Adult Community Services (ACS)

For individuals with a severe and persistent mental illness

Pawnee Mental Health offers a wide range of community services for adults with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI). Individuals must meet specific state criteria for diagnosis. Clients receive a variety of services in the home and other places in the community as determined by their treatment plan.

Our programs support the dignity and individuality of each client. Our staff helps each person achieve recovery in as many areas of life as possible, including emotional strength, self-respect, interpersonal skills, vocational and occupational satisfaction, and a sense of community belonging.

Our services bring Pawnee staff together with others in the community to help individuals with severe and persistent mental illness learn to manage the symptoms they experience, allowing them to be active and contributing members of their communities.

Attendant care

Adults with SPMI receive assistance with tasks that may hinder their ability to live independently. This may include help with job skills, healthy eating, physical health maintenance, and other independent living skills.

Benefits management

This service assists clients with identifying and applying for benefits for which they qualify.

Case Management

The case manager provides coordination of services and supports identified in an individual’s treatment plan, as well as connecting the individual to resources. The case manager functions as an advocate and liaison in this capacity. Case managers monitor an individual’s progress and help keep services goal-oriented.

Community Psychiatric Support Treatment

The case manager provides face-to-face interventions with the individual and functions as a supporter, teacher, problem-solver, and strengths-finder to ensure optimal functioning in all life roles.

Employment Services

This program provides referral, evaluation, assessment, job placement, job coaching, and follow-up support to ACS consumers when they are able to work. Referrals to this program come from the Department of Children and Families Vocational Rehabilitation program.

Group sessions

Group sessions provide valuable social interaction and help clients practice skills they have learned to manage the symptoms they experience. In group sessions, the clients also have an opportunity to learn and practice their cooking skills.

Psychosocial Rehabilitation

Activities are selected to build daily living skills, teach problem-solving, promote recovery and coping, emphasize nutrition and wellness, and help individuals identify their own strengths, interests, and abilities. Individuals are taught how to use the skills learned in other settings such as home, work, and community.

Peer Support

This is a client-centered service facilitated by a peer in recovery who has been through similar experiences and provided to adults in either a group or individual setting to promote rehabilitation and recovery. Peer support services emphasize the utilization of natural resources and the development of skills to manage psychiatric symptoms and are provided in community locations where a person lives, works, and/or socializes.

How to access Adult Community Services

Assessment

To schedule an intake assessment, call your local Pawnee office. Our staff will work with you to find an appointment time. Emergency and crisis situations will receive immediate attention. A therapist determines whether the adult meets the criteria for SPMI according to state guidelines. If criteria are met, the case manager, therapist, individual, and support system then utilize a strengths-based approach to develop a treatment plan identifying which type of services an individual will receive to make progress toward their recovery.

Cost

Pawnee is an approved Medicaid and Medicare provider and bills other health insurance. Individuals who are not covered by insurance or whose insurance does not cover ACS Services are eligible for a reduced fee based on family size and income or may qualify for grant funding. A therapist can assist in determining eligibility.