Mental Health Skill Building

A cornerstone of our commitment to fostering independence and enhancing the quality of

life for individuals with mental health challenges. Our program is tailored to adults who

require support to overcome the functional limitations imposed by mental, behavioral, or

emotional illnesses. At GGFS, we believe in a life beyond limitations, and our

program is designed to empower participants to achieve their highest potential for

community stability and independence.


Our Mental Health Skill-Building Services (MHSS) are delivered by a team of

compassionate, highly qualified professionals who bring a wealth of experience and

expertise to their work. Our staff meets and exceeds the rigorous qualification standards

set by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, ensuring

that every interaction is guided by best practices and a deep understanding of the needs of

those we serve.

Eligibility

GGFS Mental Health Skill-Building services were developed with the vision to assist adults in achieving more independence and maintaining success in their homes and communities. Due to the intense level of this service, clients must meet the following criteria to be considered for the program:


Eligibility Criteria:

  1. Need for individualized training in acquiring basic living skills, such as:
  • Symptom management
  • Adherence to psychiatric and medication treatment plans
  • Development and appropriate use of social skills and personal support system
  • Personal hygiene
  • Food preparation
  • Money management

 2. Qualifying mental health diagnosis, including:

  • Psychotic disorder
  • Major depressive disorder – recurrent
  • Bipolar disorder I or II
  • Other disorders (e.g., PTSD, anxiety disorders) may qualify if a physician determines it is a significant mental illness that results in severe and recurrent disability, producing functional limitations in major life activities, and the individual requires individualized training to achieve or maintain independent living in the community (documentation required by physician).

 3. Prior history of qualifying mental health treatment, such as:

  • Psychiatric hospitalization
  • Residential treatment
  • Residential crisis stabilization
  • PACT or ICT services
  • RTC-Level C placement
  • TDO evaluation by a CSB/BHA due to mental health decompensation

This criterion must be met for initial admission to services, but not for subsequent authorizations.


  1. Prescription history:
  • A prescription for an anti-psychotic, mood stabilizing, or anti-depressant medication within the twelve months prior to the assessment date. Exceptions can be made if a physician documents that such medication is medically contraindicated.

This criterion must be met for initial admission to services, but not for subsequent authorizations.


  1. For individuals under the age of 21:
  • They must be in an independent living situation or transitioning into one within six months.



Insights

The focus of our services will be centered on assisting you with learning the skills needed to become independently stable. Our hope is that, in the process, you develop a more positive self-concept, enabling you to explore your world in a healthier way.


Our goal is to help increase your overall independence and quality of life. While you are in services, you will learn skills that will include, but are not limited to:

  • Maintaining stable housing
  • Housekeeping
  • Personal hygiene
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Maintaining successful employment
  • Developing or increasing the ability to handle finances
  • Understanding medications and taking responsibility for personal medication management
  • Learning to access appropriate transportation and other community resources
  • Internalizing coping mechanisms that demonstrate an understanding of diagnoses
  • Independently managing medical and mental health needs