The Community and School Based Behavioral Health Services (CSBBH) Program is a specialized, school-based treatment program designed to serve as a clinical home for youth ages 5 to 18 years in a specific school, who demonstrate an emotional or behavioral disturbance that interferes with their ability to be educated and to function in the home and community.
CSBBH utilizes a multi-disciplinary team approach including responsibility for clinical treatment, coordination of care and case management, on-call crisis services and provides individual, family and group counseling services.

How this program differs from other services:

  • Services are provided in school, home & community settings
  • Focuses on the family as a whole
  • Provides 24-hour crisis services & case management services
  • Provides a therapeutic summer program

The CSSBH Team:

  • Mobile Therapist (MT) holds a Master’s Degree and is the lead clinician
  • The MT conducts an assessment and develops an individualized treatment plan.
  • The MT provides individual, family & group therapy.  They collaborate with everyone involved with the child (principal, teachers, counselor, outside agencies, etc.).
  • Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) implements the interventions from the treatment plan and provides case management services for the child and family.
  • They hold a Bachelor’s Degree and work directly with the child in school, community and home settings.

 Who Qualifies?

  • Children qualify if they are eligible for Medical Assistance (CCBHO), have a mental health diagnosis, and their school is in a participating district with an established team.
  • Exceptions include:
  1. Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability diagnosis
  2. Participation in other mental health services without prior approval
  • Scranton Counseling Center can assist families in the Medical Assistance application process if the child does not currently have MA.  Once approved, MA covers the entire cost of our program.

Steps in the Process

Referral:

  • A teacher, principal, guardian or other source can refer a child based on mental health needs and concerns.

The referring individual should speak with designated school representative (principal/guidance counselor).  This representative will speak with the family to inform them about the program and obtain permission for the team to reach out.

Written Order / Assessment:

  • A Prescriber issues a “Written Order” for CSBBH services with a prescribed number of hours per month.  The MT conducts an Assessment and then a Treatment Team Meeting is held with the family and school to discuss current needs.

Engagement / Implementation of Treatment Plan:

  • If the child is approved for services, an   individualized treatment plan is developed, and interventions are implanted.  Services are authorized for a year and progress is monitored every 90 days.

Services Provided:

  • Clinical Interventions
  • Case Management
  • Crisis Interventions
  • Coordination of Care
  • Consultation and Training

Role/Function of Teams

  • Conduct proactive individual and family therapy sessions and group therapy sessions
  • Provide support in the classroom as needed
  • Provide case management services
  • Provide crisis intervention services

Collaboration

The Team:

  • Works together to best support the child and family to help them achieve their goals.  Will seek input to develop an individualized treatment plan and will provide individual, group and family counseling sessions to address the child’s and family’s needs.

The Family:

  • We ask for open, honest input to best   support the child.  Attendance at regular family sessions and meetings is an important part of our program and critical to the child’s success.  Surveys will also be completed to help track your child’s progress.

The School Staff:

  • Regular input from school staff regarding the child’s progress is encouraged.  Teacher surveys will be completed quarterly to track the child’s progress.  School staff will need to participate in Treatment Team Meetings at least every 6 months to provide information about progress and current concerns in the classroom.

Crisis Services

  • CSBBH through Scranton Counseling Center provides 24/7 on-call crisis services.
  • The team will help develop a personalized crisis safety plan for home, school and community.
  • The team will provide the child/family with the on-call crisis phone number specific to the school, which can be reached 24/7.
  • SCC Crisis line: 844.348.6100
  • Crisis text line: Text HOME to 741741
  • National Suicide Prevention: Text or Call 988