|
Critical Time Intervention
Critical Time Intervention (CTI) is a well-researched, Evidenced Based Practice that assists homeless persons with severe and persistent mental illness in their transition from the streets, homeless shelters, psychiatric hospitals or the criminal justice system transition into the community. The principle goals of CTI are to prevent recurrent homelessness, recidivism and other adverse outcomes during this vulnerable transitional period to community living. This is done through strengthening the individual’s long-term ties to community services, family and friends, and by providing emotional and practical support during the critical time of transition. Overall, the case manager has a linking role that bridges the gaps, mediates to help solve problems and monitors the individual
The Phases of CTI
CTI is a nine-month intervention comprised of three, three-month phases of decreasing intensity. The client’s progress, remaining needs and goals are assessed at each phase. The phases of CTI flow in the order they appear: Transition to Community, Try-Out and Transfer of Care.
In the Transition Phase, the case manager supports the client through bridging the gap between the client and his/her psychiatric needs, benefits, housing, education, social system and community resources. The Try-Out Phase monitors, tests and adjusts the systems of support that have been established and identifies and addresses any holes through mediation. Finally, monitoring the community linkages and support systems will support the fine-tuning and smooth functioning with long-term and community based linkages in the Transfer of Care Phase.
Benefits
There are a number of benefits in participating in the CTI program. The following are a few:
- Every client will have a devoted case manager who will assist the client in navigating various treatments and the social service system;
- Nine months of support in linking clients to the community and support systems to help them be successful and stay engaged in treatment, maintaining a home and future successes;
- Support the client in obtaining psychiatric care, medications, assessments and skills in managing his/her mental illness;
- Three months of paid housing;
- The six areas of focus throughout the duration of the program are: Psychiatric treatment and medication management, housing crisis prevention and management, substance abuse treatment, life skills trainings, money management and budgeting and family intervention; and
- Assist the client to reestablish or create support systems to promote their continued participation and success in treatment
Eligible
Homeless individuals residing in Harris County over the age of 18, who have been diagnosed with Major Depression, Bi-Polar, Schizophrenia and/or Schizoaffective disorder and have the capacity to make an agreement to enter into voluntary Outpatient treatment. Clients must have also experienced a recent crisis OR are being released from jail.
AND
Have a history of one of the following:
- Severe and persistent mental illness with failure to engage in ongoing mental health treatment;
- Repeated admissions to crisis services and/or psychiatric hospital;
For more information, please contact:
MHMRA
Critical Time Intervention
7200 North Loop East
Second Floor
Houston, TX 77028
Phone: 713-970-8680
|
|
