Program Description

Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) are medically prescribed, in-home, intensive, and individualized mental health services. IBH Services are time-limited, goal directed interventions focused on children and adolescents who have been diagnosed with a serious emotional disturbance. Those diagnoses may include mood and anxiety disorders, behavioral and conduct disorders, autistic spectrum disorders, personality disorders and psychosis. IBHS treatment teams work both one-on-one with the child as well as with their families, to assist them in developing the skills to manage problematic behaviors more effectively.

The treatment goals of IBHS include assisting the child in becoming more functional in the child’s natural settings, such as the home, school, or community environment. Goals include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Conflict resolution techniques
  • Positive social skills
  • Managing emotions effectively
  • Development and implementation of a behavior modification plan
  • Providing structure and setting limits
  • Time management and organization strategies
  • Enhancing family relationships and support
  • Expanding community resources and natural supports
  • Transferring skills to caregivers

Who can provide these services?

A IBHS treatment team can consist of:

  • Behavioral Consultant (BC) is a Master’s Degree professional with specialized training in behavioral modification and treatment plan development.
  • Mobile Therapist (MT) is a Master’s Degree professional who will provide intensive therapy to the child and their family, as outlined in the treatment plan.
  • Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) is a professional who provides one-to-one social, behavioral, and emotional support to the child, as outlined in the treatment plan.

Who can access these services?

IBHS is designed for children and adolescents, ages 2 to 21, who are experiencing severe symptoms or distress, or are readjusting to home, school or community following a hospitalization, are at risk for out-of-home placement and who generally require more support than traditional outpatient therapy can provide.

The medical need for this level of care is determined through an independent evaluation and an Interagency Service Plan Team Meeting (ISPT) with the county's Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities (MH/ID) program office, the county’s respective managed care organization (MCO), other involved county agencies, and most importantly the family.

How are these programs funded?

Funding sources include: Medical Assistance, PerformCare, and Community Care Behavioral Health (CCBH).

Any child with a mental health behavioral diagnosis may be eligible for this funding. You should visit your local Welfare office to inquire about your child’s eligibility.