When a child or teen is in crisis, it can be difficult to know where to look for resources. Behavioral Health Network has recently launched its Family-Based Intensive Treatment program, a crisis stabilization program for youth up to age 21.
“FIT expands the continuum of care within BHN’s child and family programs, ensuring families receive intensive, home-based support when they need it most. These programs reflect our commitment to building stronger, healthier communities,” Michelle Michaelian, senior vice president of child and family community-based programs said in a press release.
Crisis can present in a variety of ways in children and teens, from aggression and violence to self-harm and suicidal ideation, said Jenna Frangiamore, program director for BHN’s Intensive Care Coordination Program, which includes FIT. Some young people in the program are transitioning from in-patient treatment back to a home setting.
Like all BHN’s programs, FIT is voluntary and at the request of the family. Although, she said, young people are occasionally hesitant to have people come into the home, but Frangiamore said meeting with families in a home setting offers a “well-rounded picture” of the dynamics in play. Families in the program are provided with a clinician, outreach worker and a family partner. Frangiamore explained that the family partner is a person who has been in a similar situation, whose lived experience can help the parents “see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
The team works with the family between three and five times per week. The family is given a wide range of support, including a comprehensive home-based assessment of the youth and family’s strengths, needs and culture; a risk management and safety plan created with the youth and family and a care planning team that creates an plan based on the youth and family goals. The care planning team consists of people the family chooses, such as teachers, state agency workers, friends and neighbors.
After four to six months, the family often steps down into less-intensive programs for long-term treatment. Frangiamore said the wait times for such programs are often long, so the team begins the referral process as soon as they have determined the mental, social or behavioral issues at the root of the crisis.
That said, Frangiamore emphasized, “Your child does not have to be in crisis to be eligible for services.” There are several services within BHN’s Intensive Care Coordination, from individual therapy to in-home family therapy. There are also in-home behavioral services, which work to address specific problem behaviors. A therapeutic mentor may be assigned who speaks one-on-one with the young person in a less formal setting than traditional therapy. Frangiamore said clients are often more comfortable opening up under such circumstances. Each client has a group of professionals providing “wrap-around” support to ensure their care is being considered from all angles, she said.
While most of BHN’s programs are covered by a wide array of insurance plans, FIT is currently covered exclusively by MassHealth. There is also a waitlist for the FIT program, but Frangiamore said BHN is working to expand its staff to accommodate all referrals. Families interested in any of BHN’s programs can call the referral line at 413-301-9355. Professionals in the intake and triage department will help determine which services can best address the caller’s needs.
To learn more about BHN’s services, visit bhninc.org/services-and-programs.
