Programs Offered
Philadelphia Community Treatment Team Family Rehousing Program
The Philadelphia Community Treatment Team Family Rehousing Program at Merakey Parkside Recovery helps adults who have experienced homelessness, due to their addiction to drugs and/or alcohol, return to their family or family of choice.
Mobile Competency Restoration Team (MCRT)
Merakey’s Mobile Competency Restoration Team (MCRT) is a psychoeducational program that works with individuals who are considered Incompetent to Stand Trial. MRCT uses a variety of assessments and learning tools to develop plans that address and restore competency deficiencies, such as understanding court proceedings, behavior expectations, and communicating with attorneys. MCRT is an outpatient service available in the following Pennsylvania counties: Butler, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, Crawford, Washington, Westmoreland, Armstrong, and Indiana.
TIP Model
Merakey is a provider trained on the TIP Model® designed to help Cambria County youth and young persons, ages 16 - 26 with serious emotional/behavioral challenges identify and achieve their desired goals.
Intensive Transition Services (ITS)
ITS provides person-centered, recovery-oriented, and holistic support to individuals who are dually diagnosed with a developmental disability and mental illness, and possibly other co-occurring disorders.
Partnership with Philadelphia Police and their Police Assisted Diversion Program
Merakey Parkside Recovery and the Philadelphia Police Department work together to offer social and behavioral health services, including addiction recovery services, to individuals in need as an alternative to further police engagement.
Mobile Intake and Assessment Team
The Parkside Recovery Mobile Intake and Assessment Team provides outreach to persons experiencing substance use and/or co-occurring behavioral health challenges, who require emergency services or admission to the appropriate level of care.
Supported Living
Supported Living is for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities who live on their own but want a little extra support with activities of daily living. Merakey staff provide 1:1 support and make sure that individuals get all their physical and behavioral health needs met.
Merakey Allegheny Valley School
Merakey Allegheny Valley School (Merakey AVS), is a private, non-profit organization established in 1960 to care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Visit avs.merakey.org to learn more about Merakey Allegheny Valley School.
Long Term Support Services (LTSS)
Merakey provides a range of services for children and adults who need additional help in order to continue safely living in their own home. Some of the services that the program provides include bathing, grooming, medication reminders, meal preparation, housekeeping, companionship, and more.
Respite Care
Respite Care provides short term, temporary living arrangements to families caring for a person with disabilities. Individuals who require or request time away from their current residence may also receive respite care.
Specialized Residential Homes
Specialized Residential Homes are designed to meet the complex needs of people with very specialized physical and behavioral health issues, including dementia, autism, dual diagnoses, and problematic sexual behaviors.
Community Living/Group Homes
Merakey provides group living for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Group homes are located in many different communities and neighborhoods and can be single homes, townhomes, or apartments.
Family/Shared Living
The Family/Shared Living program provides adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities the chance to live with a family. Individuals in the program choose a family or individual they want to live with in an apartment or house.
Intermediate Care Facility (ICF)
Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) are community-based residential programs that provide services to individuals who have Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Services include personal care, help developing communication and social skills, and recreational activities.
In-home Support
Merakey staff provide in-home support for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities who need help with personal care, safety, communication, social skills development, and more. Merakey staff can also help with any prescribed therapy.
Non-traditional Community Day Services/Home and Community Habilitation
This program is for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities who want to participate in a day program that is less structured than traditional programs. Non-traditional Community Day Services focus on spending time in the community doing recreational and volunteer activities.
Supports Coordination
Supports Coordination is a case management program for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Supports Coordinators make sure that individuals have the services they need, whether they are living in a residential community or in the community.
Behavior Support Services
Behavior Support Services empower people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) to lead the lives they want. Behavior Support Professionals work with individuals, family members, and Merakey support team members to create goals and a support plan.
Early Intervention Case Management
Early Intervention (EI) Case Management provides support to families with young children who have Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), ensuring that they have access to recommended evaluations and therapies so that children have the best chance at growth and development.
Employment (Transitional, Supported, Competitive)
Merakey empowers people by helping them find jobs in the community. Individuals who want help finding a job can work with a Merakey Training specialist or job coach to find a position that is right for their skills and interests.
Recovery Homes for Adult Men and Women (Funded)
Fresh Start runs four recovery house programs that offer temporary housing to adults with a history of drug use, including individuals currently receiving Medication Assisted Treatment like Methadone and Suboxone.
Fresh Start Self-Pay Transitional Housing
Fresh Start Self-Pay Transitional Housing is for adult men and women who are in recovery and looking for short-term housing and recovery support. This program requires a face-to-face interview and the individual must be able to pay rent on a weekly or monthly basis.
Adult Training Facility
The Adult Training Facility (ATF) is a specialized day program for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). The program offers various activities including community service. Participation in an ATF can prepare people to transition to more independent day programs.
Veterans' Transitional Housing Program
The Fresh Start Veterans' Transitional Housing Programs are structured programs for Veterans who need short-term housing and behavioral health support. Each Veteran is assigned a Fresh Start case manager and automatically enrolled in services provided by the local VA medical center.
Transitional Housing for Veterans with Serious Mental Illness (SMI)
Fresh Start’s Transitional Housing for Veterans with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) program is a partnership with the Coatesville VA Medical Center (CVAMC). Residents receive care management and 1:1 treatment for SMI while learning skills for independent living.
Fresh Start: Veterans’ Emergency Housing Program
The Fresh Start Veterans' Emergency Housing Program is a partnership between Merakey and the Coatesville VA Medical Center (CVAMC). The program offers emergency housing, physical and mental health care, and case management to veterans.
Veterans' Mobile Care Coordination Team
The Fresh Start VMCCT provides outreach, case management, and advocacy services to Veterans. The team is made up of clinical social workers with experience serving Veterans and extensive knowledge of available local and national services.
Shared and Individual Permanent Housing for Veterans
Fresh Start offers shared and individual permanent housing units. Housing is long-term and Veterans pay a fair market “low income” rent to the Fresh Start program. Housing units are supported by partnering VA Medical Centers, but not funded by the VA.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for Addiction Recovery
The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides a more intensive level of treatment than typical Outpatient services. IOP also includes individual counseling and three-hour group therapy sessions.
Outpatient Program (OP) for Addiction Recovery
Merakey’s Addiction Recovery Outpatient Program (OP) provides treatment for adults with addictions and/or behavioral health challenges. Services include individual counseling and specialty groups.
Personal Care Homes (PCH)
Personal Care Homes (PCH) are a safe and supportive place for adults with behavioral health challenges to participate in counseling and learn everyday living skills such as medication management, cooking, housekeeping, and budgeting.
Supported Independent Living
Supported Independent Living provides services such as housekeeping, cooking, medication management, and budgeting to help adults with behavioral health challenges live safely and happily in their own home.
Pharmacotherapy Programs
Pharmacotherapy Programs, also known as Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), provide treatment for the relief of serious withdrawal symptoms from narcotics with prescribed medication such as Methadone, SUBOXONE®, and Vivitrol®.
Crisis Residential
Crisis Residential is a short-term program for people experiencing a serious psychiatric crisis. A team of professionals including a psychiatrist, therapist, case manager, and more work with residents to stabilize their symptoms. Services are provided 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.
Extended Acute Care Program (EAC)
The Extended Acute Care Program (EAC) is a structured residential treatment program that provides care 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. A team of professionals including a psychiatrist, therapist, nurse, and case managers provide residents with 1:1 support and treatment.
Long-Term Structured Residence (LTSR)
Long-Term Structured Residence (LTSR) is a highly structured and secure home that is staffed 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. LTSR provides 1:1 treatment for people with severe and persistent mental illness.
Peer Support
Sometimes it is helpful to talk to someone who has been “in your shoes.” This program is for people who are struggling with their mental health and want extra support from a trained peer specialist. Peer Specialists work with people to make a plan, set goals, and track progress.
Supported Employment
Supported Employment provides 1:1 support to people with mental health challenges who want help finding paid and meaningful employment. Merakey staff can help individuals write a resume, search for a job, prepare for an interview, improve job-specific skills, and more.
Community Residential Rehabilitation (CRR)
Community Residential Rehabilitation (CRR) is a residential program for adults that provides 24 hours/day, 7 days/week support. The goal of the program is to help individuals learn the skills they need to live independently.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment Team (DDTT)
The Dual Diagnosis Treatment Team (DDTT) offers support to adults who have both a serious mental illness and a developmental disability. Individuals receive counseling, physical healthcare, support finding housing, assistance during crises, and help dealing with other issues in their everyday lives.
Eldercare
Merakey provides eldercare services to help seniors live independently in their homes and communities as long as possible. Eldercare services include: home support, personal assistance, in-home counseling and peer counseling.
Community Health Liaison (CHL)
The Community Health Liaison (CHL) program helps people who have a serious mental illness and a hard to manage physical health issue like kidney disease or diabetes. Our goal is to help people get the mental and physical healthcare they need in order to continue living safely and happily at home.
Crisis Intervention
Crisis intervention services are for children and adults who are experiencing a psychiatric emergency. Merakey works with the person in-crisis, their family members, and other professionals to make sure that the person in-crisis gets the mental health care they need.
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is team-based treatment for people with serious mental illness. A team works together to provide therapy, to help with medications, and to assist individuals in getting the resources they need to be healthy.
Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT)
Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) is very similar to Assertive Community Treatment (ACT). The major difference is the eligibility requirements.
Case Management
Case Management provides 1:1 support to people who need help with things like communicating with physical and mental health providers, figuring out health insurance and other benefits, and dealing with housing and transportation issues.
Primary and Behavioral Healthcare Treatment
Treatment of mental health, addictions, and physical health challenges is an effective approach to caring for people with multiple healthcare needs. At some locations, individuals in treatment can potentially receive service by a therapist, psychiatrist, physician, and pharmacist all in one day.
Psychiatric/Socialization Rehabilitation
The Psychiatric/Socialization Rehabilitation program offers people with severe emotional or behavioral challenges up to six hours of support per day, Monday-Friday. Individuals focus on improving social and daily living skills and achieving personal goals.
Adult Autism Services
Adult Autism services are for people diagnosed with autism over age 16 who need specialized support to enhance their independent living skills. Our residential homes are designed to meet the individual’s behavioral and/or physical health needs.
Adult Autism Housing Services
Merakey partners with the Autism Housing Development Corporation of Pittsburgh (AHDCP) to provide housing services to adults with Autism. Housing gives individuals with autism the chance to live independently as part of a community with individuals who do not have autism.
Outpatient Services
Merakey offers treatment at a Merakey facility for adults with mental illness who need psychiatric evaluation, therapy, and help managing medications. Merakey staff offer individual, group, family, and specialized therapies to adults and their families.
Stepping Stones and Stepping Stones Plus
Stepping Stones and Stepping Stones Plus are highly structured programs for children with autism and/or emotional support needs. These programs help participants learn and practice targeted skills, like developing peer relationships, positive communication, and interactive play.
Foster Care Plus (FCP)
Foster Care Plus (FCP) is a more traditional form of foster care than TFC and is only available to children supported by the child welfare system including County Children and Youth and Juvenile Probation programs.
Adoption and Family Supports
As an affiliate of the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN), Merakey provides a variety of supports to children and their families through the Adoption and Family Supports Program.
Therapeutic Family Care (TFC)
Therapeutic Family Care (TFC) is for children in the foster care system who have severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) and behavioral health challenges. TFC helps rebuild relationships between the child and their birth family and broader community.
Outpatient Therapy and Psychiatry
Children and adolescents under the age of 21 who are experiencing behavioral health challenges can receive specialized services at a Merakey clinic.
Diversion Programs and After School Services
The Merakey Center for Hope is a youth drop-in center for young people ages 11-21 who live in the city of Newburgh, NY. This program is available after school and offers many workshops, including ceramics, music, dance, photography, creative writing, and more.
Family Based Mental Health Services (FBMH)
Merakey’s Family Based Mental Health (FBMH) program is for children and adolescents who are at risk of being hospitalized or referred to an out-of-home placement because of mental health issues or family challenges. A team provides in-home therapy for both the family and the young person.
Parents and Children Together (PACT)
The Parents and Children Together (PACT) program helps young children with serious behavioral or emotional challenges prepare for kindergarten by helping them learn new ways of coping with their emotions.
Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a treatment for young children with emotional and behavioral disorders, such as not listening to adults, throws temper tantrums, has difficulty socializing with others, and more. The focus of the treatment is to improve the parent-child relationship.
Community and School Based Behavioral Health
Our Community and School Based Behavioral Health services include 1:1 and family counseling, training for students and families on how to change negative behaviors into positive behaviors, and tools for dealing with crises.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
This is program is for children and adolescents who need intensive psychiatric services for emotional or behavioral challenges. The team focuses on helping children and adolescents improve their self-esteem by building on the things they are good at and enjoy.
Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS)
Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) support children, adolescents, and young adults with mental, emotional, and behavioral health needs. IBHS offers a variety of services in homes, schools, and communities.
Transition Services
Merakey Gateway Transition Services feature a Group Skills program, Independence Coaching programs, and Summer Group Skills programs that help young adults with autism develop fundamental social, pre-vocational, and life skills needed to live, work, and thrive in the community. Learn more at www.gatewayink.org.
Student Assistance Program (SAP)
The School Assistance Program (SAP) is a school-based program that supports students with mental health challenges. Services include an initial evaluation, support groups, individual and group counseling, and help with crises.
ABA and Specialized Therapies
ABA is an important part of all of Merakey’s autism programs. Trained ABAs help individuals improve basic skills like looking, listening, and imitating, and more complex skills like reading, conversing, and understanding another person’s perspective.
In-District Specialized Classrooms
Merakey’s In-District Specialized Classrooms provide special programming and support for students with autism and cognitive and emotional challenges within their home school environment.
Autism and Education Centers
Merakey Autism and Education Centers partner with families, school districts, and community organizations to provide a safe and fun learning environment. We help students gain the skills they need to be successful in their home school district, on the job, and at home.