Washington County Mental Health Services

Coverage Area

Washington County + Orange Center, Washington, Williamstown in Northern Orange County

Innovations

The Doula Project of WCMHS

The Doula Project of WCMHS is committed to providing empowering, evidence-based, non-judgmental support to pregnant and parenting mothers and their families. The Doula Project includes three components – prenatal, labor and postpartum support. The components are approached with the understanding that women suffering from mental health issues, with cognitive limitations, who are trauma survivors or who struggle with addictions have a unique set of needs. This project recognizes that becoming a parent can be a pivotal point of growth in people’s lives, and supports them to self-advocate, grow a positive support system, and practice good self-care and healthy parenting. The project is available to any woman who receives or is eligible to receive services from WCMHS.

WCMHS Receives Center of Excellence Designation

Washington County Mental Health Services was chosen as a Center of Excellence in the winter of 2018.  A Center of Excellence is “…a great place to get care and a great place to work. It is an organization or program within an organization that is an integral part of the health neighborhood — providing rapid access…. high value, comprehensive, whole person care supporting resiliency, recovery, and results in excellent outcomes, and high client satisfaction.”  WCMHS, along with United Counseling Services, were the first mental health agencies in Vermont to receive this certification.

Vermont Care Partner’s Center of Excellence Certification builds upon the work of the National Council for Behavioral Health. The goal of the certification is quality improvement across its 16 agency network.  Going forward as a Center of Excellence, WCMHS will continue with the work we do to support some of our most vulnerable community members. We will provide excellent care at an affordable cost, and we will remain steadfast in our mission to advocate for the inclusion of all persons into our communities and to actively encourage Self-Determination, Resilience, and Recovery.  

Parent Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT) Program at WCMHS

Since October of 2017, the PCIT program at WCMHS has received over 25 referrals for treatment. Currently, WCMHS has three Master’s level clinicians trained in PCIT, and the program looks to continue its outreach to families in need to yield positive outcomes for parents, children and our community.

PCIT is a unique approach that uses intensive parent coaching to promote positive communication and discipline for families with children ages 2 ½ through 6 years. PCIT is the only evidence-based practice in which the parent and child are treated together throughout the course of treatment.  The therapist communicates with the parents from behind a one-way mirror through a wireless in-ear speaker while the parent plays with the child. PCIT is a specific, step by step coached behavioral training model that has two phases:  Child Directed Intervention, (CDI), and Parent Directed Intervention, (PDI).

Zero Suicide Project

A clinical committee will be rolling out information and training to place suicide prevention at the forefront across our agency. This model includes assessment and follow up tools, as well as training opportunities.  Representatives from all Divisions throughout our Agency are on the committee, and the intention is to have all staff, regardless of position, play an important role in Zero Suicide.

Community partnerships

WCMHS Partnership with Family Center of Washington County and UVM-CVMC

Through a partnership between UVM/Central Vermont Medical Center, the Family Center of Washington County, and Washington County Mental Health, Pediatric Primary Care in Berlin will see expanded family supports embedded within the practice. This exciting pilot program includes an opportunity to offer families with children aged 0 through 36 months a screening for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and a follow up meeting with family support specialists who can provide a menu of options, including information and referrals, parenting information, and connections to community supports.

WCMHS in collaboration with Norwich Technologies

All of our buildings here at WCMHS will be partially operated by solar energy within the next year.  WCMHS signed a contract with Norwich Technologies and will be purchasing our energy, which will originate in an array in White River Junction, as well as through an array to be erected on our 885 South Barre Road, from this solar based production.   WCMHS is always striving to be a green member of our community!

WCMHS Partnership with UVM-CVMC to Create an Integrated Health Home

Our Integrated Health Home has been established as a primary health home at Granite City Medical practice in Barre for individuals who had a difficult time maintaining a doctor and have severe complications with their physical, mental or emotional stability.  With increased case management, 16 individuals have achieved positive health results and health care experiences in the primary care practice. Results from the program show a reduction in the group’s overall average emergency room utilization by 32%. This project involved all adult services divisions here at WCMHS:  Community Support Programs, Counseling and Psychological Services, Community and Developmental Services, and Intensive Care Services.

WCMHS and Good Samaritan Shelter Work Together to Provide Shelter in Montpelier

In winter of 2018, the Good Samaritan Shelter in Barre utilized expanded space at the Bethany Church for shelter to bring people in out of the cold. WCMHS hired a clinician to specifically provide mental health and housing information supports to people residing at the shelter.  WCMHS has also expanded a more homelike space through three apartments leased to the Shelter in Montpelier to help individuals experiencing homelessness in that community.