Adults

What is ACT?

Assertive Community Treatment is a way of delivering a full range of supportive services to people who have been diagnosed with a severe mental illness or co-occurring disorder. ACT provides intensive supports to help people maintain their independence in the community. The goal of ACT is to keep individuals with complex or persistent mental illness out of the hospital and help them have a life that isn’t dominated by their symptoms.

What is Case Management?

This team provides personalized support to help individuals achieve their goals and improve their overall well-being. Through a person-centered approach, the department facilitates the development of an Individual Plan of Service (IPOS) tailored to each person's unique needs and aspirations. Services include linking individuals to community resources, coordinating support services, advocating for their needs, and ensuring continuous monitoring and adjustment of services as needed. Case Management aims to empower individuals, promote self-determination, and support positive, meaningful outcomes.

What is Central Intake Unit?

The Central Intake Unit is the first point of contact through SCCCMH after an initial screening with the Region 10 Access Line. CIU clinicians gather demographic information, consent for mental health services, and release of information documents. Clinicians use screening and assessment tools to determine an individual’s diagnosis and needs. The CIU clinician refers an individual to the necessary program and/or resources, often working in collaboration with other teams to ensure a timely and appropriate referral. CIU completes intakes on individuals of all ages with a variety of diverse needs.

What is Community Integration Services?

CIS provides life skill development, sensory integration, and socialization opportunities for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities in both classroom and community settings. Individuals who receive CIS services benefit most from specialized support tailored to address significant behavioral challenges, promoting growth, independence, and enhanced daily functioning.

What is Community Living Supports?

CLS provides personalized services to help individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and/or severe mental illness live independently and thrive in their communities. Support is tailored to each person’s needs, ranging from assistance with daily tasks like meal preparation, laundry, and personal care to help with budgeting, transportation, and attending medical appointments. CLS also promotes social engagement, relationship building, and participation in community life, empowering individuals to achieve their goals and maintain independence.

What is Court Liaison?

This team serves as a vital connection between CMH staff, community members, and the judicial system. They provide support with petitions, certifications, pickup orders, and guardianships. Additionally, they guide CMH staff on court-related matters, including the proper use and completion of required forms.

What is Hospital Liaison/Placement Coordinator/Out-of-County Clinician?

This team supports individuals both within the county and those placed in group homes statewide. They facilitate placements in group homes, inpatient settings, Adult Foster Care Homes, and state hospitals. The team also coordinates hospital discharges, ensuring individuals are connected to follow-up appointments, community resources, and support services aimed at reducing the likelihood of readmission.

What is Dialectical Behavioral Training (DBT)

DBT is an evidence-based treatment designed to support individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). DBT equips participants with practical skills in areas such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. This structured approach empowers individuals to build healthier relationships, reduce impulsive behaviors, and enhance overall well-being. Recognized as the gold standard treatment for BPD, DBT requires a year-long commitment from participants.

What is Employment Services?

This program supports individuals with mental illness or intellectual/developmental disabilities in finding and maintaining meaningful employment within the community. To be eligible, participants must have a severe mental illness or intellectual/developmental disability and express a desire to work. Employment Services focuses on creating a natural “fit” by helping individuals identify their unique strengths, skills, and job interests, aligning them with competitive job opportunities. Participants secure employment in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, office settings, restaurants and food service, and healthcare facilities.

What is Health Matters?

Health Matters is a wellness program designed for adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) that promotes physical health, nutrition, and overall well-being. The program includes guided exercise sessions, health education, and nutrition education led by a registered dietitian. The primary goals are to improve physical fitness, increase knowledge of healthy lifestyles, and empower participants to make informed health choices. Individuals with preexisting health conditions or concerns are given priority. Participation requires medical clearance from the participant’s healthcare provider.

What is InSHAPE

InShape is a wellness program created for adults with severe mental illness, focusing on physical health, disease prevention, and mental well-being. The program offers personalized support to help participants set fitness goals, engage in regular exercise, and develop healthy eating habits with guidance from a registered dietitian. InShape aims to improve physical health, enhance quality of life, reduce disease risk, increase lifespan, and support recovery. Participants must be 18 or older, reside in St. Clair County, and have a severe mental illness. Priority is given to individuals with one or more of the following health conditions: cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or obesity (BMI 30 or higher).

Learn About Nutrition

A registered dietitian will teach you about the mental and physical impact nutrition and exercise has on your body.

Read more and watch videos on nutrition.

What is Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment (IDDT)

The IDDT model is an evidence-based practice that improves the quality of life for people with co-occurring severe mental illness and substance use disorders by combining substance use services with mental health services. It helps address both disorders at the same time with the same team of treatment providers. Taking a stages-of-change approach, IDDT emphasizes that individuals achieve changes like sobriety, symptom management, and an increase in independent living through a series of small, overlapping, incremental changes that occur over time.

What is Medication-Only Clinic?

The Medication-Only Clinic provides focused psychiatric support for individuals who primarily need medication management. This service is ideal for those who no longer require other therapeutic interventions from CMH or are receiving those services elsewhere in the community. Participants in this program have access to a psychiatrist for medication management and may also receive injections from a nurse as part of their treatment plan. This flexible option allows individuals to maintain their mental health with minimal disruption to their daily lives. If a participant's needs change and they require more intensive support or additional services, they have the option to transition to a program offering a broader range of therapeutic services and supports.

What is Mental Health Court (MHC)?

The St. Clair County MHC is a voluntary program, a collaboration between the 72nd District Court and CMH. It is available to misdemeanor offenders who have a severe mental illness or intellectual/developmental disability. Individuals who are accepted into the program have weekly hearings, must abstain from drugs and alcohol, and are required to follow through with their mental health treatment teams.

What is Mobile Crisis Unit (MCU)?

The Mobile Crisis Unit is a 24/7 rapid-response service designed to address mental health emergencies in the community, regardless of an individual’s insurance status. Available by phone or in person, the MCU provides immediate intervention and support to individuals in crisis, with the goal of stabilizing emergent situations and preventing unnecessary hospitalizations. This team assesses the individual's needs, offers de-escalation strategies, and connects them to appropriate resources for ongoing care. This critical service is available around the clock, including nights, weekends, and agency holidays, ensuring that support is accessible whenever it’s needed most.

What is Next Step Program?

Next Step offers enhanced support through a multidisciplinary care team, including peers, a nurse, a case manager, a therapist, a supervisor, and a physician. Participants can receive services up to three times per week, ensuring consistent support tailored to their unique needs. Referrals to the Next Step Program are made through a case consultation process with the individual’s case holder. Participation is inclusive, with no exclusion based on diagnosis. The program serves individuals living with mental illness, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders.

What is Nursing Services?

Our team of registered nurses and medical assistants supports prescribers and coordinates care with CMH staff and community providers, ensuring individuals receive timely, safe, and effective medical care. Services include medication administration, including long-acting injectables, medication management, assistance with refills, and support in obtaining financial aid for medications. The team provides health education, medication consent guidance, and assessments. They coordinate with CMH programs and community providers for needs like drug screens, vital sign monitoring, and specialized medication programs (Spravato, Clozaril, and MAT). They also facilitate prior authorizations and respond to on-site medical emergencies.

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapists (OT) evaluate and treat issues related to physical, sensory processing, and cognitive skills used in the home and community. OTs use specialized techniques, equipment, and modifications, based on need, to assist individuals to safely function to their fullest capacity. Services are completed through direct treatment, consultation, and training with the individual, families, and caregivers.

What is Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA)?

The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 requires that all residents of Medicaid-certified nursing homes undergo an annual evaluation to determine if they have a mental illness and/or an intellectual or developmental disability. If it is determined that an individual requires specialized services for a mental illness or intellectual/developmental disability but does not need continuous nursing care or medical supervision, CMH will help coordinate appropriate treatment and support outside of the nursing home setting. This ensures that individuals receive the most suitable care in the least restrictive environment possible.

What is Outpatient?

Outpatient Services offers individual therapy, group therapy, and evidence-based treatment for individuals with severe mental illness, co-occurring disorders, and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities. The program’s goal is to provide clinical and case management support to help individuals progress in their recovery journey. OP services are comprehensive, coordinated, and tailored to each person's unique needs, offering varying levels of intensity to ensure the most effective care and support for their recovery.

What is Peer Services?

Peer Services support individuals on their wellness and recovery journeys by fostering connection, hope, and empowerment. With guidance from Peer Support Specialists and Peer Recovery Coaches, individuals gain access to support beyond clinical settings, promoting personal growth, resilience, and independence. Services are tailored to meet medical necessity criteria and aim to help individuals achieve goals of community inclusion, participation, and sustained recovery.

What is Recovery Court?

Recovery Court is a partnership between CMH and the criminal justice system designed to link individuals with community-based treatment for substance use disorders in place of incarceration for misdemeanor alcohol or drug-related offenses. The program provides assessment, referral, individual and group therapy, medication support, and Recovery Coach Services.

What is Residential I?

Residential I offers short-term and long-term group home services for individuals 18 and older with diverse diagnoses and backgrounds. The short-term program provides temporary housing where individuals develop essential skills and connect with community resources to support recovery and personal goals. The long-term program serves those needing ongoing assistance with daily living, offering continuous support to maintain stability, enhance quality of life, and promote independence. Both programs provide a structured, supportive environment tailored to individual needs.

What is Residential II?

Residential II provides long-term group home services for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities who experience significant behavioral challenges. Its primary focus is to create and maintain the least restrictive environment possible, addressing behavioral challenges while maximizing safety and improving the quality of life for all residents. This program offers specialized support to help individuals navigate their challenges and achieve a greater sense of independence and well-being.

What is Respite Care?

Respite care provides temporary relief for unpaid family caregivers by offering professional support for individuals with severe mental illness, severe emotional disturbance, or intellectual/developmental disabilities. This service allows caregivers to take time for themselves or attend to other responsibilities, knowing their loved one is in the care of trained and qualified staff. Respite care is offered under Medicaid health plans.

What is Self-Determined Services?

Self-Determined Services is a person-centered, recovery-focused model for children and adults that empowers individuals to take control of their behavioral health services. It allows individuals to choose who provides their services and support, giving them the opportunity to select goods and services that help them achieve their recovery goals and live a fulfilling, independent life. By working with a case manager, an individualized plan is created. The participant exercises choice and control over who provides services and supports and how they are provided.

What is Veteran Services?

CMH has a service specifically designed to assist veterans with accessing treatment, navigating the Veterans Affairs system, and linking up with other community resources. Any veteran can access these services regardless of age, insurance coverage, income level, combat status, discharge status, or length of military service.
To learn more contact our Veteran Navigator:

Wendy Martindale
(810) 966-3755
wmartindale@scccmh.org