OUTPATIENT SERVICES

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• Although it is usually true that time heals most wounds, there are instances in which stressors are so overwhelming that individuals feel unable to cope with every day life issues. Outpatient therapy provided in a confidential setting encourages open communication about mental health and substance abuse issues. This supportive environment allows individuals to focus attention on difficult life issues resulting in an improvement in their quality of life. Individuals with mental health conditions and concerns can find comprehensive assistance from the caregivers and programs at Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service. Our clinical teams of psychiatrists, psychologist, clinical therapists, case managers, and substance abuse counselors provide multidisciplinary mental health services ranging from brief outpatient treatments to intensive/acute inpatient care. Outpatient therapy works for managing family conflict, depression, anxiety, marital problems, or the stresses of parenting children. Professional therapists help couples solve disagreements about in-laws, money, intimacy, marital issues, and balancing household responsibilities. The staff at Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service can provide a fresh perspective and offer practical approaches to better enable individuals or those they care about to take control of the situations which have had a negative impact on their lives. Our agency offers many outpatient services, including case management, counseling, living skills, and individually tailored services essential to the achievement and maintenance of a stable and satisfying life in the community.

Developmental Support Services

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• A person is called Intellectually Disabled when he or she has a severe, chronic disability caused by a mental or physical impairment or a combination of these impairments. This includes mentally retarded individuals as well as the physically handicapped. Typically, the disability is present before age twenty-two and continues indefinitely. Programs for the Intellectually Disabled through Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service strive to help each person reach his or her best potential.
• Eligibility: Program participants must be at least nineteen with the consent of parent or legal guardian, and a resident of Yazoo County. Final approval is determined through an interview by the staff.
• Psychological Evaluation: Prior to enrolling in work activity center program in Yazoo County, each applicant is evaluated by a staff psychologist. While a client remains in the program, progress is evaluated continually by the staff.
• Case Management: Case Management monitors the needs of the Intellectually Disabled on an individual basis. Regular visits from a case worker enable participants to become more independent in day-to-day living.
• Family Counseling: Counseling services assist families in managing the physical and mental challenges of living with a disabled person.
• Psychological Evaluation: Prior to enrolling in work activity center program in Yazoo County, each applicant is evaluated by a staff psychologist. While a client remains in the program, progress is evaluated continually by the staff.

Work Activity Center

• For Intellectually Disabled (DD) adults in Yazoo County, the work activity center called Yazoo Multiflex Industries provides basic education, training in daily living skills, and paid employment. The goal of the Work Activity Center is to help each individual gain new skills, self-esteem, and the pride of accomplishment. The Center offers practical education in:
• Basic Counting and Simple MathJob Interviewing
• Reading, Writing, Telling time
Problem Solving
• Survival Vocabulary
Communication
• Basic Money Skills
Assertiveness
• Grooming and hygiene
Anger Management
• Survival Vocabulary
Communication
• Shopping and Cooking
Health and Physical Fitness
• Contract services and jobs are coordinated with area industries and businesses. The clients are trained to perform specific work activities and are paid according to the work produced. Some Yazoo Multiflex jobs and services are:
• On-site Imprint and Engraving Business
Assembling mechanical parts for local industry
• Landscaping for private homes
janitoral services

ID/DD Waiver Services

• The Home and Community-Based Services ID/DD Waiver offers people with disabilities options and choices for remaining in their own homes. The program is available to persons of all ages who meet the eligibility requirements or (1) receiving Mississippi Medicaid benefits, and (2) requiring a level of care found at an intermediate care facility for the Intellectually Disabled. Services available through the waiver are:
• Pre-Vocational Services: Services consist of a wide range of activities designed to lead to vocational skill development.
• Residential Habilitation: Assistance with skills related to daily living to enable the individual to reside in a non-institutional setting.
• Behavior Support/Intervention: Services to enable individuals who exhibit inappropriate behaviors to benefit from services or to prevent institutionalization.
• Supported Employment: Assistance and continued support in securing employment that will match their interest, abilities, and needs.
• Day Habilitation: Individual training and support for adults in daily living, social, and communication.
• Once it is determined that an individual meets the HCBS-ID/DD Waiver eligibility, the Support Coordinator, the individual or his/her representative, and the eligibility evaluator meet to develop an individual Plan of Care. The Plan of Care is used to determine the type and limit of each service the individual will receive. The Plan of Care must be approved by the Department of Mental Health/Bureau of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the Division of Medicaid. After the Plan of Care is approved, the Support Coordinator assists the individual in finding all services listed on the Plan of Care; and provides ongoing evaluation to determine if the services continue to be effective and appropriate.
• The HCBS-ID/DD Waiver provides alternatives for disabled persons and their families that have not been available in the past. The addition of this program to the array of services provided by Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service reinforces our goal of providing comprehensive services designed to enhance the quality of life and the independence of those we serve. To find out more about these services, please call 662-746-7363.

Cornerstone Apartments

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• Cornerstone Apartments is a complex of three apartment buildings offering 12 Intellectually Disabled individuals in Yazoo County supervised housing and supported services. This safe and affordable housing for the Intellectually Disabled fosters an individual's ability to be as self-sufficient and independent as possible while participating in the community. Results of a consumer's residency in Cornerstone Apartments will include improved self-esteem and confidence through independence and success. To find out more about this program, please call 662-716-9803.

Specialized Services for Adults

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• Housing resources are typically expensive and limited for this special population. But without specialized care, the mentally ill face the stress of being unable to perform daily tasks or the inability to find necessary support.
• Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service operates two Group Homes designed to provide community-based care for the seriously mentally ill, including those discharged from the Mississippi State Hospital. Together, the two homes can accommodate a total of 27 residents. Through our Group Homes, residents receive affordable 24-hour residential care and supervision in a home-like setting rather than in an institutional facility. This reduces their chances of requiring re-hospitalization. Residents share household responsibilities including cooking, cleaning, and menu planning. Each resident's progress is followed through day treatment programs and individual therapy. Medication prescribed by the psychiatrists is also monitored.
• The Transitional Living Apartment program is provided in Yazoo County. This program provides furnished apartments for adults with a serious mentally ill diagnosis who are in need of transitional living arrangements to help them obtain the goal of independent living.

Clubhouse

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• The clubhouse concept defines participants as "members" rather than "clients" or "patients". This intentionally informal setting reduces the psychological distance between staff and members allowing them to work together in program planning. The clubhouse empowers its members because they govern the program with technical assistance and support from the staff.
• Members are continually encouraged to assume productive roles both within the clubhouse and in the broader community. Active participation in Clubhouse and in community life provides members with flexible, varied programs of vocational, educational, and recreational activities. In addition, active participation in the Clubhouse reduces repeated unwarranted hospitalizations.

Transitional Employment Program

• The Transitional Employment Program (TEP) is designed to help adults with psychiatric disabilities obtain and maintain employment by offering structure and support. The TEP staff works with local businesses to develop positions for the program and selects members best suited to work in those areas. Job coaches work intensively with the member at the site to master the skills needed to perform the various tasks. TEP placements are usually part-time positions that a member will work from six to nine months. Individuals in the program will work a series of these positions in order to build their skills and confidence as well as to develop their work history. Upon successful completion of a series of TEP placements, it is hoped that the member will be prepared to obtain full-time, independent employment.

Case Management

• Case Management provides continuing care to previously hospitalized, seriously mentally ill individuals. Clinical rehabilitative services, such as active as a spokesperson for the mentally ill, planning supportive psychotherapy, symptom management, and teaching coping skills are included in Case Management. These services help to improve the quality of life for the seriously mentally ill and work to prevent additional hospitalization.
• APH services are provided by group of trained and caring staff members, who provide such services as: Intensive group therapy, individual therapy, case management services, as well as weekly psychiatric and nursing visits for medication stabilization. Upon completion of this program or stabilization, which ever comes first; the participants are then discharged from APH and encouraged to continue their stabilization efforts and support services by participating in other adult programs offered by Warren-Yazoo Mental Health such as outpatient therapy and psychosocial clubhouse.

Acute Partial Hospitalization

• Transitions Acute Partial Hospitalization, also referred to as APH, provides a comprehensive plan of crisis stabilization and community support services to those adult individuals with a diagnosis of a serious and persistent mental illness, whose symptoms have become so acute that their ability to cope with normal life situations has deteriorated. APH is designed to provide an alternative to inpatient hospitalization for such individuals or to serve as a bridge from inpatient to outpatient treatment.
• Adults who have a seriously mental illness and who need assistance in daily functioning are eligible for case management. With this support, many individuals are able to gain control of their lives, return to work, and care for their families.

Person Centered Planning

• Person-centered planning is a highly individualized process designed to respond to the expressed needs/desires of the individual.
• Each individual has strengths, and the ability to express preferences and to make choices
• The individual's choices and preferences shall always be considered if not always granted
• Professionally trained staff will play a role in the planning and delivery of treatment and may play a role in the planning and delivery of supports. Their involvement occurs if the individual has expressed or demonstrated a need that could be met by professional intervention
• Treatment and supports identified through the process shall be provided in environments that promote maximum independence, community connections, and quality of life
• A person's cultural background shall be recognized and valued in the decision-making process

Elderly Day Treatment

• Elderly Day Treatment programs offer support, encouragement, and therapeutic guidance for adults. Many older adults are often faced with declining health, loneliness, and often a diminished support system. Without intervention, these events can lead to serious emotional and physical problems. In order to participate in this program the individual must be at least 50 years of age, they must be in need of professional guidance and assistance in daily life, and they must have a current medical exam. Program services include: socialization and peer interaction, nutritional support, group and individual activities, daily exercise routine, artistic expression, field trips, nursing services, mental health services, caregiver support, family and individual education, and assistance with daily living skills.

Child and Adolescent Services

• Children are our future. Traditionally, childhood is a time for growing, learning, and forming the values we carry through life. But for some, childhood can be an uncertain and even frightening time. Without intervention, troubled children often become troubled adults. Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service emphasizes child/parent guidance and support for at-risk children and adolescents through several youth service programs.
• Specialized care for abused and neglected kids For many years Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service has served the community in child abuse intervention. Child Abuse Therapists help children learn to discuss and understand their feelings and to deal with past events. Individual, group, and family therapy sessions address problems in parent/child relationships, sibling and peer relationships, and problems with communication and coping.
• Psychological testing For children and adolescents who exhibit behavior problems, trouble in learning, or inappropriate response to normal situations and stresses, testing can help pinpoint individual needs. A staff psychologist administers tests, interprets results, and offers recommendations for guidance in areas of concern
• Educational programs For teachers, principals, clergy, church staff and other professionals dealing with children and adolescents, our educational programs offer help in developing programs for building self-esteem and for children with special needs, we also offer behavior management workshops.
• Case management for students An essential communication link between school and home, this service assures continuing care for children at risk. Case Management also assists schools, parents and families in fully understanding the special problems and needs of children.
• Individual/Family Therapy Master's level therapist provides face-to-face contact with the child, his/her family, and/or significant others during which time relative issues are addressed. These issues include but are not limited to the following: assessment, evaluation, multi-treatment planning, family background, educational/vocational achievements, presenting problems, and medical history. The goal of this service is to improve the child/youth's overall level of adaptive functioning within the family and in society.
• Group Therapy Master's level therapist provides face-to-face therapy to at least four or more clients (as prescribed in the individualized treatment plan) at a time.

Adolescent Alcohol and Drug Outpatient Program

• Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service now provides an outpatient day treatment program for adolescents ages twelve to seventeen who have been diagnosed with an alcohol and/or drug problem and a serious emotional disturbance. This program was developed in response to the Warren County Youth Court report of a substantial number of adolescents entering their system with alcohol and drug problems. Participants entering the twelve week program would attend two sessions per week for two hours per session. Referrals for the program are accepted from the Warren County Youth Court, in-patient facilities, parents, and Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service staff. The program sessions are held at the Chemical Dependency Center on the Warren County campus. Certification for this program has been provided by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health. For more information please call 601-634-0181.

Employee Assistance Programs

Why should you have an EAP?

• Many companies today are faced with the challenge of creating and maintaining a productive work force while dealing with factors which affect employee job performance or conduct. These factors not only affect the employees well-being, but also affect the cost of goods and services provided by the company.

The Purpose of an EAP:

• The purpose of the employee assistance program is two-fold:
• To identify those employees whose problems affect their job performance.
• Assist supervisors in successfully intervening when job performance has slipped.

What can you do to create a more quality environment?

• Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service offers an Employee Assistance Program and Management Consulting Service to provide your company with a win/win approach to creating an environment which helps you achieve a healthy and productive work environment and has the potential to increase your company's profitability.

3 Reasons for your company to promote a healthier workforce:

• A necessary concern about your human capital - the health and well-being of your competitive edge
• Overwhelming consideration of cost. Wellness and health are the preventive approach.
• An aggressive program for promoting good employee relations makes your company attractive to the brightest and best prospective employees.

Have you noticed some of these behaviors in your employees?

• Erratic periods of high and low productivity
• Gives improbable excuses for poor performance
• More claims on company health insurance
• Excessive tardiness or absences
• Isolated, withdrawn, talks to self
• Increased friction with co-workers
• Grandiose, exaggerates, lies, shows off
• Family difficulties, separation or divorce

Addictions are a big problem in the workplace:

• Alcoholism is the most prevalent drug dependency in employees (84%)
• Although cocaine and marijuana also contribute significantly to workplace problems
• Between 10% and 23% of workers use dangerous drugs on the job.
• 1 in 3 workers knows of co-workers using illegal drugs before or during work
• Of people entering the work force, 44% have used illegal drugs in the past year
• Alcohol and other drug abuse is costly to United States business --- a dramatic $137 billion to $150 billion annually
• Grandiose, exaggerates, lies, shows off
• Family difficulties, separation or divorce
• Overreacts to real or imagined criticism

Addiction & Prevention Services

• Substance abuse by one person is said to affect the lives of seven other people; most often family members, as well as employers, coworkers, and friends. It affects all ages and economic levels in a community. The emotional pain and loss of income inevitably resulting from alcohol or drug abuse are large and very real problems because of the impact on so many lives.
• Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service offers both residential and outpatient treatment programs that can help individuals recover from alcoholism or drug addiction. The specific needs of the individual determine the path of treatment.

Chemical Dependency Center

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• The residential treatment facility, located in Vicksburg, Mississippi, is a 21-bed facility for both male and female substance abusers. The 30 day program, based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous and other current approaches, offers education, counseling, medical services and job placement assistance. We have an experienced support team that includes psychiatrists, psychologists, physicians, counselors, and social workers. Residential treatment provides a structure often needed to begin a successful recovery.

Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)

• An alternative to residential treatment, IOP helps individuals experiencing problems caused by alcohol or drugs on an outpatient basis. While treatment is grounded in the same proven methods as our residential program, the evening therapy sessions in the 15 week program do not interfere with employment or family needs.

Aftercare

• The goal of Aftercare is to reinforce the skills and knowledge acquired in other treatment programs. The post-treatment support of Aftercare helps recovering substance abusers adjust to an alcohol and drug free lifestyle.

Gambling Services

• Since opening in Central Mississippi a few years ago, casinos have become a new source of entertainment for many, but a new addiction for others. Our program offers both individual and family therapy sessions specifically targeted to meet the needs of the gambler. Fortunately, research indicates that compulsive gambling can be easily treated on an outpatient basis.

Prevention/Intervention Services

• The goal of the Prevention/Intervention program is two-fold, (1) to prevent the occurrence of alcohol and drug abuse and (2) to provide intervention services to those who have a problem. Our programs are designed to inform community members and consumers about substance abuse issues such as symptoms, the progressive nature of substance abuse problems, treatment possibilities, and the implication of substance abuse on the user, family, his or her employer, and the community. The primary goal in the prevention aspect of the substance abuse program is to provide educational programs to the community to increase the level of understanding and awareness regarding alcohol and drug abuse related problems. Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service offers an intervention service for employers in business, industry, and government through the Employee Assistance Programs. The EAP is a broad effort to identify those employees whose problems affect their job performance and to assist supervisors in successfully intervening when job performance has slipped. The program is intended to offer appropriate referral and/or treatment for the employees in order to improve their job performance and/or conduct. In partnership with our community coalitions, Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service will provide a balanced range of programs that will prevent as well as reduce substance abuse.

Programs Aimed At Our Youth

• Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service participates in developing programs funded by various grants to significantly reduce substance abuse among 12-17 year old youth and their families. In Warren County our latest programs focus on reaching middle school youth in the private schools and youth and families who live in Vicksburg Housing Authority neighborhoods. In Yazoo County, we have partnered with the faith-based community to develop strategies to reduce substance abuse in the community. Working with various community members, we have developed a plan that will hopefully build a culture of responsibility: one that teaches our children right from wrong and one that strengthens our commitments to our fellow citizens. Our community coalition is the front line in our battle to change the attitudes and behaviors of our teens. For more information about the Warren County program, please contact Bettye Van Norman at 601-634-0181. In Yazoo County contact Suzanne Lancaster at 662-746-5712.

Adolescent Alcohol and Drug Outpatient Program

• Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service now provides an outpatient day treatment program for adolescents ages twelve to seventeen who have been diagnosed with an alcohol and/or drug problem and a serious emotional disturbance. This program was developed in response to the Warren County Youth Court report of a substantial number of adolescents entering their system with alcohol and drug problems. Participants entering the twelve week program would attend two sessions per week for two hours per session. Referrals for the program are accepted from the Warren County Youth Court, in-patient facilities, parents, and Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service staff. The program sessions are held at the Chemical Dependency Center on the Warren County campus. Certification for this program has been provided by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health. For more information please call 601-634-0181.

Consultation and Education

• Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service believes that public awareness of mental health issues is vital to ensuring a healthy lifestyle for the entire community. Consultation services are provided to businesses, social service agencies, private groups, nursing homes, schools, physicians, attorneys, and courts.
• Warren-Yazoo Mental Health's services extend to consulting for schools and businesses, as well as presenting educational programs for community organizations and residents. These services educate the community regarding children and youth, the elderly, the chronically mentally ill, alcohol and drug abuse, and other areas of need.
• In addition to responding to community requests for educational presentations, we initiate outreach in the form of depression and alcohol & drug abuse screening programs.
• One of the unique services we offer is tailoring special programs to the requirements of different organizations. Warren-Yazoo Mental Health offers diverse professional expertise, for a consultation on a program designed to meet your organization's needs, please call (601) 638-0031 in Warren County and (662) 746-5712 in Yazoo County for more information.