AUTHOR: Michelle Melius, Supervisor Blended Case Managment Strawberry Fields
EMAIL: sfields@sfionline.org
PHONE: 814-234-6023
AGENCY: Strawberry Fields
ARTICLE:
By: Michelle Melius, Supervisor Blended Case Managment Strawberry Fields
Struggling with mental health challenges can feel overwhelming. But you don't have to go through it alone. Mental health case management can connect you or a loved one with the resources and support needed for recovery.
What is Case Management?
Mental Health Case Management, often referred to as Blended Case Management, seeks to empower those with serious mental illnesses or emotional disorders by helping them access necessary services, community resources and helping individuals manage daily living challenges.
Case Managers collaborate with individuals to identify community resources and set achievable goals. By assessing each person's needs, strengths, and preferences, Case Managers work with the consumer to develop a tailored recovery plan, and track progress over time. The frequency of meetings with a case manager can vary weekly to monthly, based on individual needs.
Benefits of Case Management
The advantages of case management include increased access to a broader array of resources, decreased hospitalizations, enhanced social functioning, stronger client advocacy, and overall better adherence to treatment plans. In Centre County, Case Management services are provided through Strawberry Fields and the Centre County Mental Health Office.
At Strawberry Fields, Case management support can take many forms, but here are a few of the most common:
· Referrals to community and social support services
· Transition from inpatient setting to outpatient support services
· Coordination of care with both psychiatric and medical providers
· Advocacy and problem solving
· Facilitate positive communication between families and their schools
· Providing information and resources to local community programs
· Health and wellness coaching
· On-call crisis support 24/7
Who is eligible, and how to get started
Individuals may qualify for services if they:
· Live in Centre County AND
· Have a documented mental health diagnosis, AND
· Would benefit from support with mental health services AND
· Are between the ages of 4 and 104
Mental Health case management is a free service funded by Medicaid or Centre County Government. Please contact Strawberry Fields at 814-234-6023 or sfields@sfionline.org to get connected to these funding sources. Individuals can also contact the Centre County Mental Health Office directly at 814-355-6786 and ask the operator to speak with Mental Health Intake.
If you are looking for additional mental health resources, please consult A Guide to Mental Health Services and Support, published by the Centre County Mental Health Office or visit the Mental Health Community Committee website at www.mhcccentre.com.To learn more about Strawberry Fields, visit www.sfionline.org.