Counseling and Therapy
Services are based upon the individual needs of the person served and consist of ongoing periodic formal sessions provided on an individual, family or group basis. Counseling uses problem-solving and support to improve the person’s ability to cope with problems of daily living. Therapy focuses on directly reducing symptoms associated with a mental illness or emotional disturbance by using psychological interventions to modify emotional, cognitive, behavioral disturbances and to improve interpersonal relationships. Services are provided to individuals three years of age or older.
Case Management
Services are intended to provide necessary referral and linkage with mental health resources, housing sources, educational opportunities and community health services for our clients.
Child and Adolescent Programs
Programs are available to children and adolescents that expose them to opportunities that may not otherwise be presented to them. Our staff offers support, models, and teaches appropriate behaviors and encourages participants to set and reach goals. These programs provide an opportunity to develop or enhance social skills, to increase self-esteem and self-confidence, and to process issues in a group setting. Programs may include a summer camp, adolescent boys and girls groups, parenting education, family therapy and psychiatric services.
Crisis Intervention Services
In a psychiatric emergency after hours, an on-call counselor can be reached by contacting the Douglas County Sheriff’s dispatcher at (217) 253-3511.
Screening, Assessment and Support Services (SASS)
SASS is provided to all children and adolescents who are at risk of psychiatric hospitalization. DCMH provides support services geared toward stabilizing the child/adolescent and restoring him/her to the previous level of functioning in the home, school and community.
Psychiatric Services
A consulting psychiatrist is available twice a month for scheduled appointments for persons served by DCMH. A psychiatric nurse is available throughout the week to assist with medication monitoring and training, and to ensure the physician’s orders regarding medication are implemented properly. The psychiatric nurse also provides education, sets up pillboxes, gives injections, consults with pharmacies and drug companies, and assists individuals in applying for indigent medication in the event that they are financially unable to obtain the needed medication on their own.
Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR)
Daily group activities are offered for adults and children with mental health issues that affect their ability to function in the family, work, school or community setting. The purpose of this program is to maintain or improve levels of functioning, accomplish symptom reduction and teach social, interpersonal and independent living skills. This is a 25-hour per week offering on-site.
Community Support Services
Community Support offers consumers the opportunity to practice skills learned in PSR in the community. This program offers classes for consumers living in the community to enhance their life experience, deal with day to day symptoms and life issues and to manage their medications, leisure activities, social skills, health issues and prevent isolation.
Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP)
WRAP is a 12-week program developed by Mary Ellen Copeland. The purpose is to teach people to monitor, reduce, modify, change or eliminate distrusting psychiatric and/or physical symptoms. Participants develop their own WRAP plan in order to help them make changes in their lives, pursue realistic dreams and accomplish a healthy way of living.
Adult and Adolescent Life Skills Training (ALST)
ALST is a 10-week program designed to teach the adult-living skills necessary to prevent further involvement with the criminal justice system. Life skills taught include decision-making, conflict resolution, coping, communication and future goal development.
Domestic Abuse Intervention (DAIP)
DCMH provides a 26-week intervention program for perpetrators of domestic violence, which follows the Duluth model. Counseling and therapy for victims is available on an individual basis at DCMH and at Beth’s Place.
Children First
Provides divorcing parents of children under 18 years of age the opportunity to learn about and discussed the effect that divorce that divorce and changing family situations has on children.
Community Outreach Services
Services are also provided at the local jail, area nursing homes, local schools and homes of persons served.
Educational and Public Awareness
Speakers are available upon request.
Article by: Douglas County Health Department