The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has awarded The Guidance Center a two-year grant to provide vital services for people with serious mental illness and substance use disorders across McKean County.
Funded in part through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, this grant will enable The Guidance Center to provide trauma-informed, comprehensive behavioral health services for individuals and families, regardless of their ability to pay, as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic. The clinic model expands services currently provided at The Guidance Center for psychiatry and mental wellness in McKean County.
Previously, The Guidance Center was a clinic from 2017 – 2019 when Pennsylvania was a CCBHC Demonstration state. Pennsylvania was one of eight states to pilot the new model for community-based services in 2017.
Over the next two years, The Guidance Center estimates it will serve more than 5,400 adults and children with serious mental illness, emotional disturbance, opioid and substance use disorders, and mild to moderate mental health conditions.
“The agency has seen a significant positive impact since implementing the CCBHC model,” said Denise Bean, The Guidance Center executive director. “We are excited to be chosen as one of the recipients to continue the initiatives that were started in the pilot project. This grant will also enable us to add on additional services to meet more needs for the community.”
The goal of the clinic model is to increase access to comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment. Services include same-day behavioral healthcare, mobile crisis services, treatment with medication for opioid use disorder, primary care health screenings, community-based treatment, case management and care coordination with community partners that serve veterans, children, and those involved with the justice system.
“Being chosen as a grant recipient is a testament to the quality and dedication of our entire staff here at The Guidance Center,” said Colleen Chahal, CCBHC project dDirector. “This funding will ensure that the excellent mental health and substance abuse care offered by our agency will continue to be accessible to every citizen in McKean County.”
