Family Based Mental Health is an in-home treatment approach that provides family therapy, crisis intervention, preventions services, and service coordination for families with at least one child who is at risk for a higher level of care in the home.
Family Based Mental Health at Family Services of NW PA is available to children and adolescents ages 0-21 who are at risk of out of home placement due to a severe emotional or behavioral disorder, or due to mental illness. Family Based Mental Health can also be used as a step-down for children returning home to their family, which may include natural or substitute care families, following out of home placement.
Family Based Mental Health is delivered in the home by a team that includes a master's-level therapist and a bachelor's-level therapist. Services are adapted to accommodate the schedules of family members.
Goals of Family Based Mental Health:
- Help parents and caregivers to care for their children who have a behavioral health diagnosis
- Reduce the need for a higher level of care
- Strengthen and maintain family relationships
- Improve coping skills of all family members
What to Expect:
- Family Based Mental Health is a voluntary service and requires consent to participate.
- The average length of service for families enrolled in Family Based Mental Health is 8 months.
- Sessions take place 3-5 times each week in the family's home
- 24/7 on-call crisis intervention
Referrals:
Family Based Mental Health is available to children and adolescents ages 0-21 who are at risk of out of home placement due to a severe emotional or behavioral disorder, or due to mental illness.
To qualify for Family Based Mental Health:
- At least one adult caregiver must participate in treatment
- A psychiatrist or licensed psychologist must certify that Family Based Mental Health services are medically necessary
Referrals can be made by:
- Completing the referral packet (CCBH Best Practice Letter and Pre-Certification Form) with a psychiatrist or Licensed Psychologist signature certifying FBMH is medically necessary.
- Calling Family Services of NW PA at 814-866-4500
- Calling Expert Community Care Management (ECCM) at 814-528-0600
