Service Coordination recognizes that individuals with serious behavioral health issues or at risk of serious behavioral health issues may require support in fostering the capacities and skills to direct their own lives. It is the intent of Service Coordination to provide education, support and preventive services to adults, adolescents and children. We believe in assisting each individual to live independently, productively, and healthfully by coordinating diverse services within the community.
Service Coordinators are dedicated to the following affirmative responsibilities in servicing adults and children with serious Behavioral Health issues:
- Assure that there are effective “safety net” resources for the persons served.
- Clearly communicate to the person what they can expect from the system and what the system will expect to them.
- Assure there is periodic assessment & cross system planning to meet the needs while utilizing their strengths.
- Prepare for, convene/facilitate service planning meetings and provide follow-up after meetings.
- Assure there is cross system coordination of services and that services are being provided.
- Develop relationships that endure with persistent outreach even when there is reluctance to receive services.
- Assist the person served in developing and using natural supports.
- Be a persistent advocate for those serve and given feedback on systemic problems.
- Provide a consistent positive outlook which encourages recovery and full inclusion in the community.
Acute Partial Hospital Service
Acute Partial Hospital
The Adult Acute Partial Hospitalization Program (APHP) is a goal-focused, time-limited, intensive treatment program designed as an alternative to inpatient care, or as a transition from inpatient to outpatient care. It’s driven by Family Services’ belief in respecting the rights, dignity and diversity of every individual. This allows an individual to receive intensive treatment without the restrictions of a locked, inpatient psychiatric unit. By attending the program during the day, the individual is able to maintain his/her independence by remaining at home and in the community.
Adult Acute Partial Hospital is for adults (age 18 and older) who are:
- Having a severe episode of a psychotic, or mood disorder, or who would face the real risk of inpatient hospitalization without intensive treatment.
- Adults with a dual diagnosis (both mental health and substance abuse issues), so long as the primary diagnosis is a mood, anxiety, or psychotic disorder.
Referrals can be made to the Adult Acute Partial Hospital program by calling our Point of Entry (Intake) number at 1-888-222-4200 or the Program Manager at 724-335-9883 ext. 572.
Outpatient Mental Health Services
Psychiatric Services
Adult, Adolescent and Child Psychiatric Services include an evaluation by a psychiatrist to provide an assessment of presenting psychiatric symptoms, including substance abuse/dependence, level of impairment and associated risk factors to determine the appropriate treatment options, which may include a trial of psychotropic medication and medication monitoring to provide clinical oversight of individuals who are prescribed psychotropic medication by the agency or consulting psychiatrists. Continued assessment of medication effectiveness and efficacy is conducted by focusing on the change in the targeted symptoms, side effects to the prescribed medication and other medical concerns that may develop.
Outpatient Therapy
Outpatient therapy offers a safe, supportive environment for individuals, children and families to work out problems or issues they are facing. These problems or issues may include life stressors (divorce, abuse, death of family members or friends), problems at home or work/school, behavioral issues, managing anger, and dealing with feelings of sadness or anxiety.
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)/Community Treatment Team (CTT)
The ACT model is a program which supports the severe, persistent mentally ill individual in the community, and was introduced in the 1970's. Assertive community treatment (ACT) began when several mental health professionals at the Mendota Mental Health Institute in Madison, Wisconsin realized that many people diagnosed with a severe mental illness were being discharged from inpatient care in stable condition only to return shortly thereafter. Helping consumers in the process of recovery is the ultimate goal of assertive community treatment teams.(source: SAMSHA) FSWP has the 9th team in Allegheny and the 1st and only team in Westmoreland. For more information, contact Candace Ross, MSW, LCSW, M.A.C. at 724-552-4975 extension 753.
ACT Westmoreland
211 Huff Avenue
Greensburg, PA 15601
724-552-4975-phone
724-552-4979-fax
CTT Allegheny
6401 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
412-345-0004-phone
412-345-0020-fax
Counseling
Our D&A Program is designed to assist individuals in maintaining their recovery from chemical abuse and dependency and from other negative behavior patterns which may have contributed to their dependency issues.
The primary goal for each individual is to obtain sobriety and develop the skills necessary to maintain a self-directed recovery plan. Therapists at the outpatient drug and alcohol program utilize Cognitive Therapy and a strengths-based model which supports harm reduction in order to achieve desired treatment goals for each individual. Our therapists are also skilled at helping people who are experiencing behavior health issues along with chemical abuse and dependency.
Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Program
The Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Program offers two levels of care; 1A Outpatient and 1B Intensive Outpatient to meet the presenting needs of our target population. Staff at the outpatient drug and alcohol program view chemical dependency as a chronic, progressive, and ultimately fatal disease that requires a lifelong pursuit of, and commitment to, recovery. Staff also recognizes that a co-occurring condition has become the expectation not the exception in drug and alcohol treatment and that both disorders must be addressed concurrently in an integrated and supportive environment to maximize chances of treatment success.
The program serves Individuals that are:
- living in Allegheny County and surrounding counties that have a d/a diagnosis and/or dual diagnosis
- 13 years or older (intensive outpatient 18 years or older) and that are experiencing a problem with drugs or alcohol that present minimum to no risk for withdrawal
- experiencing a co-occurring mental health condition that are assessed as being psychiatrically stable and that demonstrate a willingness to participate with prescribed treatment, including abstinence until determined to be a treatment goal
- that are pregnant and using intravenous substances, pregnant and using substances, or anyone using substances intravenously are given priority for admission
The program also addresses chronic relapse patterns positively impacting not only the client, but the community as well. Many individuals served by the program go on to earn gainful employment, end legal involvement, and transcend generational patterns of both drug abuse/dependency and behavioral health issues.
For information contact Kristin Matthews, M.S.Ed., CADC, CCDP – D, ICADC, Matthewsk@fswp.org
Co-Occurring Disorders (MH/D&A)
The Westmoreland County Mobile Supports Program offers community-based services to individuals living throughout Westmoreland County. The program is designed to assist chronically mentally ill individuals, who often times also have a history of substance abuse, in maintaining a holistic recovery program.
The program utilizes a blend of individual, group, and couples/family work to assist individuals in developing the skills necessary to maintain a dual recovery program, to prevent hospitalization and/or to assist their transition out of a state mental hospital. The program also offers peer support services to bridge the gap between the individual and the therapeutic process.
Additionally, peer support services assist the individual being served in learning how to maintain a self-directed dual recovery plan which often times takes the form of accompanying individuals to self-help group meetings, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA).
For more information call 724-834-7830 or 724-226-0664.
Consumer Financial Services – Rep Payee
The Representative Payee Program is a financial service program for people who receive benefits from the Social Security Administration. A Representative Payee is appointed by the Social Security Administration when a person is unable to manage benefits without assistance or is at risk of financial exploitation from others. When Family Services is named as a person’s Representative Payee, the staff will work with the person to create an individualized budget plan to ensure that basic needs are met. The staff will work collaboratively with the person to achieve financial stability and will work with other service providers to ensure continuity of care.
The Representative Payee Program recognizes the importance of this vital need and has expanded to serve people who live in Allegheny County and are actively participating in mental health services.
We currently have offices in New Kensington and East Liberty. If you would like more information about our program, please contact Michelle Cox at 724-335-9883 x513 or via email at coxm@fswp.org
Integrated Care in Primary Health Care
Family Services has been collaborating with two area primary care practices in the New Kensington area. We have been involved in one of these clinics since 2003 in an effort to recognize that some individuals will not come to the behavioral health center due to stigma or lack of information about behavioral health issues or care. In these locations clients are screened for depression, suicidality and/or substance use when they present for an appointment. If clinic staff note a psychosocial problem they will briefly educate the individual about the availability of a Behavioral Health Specialist. They then provide a face-to-face “warm” hand-off to the clinician. The clinician then follows up with the client, discuses their problem, provides education, referrals or offers brief problem-solving treatment to assist the client with addressing their behavioral health concerns. These individuals enjoy improved behavioral and physical health outcomes that can result when both sets of problems are simultaneously addressed.
Mobile Counseling
Family Services offers Mobile Counseling programs for several groups of individuals who are unable to get to the office for treatment. Currently, we offer Mobile Counseling for new mothers who are depressed and are unable to get to the office for treatment because of the severity of their depression or psychosocial issues. We also offer Mobile Counseling for Senior Citizens who exhibit early signs of depression, but are isolated and/or unable to get to an office for counseling. Family Services currently funds these projects through grants or special project funds in hopes of demonstrating to payers the importance and success these programs can offer for individuals who require outreach or assistance in securing behavioral health treatment.
Westmoreland County Mobile Supports Program (Mobile MISA)
The Mobile Supports Program offers community based support services, including education and intervention, to individuals living in Westmoreland County. The program is designed to assist those with chronic behavioral health issues, who often times also have a history of substance abuse, in maintaining a holistic recovery program. The program utilizes a blend of both individual and group work to assist individuals in not only developing the skills necessary to maintain a recovery program; but also to either prevent hospitalization and/or to assist their transition out of a state mental hospital. The program also offers peer support services to bridge the gap between the individual and the therapeutic process.
Who the Program Serves:
- Adults (21) years of age or older who reside in Westmoreland County
- Individuals with a dual diagnosis of Behavioral Health Issue(s)/Drug and Alcohol abuse or any individual having a Behavioral Health diagnosis with a potential for Drug and Alcohol abuse or dependence
- Persons who have a history of persistent mental illness and substance abuse
For more information call Kristin Matthews, M.S.Ed., CAC, CCDP – D, ICADC.
Family Based Behavioral Services
Family Based Behavioral Health Services are designed to prevent psychiatric hospitalization and other out-of-the-home placements of a child and/or adolescent (up to 21 years of age) with emotional and behavioral problems. The goal of the service is to keep a family together within their home and community and with the family being the primary caregivers. The focus of the treatment is to empower a family to use their strengths and skills and to use their natural support systems to make positive, long-lasting changes which will improve the quality of their lives. The family as a whole, not any individual family member, is the focus of treatment. The emphasis of the treatment is for the family to develop self-reliance.
The family will have an active responsibility in treatment assessment, planning and Implementation. Services are designed to be least restrictive, time-limited and culturally competent. Services are provided within the home or community and are adapted to accommodate the schedules of family members.
For more information call 724.834.7830 (Greensburg) or 724.230.2777 (Tarentum).
Child/Adolescent Partial Hospital Program
The Child/Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program is a multi-disciplinary, time-limited, intensive psychiatric treatment program for the treatment of children/adolescents 5 -18 years of age. Through a partnership between Family Services and Highlands School District, the Child/Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program offers a unique alternative to children in need of intensive treatment to address social, emotional and behavioral needs The goal of the Child/Adolescent Partial program is to identify problems preventing a child/adolescent from functioning successfully in school, address these problems, and assist the child/adolescent in transitioning back into the school environment. Admission into the program is indicated by:
- The child demonstrates acute psychiatric symptoms which if untreated may lead to inpatient care or other out-of-home placement.
- Failure to make progress in less restrictive mental health services.
- Difficulty functioning in various areas of the child’s life.
For more information call (724) 226-0600 Ext. 307.
Student Assistance Program
The Student Assistance Program is a school-based comprehensive prevention and early intervention program for students in grades K-12. Our program works in collaboration with several school districts in Allegheny and Westmoreland County to identify, screen and refer students who may be experiencing barriers to learning and school success.
The agency liaison provides the following services within the school structure:T
To read our newsletter click here and for further information about the Student Assistance Program in your school district, contact your school directly or call 724-335-9883 and request the SAP program.
- Consultation and education to school personnel, students and parents in their area of expertise—mental health, substance use and abuse, and assistance with school policy.
- Initial assessment of students who may have a variety of academic, behavioral, and/or personal difficulties which interfere with daily functioning.
- Referral services to appropriate school or community-based resources. (SAP does not offer treatment services.)
- Crisis intervention services in the school.
- Prevention and supportive groups to students and educational materials to parents and teachers.
Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services (BHRS)
BHRS service is an outpatient service for children and adolescents under the age of 21 years. BHRS is a voluntary mental health treatment service that occurs in the home, school or community setting. These services are face-to-face, child-centered, family focused, individualized, and based on the strengths of the child and the family.
The goal of this program is to provide home and community-based services within the current continuum of care the child is receiving at Family Services. This provides fewer systems for families to navigate and minimizes service interruption with their current doctor and therapist. We want to improve or stabilize certain behavioral health symptoms exhibited by children in the domain where they are occurring.
BHRS services are prescribed by a psychiatrist or a psychologist with the average length of stay between 6-8 months.