The Community Rehabilitation Services (CRT) program serves adults with the most serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. Eligibility criteria includes the existence of a qualifying mental health diagnosis, a treatment history indicating a need for more intensive services, and severe functional impairment. If a person is determined to be eligible, the individual is the highest priority for designated agency or specialized services agency treatment services. People are assigned a treatment team of providers which may include a therapist, case manager, psychiatrist, nurse, and a supported employment specialist.
The array of services available for people in the CRT program may include:
Clinical Assessment: Evaluation of an individual’s goals for CRT participation; mental health concerns and the extent to which one’s mental health condition has impacted day to day life; and the strengths and barriers that will impact the success with meeting treatment goals. The assessment informs the development of the individualized plan for treatment.
Service Planning and Coordination: CRT support staff assist with accessing and coordinating services identified in the treatment plan. Services may include hospital discharge planning and transitions to other programs. Progress toward meeting treatment goals is monitored and treatment plans are updated accordingly.
Community Supports: These supports and restorative services are designed to develop or advance skills and social supports that promote mental and physical wellness. The focus of these services is based on the individual’s needs and are included in the person-centered treatment plan. These services may include promoting self-sufficiency in daily living skills, supportive counseling, support with participating in community activities, communication with people who have been identified as important supports in meeting treatment goals, and other services that support a person to build and sustain healthy personal, family and community relationships. Community supports may be provided individually and/or in a group setting.
Individual, Group, and Family Therapy: Individual therapy uses the interaction between a therapist and the person to identify and alleviate distress, helping to develop strategies that promote mental wellness. Family therapy uses the interactions that involve the therapist, an individual and family members toward the same ends. Group therapy uses interactions that involve the therapist, the individual, and other individuals served in the CRT program.
Medication Evaluation and Management, and Consultation with Primary Care: Medication evaluation consists of individual consultation with a physician or nurse practitioner about how medication may be a useful tool for the person, prescribing, ongoing monitoring of the effects of the medication use, and coordination with primary care providers as necessary. Supports with Tobacco Cessation and other substance use treatment is also available.
Emergency Care and Crisis Stabilization (DAs only): The CRT program works with individuals to anticipate and support people through emergency and crisis situations.
Some CRT programs may provide additional services identified in a person’s treatment plan. The services include:
Supported Employment: Assistance with establishing employment/career goals. For more information about Supported Employment please visit the Supported Employment page.
Day Recovery/Psychoeducation/Recovery Education: Group recovery activities with other CRT participants promoting wellness, empowerment, a sense of community, personal responsibility, self-esteem, and hope. These activities provide socialization, daily skills development, crisis support, and promotion of self-sufficiency/advocacy.
Housing and Home Supports: Mental health services and other supports that are designed to help people to live successfully in the community. These services may include outreach services to individuals in their own homes, supervised/supported living, staffed living residences for one or two people, group treatment residences serving three or more people, or unlicensed home providers (individualized shared-living arrangements offered within a person’s home).
Each of the Designated Agencies have CRT programs and serve over 2,500 adults annually. For a list of the Designated Agencies and Specialized Services Agencies, please visit the Designated Agency page.