What are Outpatient Therapy/Clinical Specialist Services?
Outpatient Therapy (also known as Clinical Specialist Services) uses a talk therapy approach to help people focus on improving their emotional, mental, and social functioning. Services are provided on a one-on-one basis or through Group Therapy. Outpatient Therapy may include the following services: individual and family therapy; assistance with accessing community resources; advocacy and crisis intervention.
Services may be provided in the person’s home or at a clinic site or virtually. The frequency of contact is based on the needs of the individual and/or family. Services begin with a complete assessment of the individual and/or family including presenting problem, reason for requesting service, past history, family history, etc.
How do Outpatient Therapy Services help an individual?
Anyone who has a Serious Emotional Disturbance, Mental Illness, or Developmental Disability may be eligible for Outpatient Therapy. Persons need to be open to working on change in their life and have the cognitive ability to participate.
A person-centered planning approach is used to help identify an individual’s strengths, dreams, goals, and desires. In this confidential environment, the individual is encouraged to share feelings and experiences with the mental health professional. Treatment is focused on helping individuals maximize their independence, cope with their illness and/or other life situation, increase their daily living skills, improve their communication, problem-solving and coping skills, become involved with community resources and to above all improve their overall quality of life.
How to access Outpatient Therapy Services?
Those individuals not already involved with mental health services may request services directly by calling 1-800-448-5498 (M-F, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.).
If the individual is involved in Case Management or Supports Coordination services, they should discuss the possibility of a referral with their mental health worker. If the Case Manager or Supports Coordinator agrees that a referral to Outpatient Therapy/Clinical Specialist Services is appropriate, they will then make the referral directly.