As a behavioral health care system, Children's Service Center (CSC) is deeply committed to the wellness of young people in our community. Our services are designed to meet the individual needs of children, adolescents and their families. Children's Service Center's assessment, crisis, and referral services are staffed 24/7 by psychiatric professionals for initial assessment and referral. We accept Blue Cross/Blue Shield, most indemnity insurance plans, CHAMPUS, Medical Assistance, and are a preferred provider for several managed care organizations and HMO plans.
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Services Offered
Outpatient Mental Health Clinic
The Outpatient Mental Health Clinic provides services that include diagnostic bio-psycho social assessments, individual, group and family therapy, substance abuse screenings, trauma exposure screenings, domestic violence screenings, psychiatric evaluations, psychological evaluations, medication assessments and medication monitoring. Our well-trained treatment staff uses a variety of modalities and techniques to address the needs of each client and their family. Length of treatment varies for each client. Requirements for treatment eligibility and continued stay are a DSM-IV diagnosis and medical necessity for this level of care. Pennsylvania's Child and Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP) principles are the philosophical foundation for this and all levels of care at Children's Service Center.
The Outpatient Mental Health Clinic serves children and adolescents who might have difficulty functioning in their community, home, or school. We accept referrals from multiple sources, such as physicians, schools, family and social service agencies. Drug & Alcohol Program
The purpose of adding alcohol and drug treatment services at Children's Service Center is to meet the needs of a unique group of potential clients-young people in the community who are using/abusing alcohol and other drugs. By providing these services in an environment that is focused on children and adolescents, hopefully individuals in this age group will feel more comfortable either starting alcohol and/or other drug services or incorporating them into their ongoing mental health services. By providing substance abuse counseling and mental health counseling at the same facility, CSC offers opportunities for individuals and their families to become comfortable at one location. CSC can offer improved coordination of care, reduced travel time and costs, and fewer problems associated with coordinating appointments with multiple people's schedules.
Outpatient Treatment Services
Outpatient programs serve individuals whose alcohol and drug use affects their daily living and causes family issues, school truancy, legal issues, etc. In many cases, an individual's outpatient counselor provides the first step toward comprehensive treatment. Individual counseling helps participants to develop their own personal relapse prevention plans and strategies. It also helps clients find ongoing sources of support and self-help, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon/Alateen, and Narcotics Anonymous. Clients can consult our psychiatrist or certified registered nurse practitioner if there are medical concerns or the likelihood that treatment may include medications.
Fees and Payment
We accept BC/BS, most indemnity insurance plans, CHAMPUS, Medical Assistance, and are a preferred provider for several managed care organizations and HMO plans.
Services Offered To: Adults Teens Children
Payment: Sliding Scale Medicare Medicaid
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A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.