Community Based Services (CBS) are those services which are intensive, provided in the community, and are focused on maintaining the youth in their home. Originally developed as a part of the state hospital closures, these services are intended for those youth who might otherwise require an extended hospital stay. They are utilized to provide intensive support to the youth, their family and their community in keeping the youth in the community, thereby avoiding hospitalization. The youth must be classified as severely emotionally disturbed to receive these services.

CBS services expand the traditional array of services offered by CMHC’s. Services may be provided in the home, school, or community. Specially trained staff work collaboratively with the family to plan for the youth’s individual needs and the services that will be most helpful to them. Other community members may be included in the development of the plan. Services focus on a strength’s based model of treatment and are developed within the family’s cultural context.

Services provided may include: