Family-Based Services
Description of service provided:
Family-Based Services in an intensive, non-traditional therapeutic program, that meets the needs of the family system. Services are provided for 32 weeks (an 8-month) treatment period, which can be lengthened or shortened depending on the needs of the family. The main goals of Family-Based Services is to empower parents to care for their children at home, to strengthen and maintain the family, improve coping skills, teach positive parenting, provide the family with case management, and to act as an advocate for the child.
As part of this program, a 24-hour crisis hotline is available to families 7 days a week in the event of a family crisis. Additionally, Family-Based Services staff work non-traditional hours, which include evenings, and occasionally weekends if necessary in order to meet the needs of the family.
The Family-Based team is made up of a master’s and bachelor’s level mental health professional. This team provides services directly in the home, community, and school helping the family to identify their strengths, and assisting them in meeting their needs. Contact generally consists of one family session per week, one parent session per week, and an individual sessions with the identified child per week. However, if needed additional session can occur with other family members as necessary.
Geographic area of service:
Cameron, Elk, McKean, and Potter counties
Admission Criteria:
Children and adolescents can be referred by a number of sources including family members, schools, primary care physicians, case managers, outpatient therapists, the CASSP program, an inpatient hospital stay, etc. The referred child needs to meet criteria for a mental health diagnosis, and Family-Based Services must be recommended by a psychologist or a psychiatrist who feels this level of care is appropriate for the child and their family.
How to Access Service:
Interested individuals can call 814.772.9540 in Elk and Cameron Counties, and 814.274.0350 in Potter County to talk with program director or a Family-Based staff person. The Elk and Cameron County office is located in Ridgway while the Potter County office is located in Coudersport.
Address and Hours of Operation:
Elk and Cameron Counties
43 Servidea Drive (along Rt. 219)
Ridgway, PA 15853
Office hours
Monday - Friday (Program offices are open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
However, services are provided in the home, school, and community at times that best fit the family’s needs.
Potter County
Gunzburger Annex Building
3rd Floor
1 North Main St.
Coudersport, PA 16915
How Individuals Pay for the Service:
Family-Based Services are provided at no cost to the family. These services are most often paid for by the medical assistance program. However, if you do not have this coverage, Dickinson Center, Inc. has contacts with the counties we service for the counties to pay for the service.