What are the steps in the bridging process?

What are the steps during hospitalization?

• An identified hospital 'bridging' staff member, chosen by the client and the health care team, develops a therapeutic relationship with the client.
• The primary staff and client work together to identify a community care provider. The community care provider meets with the client and begins developing a therapeutic relationship.
• The primary staff and client will explore the idea of peer support services.

What are the steps after hospitalization?

• Therapeutic relationship continues with 'bridging' staff after discharge from hospital.
• The therapeutic relationship with the community care provider begins.
• Once the client establishes a therapeutic working relationship with a community care provider, the client and "bridging" staff member identify the appropriate time to end the relationship.
• The client uses the peer support as long as needed and negotiates this with the Peer Support person.