Not sure where to start? Call 724-847-6225, ask for a Drug and Alcohol (D&A), Intellectual Disability (ID), or Mental Health (MH) Specialist.
UPMC – Beaver County Crisis #: 800-400-6180 (Available 24/7)
How has COVID-19 been affecting you?
This survey, conducted by the Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers’ Association (PMHCA), seeks to determine the impact of COVID-19 on youth and young adults. You will be asked to answer some questions about mental health/illness, schooling, and social experiences, to help us determine ways that we can help each other. We are gathering this valuable data to compare to some feedback we received in early 2021. Our goal is to provide more efficient resources for youth, young adults, and families as the pandemic continues.
“Support your child’s behavioral health through the pandemic and beyond.”
(a Beacon Lens publication, authored by Jessica Langenhan, MD, MBA)
April 1, 2021
“Adjusting to the “new normal” during this past year’s pandemic may leave us wondering what exactly is considered unhealthy. Regarding child and adolescent mental health, the line between typical developmental behaviors and those that require professional help can be difficult to discern even in the best of times—which means monitoring for unhealthy behaviors is that much more important during the ongoing public health crisis. It is understandable if a child or teen is . . . ” continue reading
Thrive for Hope | Youth & Young Adult | Ongoing Support Group
*** Virtual and In-Person Grief Support Groups for families in Pittsburgh, Warrendale, Erie, Harrisburg, and surrounding areas – please visit www.highmarkcaringplace.com
What is IBHS?
The Office of Mental Health Services (OMHSAS) has created and licensed a new children’s service, as BHRS is no longer an existing service.
This new service is Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) and offers therapeutic interventions and supports for children, youth or young adults under the age of 21 with mental, emotional or behavioral health needs. The services can be provided in the home, school or other community setting. IBHS includes Individual Services, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Services, Group Services, and Evidence-Based Therapy (EBT) provided through these modalities.
The coronavirus pandemic has been hard on kids and teens everywhere — especially those who were already dealing with mental health challenges. Telehealth (which uses technology to deliver healthcare remotely) has emerged as a promising treatment option for children’s mental health.
An award-winning Mental Health Awareness and Prevention Program guided by many innovative high school students from all Beaver County School Districts.
Taking a mental health screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible.
“Teens, we know you might be struggling during this pandemic . . . In this strange time of social distancing, your anxiety is at an all-time high, while your level of support may be at an all-time low . . .”
Managed behavioral health services for Medical Assistance (MA) recipients in Beaver County and 12 other Western Pennsylvania counties as part of the HealthChoices program.
ReferralConnect – Search online for: Individual Doctors, Counselors, Groups, and Clinics. Hospitals and Programs Search Tips and FAQ
Reality Tour®
Beaver County Reality Tour® Being a teen today is hard, and so is being a parent. Alcohol? Marijuana? Social Media? Opioids? Let us help you start the conversation. (New tours will take place from 6-9 PM on March 16th, 2022 and April 13th, 2022.) Registration is required; click above to register online.
(Reality Tour® is presented locally by Keystone Wellness Programs on behalf of Beaver County Behavioral Health.)
Mental Health Association Community Advocacy Program
105 Brighton Avenue Rochester, PA 15074 Phone: 724.775.4165 Fax: 724.775.8523
Family/Child Education Advocacy Program: Does your child need an evaluation for individualized support? Need assistance and advocacy with IDEA 2004, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP), or gaining a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)? The Education Advocate at the MHA will help you understand Federal Education Laws and your child’s rights. Learn more: Family/Child Education Advocacy Program
Beaver County HealthChoices Ombudsman: Provides assistance to adults, children, teens, and their families who are residents of Beaver County and recipients of mental health and/or substance use services through the network of Beacon Health Options (formerly Value Behavioral Health of Pennsylvania). The Ombudsman at the MHA helps educate individuals about their rights and responsibilities as it relates to behavioral health treatment and helps to resolve issues through the complaint and grievance procedures. The above link provides more information, a downloadable Member Handbook, and a Beaver County Directory.
Community Alternatives
For the past 20+ years, Community Alternatives has served the behavioral and mental health needs of Western Pennsylvania and Beaver County. A program overview is shown below (click for details):
Community Alternatives Outpatient Mental Health Services (brochure)
Individual, group, and family counseling.
Psychiatric assessment and medication management
Counseling to address marital conflict and communication problems.
Parenting and anger management skills training.
Play and creative therapy.
New! StepOut Mentoring Check-Ins . . . helping students and schools navigate the 2020-2021 school year. (more info)
This new program at Community Alternatives can be a useful tool to bridge the gap for teachers who may not be aware of student issues and can provide stress relief to students who may be overwhelmed with online and other forms of distance learning.
Mentoring opportunities through Community Alternatives, Inc.(more info)
Most recently, program components are now available for specific needs of the schools, such as Girl Talk, a social support group for early teen females, as well as Bridging the Gap, which is a program that assists elementary-aged youth by having local high school students trained as mentors to work with them on projects for personal and community empowerment.
The Prevention Network and Class Academy
School and Community Programs
Click hereto read recent Newsletters, learn about The Prevention Network and Class Academy’s School and Community Programs, and access many printable forms and documents.
Franklin Center
Men and Boys Initiativesis a program for young M.A.L.E.S., ages 10 – 17. (Maturing, Achieving, Learning, Empowering, Self!)
Removing barriersto help young men of color succeed. – Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Learn about ACT-SO, a yearlong achievement program designed to recruit, stimulate, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African-American high school students.
Wesley Family Services / Wonder Kids (WK)isa social skills group for children ages 5-21 that provides therapeutic and social relationship interventions designed to teach and enhance age-appropriate social skills for those who have an Autism Spectrum or Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder diagnosis.
Local support, education, and advocacy for theLGBTQ+community
Center For HopeA multi-denominational, faith-based Charity/Community Center. Youth from the community are provided the opportunity to become strong, confident, and secure adults.
Address: 740 Park Road Ambridge, PA 15003 724.251.4899 Contact: Sue Otto, Director | ext. 112 Barbara Whisnant, Volunteer Coordinator | ext. 115
Drug and Alcoholresources, information, websites, and treatment centers
Get HELP 24/7 by calling (800) 400-6180
The following providers in the Beaver County System of Care aim to support youth through case management, counseling, housing, mentoring, education, and more.
Transition Age Mobile Crisis
Provider: Pressley Ridge
This service offers crisis support in the community to people ages 14-24. Young people who are experiencing a crisis (and their family members) are encouraged to call.
The Transition Age Mobile Crisis referral form provides details and contact info.
Verbal Beginnings provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children ages 2-18 who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Using positive reinforcement and measurable goals, ABA is used to increase desired behavior across a variety of settings and social environments. It’s an individualized approach tailored to a child’s specific needs. For more information, call 855-344-5977 or email at begin@verbalbeginnings.com.
PA Resources for Youth and their Families
Education Law Center
The Education Law Center’s mission is to ensure access to quality public education for all children in Pennsylvania. The Center pursues this mission by advocating on behalf of the most vulnerable students — children living in poverty, children of color, children in the foster care and juvenile justice systems, children with disabilities, English learners, LGBTQ students, and children experiencing homelessness.
Education Law Center 429 Fourth Avenue Suite 702 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412.258.2120
Disability Rights Pennsylvania (DRP)
Disability Rights Pennsylvaniaprotects and advocates for the rights of people with disabilities so that they may live the lives they choose, free from abuse, neglect, discrimination, and segregation. They provide information and assist with problems accessing needed disability services in all systems, including Juvenile Justice and Education.
Harrisburg toll-free: 1.800.692.7443
Pittsburgh Office:
429 Fourth Avenue Suite 701 Pittsburgh, PA 15219-1505 412.391.5225 [Voice] 412.467.8940 [Fax]
Suicide
… is the second-leading cause of death for children and young adults between 5-24 years old. Often this age group lacks the tools and skills to manage mental health issues and ask for help.Visit the Zero Suicide webpage for helpful resources.
Behavioral Health Among College Students Information and Resource Kit – This kit discusses the consequences of substance misuse among college students including the misuse of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. It explores various causational factors such as peer pressure, stress, social norms, and advertising messages.
Mental Health in College Students – Examing the most common Mental Health issues affecting College Students and how to prioritize Mental Wellness
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)has 2 spaces for blogging and sharing your story:
OK2TALK is a Tumblr community of teens and young adults struggling with mental health problems. Say anything! It’s time we talked about mental health. Click to learn more and share what’s on your mind through your own photos, videos, text, and artwork.
You Are Not Alone We hope that you will join us in giving a voice to a struggle that millions of people face every day. Submit your video, picture, or story!
EPIC life-skills curriculum, offered by Young People in Recovery,a national advocacy organization that promotes, advocates, and collaborates for change that expands the continuum of care to include recovery support systems for young people in recovery. YPR works to increase access to treatment, education, employment, and housing in order to support community members as they make a decision to enter into recovery and/or maintain recovery.
Webinar
Free, on-demand webinar for loved ones of teens . . .
