Family Based Mental Health is an intensive, in-home family therapy program. The program is based on a Structural Family Therapy Model with ongoing training provided by the Philadelphia Child and Family Therapy Training Center, Inc. A treatment team consisting of one Master Level Mental Health Professional and one Bachelor Level Mental Health worker delivers services. Each team carries a caseload of approximately six families with length of service being one to six months with the potential of up to a two month extension. The program is unique in that it provides therapy services; 24 hours a day, 7 days per week on-call services; and family support services (respite). In addition, this service is reimbursable by Medical Assistance monies and there are no fees to the family.

The primary goal of the Pennsylvania Family Based Mental Health Services is to assist parents in caring for their children with emotional problems. It is designed to prevent hospitalization/placement outside of the home due to a psychiatric disability. Emphasis is on families as partners and services are provided in the families’ homes.

• The program services Erie County residents age 0-21, with a mental health diagnosis. At least one adult caretaker in the home must be in agreement to the program. A psychiatrist or licensed psychologist must certify that this is the most appropriate treatment for the child.
• The Crawford County Family Based Mental Health Program serves the families of children from birth to 21 years of age who have a mental health diagnosis and are at risk of an out-of-home placement. At least one adult caregiver in the home must consent to participate in the therapeutic services.
• Venango County ??

• Erie County: In addition, referrals go through the Mental Health Base Service Unit. The designated Family Based Mental Health Liaison is responsible for the waiting list, prioritizing and selecting the next appropriate case. Coordination between the Project Director and the Liaison is a continuous process. The program has grown to meet client needs.
• Crawford County:Referrals are received from a variety of sources including: the Mental Health Base Service Unit (MH BSU), Children and Youth Services, the Juvenile Probation Office, outpatient mental health clinicians, providers of enhanced mental health services and facilities that provide children and adolescents with inpatient psychiatric and residential treatment. A licensed psychologist or physician must recommend Family Based Mental Health Services. Referrals are processed by the MH BSU, where the identified child/adolescent must be open for services, and reviewed by the Gatekeeping Committee. After obtaining the required approvals and authorizing services, the MH BSU forwards referrals to the Family Based Mental Health Program supervisor, who is available to respond to inquiries. In the event that there is a waiting list, the Children and Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP) Coordinator helps determine the priority that cases are assigned.
• Venango County: