Special Programs for children & youth include First Episode Psychosis, community-based services, single point of access (SPOA), and more.

Included in this section are programs or services specially created for children and youth. They include treatment programs, recreation, socialization and support resources.

First Episode Psychosis (FEP)
The onset of serious mental illness often occurs in the period of adolescence to young adulthood. It can be difficult to diagnose with certainty, but the most current research seems to be indicating that if treated early, with proper medical support and appropriate medications, the long-term damage from the illness may be lessened. The following youth programs offer intensive early intervention and treatment during and through the period of adolescence and young adulthood.

OnTrack First Episode Psychosis (FEP)
BestSelf Behavioral Health, Inc.
716-566-6188
255 Delaware Ave., Ste. 400
Buffalo, NY 14202
www.BestSelfwny.org

Early onset intervention and treatment for adolescents and young adults (16-30 years of age) experiencing symptoms and changes like: withdrawal from friends and family; strange or unusual thoughts or behaviors; fear or suspicion of others; or begun hearing or seeing things others do not. Provides care and support services, including medication if needed, academic and vocational support and assistance to meet individual’s chosen life goals in school, work and relationships for up to two years.

Navigate Program
Erie County Medical Center (ECMC)
716-898-3255
Adult, Child & Family Services
462 Grider St., Buffalo, NY 14215
www.ecmc.edu

Early intervention for individuals (generally age 14-30) experiencing First Episode Psychosis symptoms for at least one week, up to one year. May include these or other types of symptoms: delusions, thought broadcasting (or mind-control), and/ or hallucinations. Treatment team includes Individual Residency Trainer, Family Education Clinician, a Supported Employment and Educational Specialist, and Psychiatrist. Same-week appointments. Care is planned in collaboration with other ECMC programs such as CPEP, inpatient psychiatry, the Partial Hospitalization Program, and substance abuse services.

Community-Based Services

Community-Based Services (CBS) are types of person-centered care delivered in the home and community. A variety of health and human services can be provided along with mental health and other medical care. These services are generally designed to increase access and address more complex health conditions. They may also provide more immediate access to care in underserved communities. For many of the services, certain criteria may be required, for example income level, types or level of chronic conditions, Medicaid-eligibility, referrals, and residence. Fees vary depending on insurance coverage or Medicaid or Medicare eligibility. Many programs, however, over a sliding-scale (based on your income) or assist with enrollment in Medicaid or other insurances.

Children’s Health Home

Children’s Health Home provides comprehensive, coordinated, intensive services for children under age 21 with Medicaid who also meet certain other criteria. Care managers ensure that children attend medical, dental, specialist or counseling appointments; link children and families with other services; and encourage children’s provider teams to work together.

Children (under age 21) must be enrolled in Medicaid and meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Have two or more chronic conditions (e.g., Substance Use Disorder, Asthma, Diabetes) OR one single qualifying chronic condition: Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) or Complex Trauma (Children);
2. Must be appropriate for the intensive level of care management services in a Health Home. “Appropriateness” criteria include: at risk for an adverse event (e.g., mandated preventive services or out-of-home placement); has inadequate social/family/housing support; or serious disruptions in family relationships, has inadequate connectivity with healthcare system, does not adhere to treatments or has difficulty managing medications; has recently been released from incarceration, placement, detention, or psychiatric hospitalization; has deficits in activities of daily living, learning or cognition issues; or is concurrently eligible or enrolled, along with either their child or caregiver, in a Health Home.
3. Being in foster care or in juvenile justice does not necessarily preclude a child from being in a health home.

Referral Process:

Community organizations, individuals or families may make referrals to enroll in one of the three Children’s Health Homes listed below. Complete the Referral Form which may be found on each of the Health Home’s website. A Consent form must also be completed.