Family Based Mental Health
Family Based Mental Health Services aims to support families in managing and addressing their children’s mental health needs in their home environment. Services typically include therapy, counseling, case management, and skill-building activities tailored to the unique needs of each family, and usually take place within the home.
Additional Services Provided
- Crisis intervention and stabilization
- Collaborative development with involved providers and community support
- Clinical intervention by team members
- Support for parents
- School based consultation and intervention as needed
- Referral, coordination, and assistance in obtaining services from other agencies, social services, and community services.
- Assessment of child and family functioning to provide direction to the care of treatment
Who can receive Family Based Mental Health Services?
Family Based Mental Health Services are available to children and adolescents up to age 21 and their families who:
- Meet the FBMHS program guidelines for medical necessity having a mental health diagnosis.
- Are at risk of psychiatric hospitalization or out of home placement due to problematic behaviors.
- Receive a recommendation made by a Licensed Psychologist or a Psychiatrist for this service and the subsequent determination by the FBMHS treatment team and managed care organization that the service is clinically appropriate.
- Are eligible for Medical Assistance (MA)
(Please Note: Any child with a mental health diagnosis may become MA eligible in the state of PA)
Family Based Mental Health
Services Program
Family Based Mental Health Services (FBMHS) is a short-term, intensive therapy program that lasts 32 weeks and takes place in the family’s home. A team consisting of a mental health professional and a mental health worker provides support through in-home therapy, case management, family assistance, and 24/7 availability for crisis stabilization. The program is designed to strengthen families and support the healthy development of children. While primary treatment orientated, FBMHS also serves as a preventive service. The program considers the needs of all children in the family—not just the child who was referred—and includes them in the treatment process.
A family member or any other referral source can contact Alternative Community Resource Program, Inc. to discuss services. Following recommendation by a Licensed Psychologist or a Psychiatrist, the FBMHS treatment team will assist in determining the service that is clinically appropriate. To refer someone for services, please call or submit the referral form below.