Program Description

START is a specialized psychosocial rehabilitation program supporting people with an intellectual or developmental disability AND a mental illness. A Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) program supports people in developing the skills to manage their mental illness, socialize with others and decrease reliance on professional supports. PSR groups focus on developing coping techniques for symptom management and increasing personal growth skills through on-site educational groups. PSR also offers community support services that focus on community integration to generalize skills with support from staff within a community setting.

• Consumers participate in this program for three months or more as a support to their traditional day program services.
• Programming runs Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 2:30pm.
• Groups offered include Health and Wellness, Symptom Management, Independent Living, and Socialization.
• Consumers are encouraged to participate in weekly individual therapy.
• PACE riders need to schedule their rides to arrive around 8:30am and to be picked up after 2:30pm. It is important that consumers are present and involved in each and every group we have scheduled throughout the day.

Program Highlights

• Support with coordinating transportation to and from appointments
• Case management support for housing, benefits and other community resources
• Access to a 24/7 consumer support line
• Quarterly onsite psychiatric appointments
• Employment services are available for people with a desire to work
• Expressive approaches to treatment include art therapy and other expressive experiences as an alternative to talk therapy when needed