Evaluations
Initial intakes, bio-psychosocial evaluations, in-depth assessments,
brief assessments for mental status, and treatment planning reviews.
When a client comes in for their initial intake appointment a
biopsychosocial history of the client is completed based on information
provided by the client and guardian (if a child). After this
information is gathered an evaluation is made to determine the
appropriate individualized treatment goals and objectives for the
client while receiving mental health and/or substance abuse counseling.
This treatment plan is a joint effort by client, therapist, and
guardian (if a child). After intake, the client’s therapist is
assigned. If indicated, a referral can be made for a psychiatric
evaluation. A referral can also be made for targeted case management if
there is a need for this service. Referrals for intakes can come from
the client/family, doctor, school, Department of Juvenile Justice, DCF
or other sources.
Comprehensive Assessments
All assessments completed by approved assessors for use by the Child
Welfare system to establish placement and disposition of children in
care.
Therapy
Therapeutic sessions provided by a master's degree level therapist
including outpatient therapy, school-based therapy, family therapy and
group therapy. After intake, the assigned therapist will contact the
client/family to set up the first appointment to begin therapy.
Therapy is usually 1 hour per week, with at least one session per month
done with the family. Therapy can be in the home, school, office or a
combination of these settings. This is based on the needs of the
client/family. At times, therapeutic groups are available for the
clients and families. Therapy will address mental health and/or
substance abuse concerns.
Case Management Services
Our skilled Case Managers help families identify areas in which clients
could improve to boost their functioning and quality of life. Case
Management assists the client in creating short and long term goals
along with providing referrals to resources and other community
services to achieve their goals. Most importantly, they implement
coordination between parent/guardian, teachers, therapists,
psychiatrists, and community agencies to enhance communication and
promote consistency ensuring a comprehensive team approach.
Some questions to consider when asking yourself if case
management is something that you might want to participate in:
- Does my child participate in therapy?
- Would I like to have someone help me advocate for my child
in school?
- Do I need help with locating a medical specialist for my
child since he/she has a medical concern or I want my child to see a
specialist to determine if a medical condition may/may not exist?
- Has my child been in trouble with the law and I need
advocacy with their probation officer or diversion program?
- Do I want my child to attend an after school program and I
am not sure what is available?
- Could I use linkage with financial resources?
- If you answer yes to 2 or more of these questions a case
manager could help with these concerns you have for your child. Speak
to your therapist to discuss case management services and let them know
you are interested in learning more about our case management program
Psychiatric Services
The psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner examines the client
and completes a thorough psychiatric evaluation, including a
biopsychosocial history, to determine the need for prescribed
medication. Monitoring of medication by the psychiatrist or psychiatric
nurse practitioner is a continuous assessment of the effectiveness of
prescribed medication for the client’s best interest.
Family Benefits Coordinator
Our Benefits Coordinator is a benefits specialist, who has
knowledge/expertise in assisting clients and potential clients in
applying for Medicaid, food, and cash assistance
http://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/, Healthy Kids allowing
individuals the opportunity to better receive our services. Once a
referral is made to Suncoast requesting Family Benefits assistance our
coordinator will then contact the family to make an appointment for the
application or assistance process to begin. The family is then advised
by the Benefits Coordinator as to what documentation will be needed for
the application process such as ID, birth certificate, and last four
weeks’ pay stubs/income. The Family Benefits Coordinator conducts
follow ups and maintains open communication with provider liaison’s on
the behalf of the family to assist them with any further issues they
may come across with their case that may need explaining or addressing.