time, it leads to hospitalisation, after which he returns home \u2014 without the underlying problems ever truly being addressed. <\/em><\/p>\n

When Marco is referred to a FACT+ team, that pattern begins to change. During a joint intake, Marco meets both a lead clinician and a professional from the social domain. Together with Marco, they assess not only his psychiatric symptoms, but also his financial situation, housing stress, and daily routine. <\/em><\/p>\n

There will be one integrated recovery plan. Debt issues will be addressed, support will be provided for housing and daily structure, and treatment will be aligned accordingly. Because the team works together on a daily basis, any deterioration is noticed more quickly and acted upon immediately. Marco remains vulnerable, but crises are avoided. For the first time in years, he experiences a sense of calm and perspective. <\/em><\/p>\n

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What is needed? <\/h1>\n

Marco\u2019s story shows that SMI clients primarily need coordination, timely support, and continuity. This calls for: <\/p>\n