Referral Process

The Friends Connection accepts referrals from case managers and from other mental health treatment and rehabilitation programs and professionals. Most who are referred to our program are willing to take steps to recover.

The first step is to schedule an initial appointment to discuss applying to the program and to share information and preferences related to vocational interests, social supports, educational interests and self-maintenance.

The initial meeting is held on site at the Friends Connection where the person is invited to watch a video about the program and to talk with staff about whether or not this is a program he or she wants to try. After exchanging information about the program and discussing the person's interest in the program, the person may choose not to participate or may choose to take the next step. If it is mutually agreeable to take the next step, an assessment is scheduled to take place prior to admission to the program.

Assessment And Program Admission

A Life Experience/ Needs Assessment is used to assure that documentation of medical necessity for treatment by the Friends Connection. During this process, the Intake/ Assessment Specialist will also work on obtaining necessary information from referral sources and the person, to make a determination for the appropriate level of services to address the person's needs, to develop a personal goal plan, and to set a timetable for discharge planning.

Personal Goal Planning And Assignment To A Peer Counselor

Initial personal goals are identified from the assessment process and a determination is made about connecting with a peer counselor whose similarity in background and interests will be helpful to the person's plan for recovery. The purpose of assessment is to determine the person's interests, motivation, and areas in recovery where assistance is needed. Success in the Friends Connection program depends on a person's willingness to make a commitment to ongoing assessment, developing personal goals, and evaluating progress. The Clinical Manager reviews all psychosocial assessment, personal goal planning, and assignment to a peer counselor.

Next step: Developing Personal Goal Plans And Recording Progress