Programs

1. Outreach/Home Based Therapy
2. Bilingual Program
3. The Child and Family Treatment Program
4. DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
5. Substance Abuse/Co-Occurring Disorders
6. Forensic Services
7. Internship Program
8. Medication Management
9. Psychological Testing

1. Outreach/Home Based Therapy
VPSI offers home-based mental health services. We provide mental health treatment in families’ homes, schools, and other community settings, with the goal of treating families and individuals who are unable or unlikely to access clinic-based services.

2. Bilingual Program
VPSI addresses the needs and concerns of families of diverse backgrounds with a culturally diverse staff, providing bilingual services and cultural understanding.

Treatment approaches offered in Spanish are, but not limited to: Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Reality therapy, Motivational interviewing and stages of change for dually diagnosed clients, Behavior Modification and Parenting Skills.

3. The Child and Family Treatment Program
The Child and Family Treatment Program provides in-clinic, school-based, and home-based treatment for children and their families. Children who are referred to our program may be suffering from adjustment issues to more severe behavioral challenges. A treatment plan based on the child’s presenting issues will be developed with the parent, who is considered to be an important member of the treatment team. A number of our child therapists have been trained in filial therapy, which is a family-based model of treatment where parents or guardians are trained to engage in play sessions with their children.

4. DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
VPSI provides services to adolescents and adults who engage in self-harming and suicidal behaviors. Based on the practices of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), this specialized treatment uses a skills-based approach to help individuals develop a capacity to safely manage distressing experiences and to improve the overall quality of their lives.

Clients who enroll in out DBT program make a commitment to attend weekly individual therapy and a DBT skills group for a minimum of one year. After-hours skills coaching assists clients in practicing new coping skills and interpersonal strategies. DBT therapists meet weekly in consultation teams in order to generate new ideas and support the ongoing work of the therapist.

5. Substance Abuse/Co-Occurring Disorders
Individuals who find themselves affected by both substance abuse and mental health struggles received skillful therapeutic treatment of both these areas through dual diagnosis services. Trained clinicians assist clients in identifying both psychiatric and addictions symptoms, along with their interaction.

Modalities of treatment may include group therapy, individual therapy, and medications evaluation. Services are gender responsive as well as available in Spanish. This integrated approach allows for a course of treatment that validates the whole person. Through a genuine, authentic connection with a clinician, and perhaps also with other group members, people find the pathway to wellness.

6. Forensic Services
Increasingly, individuals involved in the criminal justice system are becoming aware of the importance of receiving excellent mental health care. At VPSI, staff, clinicians and psychiatrists provide such care. By collaborating with parole and probation officers, clinicians help support clients through what can seem a daunting process. The clinic maintains strong alliances with correctional staff delivering release planning and after-care. By bridging clients into service at the critical time of community re-entry after incarceration, VPSI contributes to successful lifestyle change.

7. Internship Program
Graduate Interns in social work and related counseling disciplines find a challenging, collegial, and rewarding experience at VPSI. Regular individual and group supervision presentations, and team meetings complement this learning.

Each intern carries an average caseload of between six and ten cases. Client populations vary by age, gender, presenting problems, language, and culture. Clinical supervisor background may be matched to student interest. Students have reported they felt challenged, supported, and enriched by the placement. Clinical and support staff provide a welcoming atmosphere.

8. Medication Management
Upon referral of therapist, patient is evaluated for medication as part of treatment plan.

9. Psychological Testing
VPSI provides standardized and psychological testing services by licensed psychologists when it is determined that an individual’s cognitive, emotional, or educational functioning requires assessment.