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MENTAL HEALTH Mental Health Home Page

Mental Health services are targeted for adults who are seriously mentally ill and children/adolescents who are seriously emotionally disturbed or at-risk of becoming so. Initial access to our services is through our Information and Referral Unit. Staff members at our Mental Health Office are responsible for case managing ongoing services for consumers.

The following services are provided by the agency either directly or via contracts with area service providers: Crisis Intervention Services including Telephone Counseling, Mobile Crisis, and Crisis Residential Services; Outpatient Services; Targeted Case Management (Intensive Case Management and Resource Coordination); Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services; Assertive Community Treatment Team Services; Facility and Community Based Vocational Programs; Residential Services; Family Support Services; Housing Support Services; Social Rehabilitation Services; Family Based Services; Peerline Services. The agency also offers Disaster Mental Health Services.

In accordance with Pennsylvania Code 55, Chapter 5100, Mental Health Procedures, Northampton County Mental Health designates the following hospitals to provide emergency mental health examination and/or treatment:

        • St. Luke's Hospital ED Fountain Hill Campus, 801 Ostrum St., Bethlehem, PA 18015
  • St. Luke's Hospital ED Anderson Campus, 1872 St. Luke's Blvd., Easton, PA 18045
  • LVHN - Muhlenberg, 2545 Schoenersville Rd., Bethlehem, PA 18017
  • St. Luke's Hospital - Easton Campus ED, 250 S. 21st St., Easton, PA 18042

In the event that you are experiencing a mental health crisis, Northampton County Information, Referral and Emergency Services Department is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  The Crisis department can be reached at 610-252-9060.

Under the Student Assistance Program, mental health services are provided to students on site at area elementary, middle and high schools. Short-term inpatient services are provided by area hospitals on either a voluntary or involuntary basis. Service philosophy is consumer oriented (client-centered and strengths-based) with the goal of offering a continuum of recovery based services that allow persons to remain in their community. Services for children and adolescents are offered in accordance with CASSP core principals.

For the Mental Health Request for Proposals (RFP) document and RFP Questions, please refer to "Reports and Documents" under the Quick Access Links located on the County Website home page.


 Program Goals

​The program operates with these objectives:
  • To provide persons with mental illness the opportunity to lead full and productive lives in their communities.
  • To insure that persons with mental illness are accepted and valued within their communities.
  • To insure that all components necessary for a comprehensive system of care are developed and expanded.
  • To insure that the viewpoints and values of all interested parties are respected.
  • To provide persons with mental illness with choices about and immediate access to needed services and supports.
  • To insure that the rights and culture of persons with mental illness are respected in the delivery of services.
  • To insure the quality and appropriateness of all services.

 Access to Services


Access to services is through our Information and Referral Unit which is located at 2801 Emrick Blvd, Bethlehem PA 18020. This unit is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The telephone number is 610-829-4800. When a person calls into this unit, he/she will speak with an information and referral specialist who will review the caller’s concerns and service needs and direct that person to where these needs can best be met. Depending upon the information provided, the caller may be scheduled to meet with an intake specialist or may be referred directly to non-county treatment resources. The latter may occur if the caller qualifies for services provided elsewhere and/or if their insurance coverage requires them to use a specific provider network.
For those persons who are scheduled to meet with an intake specialist, an appointment will be scheduled within seven to ten days of the initial call. The intake appointment will be conducted at the Office of Mental Health located at 2801 Emrick Blvd, Bethlehem PA 18020. Upon arrival, the consumer will be given a social history form to complete which will take approximately thirty minutes. The social history form can also be completed prior to the scheduled intake by downloading a copy: Mental Health Intake.pdf
Once the social history is completed an intake case manager will meet with the consumer to review the social history and discuss service needs. This intake interview also includes a discussion of confidentiality regulations, development of a treatment plan, completion of any needed releases of information, and a determination of financial liability for services (how much one can expect to pay for services on a monthly basis based upon income). The entire intake appointment will take from one and a half to two hours.

While the above procedure outlines the process for obtaining the majority of county funded mental health services, there are some services to which consumers have direct access without having to go through the formal intake process. These include Clubhouse Services, Drop-In Center Services, and Crisis Intervention Services.

 Regulatory Base

​The regulatory base for the program is the MH/MR Act of 1966 and the Mental Health Procedures Act of 1976 with subsequent amendments. In addition, providers of service are required to comply with any and all existing regulations specific to the services that are provided by them.

 Funding

​Funding for the services we offer is provided by state, county and federal government and third party sources (private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, etc.). Additional funding for some services comes from consumer fees that are based upon a sliding-fee scale as determined by program regulations.

 Staff Recruitment

All county staff members are employed through the PA State Civil Service System and must meet the established criteria for each position. Non-county staff members are employed directly though the various agencies with whom we contract for services. Both county staff members and contracted staff members are required to meet the credentialing requirements of those regulations under which the various services operate.

 Crisis Intervention Services

​Crisis Intervention services are available 24 hours a day by calling 610-829-4801. The crisis unit is located at 2801 Emrick Blvd, Bethlehem PA 18020. Services include telephone counseling, mobile crisis, walk-in crisis, and assistance in accessing inpatient care and short-term crisis residential services.

 Crisis Residential Programs

Robbins Bower
910 E. Emmaus Avenue
Allentown , PA 18103
Phone: 610-791-7878

This program provides short-term residential services for individuals in psychiatric crisis, offering a safe and supportive environment for people who temporarily need assistance until they stabilize or until other arrangements can be made. The program is licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Two or more trained staff members are on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The maximum capacity in the facility is eight persons with a length of stay for up to five days. The County Program may authorize additional time when warranted. Staff members focus on assisting consumers to resolve their immediate crises and to mobilize support systems and ongoing treatment in the community.

 Telephone Support Services

​The PEER LINE is a toll-free phone number for people in Northampton County who are seeking a listening ear for additional support in their recovery from mental illness. The PEER LINE is peer-run and peer-friendly. Callers to the PEER LINE will speak directly to other individuals who have experienced the mental health recovery process.

Hours of operation: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday
1-855-PA-PEERS (727-3377)
Recovery Partnership
70 West North Street
Suite 101
Bethlehem, Pa 18018

 Disaster Mental Health (DMH)

​Since 1996, Northampton County Mental Health has had a disaster response plan and a Disaster Crisis Outreach and Referral Team (DCORT). These DMH professionals are trained to assist county residents following traumatic natural and human-caused events. Over the years, members of our team have assisted with debriefing staff from provider agencies and area schools following traumatic events. Members of the team have provided assistance at FEMA Centers that have been set up in response to the devastating floods that have occurred in our area. Copies of some of the educational handouts we distribute can be found onour Forms and Documents page (see DMH titled items). 

Our program is involved in ongoing preparedness planning with the American Red Cross, local emergency management personnel, local police departments, Lehigh County Mental Health, and the coroners' offices in Northampton and Lehigh Counties .
Key areas of concern at this time are:
(1) pandemic flu;
(2) transportation accidents, especially the possibility of any major airline crash involving Lehigh Valley International Airport;
(3) HazMat incidents;
(4) workplace violence that results in serious injuries/deaths; and
(5) acts of terrorism such as the use of weapons of mass destruction.

 Outpatient Mental Health Clinics

​Assessment and treatment services are offered via these programs that include psychiatric evaluation, therapy and ongoing medication monitoring. Services are individualized, strengths-based, and are not time-limited. Services for all age groups are offered here:

Cedar Point Family Services/New Directions
(bilingual services available)
2456 Brodhead Road
Bethlehem, PA 18020
Phone: 610-758-8011

Northeast Treatment Centers
(does not accept Medicare)
6 South Third St
Easton, PA 18042
Phone: 610-253-6760

Holcomb Behavioral Health
(does not accept Medicare)
929 Northampton Street
Easton, PA 18042
610-330-9862

Haven House
1411 Union Boulevard
Allentown, PA 18109
Phone: 610-433-6181
www.havenbhs.com

Life Guidance
(bilingual services available)
19 E. Elizabeth Avenue
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Phone: 610-865-1699


OMNI Health Services, Inc.

226 Northampton Street
Easton, PA 18042
Phone: 610-258-1300  

OMNI Health Services, Inc.
2100 Ferry Street
Easton, PA 18042
Phone: 610-250-9300     

Northeast Treatment Centers
(does not accept Medicare)
44 E. Broad Street; Suite 020
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Phone: 610-868-0435

Pinebrook Family Answers
(serves children, adolescents, & adults)
1101 Northampton St
Easton, PA 18042
610-559-8151
www.pinebrookservices.org

Pinebrook Family Answers
(bilingual services available)
(serves children, adolescents, & adults)
402 N. Fulton Street
Allentown, PA 18102
Phone: 610-432-3919
https://pbfalv.org

Pinebrook Family Answers
(serves children, adolescents, & adults)
16 S Broadway, Suite 2
Wind Gap, PA 18091
Phone: 610-863-8151
https://pbfalv.org
 

For many consumers, clinics will offer prescription medications as a part of their treatment program. We've prepared a handout to help you get the maximum benefit from the medications you may be given.
Important Information About Medications.pdf

 School Based Services

​As part of its Student Assistance Program, the County Mental Health Department in collaboration with Drug and Alcohol Department contracts with Center for Humanistic Change to provide on-site, short-term counseling services to students at area elementary, middle, and high schools located in Northampton County. These services are provided by mental health professionals and may include individual and group approaches. In the course of providing this service, these counselors may identify problems that would better be addressed through more intensive and/or long-term treatment approaches. In such instances, counselors will then make referrals to community-based services as appropriate. Referrals for school based services are made directly by on-site school personnel.

 Drop-In Centers

​The Drop-In Centers are open to all mental health consumers in Northampton County who are interested in meeting people and making new friends. They provide a friendly social atmosphere with scheduled daily activities including games, arts & crafts, discussion and education groups, vocational activities, and much more. Light refreshments are served daily. The locations are:


Northampton County Drop-In Center - operated by Recovery Partnership
70 W North Street
Bethlehem PA 18018
Phone: 610-954-5501
Fax: 610-954-5702
E-mail: ncdropin@enter.net
Hours of Operation:
Monday 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Thursday 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Friday 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday Closed

Easton Community Drop-In Center - operated by Recovery Partnership
Transitional Site
First Presbyterian Church
333 Spring Garden Street
Easton PA 18042
Hours of Operation
Tuesday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Van transportation is available on scheduled days for transportation.

 Clubhouse Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program

​Modeled after the Fountain House program in New York City, the Clubhouse movement offers consumers interested in fulfilling work a guaranteed place to come, to belong, and to enjoy meaningful relationships as they seek the confidence and skills necessary to lead vocationally productive and socially satisfying lives. Here is their contact information:

Unity House Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program
119 W. 4th Street
Bethlehem, PA 18015
Phone: 610-691-1580

This site is open Monday thru Thursday from 8:30 am till 4:00 pm and Fridays from 8:30 am till 3:00 pm. Consumers are encouraged to stop by for a visit. After-hour social activities are also scheduled.

 Vocational/Employment Programs

​RHD (Resources for Human Development) operates Café The Lodge which offers (limited) vocational training and experience. The Lodge is a program developed as a part of the closure of the Allentown State Hospital. Click on the image below for the menu.
For more information about The Lodge program, The Lodge-rhd - Mental Health Recovery, Supported Housing (thelodge-rhd.org)
 
Associated Production Services Inc. (APS)
950 Pembroke Road
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Phone: 610-867-6659

APS is an affirmative industry program that provides an integrated, supported work environment in which trainees can experience employment in a manufacturing/packaging business. The facility operates from 8:30 am to 3:45 pm, Monday thru Friday. Workers at APS earn a training wage and this job can be a vehicle for developing the skills needed to attain higher-paying jobs throughout the community.

Private Industry Council (PIC)
72 North 2nd Street
Easton, PA 18042
Phone: 610-829-1244

VIA of the Lehigh Valley, Inc.
336 W. Spruce Street
Bethlehem PA 18018
Phone: 610-317-8000

PIC and VIA are supported employment programs that combine vocational assessment, placement of a consumer in a competitive job, on-the-job training, and long-term support. The worker will earn competitive wages while working in a flexible, individualized, consumer-centered program, guided by a team that includes staff members from PIC or VIA, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, and NC Mental Health.

 Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD)


It Pays To Work
Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) is a program that has been around for years, but many people are unaware of it. The Northampton County Mental Health Employment Transformation Committee has launched a MAWD poster and education campaign to promote this beneficial program. MAWD allows Pennsylvanians with disabilities to take a fulfilling job, earn more money and still maintain full medical coverage. Learn about eligibility and how to apply for MAWD by going on the Department of Public Welfare website: www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/MA-for-Disabled-Workers.aspx and choose “Office of Income Maintenance.”
To obtain a poster (as shown above) and help the Northampton County Mental Health Employment Transformation Committee with this effort, please call Cathy at (610) 829-4817. To purchase the “Artists in Recovery” artwork featured on the poster, please contact Angela at (610) 861-2741.

 Case Management Services

Administrative Case Management
All consumers who are actively involved with the Northampton County Mental Health Program initially receive this level of care. Consumers will continue at this level throughout the time their cases are active with us, unless we find they require a higher level of care known as targeted case management. Administrative case management services are designed to first provide an initial assessment and determination of eligibility for other mental health programs. Once this is determined, initial and ongoing service planning will occur which will result in linkages to selected services, authorization of these services, monitoring of services received, and outreach from the assigned Administrative Case Manager.

Targeted Case Management
Targeted case management refers to programs that provide intensive and goal-directed case management services to adults with serious and persistent mental illness. Services are targeted for those persons for whom traditional community mental health services alone have not been effective. This may include persons who have not achieved and maintained health and stability in the community and persons who, without these services, would continue to experience hospitalization, incarceration and/or homelessness). Caseloads are much smaller and regular face-to-face contact is required.

Northampton County funds intensive case management services and blended case management services for adults. The blended program allows a person to continue to receive case management services from the same worker even though the frequency of contacts fluctuate. In order to provide intensive case management services and blended case management services to adults, contracts are held with community vendors including Northwestern Human Services, Holcomb Behavioral Health, Resources for Human Development and Salisbury Behavioral Health.

Targeted case managers assist consumers in linking up to community and provider resources. These programs provide assistance to consumers in identifying, accessing, and learning to use community resources in meeting treatment/service plan objectives. These units also maintain emergency on-call services twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week. Services are guided by the principle that adults with serious mental illness can recover and live successfully in their communities when individualized services and supports are provided. Referrals for targeted case management services must be made through our regular intake process (via the consumer’s assigned Administrative Case Manager) if an individual does not have Magellan Behavioral Health services. 

Assertive Community Treatment Teams
Our most intensive outpatient case management and treatment services are offered by our Assertive Act Community Treatment Teams (sometimes referred to as community teams, and CHIPPS teams). These services were developed as part of our Community/Hospital Integration Projects Program (CHIPP) specifically to serve those individuals coming out of Allentown State Hospital and to divert others from needing long term hospital level care. These programs offer ICM level case management plus other team-delivered treatment and support services including emergency on-call services twenty-four hours per day, seven day per week, and the capacity for daily medication monitoring. Northwestern Human Services, Salisbury Behavioral Health and Resources for Human Development are the providers for these programs.

As is the case with our other targeted case management programs, ACT services are targeted for those persons for whom traditional community mental health services alone have not been effective. This includes persons who have not achieved and maintained health and stability in the community and persons who, without these services, would continue to experience hospitalization, incarceration and/or homelessness. Referrals for ACT/CHIPPS team services must be made through our regular intake process (via the consumer’s assigned Administrative Case Manager). 

Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services: (Program Based and Mobile)
Staff in these programs provide skills, training, support, and education to assist consumers so that they can achieve successful community living. Site-based services are provided at a supported apartment site managed by Salisbury Behavioral Health. Mobile services are provided by Step-by-Step at scattered independent living sites. They involve the provision of services at the residences of consumers. Haven House provides a non-residential site based program at their facility which is co-located with their outpatient program. Referrals for these programs are made through the County program if an individual does not have Magellan Behavioral Health services.

 Residential Programs and Housing

Housing Residency Policy
To be eligible for any type of Mental Health housing in Northampton County an individual must be a resident of Northampton County for a period of at least 30 days. An individual may establish residency by residing in a shelter, with a friend or family member, or personal care boarding home as long as it is located in Northampton County. An individual will not be placed on any of the Northampton County Mental Health housing waiting lists until residency is established as indicated above.
Please contact the Housing Specialist or the CHIPP coordinator at (610) 829-4840 for all inquiries related to any of the housing or housing related programs.

Long Term Structured Residence (LTSR)
This home serves 8 individuals and mental health treatment is provided in the home. Everyone has their own furnished room with a private powder room. This is the most restrictive setting available in the community. The program is staffed 24/7. Individuals may live at the LTSR as long as they require this level of care. A signed MA 51 form needs to be completed by a physician stating the individual requires LTSR level of care. COMHAR is the provider.

Enhanced Community Residential Rehabilitation (CRR)/All Inclusive Residence (AIR)
NCMH offers one AIR program. It is located in a rural setting and is operated by Resources for Human Development (RHD). The home serves 8 individuals. Everyone has their own furnished room. The program is staffed 24/7. A psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse, Certified Peer Specialist, therapist and case management staff are all included in this program. The home has a cat and a dog that reside in the home. Residents may live there as long as this level of care is required.

Specialized Behavioral and/or Medical Homes
These programs serve 3 or 4 individuals in a home. Everyone has their own furnished room. The programs have 24/7 staff. Staff is trained to deal with specific behavioral and medical needs. Mental Health treatment is not provided in these programs. Psychiatric treatment may be accessed through ACT, Partial Hospitalization Programs or traditional outpatient services. Individuals may live in these homes as long as this level of care is required. COMHAR, Access Services, RHD and Fitzmaurice are the providers for these homes.

 Community Residential Rehabilitation (Group Homes)


Step-by-Step
623 W. Union Boulevard
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Phone: 610-867-2031
Contact: Christine Stendell

The Mental Health Program funds 2 full-care group homes for adults that are operated by Step-by-Step, Inc. These homes offer access to 24-hour supervision for Northampton County residents who are diagnosed with a serious mental illness and require this level of care. Residents are assisted in acquiring daily living skills in order to move forward in their recovery and eventually live independently. The Main Street site operates with a behavioral modification philosophy and has a capacity of 12 beds. The Main Street CRR is considered to be transitional in nature with an average length of stay of about 6 months. Center Street (8 beds) is considered a longer-term CRR with average lengths of stay expected to exceed 1 year. 

Referrals to these programs are made through the County program. Consumers must be active in the County Mental Health Program, have a serious mental illness, and have a need to acquire certain skills before moving to more independent living arrangements in the community. All programs are voluntary and residents are expected to abide by certain house rules.

 Independent Apartments

​There are 2 single apartments and 3 double apartments on 13th Street in Easton. These units are County subsidized. The apartments are managed
by Step-By-Step Inc. Smoking is not permitted; furnished.

There are 10 independent apartments located on Packer Avenue inBethlehem. Salisbury Behavioral Health is the landlord for these apartments. These apartments are not subsidized, so applicants must have Valley Housing, a housing authority voucher, or be able to pay the rent independently. Pets are allowed, but must be approved by Salisbury Behavioral Health. Smoking is not permitted in these apartments; unfurnished. 

Moravian IV, with 8 units, and North Street, with 2 units, are managed by Moravian Development Corporation. Apartments are subsidized. Smoking is not permitted; unfurnished.

The Lodge - Easton. There are 7 subsidized independent apartments managed by RHD on Butler Street. Electric is extra. Smoking is not permitted; unfurnished.

There are 5 independent apartments on 4th Street in Bethlehem. Step-By-Step (SxS) serves as the landlord. These apartments are subsidized Smoking is not permitted; unfurnished.
Non-county; apply through Step-By-Step.

There are 10 (Northampton County) townhouse apartments located on Gordon Street in Allentown. These units are subsidized. Barbara Cooper of Valley Housing is the contact person for these apartments. Barbara can be reached at 610-866-0124. Smoking is permitted; unfurnished.
Non-county; apply through Valley Housing.

Salisbury Behavioral Health manages 12 single independent apartments in Hellertown, in 3 buildings. Apartments are subsidized. Smoking in apartments is not permitted. A tenant may have an approved pet in his or her apartment; unfurnished.
Non-county; apply though Salisbury Behavioral Health.

Information about applying for an Independent Apartment can be obtained by calling our Information and Referral Unit at 610-829-4800

 Supported Apartments

​NCMH offers 2 different types of supported apartments.

Salisbury House operates a site in Bethlehem.
This site has 1 single and 5 double-occupancy apartments. These apartments are staffed 16 hours a day. The staff office is located on the second floor above an end unit of the apartment complex. All medications are kept in the staff office and all dosages are monitored. Staff work with residents to learn cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping and other daily living tasks as needed. Residents may live at this residence as long as they continue to need this level of care. All residents have their own bedrooms, but they share all of the apartment common areas with their respective roommate. The apartments are fully furnished. Smoking is not permitted.

Resources for Human Development operates a supported living program.
The Lodge, program staffing is based on individual need. As these individuals progress in their recovery, staff time is adjusted accordingly. Residents in this program will live either in shared living or in their own apartment. When individuals no longer require the program they may remain in their apartment. There is a central lodge that serves as the hub for any employment/business related activities. The Lodge is also used for meetings and program group sessions. Graduates of the program may continue to participate in the Lodge activities as long as they would like. This program serves 12 individuals. There is no overnight staffing and no medication management; unfurnished.
*One does not need to be a resident in The Lodge program to join and participate in Lodge activities.
www.TheLodge-rhd.org 

 Other Housing Supports

Short-Term Rental Assistance
This program provides security deposit for qualifying individuals. This program is administered through Step-By-Step.

Housing Resources
Please use the link below to seek housing options for individuals who are in need of housing supports.  This is a comprehensive list of all of Pennsylvania's housing resources for low-income/aging/disabled persons.


 Residential Services for Children/Adolescents

​These services consist of two types, CRR Host Home care and residential treatment facilities. CRR Host Home care is provided in “foster” type homes with specially trained host parents and includes treatment for the child/adolescent living there temporarily and to his/her family to which they will return. These placements are short term and family involvement is essential. Residential Treatment Facilities are placements for those severely emotionally disturbed children and adolescents who are not able to be successfully treated in a family or community setting/program. These placements are also intended to be short-term in nature and with an emphasis on family therapy. For more information contact Moriah Harms at 610-829-4835.

 Recovery Partnership

​Recovery Partnership (formerly The Lehigh Valley Consumer/Family Satisfaction Team, Inc.) is an organization authorized by Northampton County Office of Mental Health to provide consumer satisfaction team services. Created out of the need for a reliable method of monitoring and reporting satisfaction within the mental health system, Recovery Partnership is a team of individuals who are either consumers of mental health services or family members of consumers, and those vested in improving the mental health system.

Recovery Partnership
70 W. North Street, Suite 101
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18018
Phone 610-861-2741
Toll Free 1-888-691-4278
Fax 610-861-2781
https://recoverypartnership.us
 
Recovery Partnership listens closely to consumers and families to collect information and report on their level of satisfaction with services, in order to achieve a better understanding of what is working and what may need to be changed to improve consumer satisfaction.

 

 

 Advance Directives (MH) and Power of Attorney (MH)

​Mental health Advance Directives (AD) or Mental Health Declarationsallow consumers to:
(1) develop a better understanding of their illnesses, and
(2) provide instruction on the development of personal recovery plans to be used in the event of decompensation in their mental health status.

By working with their physicians, therapists, and case managers to develop/revise personal written AD plans, consumers will have several advantages including:

  • The ability to make their own health care decisions during rough times;
  • Better communication between consumers, their family members (and other friends and significant other persons whom they may choose), and their treatment providers;
  • Earlier intervention when problems arise; and
  • Reducing court proceedings regarding involuntary treatment.

Mental health Power of Attorney (POA) allows consumers to pre-select the person or persons they would like to have serve as their “designated health care agent(s)” (advocates and decision makers) during times when they are unable to do so for themselves. Developing/revising POA documents can be done at the same time the consumers meet with their physicians, therapists, and case managers about creating or updating their AD. 

Sample fill-in-the-blank: www.dhs.pa.gov/docs/For-Providers/Documents/Behavioral%20Health%20Services/Instructions%20%20Forms%20-%20English.pdf

Please be assured that AD and POA arrangements only go into effect when it is determined by two mental health professionals that consumers are unable to make treatment decisions for themselves. As soon as consumers regain the ability to make their own decisions, AD and POA arrangements no longer apply.

 Self-Help and Support Groups

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