Psychiatric rehabilitation education program (prep) - hedwig house's psychiatric rehabilitation education program (prep) provides enriching psychiatric rehabilitation services

This type of service is defined by the psychiatric rehabilitation association as "mental health services that specifically improve an individual's role (family members, students, worker) and functioning in an environment (home, school, work, community) so that they thrive and recover." services offered include individual meetings, group services, social outings and classes. These activities are designed to teach skills that help adults with mental illness live full lives in their community, with the outcome of helping individuals achieve their living, learning, working and social goals. The cornerstone of psychiatric rehabilitation is that individuals living with mental illness have the same goals and aspirations as any other person. Hedwig house implements these critical mental health services to increase the likelihood that those suffering from chronic mental illness will be able to achieve self-reliance and obtain or retain valued roles in the community. In addition to the services they provide, hedwig house practitioners work with area clinical providers ensuring that people are connected to needed resources such as psychological and psychiatric services and counseling, nurse navigators, peer support services, and substance abuse prevention, or substance treatment services. Additionally, practitioners provide mental health services like participating in team meetings, assisting with obtaining prescribed medications, and scheduling and/or attending psychiatric or medical appointments. A 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization founded in 1975, hedwig house serves vulnerable adults living with chronic mental illness residing in montgomery county, pennsylvania. Many individuals served have been involved with the program for several years. Without hedwig house's essential mental health services, these individuals would likely fall through the cracks due to limited or no other support. Often, through regular program interaction, hedwig house practitioners are the first person to identify when a program participant is exhibiting symptoms of a psychiatric or medical issue. This consistent and essential support for the most vulnerable in our community reduces psychiatric and/or other hospitalizations and nursing home/rehabilitative care. Only 5% of persons served by hedwig house had a psychiatric hospitalization in the last year. Hedwig house has served countless individuals since its inception forty-seven years ago. Currently, services are provided to 150 - 200 individuals annually. Community project funding supports staff salaries for those directly providing mental health services as well as program expenses for participants, transportation costs, communications and technology and expenses related to the facility where mental health services are provided.