Mental health integrated network teams

Mental health integrated network teams (MINT) provide community-based treatment and care for adults aged 18+ with a wide range of mental health difficulties.

MINT teams are linked to primary care networks and work closely with GPs, social services, voluntary sector partners and other organisations to make sure that a person’s care journey is simplified.

MINT aims to provide:

• Treatment for mental health, alongside physical health and social care needs
• Care tailored to individual needs
• The opportunity to begin treatment more quickly
• Services delivered by multi-disciplinary teams
• A reduction in repeat assessments and multiple referrals
• Smoother transitions

If you're a GP or work for an organisation that refers to MINT and would like more information, please contact your local MINT or email mint@westlondon.nhs.uk

MINT offers a wide range of services and support, provided in different settings and in different ways. The services available in each borough vary, reflecting the needs of the population in each area.

Services and support available through MINT typically include:

• Therapeutic support focusing on areas including psychological support, coping skills and strategies, support for wellbeing, and physical health.
   
• Education and training delivered by the Recovery College and other locally-based partner organisations, helping people develop skills and resources to support their recovery.
   
• Employment, volunteering and other occupational support are available through MINT’s Vocational Recovery and Individual Placement and Support services.
   
• Peer support - working alongside someone with lived experience of mental health needs to develop an understanding of what happened and a meaningful way forward.
   
• Community link workers - building connections to help people access and engage with community and social groups, new interests, hobbies and activities and exercise.

For information about the services and support available in your local area, please contact your local MINT.   

MINT aims to provide brief, effective treatment, as quickly as possible. The frequency, duration and type of interventions offered will be based on individual needs.

Below is a typical journey and the process we go through to ensure anyone referred to MINT receives the right treatment for them.

First steps
Most people will access MINT services via their GP. However, some people may be referred to MINT following care from acute mental health services, or by emergency or social care services.

Initial assessment
Following referral, a member of the local Mental Health Integrated Network Team will be in touch to arrange an initial assessment. This may be over the phone, at a GP’s surgery, at another community location or online.

The assessment offers an opportunity to talk through and understand the individual’s needs, along with their strengths and goals. Others involved in a person’s care, such as a family member or carer, may also be involved in the process.

Developing a personal care plan
The local MINT will work closely with the individual and others involved in their care to develop a personal care plan. This will be shared with their GP. There may also be a medication review.

For people with more complex needs, the MINT team will also consider whether intensive support might be of benefit. MINT can also refer people directly to acute or specialist services, if necessary.

Accessing treatment and care
Mental health integrated network teams are made up of health and other professionals with diverse skills. This means that a wide range of psychological, occupational, vocational and social services and support are available through MINT.

Next steps
Following treatment and support from MINT, care returns to the GP, who can re-refer back to MINT again at any time.