CLINICAL SERVICES

The Clinical Services Program has a commitment to providing treatment in the least restrictive, most natural setting in the client’s community. Serving about 1600 New London County residents with mental illness or co-occurring disorder psychiatric and substance abuse disabilities, clinicians collaborate intensively with other programs within Sound Community Services to optimize building skills that will assist the individual to achieve independent living. By providing psychotherapy and medication management, the goal of clinical services is to minimize hospitalizations, thereby supporting the goal of community reintegration.

Admission Criteria:

• 18 years or older
• DMHAS definition of severe and chronic mental illness
• Voluntary participation
• Resident of Catchment Area 11 or 12
• Identified need for intensive clinical services
• Physically able to participate in sessions

A Story: Margaret

Margaret, a 53-year old woman with alcohol abuse disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, entered Clinical Services at Sound Community Services two years ago.

After leaving an abusive relationship and becoming homeless, she had returned to Connecticut for family support. She tried several other treatment programs, but says they were not a good fit for her.

The accessibility of clinicians and the ability to get the necessary referrals have been a great help to Margaret during crisis periods like the loss of a job and in her current efforts to assist a brother with a substance abuse disorder. In counseling sessions, she is learning to develop coping mechanisms that help her not to become overwhelmed by difficulties. Doctors are available to make adjustments in her medication whenever necessary.

Margaret is learning to cope with her insecurity and anger, and she receives frequent reminders of how far she has come in her recovery process. She says, however, that the process won’t work unless a person becomes a full participant.

Clinicians have encouraged her to become involved in her church and her community. As a result, Margaret has discovered that her spirituality has been a significant support in her recovery. She also enjoys working with children who have physical disabilities and looks forward to receiving a state public transport license. Having lived in several places where she didn’t feel safe, Margaret is grateful to have her own studio apartment now.

Margaret believes strongly in the need to educate the public about how to obtain services. “So many people need help that don’t know where to turn”, she says. She sees herself as someone who started out with nothing, and she now has great hope for the future.