Arlington County Behavioral Health Care Services Drewry Center 1725 N. George Mason Drive Arlington, VA 22205 Sequoia Building 2100 Washington Blvd, 4 th Fl. Arlington County 22204
Our Mission The primary goal of the Behavioral Healthcare programs is to promote maximum independent living in the community for persons with serious mental illness or substance abuse problems, thereby preventing unnecessary, restrictive institutional placements. The objective is to help these individuals become productive Arlington citizens who are integrated into the community.
Mental Health Eligibility In July 2012, after careful consideration it was determined that AC would only be able to treat individuals who were deemed Seriously Mentally Ill (SMI). This determination eliminated the third prong of our eligibility criteria which allowed us to accept those who were deemed Acutely Mentally Ill, which was defined as: An individual who does not meet the criteria for a serious mental illness but suffers from an acute mental illness and does not have the financial resources to obtain short-term treatment elsewhere. Change is coming!
AC Mental Health Services Seriously Mentally Ill Diagnosed with a serious mental illness as follows: Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorder or Mood Disorder and anxiety disorder and psychotic symptoms or medication to control psychotic symptoms, history of psychiatric hospitalization in the past 12 months, or suicide attempt or plan in the last 12 months or Other mental health diagnosis (Axis I or II) with resulting functional impairment (in such areas as employment, social relationships, finances, housing, self-care and safety, behavioral appropriateness) within the past 12 months or Previously met the criteria for a serious mental illness and is now stable and requires services to maintain stability and prevent relapse.
AC Mental Health Services Who we treat Child and Family Services Providing mental health and substance abuse services to individuals 18 and younger. This division also addresses issues related to CPS and Parent education (703) 228-1550 Adult Services 18-60 years - (703) 228-4864 Senior Adult Services 60+ - (703) 228-1700 Intellectual and Developmental Disability Division serving individuals age 3 and over (703) 228-1700
MH Services - Crisis Intervention Mental Health Emergency Services (703) 228-5160 Emergency services provide immediate assistance to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. The goal is to prevent the crisis from worsening, relieve immediate distress and prevent individuals from harming themselves and/or others. Services include assessment, crisis intervention and stabilization, short-term counseling, on-call psychiatric services and critical stress management services for individuals and families.
MH Services Homeless Case Management Services (TOW) Transitional Case Management Services Community Support Team Services Discharge Planning Services Jail Diversion and Forensic Case Management Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) Psychiatric Services
MH Services - Housing Arlington County DHS Housing Grant AC BHD Residential Services A continuum of residential and related supportive services for adults with serious mental illness to promote successful community living. Services include group homes, assisted living facilities, residential crisis stabilization services, intensive supported living services, transitional housing persons who are homeless and a permanent-supported independent housing program.
MH Services Job Avenue Assists clients with mental illnesses obtain and maintain employment Situational Assessment Job Development Job Placement and Training Follow Along Services Clarendon Club House The purpose of the Clarendon House program is to maximize the community integration of adults with serious mental illness by promoting independent living and assisting with housing, employment and the reduction of psychiatric hospitalizations.
Substance Abuse Eligibility Eligibility Criteria Clients must have a substance abuse problem and/or mental illness. Must also be ONE of the following: Arlington resident Homeless Person receiving Medicaid Resident in Arlington psychiatric hospital, jail or other facility Priority given to pregnant and post-partum women, those living with HIV/AIDS, and intravenous drug users All individuals reporting a substance problem are screened for services. Residential services are for Arlington residents who require more intensive treatment than is available in an outpatient setting and who do not have the financial resources to pay for residential treatment. Sliding fee based on income. Clients with insurance are billed accordingly.
Substance Abuse Services Case Management and Contractual Substance Abuse Treatment Services Residential treatment and case management support for adults with substance abuse problems. Individuals are evaluated by case management staff and placed in the appropriate level of residential treatment. Contract services include social and medical detoxification and residential treatment and transitional living placements to facilitate recovery from substance abuse. Case managers monitor clients at contracted agencies.
Substance Abuse Services Detention Facility Jail-Based Services Assessment, early intervention, prevention, treatment and case management services to those incarcerated to prevent further deterioration and involvement in criminal activities. Services include the ACT Program (prevents deterioration and prepares individuals for recovery from alcohol and drug dependency) and the Mental Health Jail Treatment Unit (serves to prevent suicide and facilitate psychiatric and behavioral stabilization). Both programs help place individuals in outpatient or residential aftercare settings after release.
Substance Abuse Services Outpatient Substance Abuse Services Substance abuse services includes: Assessment, Individual, Group and Family Treatment, Substance Abuse Education Courses, Relapse Prevention Services, Psychological Testing, Psychiatric Evaluations and Medication Services, Dual- Diagnosis Services, Multi-Cultural Services to Hispanic Consumers, Drug Testing and Access to Community-Based Support Groups. Adults using narcotics can receive methadone treatment through a contract with the Alexandria Community Services Board.
SA Services How to Apply Call 703-228-4900 Or apply in person at: Behavioral Healthcare 1725 N. George Mason Drive Arlington, VA 22205
Stigma Psycho Scary Insane
Stigma
Literature on MH and the Role of the Church Amy Simpson Mental Illness: What is the Church s Role? In general, the church tends to handle mental illness in one of three ways: ignore it, treat it exclusively as a spiritual problem, or refer people to professional and wash our hand of their trouble. http://www.qideas.org/blog/mental-illness-what-is-the-churchsrole.aspx What can faith-based communities do to overcome the stigma associated with them and their management of mental health and addiction?
How Can Faith Based Communities Where do you begin? Talk about it openly! Help? Historically, mental illness and substance abuse have been tagged as taboo subjects. Mental Health and Substance Abuse are now heavily highlighted in the media. Eliminating the stigma Reducing Shame Mental Illness and Substance abuse have both environmental and genetic factors that lead to their manifestation. Always remember - An individual living with MH and or, SA did not ask to develop/be diagnosed with these illnesses!
How Can Faith Based Communities Help? Don t be afraid of medication! There are some individuals who are afraid to take medications to manage their symptom intrusion because they believe they will become addicted and or, do not want to rely on it for the rest of their lives. Psychiatric medications treat mental disorders. Sometimes called psychotropic or psychotherapeutic medications, they have changed the lives of people with mental disorders for the better. Many people with mental disorders live fulfilling lives with the help of these medications. Without them, people with mental disorders might suffer serious and disabling symptoms. -National Institute of Mental Health Medication used in combination with therapeutic services (counseling, support groups, etc.) and prayer will lead to the most successful outcome for an individual.
How Can Faith Based Communities Assemble a network! Help? Identify area agencies that provide treatment to individuals with mental health or substance abuse issues that can be easily accessed in times of crisis, or simply for consultation. Seek volunteers within your congregation who could serve as a support network. Foster Friendships/Become a permanent fixture Establish/Identify a group of people who are able to support individuals in a practical way (taking them shopping, spend time with them, etc.)
How Can Faith Based Communities Help? Emotions Anonymous A 12-step organization that is similar to AA which has been designed to assist individuals who want to achieve and maintain emotional health. Some topics highlighted by EA include: Depression, anger, broken/strained relationships, grief, anxiety, low self-esteem, panic, abnormal fears, resentment, jealousy, guilt, despair, loneliness, withdrawal, worry, anger, etc. A support group such as EA would be helpful with addressing the everyday/real life concerns that Individuals living with a mental illness/substance Abuse, as well as, their friends and family experience. Suggestion: If utilized, open it up to those who may not have first hand experience with MH/SA as a way to educate them!
How Can Faith Based Communities EDUCATION! Help? Providing on-going education about mental health and substance abuse, will be the most beneficial contribution you can make. Invite people both within the congregation and outside of it to speak about their first-hand/lived experiences with MH and SA. Education helps to decrease judgment and stereotypes regarding MH and SA, which will help to promote a more welcoming community for current or future congregation members
Making your Church known to individuals in the community A large number of individuals diagnosed with mental health or substance abuse issues are living in unfavorable living conditions or are homeless (in shelters and on the streets). They are in need of tangible supports such as: Food, Clothing/Linens, Toiletries, monetary assistance for medication. Take collections for food, clothing, gift cards etc.