Adoption Assistance by State

8. What mental health services are provided by your State?

Alabama

Financial assistance is available for children receiving out-patient counseling services at the time of placement from a therapist who does not accept Medicaid to prevent the interruption of the therapeutic intervention. All financial assistance is subject to the availability of state funds.

See the Medicaid Mental Health section for services for eligible children and adults, and community-based and inpatient services that are provided. Link: http://medicaid.alabama.gov/content/4.0_Programs/4.2_Medical_Services/4.2.6_Mental_Health.aspx.

Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker or medical assistance specialist for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.

Alaska

Public mental health services for children in Alaska are administered by Health and Social Services, Behavioral Health, and include the following examples: individual, group and family therapy; home-based therapy; case management; residential services; activity therapy; family and community education; and day treatment.

Alaska’s treatment and recovery information link: http://dhss.alaska.gov/dbh/Pages/TreatmentRecovery/default.aspx.

Alaska’s behavioral health link: http://dhss.alaska.gov/dbh/Pages/default.aspx.

The Complex Behavior Collaborative (CBC) helps providers meet the needs of Medicaid clients with complex needs who are often aggressive, assaultive and difficult to support. The CBC program offers consultation and training to providers and clients’ natural supports, including family members.
Alaska's Complex Behavior Collaborative link: http://dhss.alaska.gov/dbh/Pages/ComplexBehavior/Default.aspx.

Arizona

Public mental health services for children in Arizona are administered by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), Division of Behavioral Health Services (DBHS). Public funding is through Arizona’s Medicaid program, known as the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).

AHCCCS link: https://www.azahcccs.gov.

Mental health services include the following examples: evaluation and screening, inpatient psychiatric facility care, outpatient clinic care, behavioral health residential treatment, individual, group and family therapy, counseling, crisis intervention, behavior management, psychotropic medication, and respite.

ADHS/DBHS contracts with Regional Behavioral Health Authorities (RBHAs) for a network of providers, clinics and other appropriate facilities and services to deliver behavioral health services to eligible members in their contracted geographic service area (GSA). ADHS/DBHS has Intergovernmental Agreements for Tribal RBHAs with some of Arizona's American Indian Tribes to provide behavioral health services to persons living on the reservations.

Arizona's Behavioral Health Services link: https://www.azahcccs.gov/AHCCCS/Initiatives/CareCoordination/behavioralhealth.html. Or phone the Department of Behavioral Health Services Crisis line: https://dcs.az.gov/services/prevention-and-family-support/behavioral-health-services.

See the Behavioral Health Services Guide, link: https://www.azahcccs.gov/PlansProviders/Downloads/GM/CoveredServiceGuide/covered-bhs-guide.pdf.

Arkansas

Public mental health services for children in Arkansas are administered by the Department of Human Services through the Division of Behavioral Health. Specialized programs for children with serious emotional disturbance are available. Services include the following examples: interagency service coordination, individual and group outpatient psychological counseling, short-term crisis intervention, day treatment, wraparound services, and prescription drugs.

Inpatient Psychiatric Program: Services are publicly funded through Medicaid and cover inpatient psychiatric services for children less than twenty-one years of age. Psychiatric treatment must be considered medically necessary and requires prior authorization before services can be received.
Alternative Community Services: Services include case management, respite services, integrated supports, and consultation services.

The Division of Behavioral Health Services (DBHS) provides an integrated system of public mental health care and alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention and treatment services to Arkansas residents. The Division of Behavioral Health Services provides the majority of direct mental health services throughout the State by contracting with 13 community mental health centers (CMHCs) and 2 specialty clinics. DBHS staff are available for consultation and education regarding behavioral health issues.
Link: http://humanservices.arkansas.gov/about-dhs/dbhs#Specialized%20Programs%20for%20Children%20with%20Serious%20Emotional%20Disturbance.

California

Public mental health services for children in California are administered by the Department of Health Services, Department of Mental Health, through the state Medicaid program known as Medi-Cal. Services include the following examples: counseling, psychiatric services, medication, and mental health treatment for children and families. The person receiving services and the mental health provider work in partnership to decide the appropriate services for that person.

The Children’s Mental Health Network provides timely analysis of the children’s mental health landscape from a system of care perspective founded upon social justice and social change through collective action., information link: http://www.cmhnetwork.org/about-us.

The Network of Care for Mental Health is a great resource to obtain information about mental health issues and to search for a wide variety of mental health and other support services in your local community, link: http://networkofcare.org/splash.aspx. To find local mental health services, contact your local county mental health agency, link: http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Pages/MHPContactList.aspx.

The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensures that children with disabilities are entitled to a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. Special education pupils may require mental health services in any of the 13 disability categories. To be eligible to receive services, they must have a current individualized education program (IEP) on file. The services must align with the child’s needs as identified in the IEP and are designed so that children will benefit from their educational programs. They are free to all eligible students regardless of family income or resources.

Mental Health Services FAQ: Frequently asked questions about services previously provided through County Mental Health Agencies for students with Individualized Education Programs, link: https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/ac/mhsfaq.asp.

Medi-Cal Local Contact List link: http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/Pages/CountyOffices.aspx.

To resolve problems with Medi-Cal mental health managed care services a Correspondence Specialist Unit is on staff to help clarify Medi-Cal policy and procedures. Please send a letter, detailing all pertinent information and enclose all related documents, to:
Xerox State Healthcare, LLC/Medi-Cal
P.O. Box 13029
Sacramento, CA 95813-4029
Attention: Correspondence Specialist Unit.

Colorado

Public mental health services for children in Colorado are administered by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) under the Medical Assistance Program and include the following examples: out patient therapy, school based therapy, in-home support, day treatment, hospitalization, residential care, crisis intervention support, prescription drugs and medication management. Limited respite care and mentors may also be available.

Each area of the state has a Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) and a Behavioral Health Organization (BHO). The BHO is responsible for providing necessary mental health services to Medicaid eligible children. Family Advocates and Consumer Representatives can assist parents in accessing needed services and resolving any dissatisfaction with services received.

Select Frequently Asked Questions for Colorado’s Medicaid Program, link: https://www.colorado.gov/hcpf/member-faqs, or phone 800.221.3943 (outside Metro Denver) and 303.866.3513 (within Metro Denver).

See also:
Dept. of Human Services (DHS) Mental Health Services and Programs, link:
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdhs/mental-health-children-families

DHS Mental Health Institutes, link:
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdhs/mental-health-institutes

Colorado's Public Mental Health System, link:
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/hcpf/behavioral-health-organizations

DHS Office of Behavioral Health, link:
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cssrc/mental-behavioral-health

DHS Community Behavioral Health, link:
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdhs/community-programs-behavioral-health

Colorado Department of Developmental Disabilities, link:
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdhs/regional-centers.

Connecticut

Public mental health services for children in Connecticut are administered through the Connecticut Department of Children and Families. DCF has legal authority to provide for children's mental health services and operates Riverview Hospital for Children and Youth, High Meadows Residential Treatment Center, and the Connecticut Children’s Place. Through Connecticut Community KidCare, the Department also provides funding for a broad array of clinical and other services in the community, including Child Guidance Clinics, Extended Day Treatment Programs, Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Services, Respite Care, Family Advocacy and Intensive Case Management. Children and families can access state-operated or state-funded community services directly or through referrals from providers in the mental health system. Services are provided on a sliding scale, and the majority of service providers are affiliated with a variety of health insurance plans. Contact the Division of Mental Health at 860.550.6561 for more information.

Connecticut Medicaid (HUSKY, Healthcare for Uninsured Kids and Youth, Part A) offers mental health services including inpatient psychiatric care, outpatient mental health services, prescription medication, mobile crisis services, and substance abuse services. HUSKY link: http//:ct.gov/hh/site/default.asp.

The CT BHP (Behavioral Health Program) is a Partnership that consists of the Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Department of Social Services (DSS), the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), ValueOptions and a legislatively mandated Oversight Council. Expanded in 2011 to include DMHAS, the contract is designed to create an integrated behavioral health service system for our members; Connecticut’s Medicaid populations, including children and families who are enrolled in HUSKY A, & B, DCF Limited Benefit, Charter Oak Health Plan, Medicaid Low Income Adults (LIA) and Medicaid Fee for Service programs, link: http://www.ctbhp.com/.

Delaware

Public mental health services for children in Delaware are administered by the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families (DSCYF), Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health (DPBH). DPBH’s mental health services include the following examples: outpatient care, support and crisis services, day and residential treatment, and hospital treatment services. For more information Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health link: http://kids.delaware.gov/pbhs/pbhs.shtml or contact the DPBH by phone at 302.633.2600.

District of Columbia

Public mental health services for children in the District of Columbia are administered by the Department of Health Services, Medical Assistance Administration and include the following examples: mental health, physician, clinic, inpatient/outpatient hospital care, residential treatment, and pharmacy/prescription drugs.

The District of Columbia Mental Health for Children, Youth and Families, link: https://dbh.dc.gov/service/children-youth-and-family-services.

The Post Permanency Family Center provides a licensed Social Worker who offers or supports for the following services: short-term counseling focused on adjustment difficulties, grief and loss, abandonment, identity development, and family identify formation. Contact the Center at 202.526.4802.

Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker, medical assistance specialist, or post adoption services contact for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.

Florida

Public mental health services for children in Florida are administered by the Department of Children and Families, Substance Abuse and Mental Health. The Children’s Mental Health system of care is public-funded and serves eligible children with serious emotional disturbance, children with emotional disturbance, and children at risk of emotional disturbance, within the amount of funds appropriated for these services. Mental health services in Florida are received through various programs including:

Community Mental Health: Includes rehabilitative services which are either psychiatric in nature, rendered or recommended by a psychiatrist; or medical in nature, rendered or recommended by a psychiatrist or other physician.

Early Intervention: Includes medical and remedial services designed to enhance the capacity of children with conditions causing a delay in normal development. The services include screenings, evaluations and medically related early intervention services, such as nutritional, psychological, audiological, nursing, developmental, social work, speech language pathology and parent training.

Intermediate Care Facility Services for the Mentally Retarded or Developmentally Disabled: Provided to individuals who, because of their mental or physical condition, require care and services which can be made available to them only through institutional facilities.

The Florida Mental Health and Children’s Mental Health link: http://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/mental-health/childrens-mental-health-services and http://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/mental-health. Or phone Medicaid help line: 888.367.6554.

Georgia

Public mental health services for children in Georgia are administered through the Office of Children, Young Adults, and Families (CYF). CYF is formally known as the Office of Child & Adolescent Mental Health.

CYF offers children and their families a range of treatment and support services to address emotional and behavioral problems. Early treatment of these problems is critical to help a child complete school and develop fundamental developmental skills. Services are provided at various stages in the continuum of care and include evaluation/assessment, diagnosis, counseling and medication, therapy (individual, group, and family), community support services, peer supports, crisis assessments, and physician services. These services are provided in clinics and other locations as needed, including homes, schools, detention facilities, and other community settings. Link: https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/office-children-young-adults-and-families-cyf .

In a move designed to improve continuity of health care and better health outcomes, the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), as of March 3, 2014, transitioned children receiving Adoption Assistance Medicaid into a single Care Management Organization (CM)), Amerigroup Community of GA called Georgia Families 360°. Goals of the program are to improve access to health care services, particularly physical and behavioral health services, increase continuity of care and enhance health outcomes. Children receiving Adoption Assistance are automatically enrolled. Adoptive parents may choose to “opt out” within 90 days of enrollment.

Hawaii

The State of Hawaii provides mental health services to children and youth through the Department of Health (DOH) Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division (CAMHD). Link: http://health.hawaii.gov/camhd/.

The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division (CAMHD) offers help for children and adolescents with mental health needs through the Evidence Based Services (EBS) Committee. The EBS Committee promotes best practices to serve children and adolescents with mental health needs. Multiple reports, recommendations, trainings, and studies are provided to alert mental health professionals, administrators, and parents with special needs children of the best ways to meet the mental health needs of children and youth. For more information on the EBS, link: http://helpyourkeiki.com/about-us/.

MedQUEST is another resource for help with mental health needs. For services and eligibility information, contact MedQUEST, link: https://medquest.hawaii.gov/.

Parents may also contact the Department of Health, Family Health Services, link: http://health.hawaii.gov/fhsd/ for help.

The Department contracts with various agencies statewide to provide counseling and support services. Please contact the child’s Social Service Assistant or Social Worker.

Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker, medical assistance specialist, or the Department of Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.

Idaho

Optum is responsible for management of the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan, which includes outpatient mental health and substance use services for adults and children who are enrolled in Idaho Medicaid. Questions regarding eligibility, coverage, and services can be addressed by accessing their website at https://www.optumidaho.com/ or calling their member number at (855) 202-0973.

The Children’s Mental Health Program is a partner in the development of a community-based System of Care for children with a serious emotional disturbance (SED) and their families. The program provides services and supports that increase the capacity for children with an SED and their families to live, work, learn, and participate fully in their community. For more information about the Idaho System of Care and services and support available in your area, call the Idaho Care-Line by dialing 211 or 1-800-926-2588 or your local Health and Welfare office.

The Idaho Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, an Idaho-based family-run organization is designed to serve families with children who are living with a mental health diagnosis. Please call 1-800-905-3436 or visit their website to learn more and to get involved.

The State of Idaho provides State funded and operated community based mental health care services through Regional Behavioral Health Centers (RBHC) located in each of the seven geographical regions of the State. Each RBHC provides mental health services through a system of care that is both community-based and consumer-guided.

For more information on Idaho’s public mental health services please refer to the following link: http://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/Default.aspx?TabId=103.

For more information on Idaho's Children’s Mental Health services please refer to the following link: http://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/Medical/MentalHealth/ChildrensMentalHealth/tabid/314/Default.aspx.

Illinois

The Illinois Children’s Mental Health Partnership (ICMHP) is the only statewide, public/private partnership of policymakers and advocates in Illinois committed to improving the scope, quality, and access of mental health programs, services, and supports for children. More information about the partnership can be found at their link: http://icmhp.org/about-icmhp/who-we-are/.

The Screening, Assessment and Support Services (SASS) initiative is a cooperative partnership between the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) and the Department of Human Services (DHS). The development of the tri-department SASS program created a single, statewide system to serve children experiencing a mental health crisis whose care will require public funding from one of the three agencies. This program features a single point of entry (Crisis and Referral Entry Service, CARES) for all children entering the system and ensures that children receive crisis services in the most appropriate setting. If families are in need of SASS Services or experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact the CARES line at 1-800-345-9049.

The Division of Mental Health (DMH) operates as the single state mental health authority. DMH provides a wide variety of mental health services, offered through Community Mental Health Centers, and is a key partner alongside HFS and DCFS in the state’s Screening, Assessment, and Support Services (SASS) program for children. DMH acts as one of the Certifying State Agencies for Community Mental Health Centers and is one of the primary funders of mental health services for children and adults at all levels of care throughout the state.

Contact your county Medicaid specialist to determine eligibility, availability and duration of services. Illinois’s Department of Healthcare and Family Services Children’s Support Services link: https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/ChildSupport/Pages/default.aspx for the SASS (Screening, Assessment and Support Services) program.

See also Mental Health Crisis Services for Youth, link: https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/info/Brochures%20and%20Forms/Brochures/Pages/hfs3838.aspx.

Indiana

Indiana’s mental health care is administered through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) and its Hoosier Assurance Plan (HAP). The Hoosier Assurance Plan (HAP) is the primary system used by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration's Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA) to fund public mental health and addiction services. HAP is intended to ensure service availability to the Indiana population in greatest need of mental health and addiction services. Services include the following examples: out-patient and in-patient hospital care, psychological, inpatient psychiatric care, prescription drugs, and case management.

Hoosier Healthwise is a health care program for children up to age 19 covering medical care like doctor visits, prescription medicine, mental health care, dental care, hospitalizations, and surgeries at little or no cost to the member or the member's family. For more information please refer to the Hoosier Healthwise link at https://www.in.gov/medicaid/members/174.htm.

For additional information link to: Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) https://www.in.gov/fssa/dmha/index.htm.

Iowa

The Bureau of Children and Youth Mental Health and Disability Services is responsible for developing, overseeing, and improving the state system of mental health and disability services for children and youth in Iowa. The Bureau:

Provides information, consultation, and other support to consumers, families, advocates, providers, and other interested Iowans about services, policies, programs, resources, and data related to the mental health and disability system for children and youth.
Leads the Children's Mental Health Initiative to develop and implement, a comprehensive, coordinated, community based system of mental health and disability services for children, youth, and families, which will be phased in statewide as funding is available.

Link: http://dhs.iowa.gov/mhds.

Kansas

Kansas public mental health services are administered through the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) and include the following examples: outpatient clinical services, 24-hour emergency services, consultation and education, screening, aftercare, case management, prescription drugs, medication management, residential in-home family treatment. See “For Families and Children” at the following link: https://www.kdads.ks.gov/commissions/behavioral-health.

Note: Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your Adoption Assistance Specialist or medical assistance contact for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.

Kentucky

The Division of Behavioral Health (DBH), the product of the merger of the Division of Substance Abuse and the Division of Mental Health in July 2004, is responsible for the administration of state and federally funded mental health and substance abuse treatment services in Kentucky.

The DHB focuses on the treatment needs of individuals with co-occurring disorders (behavioral health and substance abuse) at the national, state and local levels, providing a more integrated, seamless service system.

The Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID) provides leadership, in partnership with others, to prevent disability, build resilience in individuals and their communities, and facilitate recovery for people whose lives have been affected by mental illness, intellectual disability or other developmental disability, or substance abuse.
Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities link: http://dbhdid.ky.gov/dbh/default.asp.

Address:
Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities
100 Fair Oaks Lane 4E-D
Frankfort, KY 40621-0001
Phone: 502.564.4456

Publicly-funded community services are provided for Kentuckians who have behavioral health, developmental and intellectual disabilities, or substance abuse needs. These services are administered by Kentucky's 14 regional Boards for Mental Health and Individuals with an Intellectual Disability (Regional MHID Boards). Regional MHID Boards are private, nonprofit organizations established by Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 210, which serve residents of a designated multi-county region. The Cabinet contracts with each Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) for a variety of services, including, traditional outpatient therapies, crisis services, and the Targeted Case Management for Children Program known as IMPACT.

In addition to the services provided by the 14 CMHCs, Kentucky developed the IMPACT Plus program which was designed to increase the variety and availability of community-based service options and to decrease the need for out of home and non-community based care. The development of IMPACT Plus signaled a renewed commitment to the development and expansion of community-based behavioral health services. DBHDID contracts with 49 agencies statewide to provide IMPACT Plus services. Sub-contractors include the CMHCs, as well as, private for-profit and not-for-profit agencies.

Parent involvement is the cornerstone of the IMPACT Plus Program. The goal of IMPACT Plus is to keep children in their homes and communities and for parents and caregivers to be able to understand both the child's needs and the systems involved, so that they will have the knowledge to weave in and out of service systems as their child's needs indicate. IMPACT Plus services include:

After-School or Summer Program Service
Behavioral Health Evaluation
Collateral Service
Crisis Stabilization Service
Day Treatment Service
Group Therapy
Individual Therapy
Intensive Outpatient Behavioral Health Service
Parent-to-Parent Support
Partial Hospitalization Service
Targeted Case Management
Therapeutic Child Support Service
Therapeutic Foster Care Service
Therapeutic Group Residential Service

Please note that Medicaid has traditionally operated on a fee-for-service basis. On November 1st, 2011, Kentucky Medicaid transitioned to expand managed care coverage to all areas of the state. Medicaid contracted with several Managed Care Organizations to coordinate health care for most Medicaid members. Under the managed care system, the Managed Care Organization receives a fee for each Medicaid member it serves. This is designed to result in better coordination of physical and behavioral health care services across multiple health care providers.

Each Managed Care Organization has primary responsibility for all IMPACT Plus eligibility determinations, determination of medical necessity, utilization reviews, issuance of prior authorizations, processing of appeals, and claims submission/processing. Each Managed Care Organization is contracted by Medicaid to develop policies and procedures specific to each of these functions. IMPACT Plus Sub-contractors are required to follow these policies and procedures.

Impact Plus link: http://dbhdid.ky.gov/dbh/Impact%20Plus.asp.

Louisiana

Public mental health services for children in Louisiana are administered by the Department of Health and Hospitals (Medicaid). Mental health services are provided through the EPSDT* Psychological and Behavioral Services Interim Program for eligible children. Services include the following examples: evaluations, family education and training, clinical intervention, periodic follow up, linkages to emergency mental health services in crisis situations, and psychological services.

See the Office of Mental Health link: http://www.dhh.la.gov, or phone the Referral Assistance Hotline at 855.229.6848.
See the Louisiana Medicaid link at: http://www.dhh.la.gov.

*Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment

Maine

Public mental health services for children up to age 21 in Maine are administered through the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Child and Family Services, Children's Behavioral Health program. Children's Behavioral Health, link: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/cbhs/programs.shtml.

Children's Behavioral health services include:

Rehabilitative and Community Support Services for Children with Cognitive Impairments and Functional Limitations
Case Management-MaineCare*
Crisis Services
Outpatient-MaineCare*
Medication Management-MaineCare*
Home & Community Treatment Services (HCT-MaineCare*)
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT-MaineCare*)
Intensive Temporary Residential Treatment (ITRT)

DHHS MaineCare* covered services link:
http://www11.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/services/cubcare/CubCare.htm#whatservices.

*The medical assistance program was formerly known as Medicaid and is now called MaineCare.

Maryland

Public mental health services for children in Maryland are administered by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH). DHMH mental health services include the following examples: outpatient therapy, in-patient hospitalization, residential rehabilitation, residential treatment, rehabilitation, supported living, day treatment, and 24-hour crisis intervention.

The Office of Child and Adolescent Services (OCAS) is responsible for planning, monitoring for program compliance, and building partnerships to ensure the delivery of mental health services to children and their families within the Public Mental Health System. The office works closely with other child-serving agencies and the core service agencies to improve access and coordination of care for this population. A Blueprint Committee for Children’s Mental Health serves as an advisory committee to MHA (Mental Hygiene Administration) on its provision of child and adolescent services. The Blueprint for Children’s Mental Health was originally developed in March 2003.

Office of Child and Adolescent Services Initiatives:

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) Demonstration Grant
Youth Suicide Prevention Plan
Child Mental Health Institute
Centers of Excellence
System of Care Training Institutes
Maryland Coalition of Families for Children’s Mental Health
Behavioral Health and Disabilities Approach

Child and Adolescent Services, link: http://dhmh.maryland.gov/mha/SitePages/childandadolescentservices.aspx.
Information is also available at: 410-402-8487.

Core Services Agencies (CSAs) are the local mental health authorities responsible for planning, managing, and monitoring public mental health services at the local level. CSAs exist under the authority of the Secretary of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and are agents of the county government. The functions of core service agencies are to plan, develop, and manage a full range of treatment and rehabilitation services for persons with serious mental illness in their jurisdiction.

Maryland Association of Core Service Agencies, Inc (MACSA) Directory, link: https://health.maryland.gov/mha/Documents/MACSADirectory.pdf.

Massachusetts

The Department of Mental Health, as the State Mental Health Authority, assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research. This critical mission is accomplished by working in partnership with other state agencies, individuals, families, providers and communities.
Link: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-mental-health.

The Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) supports certain child-centered family-focused case management and behavioral health services for eligible MassHealth-enrolled youth under 21, which are tailored to the strengths and needs of the individual youth and family. The initiative focuses on early identification and intervention by requiring primary care providers to offer children a behavioral health screening using a standardized tool. It encourages more effective and efficient delivery of behavioral health services by requiring behavioral health specialists to use a standardized tool to provide behavioral health diagnosis and needs assessment before beginning treatment services. CBHI engages culturally competent community resources to deliver effective treatment and to support community living and normal social development to the greatest extent possible. Through case management activities, CBHI pays for intensive care coordination (case management) for youth with demonstrated need for assistance accessing and coordinating public and private services.
For CBHI contact information, link: http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/commissions-and-initiatives/cbhi/cbhi-contact-information.html.

Michigan

Public mental health services for children in Michigan are administered through the Department of Community Health (DCH), Division of Mental Health Services to Children and Families and are coordinated through local Community Mental Health Services Programs (CMHSPs). Services include the following examples: respite care, physician visits, in patient and outpatient hospitalization, medical supplies, prescription drugs, mental health care, personal care services, and substance abuse services.

Department of Community Health, Children and Families mental health link:
http://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71550_2941_4868_7145---,00.html.

Community mental health services programs locator link:
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/cmh_8_1_02_37492_7.PDF.

Michigan Medical Assistance Hotline: 800.642.3195.

Minnesota

Public mental health services for children in Minnesota are administered by the Mental Health Division, through the Community Supports Division of DHS. Children’s mental health services include: case management, respite care, crisis intervention and stabilization, in-home therapy, out-patient therapy, school-linked mental health services, day treatment, intensive treatment in foster care, partial hospitalization, first episode psychosis treatment, and children’s residential treatment.

Minnesota Children and Family Services Children's Mental Health: https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/children-and-families/health-care/mental-health/programs-services/ Contact: Maisha Giles, Behavioral Health Director: 651.431.2326 or e-mail maisha.giles@state.mn.us.

Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker or medical assistance specialist for process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.

Mississippi

Public mental health services for children in Mississippi are administered by the Office of the Governor, Division of Medicaid (DOM) and include the following examples: inpatient and outpatient hospital, physician services, prescription drugs, psychiatric residential treatment, and inpatient psychiatric care. The DOM link: https://medicaid.ms.gov/. The DOM Contact Guide and Services for Medicaid Beneficiaries pages are also available on this site. Or phone the Medicaid Central Office: 601.359.6050 or toll free: 1.800.421.2408.

Missouri

Public mental health services for children in Missouri are administered through the Missouri HealthNet Division and include the following examples: inpatient and outpatient hospital care, respite, prescription drugs, community psychiatric rehabilitation, comprehensive substance treatment and rehabilitation (C-Star), physician services, psychological counseling, and case management. For children in DSS Children’s Division custody in out of home placement, Children’s Treatment Services include the following examples: day treatment, evaluation and diagnosis, family residential treatment, family therapy, group counseling, individual counseling, respite care, and resource coordination.

See the Missouri DSS Children’s Treatment Services link: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/info/cwmanual/section8/ch7/sec8ch7sub2.htm, phone DMS at 573.751.3425. Medicaid coverage is secondary to any private insurance of the adoptive family.

Montana

State funded mental health services for children under age 18 are administered through the Children's Mental Health Bureau of the Health Resources Division of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. See Department of Health and Humans Services, Children’s Mental Health page, link: https://dphhs.mt.gov/dsd/CMB.

Public mental health for children in Montana includes the following examples: inpatient and outpatient hospital care, outpatient community mental health centers, outpatient psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, physician services, residential treatment, and prescription drugs.

See Mental Health information links:

Children's System of Care Planning Committee:
https://dphhs.mt.gov/dsd/CMB/SystemofCare
Tip Sheet on Residential Programs, link:
http://www.buildingbridges4youth.org/sites/default/files/BB-Family-Tip-Sheet-brief.pdf
Regional Targeted Youth Case Manager Providers, link:
https://dphhs.mt.gov/dsd/cmb/childrensmentalhealthservices#162162178-targeted-youth-case-management-tycm
Montana’s Medicaid and Healthy Montana Kids Plus, link:
https://dphhs.mt.gov/montanahealthcareprograms/memberservices

Nebraska

Public mental health services for children in Nebraska are administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and includes the following examples: outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment services, including evaluation (by a supervising practitioner/psychiatrist/psychologist individual), group/ family psychotherapy; individual/group/family substance abuse counseling, family assessment, mental/home health and personal care services, intensive family preservation services, medication checks, crisis intervention services.

Mental health and substance abuse day treatment services are also provided. These services are part of a continuum of care designed to prevent hospitalization or to facilitate the return of the client to functioning within the community with less frequent contact with the mental health or substance abuse professionals. Services include: treatment foster care services, treatment group home services, residential treatment services for children/adolescents, inpatient mental health services, and inpatient mental health services for clients age twenty or younger in Institutions for Mental Disease (IMDs). Medicaid is administered by Magellan, Nebraska’s managed care contractor. Length of care is determined by Magellan and based on a child’s need. Nebraska’s Medicaid services link: http://dhhs.ne.gov/behavioral_health/Pages/beh_mh_mh.aspx. All adoption assistance services end in Nebraska once a child reaches nineteen years of age.

Nevada

Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) provides a wide range of mental health services to children, adolescents and their families in Clark and Washoe Counties. Treatment services in these two major urban areas are provided through Southern Nevada Child and Adolescent Services and Northern Nevada Child and Adolescent Services.

Northern Nevada Child and Adolescent Services has one primary location in Reno and serves children and families throughout the greater Reno/Sparks area.
Southern Nevada Child and Adolescent Services operates five Neighborhood Family Service Centers throughout the Las Vegas valley.

Treatment services in the rural region are provided through Rural Mental Health, Division of Mental Health and Disability Services. Services include the following examples: psychiatric and psychological evaluations, acute care inpatient hospitalization, community based residential care, individual/group/family therapy, clinical case management services, rehabilitative services, day treatment services, outpatient services, respite care for severe emotionally disturbed children.

Where you receive children’s mental health services in Nevada is based on the funding source.

Private Insurance Provider
Private Insurance PPO providers
Private Insurance HMO providers
Nevada Medicaid Fee For Service Behavioral Health Networks
Nevada Medicaid HMO Providers
Nevada Check-up HMO Providers
Private for Profit Providers
Private not for Profit Community Centers or Family Resource Centers
Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS)

Northern Nevada Child and Adolescent Services (NNCAS)
Southern Nevada Child and Adolescent Services (SNCAS)

Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH)
County Providers – Clinical Units within the Child Welfare/Child Protection and Juvenile Justice Programs

For more information go to:Nevada Mental Health Services, link: http://dcfs.nv.gov/Programs/CMH/.

Children’s Mental Health Services phone directory, link: http://dcfs.nv.gov/Programs/CMH/CMHS_OfficeLocations.

Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health, link:
http://dpbh.nv.gov/.

New Hampshire

Public mental health services for children in New Hampshire are administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of Community and Public Health and include the following examples: inpatient hospitalization, psychotherapy, social work counseling, mental health services, pastoral counseling, prescription drugs, and respite care.

Medicaid is comprehensive coverage, including in-patient and out-patient hospital services, doctor visits, home health care, eye care, psychological services, certain dental procedures, etc. A complete listing of benefits can be obtained from a DHHS District Office or by calling Medicaid Client Services.

To contact DHHS, Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), see the contact and information link: https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/contactus/index.htm. A list of District Offices can be found at, link: https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/contactus/districtoffices.htm.

Behavioral Health services link: https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dcbcs/bbh/index.htm.

New Hampshire Medicaid link: https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/ombp/index.htm.

New Jersey

Public mental health services for children in New Jersey are administered by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Division of Children's System of Care (CSOC). CSOC, (formerly the Division of Child Behavioral Health Services) serves children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral health care challenges and their families; and children with developmental disabilities. CSOC is committed to providing these services based on the needs of the child and family in a family-centered, community-based environment. Link https://www.nj.gov/dcf/about/divisions/dcsc/.

For questions about or to access behavioral health services for children and youth, call the 24-hour, toll-free Access Line at: 877.652.7624

As of January 1, 2013, the New Jersey Department of Children and Families - Division of Children’s System of Care (CSOC) assumed responsibility for determining eligibility of children under age 18 for developmental disability services and for providing support and services formerly provided by the Department of Human Services - Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) for individuals under age 21.

For information on the application process please call: 877.652.7624

See Frequently Asked Questions link: https://www.state.nj.us/dcf/about/divisions/dcsc/FAQs_FamilieswithChildren.pdf and the Crisis Screening centers link: https://www.state.nj.us/dcf/adolescent/prevention/

For questions about New Jersey Medicaid call: 800.356.1561 or your County Welfare Agency, link: https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dfd/programs/njsnap/cbss/index.html.

New Mexico

Public mental health services for children in New Mexico are provided by the New Mexico Behavioral Health Collaborative

The vision of the New Mexico Behavioral Health Collaborative is to be a single statewide behavioral health delivery system in which funds are managed effectively and efficiently and to create an environment in which the support of recovery and development of resiliency is expected, mental health is promoted, the adverse affects of substance abuse and mental illness are prevented or reduced, and behavioral health consumers are assisted in participating fully in the lives of their communities.
Link: http://www.bhc.state.nm.us/.

See also the MentalHealth.gov for New Mexico treatment resources and general information about Mental Health, link: https://www.mentalhealth.gov/.

To learn more about what is offered by New Mexico's Medicaid programs—New MexiKids or New MexiTeens—call the Insure New Mexico! Solutions Center at 1-888-997-2583.

Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your local placement services social worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.

New York

For information on specific services available in your community please see the Office of Mental Health (OMH) Statewide Comprehensive Plan for Mental Health Services on the OMH web site at https://www.omh.ny.gov/ or call, toll free: 800.597.8481.

Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker or the county Department of Mental Health information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services and the specific services available in the local community as services vary by locality.

North Carolina

Mental health services for children in North Carolina are administered by the DHHS Division of Medical Assistance (DMA) and include the following examples: inpatient and outpatient hospitalization, including treatment in psychiatric hospitals and mental health centers, inpatient and outpatient substance abuse programs, diagnostic services, therapies, physician’s services and prescription drugs. Mental health services may require prior approval before services can be received.

North Carolina’s general Medicaid link: https://dma.ncdhhs.gov/ and Who is Eligible - Infants, Children, & Families Medicaid link: https://dma.ncdhhs.gov/medicaid/get-started/eligibility-for-medicaid-or-health-choice.

North Dakota

Public mental health services for children in North Dakota are administered by the Department of Human Services through collaboration between the Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and the Children and Family Services Division. The Children’s Mental Health System of Care is also known as the Partnerships Program for Children's Mental Health. Services include the following examples: psychiatric and psychological evaluations, inpatient hospitalization (psychiatric unit), individual-group-family psychotherapy, partial hospitalization services, and inpatient psychiatric and residential treatment centers services for the care and treatment of metal illness or disorders.

Link to Services Covered: http://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/medicalserv/medicaid/covered.html, children’s mental health link: http://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/mentalhealth/children.html and regional contact link: http://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/mentalhealth/partners.html.

Ohio

Public mental health services for children in Ohio are administered by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Mental health services include the following examples: hospitalization, physician services, prescription drugs, and mental health services. Specific mental health services include:

Medical and surgical services, including respite care if required
Psychiatric, psychological, and counseling services, including respite if required
Maintenance costs as part of a residential treatment program

The Post Adoption Special Services Subsidy Program (PASSS) is intended to pay for services not covered by other adoption subsidy programs, insurance programs or Medicaid. PASSS funds may be used to cover medical or psychological services that are deemed necessary to meet the needs of the child. PASSS may also be used as another source of funding for children’s mental health services in Ohio. PASSS provides funding to families for the reasonable costs of allowable services to address the child's physical or developmental handicap or mental or emotional condition. The child’s condition may have existed before the adoption petition was filed; or developed after the adoption petition was filed and can be attributed to factors in the child's pre-adoption background or medical history or the biological family's background or medical history.

See the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services link: http://mha.ohio.gov/.

See also Ohio Department of Medicaid program link: http://www.medicaid.ohio.gov.

The National Institute of Mental Health children’s mental health provides general information on mental health issues for children, link: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health/index.shtml.

Oklahoma

Public mental health services for children in Oklahoma are provided through Title XIX (Medicaid) which is administered by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA), the state's Medicaid agency. Eligibility for Medicaid is determined by OKDHS. Oklahoma offers all medical services compensable through the state’s Title XIX fee for service program. Examples of services Medicaid offers are mental health services (psychological/psychiatric services, emotional/psychological/behavioral counseling), outpatient and inpatient hospitalization, substance abuse services and prescription drugs. Some services require prior authorization by the OHCA.

The Oklahoma Medicaid Program is SoonerCare. The general link for information is: http://www.okhca.org.

Oregon

Public mental health services for children in Oregon are administered by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and provides Oregon children access to mental health and addiction services. Link: http://www.oregon.gov/oha/hsd/amh/pages/index.aspx.

Oregon’s Children Mental Health System partners:

Oregon Department of Human Services http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/children/pages/index.aspx
Oregon Healthy Kids http://www.oregonhealthykids.gov/healthykids/
Oregon Department of Education http://www.oregon.gov/ode/Pages/default.aspx
Oregon Family Support Network http://www.ofsn.org/
Oregon Juvenile Department Directors' Association http://www.ojdda.org/
Oregon Youth Authority http://www.oregon.gov/OYA/pages/index.aspx
National Alliance on Mental Illness https://www.nami.org/

Portland State University, the Oregon Department of Human Services, and the Oregon Post Adoption Resource Center (ORPARC) joined together to create a statewide Postgraduate Training Certificate in Therapy with Adoptive and Foster Families. The objectives of this program are to increase accessible, affordable, adoption-competent and foster-competent mental health support for children and their families throughout Oregon and to reduce the risk of adoptive or foster family dissolution. A Directory of Professionals with a Post-Graduate Training Certificate in Therapy with Adoptive & Foster Families can also be found at the ORPARC website at: http://www.orparc.org/services/Directory.pdf.

Pennsylvania

Public mental health services for children in Pennsylvania are administered through county Mental Health/Mental Retardation (MH/MR) program offices. The county MH/MR offices serve as a referral source. Most actual mental health services are delivered by local provider agencies under contract with the county MH/MR office. The county MH/MR office determines a person's eligibility for service funding, assesses the need for treatment or other services, and makes referrals to appropriate programs to fit treatment and/or other service needs. Link: http://www.dhs.pa.gov/citizens/mentalhealthservices/.

Services include the following examples:

behavioral health rehabilitation services
psychiatric inpatient, psychiatric outpatient clinic
psychological services, prescription drugs
targeted case management
drug/alcohol inpatient and outpatient care

Pennsylvania's Special Kids Network System of Care program works to remove barriers and challenges some families experience when trying to get services for their children. As an example, local, community-based program coordinators bring service providers together with parents to discuss parent concerns about the services their children receive, or they may create a program to help students transitioning out of high school connect more with work and school in their communities. Coordinators are located throughout Pennsylvania and provide the framework for the activities of the Special Kids Network System of Care program.

Beginning in 2013, the Special Kids Network System of Care will coordinate Parent Youth Professional Forums (PYPF) two times a year in each of the six Department of Health districts. They will occur in late Spring and again in the Fall of 2013. Please check our website for updates on the PYPFs and other information, link: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/programs/Special%20Kids%20Network/Pages/Special%20Kids%20Network.aspx.

Information on the current public children's behavioral health system in Pennsylvania can be found at: http://dhs.pa.gov/citizens/mentalhealthservices/.

The Office of Developmental Programs provides individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and their families the services and supports they need. Link: http://www.dhs.pa.gov/learnaboutdhs/dhsorganization/officeofdevelopmentalprograms/.

The Home and Community Services Information System (HCSIS) Services and Supports Directory is a tool for individuals with mental retardation, their families, and circle of support to locate services and service providers in Pennsylvania. The directory can help locate particular service providers or search for services and supports provided in an individual's community. The directory does not include information on all providers but only of those that have chosen to be listed in it. The directory also provides information about specific services funded by the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) under the home and community-based waiver programs.

The Home and Community Services Information System (HCSIS) maintains a current listing of all county HCSIS offices. To find a county office, link: https://www.hcsis.state.pa.us/hcsis-ssd/pgm/asp/PRCNT.ASP

Rhode Island

Public mental health services for children in Rhode Island are administered by the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), Division of Children's Behavioral Health and Education and include the following examples: diagnostic assessment services, day treatment, residential counseling centers, residential treatment, psychiatric hospitalization, educational services, and prescription medication.

The Division of Children's Behavioral Health and Education is responsible for the design, implementation, and monitoring of a continuum of therapeutic and clinical services to seriously emotionally/behaviorally disturbed children and youth, as well as providing programs aimed at maintaining healthy family functioning through an array of community-based therapeutic/supportive services. Children who are placed in the custody of the Department due to abuse, neglect, and dependency, as well as children who remain in the custody of their parents or legal guardians, are eligible for these services. Most of these services are delivered in community-based settings, and are accessed primarily through the eight Community Mental Health Centers. Children's Behavioral Health and Education link: http://www.dcyf.ri.gov/cbh.php.

The Rhode Island Department of Human Services, Services for Children and Families administers the Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid). When eligible for Medical Assistance, parents or guardians are then given a choice of enrollment in one of two participating health plans. Children who live in a institutional facility are excluded from health plan enrollment. In those situations, children will be enrolled in traditional Medical Assistance Fee-For-Service.

Enrollment in a Health Plan
Children who are eligible for Medical Assistance enroll in a participating health plan unless they live in an institution or residential facility. Participating health plans include: Neighborhood Health Plan of RI and UnitedHealthcare of New England. Both health plans offer large networks of providers and covered benefits and services.
Link: http://www.eohhs.ri.gov/Consumer/FamilieswithChildren/HealthcarePrograms.aspx.

Enrollment in Medical Assistance Fee-for-Service
Children who do not qualify for enrollment in a health plan, would receive traditional Medical Assistance Fee-for-Service.
Link: http://www.eohhs.ri.gov/Consumer/FamilieswithChildren/ChildrenwithSpecialNeeds.aspx.

South Carolina

Public mental health services for children in South Carolina are administered by the Department of Mental Health (DMH), Division of Children, Adolescents and Their Families (DCAF) and include the following examples: assessment, case management services, day treatment, out-patient treatment (counseling/therapy), in-patient hospitalization, wraparound services, residential treatment services (in-patient general psychiatric and substance abuse units), school-based services, Youthful Sexual Offenders Program, and Intensive Family Services and Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) Initiatives.

Services are largely provided through the DMH’s network of seventeen local community mental health centers. DMH seeks to provide services in as natural and comfortable a setting for the family and child as possible, such as in the school or home. DMH’s vision is to develop a statewide system of services that is child centered, family focused, community based, and culturally competent.

See Division of Children, Adolescents and Families, link: https://scdmh.net/dmh-components/community-mental-health-services/child-adolescent-and-family-services-caf/ and Service Delivery System link: http://www.state.sc.us/dmh/caf/services.htm for detailed program information.
See also the child and adolescent mental health link: http://www.state.sc.us/dmh/clinical/child.htm for mental health issue definitions/diagnosis information.

South Dakota

Public mental health services for children in South Dakota are administered by the Department of Social Services, Medical Assistance. Services include the following examples: psychiatric and psychological evaluations, individual-group-family psychotherapy for the care and treatment of mental illness or disorders, in-patient and out-patient hospitalization, and prescription medication.

Tennessee

Public mental health services in Tennessee are administered by of Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (DMHDD).

Tennessee’s Medicaid program is known as TennCare. Individuals enrolled in the TennCare program may receive medically necessary behavioral health services through their managed care organization including inpatient hospitalization, outpatient services, and supported housing. Individuals not qualifying for TennCare (Medicaid) may qualify for basic mental health services as uninsured individuals through local community mental health centers. Uninsured persons may also receive inpatient hospitalization as medically necessary. Housing options may also be available for this population. The Alcohol and Drug Abuse bureau provides Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment services to uninsured individuals as medically necessary through a network of providers. Link: https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/mental-health-services.html.

Texas

Public mental health services for children in Texas are administered through the Health and Human Services Commission and include the following examples: psychiatric/psychological/behavioral health services, outpatient counseling for chemical dependency, in-patient hospital services, rehabilitative services and case management for mental illness, and prescription/pharmacy services.

Texas Medicaid and CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Plan) in Perspective:
Link: https://hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip/about-medicaid-chip
Contact information
Link: https://hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip/about-medicaid-chip/medicaid-chip-contact-us.
Texas Medicaid call line: 800.925.9126.

See:
Texas Department of State Health Services, Mental Health Services.
Link:http://www.dshs.texas.gov/mhservices/default.shtm
Consumer Family Support.
Link: http://www.dshs.texas.gov/mhservices/MHConsumerFamilySupports.shtm.

Utah

Public mental health services for children in Utah are administered by the Department of Health through Public Mental Health Centers and their contracted providers. Mental health services are offered under the state Medicaid plan and include the following examples: diagnostic and rehabilitative services, individual and family psychotherapy, skills training and development, physician services, and prescription drugs.

Utah’s Medicaid link: https://medicaid.utah.gov/ and a listing and description of its mental health services at www.health.utah.gov/medicaid/pdfs/mentalhealth.pdf. See also Utah’s Adoption Connection page under Post Adoption Resources, Mental Health. Link: https://www.utahadopt.org/.

Vermont

Public mental health services for children in Vermont are administered by the Agency of Human Services, Department of Developmental and Mental Health Services (DDMHS) and include the following examples:

Core Capacity services:

immediate crisis response
clinic-based treatment
outreach treatment
family support
prevention, screening, referral and community consultation

Statewide Capacity services:

emergency or hospital diversion beds
intensive residential service
hospital inpatient services

Children's Mental Health Services works with designated agencies in each region to assure delivery of effective behavioral health treatment and supports as well as prevention and early intervention services through a family-centered system of care for all children and families in the state.

The Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health treatment system is organized around the five Core Capacity services listed above that are available within each geographic area of the state. Several Statewide Capacity services for intensive residential and/or psychiatric hospital placements are also organized by geographic area. The services are available for a youth and their family separately or in combination, depending on their desires and needs.

Child, Youth and Family Mental Health Services link:
http://mentalhealth.vermont.gov/child-youth-and-family

Department of Mental Health, Children, Youth and Family Programs and Services link: http://mentalhealth.vermont.gov/child-youth-and-family.
Contact:
Department of Mental Health
280 State Drive, NOB 2 North
Waterbury, VT 05671-2010
Phone: 802.241.0090
Fax: 802.241.0100
See the Vermont Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health (VFFCMH) for mental health resources for children in Vermont, link:
https://www.vffcmh.org/.
Federation resources: https://www.vffcmh.org/coordinated-services/pdf-downloads
Local Federation support lines: https://www.vffcmh.org/help/local-support-lines/.

Designated Agencies (DAs) provide access to an immediate response service and/or short-term assistance for children and adolescents who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Crisis services are generally time-limited (usually up to 2-3 days) and intensive and include the following:

Assessment, support, and referral over the telephone
Crisis assessment, outreach, and stabilization face-to-face
Family and individual education, consultation, and training
Service planning and coordination
Screening for crisis bed (hospital diversion) and for in-patient psychiatric hospitalization

Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to free, 24/7 support and information via the medium people already use and trust: text. Here’s how it works:
—Text VT to 741741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis.
—Trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds quickly.
—Volunteer Crisis Counselor will help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment.
For more information please visit:
http://vtcrisistextline.org/.

Virginia

Public mental health services for children in Virginia are administered through the Community Services Boards which are local components of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). The Community Services Boards provide the following services: case management, day treatment/partial hospital, crisis intervention, intensive in-home services to children and adolescents, therapeutic day treatment for children, and psychological rehabilitation. The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) covers costs of some mental health services. For coverage information see link: http://www.dmas.virginia.gov/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Medical Assistance link: http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/bp/medical_assistance/intro_page/faq/about.pdf.

Washington

Adoption Support offers assistance with individual therapy. Individual therapy means treatment focused on child’s needs, behaviors and interaction with family. Accessing individual therapy is fully detailed in a booklet titled Post Adoption Services Questions and Answers, pages, 10-13. The booklet is available from an adoption social worker or adoption support staff and this website: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/SESA/publications/documents/22-1211.pdf

Adopted children have access to other mental health services available to any child in the general population. See link: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/bha/division-behavioral-health-and-recovery/childrens-behavioral-health.

Eligibility for mental health services, the nature of the services, and funding are subject to change. To find out what services are currently available contact the adoption support program manager at 1.800.562.5682. For crisis situations, call a local 24-hour crisis line. If a life-threatening emergency exists, call 911.

Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker or state medical assistance specialist for process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.

West Virginia

Public mental health services for children in West Virginia are administered by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR), Bureau for Behavioral Health and Health Facilities (BBHHF). The BBHHF works to ensure that positive meaningful opportunities are available for people with mental illness (children, adolescents, and adults), substance abuse, intellectual and developmental disabilities and those at risk. The Bureau provides support for individuals, families, and communities in assisting persons to achieve their potential and to gain greater control over the direction of their future.
Link: http://dhhr.wv.gov/bhhf/Sections/Pages/Sections.aspx.

The Division of Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health is the Single State Authority for Children's Mental Health charged with monitoring and improving the children's behavioral health service delivery system. The Division works collaboratively across all child serving systems, at both the state and local level, to ensure access to quality behavioral health services and supports for children and adolescents with and or at risk for serious emotional disturbances. The Division provides leadership and technical assistance to facilitate an effective system of care for children and their families.
Link: http://dhhr.wv.gov/bhhf/Sections/programs/ProgramsPartnerships/ChildandAdolescent/Pages/ChildAdolescentBehavioralHealth.aspx.

Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker, adoption specialist, local mental health provider, or medical assistance specialist for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.

Wisconsin

Public mental health services for children in Wisconsin are administered by the Department of Health Services (DHS), Wisconsin Medicaid. DHS Medicaid services include the following examples: inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility, and intermediate care facility services for patients in institutions for mental disease; mental health and medical day treatment; mental health and psychosocial rehabilitative services, including case management services, provided by staff of a certified community support program; physician services; and prescription drugs.

Wisconsin Medicaid services links: http://www.emhandbooks.wisconsin.gov/bcplus/bcplus.htm and https://www.forwardhealth.wi.gov/WIPortal/.

Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact the Department of Children and Families Adoption Services Section toll-free at 866-666-5532 or Wisconsin Forward Health at 800-362-3002 for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.

Wyoming

Public mental health services for children in Wyoming are administered by the Department of Health, Mental Health Division. Community mental health and physician outpatient mental health services are available. Children may be eligible for services under the Children’s Special Health Program (CSH). Phone the CSH Program Manager at 1.800.438.5795 or 307.777.6921 or link: https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/mch/index-4/.

Wyoming Children’s Mental Health Waiver, a Department of Health Medicaid program, has a limited number of funding opportunities that, by using High Fidelity Wraparound, aims to help children reduce their level of service needs and increase their natural supports in a relatively short amount of time. It provides individualized services and support based on unique strengths and needs of children and youth with serious emotional disturbances and their families. Link: http://www.health.wyo.gov/mhsa/treatment/waiverindex.html

See also Wyoming’s Department of Health (WDH) link: https://health.wyo.gov/behavioralhealth/mhsa/treatment/cmhc/.