Community Based Services

BHRS

NHS provides Behavioral Health and Rehabilitation Services (BHRS) specifically for individuals under the age of 21 with an ASD throughout the state of Pennsylvania.  BHRS is a 1:1 Medicaid-funded program providing family and child-centered services in various environments to reduce or replace problem behavior with positive, socially appropriate behavior.  Services are driven by the psychological evaluation and treatment plan, and progress is monitored through the collection and analysis of data.  Services include Behavior Specialist Consultant (BSC), Mobile Therapy (MT), and Therapeutic Staff Support (TSS).  These services must be deemed medically necessary by a psychologist.

Stepping Stones

The Stepping Stones Program provides quality, specialized services for children and adolescents diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) between the ages of 3-7 and 8-14.  This 52-week alternative program is designed to be a “step-down” from traditional 1:1 in-home BHRS services and can be offered in preparation for transition to school/group programs, as a complement to half-day school programs, or as an after-school or summer program.  

Target skill areas include: independence, communication skills, parallel and interactive play skills, peer interaction, transitioning, sensory integration, self-awareness, environmental awareness, attention to task, and problem-solving.

Child to staff ratio is maintained at 2:1, and every site is coordinated by a Master’s Level clinician.  Clinical supervision is provided by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Parent/Sibling Support Groups

NHS offers ongoing parent and sibling support groups to families impacted by an ASD.  A pertinent topic is chosen each month and facilitated by a Master’s level clinician and/or guest speaker.  Children’s activities are usually provided during these times, led by autism program staff.

Family-Based

The Family Based Mental Health Services (FBMHS) Program is an intensive service provided in the family home and community for children and adolescents up to the age of 21 in jeopardy of being hospitalized or referred to out-of-home placements due to a mental health diagnosis or family challenges.  A team comprised of two masters level child mental health professionals or one child mental health professional and a child mental health worker provides intensive in-home therapy, casework services, family support services and 24 hour, 7 day a week availability for crisis stabilization.  Services are provided to both the identified child and other family members in order to enhance skills, ensure continuity of care, and reduce out-of-home placement.  The FBMHS program provides both formal individual and family therapy sessions.

Specialized Outpatient

NHS provides Specialized Outpatient services for children, adolescents, and adults with an ASD.  Treatment approaches can include crisis intervention services, behavior therapy, individual, family and group therapy.  This service is designed for children and adolescents who have been successfully discharged from BHRS/Stepping Stones programs, but still require ongoing support to transition from services and to adults who require assistance with social skills.

Adult Services

Adult Autism services are designed for individuals over 16 years of age with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis who require specialized activities designed to enhance skill development and independent living. Promoting independence and self-determination within each individual’s daily life are values highly supported by NHS’ adult programs.

Individuals with autism may also have a variety of other diagnoses which include developmental and/or physical disabilities.  NHS Adult Services provide facility and/or community based support, driven by individual need.  Each person, in collaboration with their team, determines their participation in the program.  Individualized activities offered to participants provide opportunities for enrichment in all aspects of functional skills relevant to daily living.  

Available services:

  • Vocational Training and Job Coaching
  • Transitional Services from adolescence to adulthood
  • Life skills training
  • Sensory Support Services
  • Functional Communication
  • Enhanced Therapy Services
  • Functional Behavioral Assessment
  • Motivational Assessment
  • Multimodal Assessment
  • Individual Treatment Plan

Respite

Respite is a support service delivered in the child’s primary residence, community or other structured environment. The service is a temporary relief provided to the primary caregiver of a child with mental/behavioral health needs.  NHS Human Services’ Respite Services are provided by a bachelor level staff person who holds a degree in the mental health, education, psychology or social work field. Staff have completed NHS’ extensive training program of 37 hours per year as well as CPR and First Aide.  Respite staff identified to work with children diagnosed with an ASD or severe behavioral challenges will be provided specialized training prior to assignment and ongoing support and supervision throughout, to include crisis support. All respite workers have current child line, criminal, and FBI clearances. Primary caregivers do not need to be present in the home for service delivery.  Clinical support will be provided by a Master’s level clinician who specializes in ASD and behavior.  The team will collaborate with other providers involved with the child as needed to ensure continuity of care.  

As the need for respite care is not always in the home of a child, community-based respite services can be provided outside of the home with another family child care provider; such as a relative, in a day care setting, at the local community recreational facilities, at summer camps and at recreational events.