Community mental health centers (cmhc) - lifestream behavioral center, INC. (lifestream) is a fully licensed behavioral health and social services organization with a mission of "creating hope,…

Community mental health centers (cmhc) - lifestream behavioral center, INC. (lifestream) is a fully licensed behavioral health and social services organization with a mission of "creating hope, supporting recovery, and promoting health." this mission is accomplished by providing a quality continuum of care that is cost effective, culturally competent, and includes treatment, education, care/case management and rehabilitation services to children (0-17) and adults (18+) with serious mental illness (SMI), serious emotional disturbance (SED), and CO-occurring disorder (COD). Lifestream enjoys a reputation for high quality, responsive, and beneficial services to the communities we serve. As a community mental health center (cmhc) we sustain a balanced continuum of behavioral healthcare and social services while demonstrating measurable outcomes. Lifestream will expand and enhance cmhc services in two counties in central florida (citrus and lake counties) that are experiencing a disproportionate increased demand for services because of the pandemic. Both citrus and lake counties are currently being served by lifestream. As a result of the pandemic, the demand for services continues to grow, yet the resources to provide these services is scarce. The covid-19 pandemic has had lasting and negative impacts on individuals, family stability, and overall quality of life for communities. Utilization of lifestream's acute care services increased by 63% during the pandemic. The overarching goal of the proposed services is to provide the opportunity to address the myriad of mental health and/or substance abuse issues because of covid-19 for full recovery, including the ability to live a self-directed life. Goals of this expansion include: 1) expand telehealth capabilities in school-based programs and outpatient mental health/substance abuse services, 2) provide outpatient services to include trauma informed screening, assessment, diagnosis, and patient-centered treatment planning, and delivery for individuals with SED, SMI, and COD in citrus and lake counties with a targeted focus on minority communities, 3) provide clinical and recovery support services through psychosocial rehabilitations, and 4) develop and provide resources to address the mental health needs of cmhc staff. The enhancements and expansions to our programs will provide the much-needed support and aide in resorting the delivery of clinical services that are continuing to be impacted by the covid-19 pandemic. The services will effectively address the needs of individuals with SED, SMI, and COD. Program participants will be identified using various referral mechanisms, including existing data systems and input from clinical staff familiar with the potential participants and their treatment history. Other sources of referrals come from schools, medical hospitals, emergency rooms, the court system, word of mouth, outreach efforts, and local agencies who are aware of lifestream.