Mental Health Skill-building Services

Mental Health Skill-building Services (formerly titled Mental Health Support Services) are provided for individuals 18 years and older who suffer from serious mental illness or mental illness with intellectual disabilities or substance abuse. This home and community-based program includes training, assistance and monitoring for individuals with a mental health diagnosis and who meet eligibility criteria.

The goal is to prevent future hospitalizations, homelessness and incarceration, and to improve daily living and functioning skills.

Service Limits: Services may be reauthorized every six months depending on the need of the individual, with a maximum of 372 units per calendar year.

Services and schedules are tailored to meet the needs of the individual.

Eligibility Criteria

Individuals must have an Axis I diagnosis or dual diagnosis (Axis I and Axis II) that results in significant functional impairments in major life activities. Additionally individuals must meet at least two of the following criteria:

• Difficulty in establishing or maintaining normal interpersonal relationships to such a degree that they are at risk of hospitalization, homelessness, or isolation from social supports.
• Exhibit inappropriate behavior that requires repeated interventions by the mental health, social services, or judicial systems.
• Difficulty in recognizing personal danger or recognizing significantly inappropriate social behavior.
• Require help in basic living skills, such as maintaining personal hygiene, preparing food and maintaining adequate nutrition, or managing finances to such a degree that health or safety is jeopardized.

Description of Services:

Mental Health Support Services are trainings and reinforcements in:

• independent living skills - taking care of the home, personal hygiene and belongings
• paying bills and budgeting money
• keeping important medical and psychiatric appointments
• medication management
• coping skills for mental illness diagnosis
• accessing community resources (e.g., health, food, educational, vocational, recreational)
• socialization opportunities and social skills.

Fee: Services are covered by Medicaid for those eligible for services.

Referral Form (download)