SOUTHWEST COUNSELING SOLUTIONS

Developmental Disabilities Services

Program Description

PHILOSOPHY

The Developmental Disabilities Program (DD Program) provides quality and effective services to individuals with a chronic disability that appears before age twenty-two (22) that is attributable to an impairment such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism or other condition that results in a significant functional limitation in major life activities. Services are provided with a family centered approach taking into consideration the preferences and choices from the child and his/her family for services and support. We believe that all individuals, regardless physical or mental handicaps, have the right to receive appropriate assistance to perform up to his/her optimal potential.

STAFF

The program staff are qualified mental health professionals in the fields of psychology, social work, counseling and psychiatry. Team work characterizes the activities of our staff that bring an interdisciplinary approach for the diagnosis and treatment of developmental disabilities in children, adolescents and adults.

GOAL

Our main goal is to provide the best possible services to individuals with developmental disabilities by promoting conditions so they can live healthy, self-sufficient lives and realize their strengths and potential.

OBJECTIVES

• To complete an appropriate needs assessment to define needed services
• To coordinate services as needed (educational, health, safety, etc)
• To promote family self-sufficiency according to the consumer’s strengths and potential
• To promote the best possible social functioning
• To prevent additional functional impairment

SERVICES

- Initial psychosocial evaluation with emphasis in developmental disabilities assessment

- Psychiatric evaluation

- Person-centered plans of services

- Individual and family therapy

- Periodic medication reviews

- Support coordination of services specified in the treatment plan

- Community education regarding developmental disabilities

INTENSITY OF SERVICES

The intensity of services meets the intensity of the consumer’s needs

WAITING LIST

The program does not have a waiting list

HOURS OF OPERATION

Our program offers services during the same operation hours as Southwest Counseling Solutions: Monday to Friday between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM. Additional appointments during evenings hours are available upon request on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM.

LOCATION

The Developmental Disabilities program is housed in the main building for Southwest Counseling Solutions located at 1700 Waterman Street, Detroit MI 48209-20200. Telephone (313) 841-8900, Fax (313) 841-3756.

ADMISSION CRITERIA

Children, adolescents and adults are eligible for services in this program if all the following apply:

- Having a chronic disability that appeared before age 22.

- Experiencing an impairment due to mental retardation, cerebral palsy or autism

- Experiencing substantial limitations in at least three of the following seven major life functions:

1 Self care

2 Receptive and expressive language

3 Learning

4 Mobility

5 Self-direction

6 Capacity for independent living

7 Economic self-sufficiency

- In need of interdisciplinary or specific care, treatment or other services that are life-long or of extended duration and individually planned and coordinated.

REFERRAL AND INTAKE PROCESS

Potential consumers can be referred by relatives, other providers, primary care physicians, schools and other community agencies. Self referrals are taken as appropriate for services.

LENGTH OF SERVICES

Length of provided services depends on a combination of factors , including residence, meeting eligibility criteria, willingness to receive services, and periodic reviews of progress.

EXCLUSIONARY CRITERIA

Individual without developmental disabilities are not eligible for services in this program.

Individuals with developmental disabilities that do not meet the eligibility criteria will be referred for services to other programs or community agencies.

TRANSFER/DISCHARGE CRITERIA

- Consumers that no longer meet the eligibility criteria for services in the DD program will be transferred to other programs/community agencies that meet their current needs.

- Cases are closed at the consumer’s or consumer’s representative’s request or upon an agreement between DD staff and the consumer or consumer’s representative.

PROGRAM EVALUATION

The Quality Assurance Department of Southwest Counseling Solutions evaluates the performance of the DD program according to its objectives on a quarterly basis. Annual reports and other analyses are compiled for review to improve the program as needed.