Services

ADULT OUTPATIENT SERVICES

In outpatient care, the aim is to provide the professional services most suitable for the individual and to do so as quickly as possible. Any adult in the community experiencing psychological stress may call 865-1735 for information about our Intake process.

At the intake interview, a complete history is taken. The therapist and client then collaborate on the type of services to be provided.

CHILDREN/ADOLESCENT SERVICES

Recognizing that the overall adjustment for children involves the family, the school, and peer relationships, the Center has a specially trained, multi-disciplinary staff to provide a full range of services for children with adjustment, behavioral, and learning problems. Specialized services are also available for children and the families of children who are victims of sexual abuse.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES

Community Support Services provide a multi-level treatment program for people with serious psychiatric disorders.

The Aftercare Follow-up Program helps those who have been discharged from private and state psychiatric facilities enroll in the right treatment program at Gulf Coast Mental Health Center.

The Case Management Program provides more extensive assistance to discharged hospital patients through the assignment of a case manager to help with a range of community adjustment problems.

Psychosocial Rehabilitation is available to those patients who need less intensive care than hospitalization but more structure and support than outpatient therapy normally affords.

Residential Care is available to adults with serious psychiatric disorders who are without family and have no home of their own in which to live. This program also provides emergency accommodations for men and women in need of temporary supervision.

Crisis Stabilization is available to residents of Harrison, Hancock, Stone, and Pearl River Counties who meet civil commitment criteria. There is also limited availability for voluntary admissions for those clients of Gulf Coast Mental Health Center.

Education is another component of the Community Support Program. Both patients and their families are afforded the opportunity to increase their understanding of mental illness and, at the same time, to develop skills that will ease the patient's transition back into the community.

INPATIENT SERVICES

Short-term, acute-care psychiatric hospitalization is available through affiliation agreements with local community hospitals. Cooperative arrangements with state facilities make longer term treatment available for patients unable to afford private care.

CRISIS INTERVENTION SERVICES

Professional staff are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist in crisis situations. The number to call is 228-863-1132. Between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, a professional staff member at the Center can see a person in need of immediate help. Specialized crisis workers are available to adults, children, and people with substance abuse problems.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES

Trained substance abuse professionals provide clinical treatment for alcohol and drug problems through a number of program components, to include: outpatient therapy, offering both individual and group treatment; an intensive outpatient program, which meets three nights a weeks for 12 weeks, followed by nine months of continuing outpatient individual and group therapy; a drug court partnership with the Second Circuit Court District; intensive chemical dependency therapy, which includes a four-week residential treatment program followed by 11 months of continuing outpatient care; and, for multiple-DUI offenders, a 20 hour State Certified program, consisting of assessment followed by individual and group therapy. Prevention services are also provided to local schools and community groups.

The Substance Abuse Program combines the AA/NA model with psychotherapeutic techniques.

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SERVICES

Work Activity Centers give handicapped adults the opportunity to learn to be productive workers and to develop the social skills that allow them to be participating members of the community. Currently a program operates in Gulfport. A Hancock County program is under consideration.

Day Habilitation allows mentally and physically challenged adults to participate in a variety of leisure and socialization activities on a daily basis.

CONSULTATION-EDUCATION SERVICES

In an effort to educate the public about mental health-mental retardation problems and to acquaint them with available services, representatives of Gulf Coast Mental Health Center work with the media, speak to civic and community organizations, and present workshops on a variety of topics.

REQUEST FOR SERVICES

Any resident of Harrison, Hancock, Stone, or Pearl River County may call 228-865-1735 to inquire about the intake process.

For the convenience of those living outside of Harrison County, appointments can be made in an office near them. In addition to the main location at 1600 Broad Avenue in Gulfport, The Center operates satellite offices in Biloxi, Bay St. Louis, Picayune, and Wiggins.

FEES

The fee for services is set at the time of the first appointment and usually is established according to a sliding scale that considers family size and income. Most all major insurance plans cover our services. For some specialized program activities, there is a standard rate not affected by the sliding fee scale. Program areas include mental health, mental retardation, and alcohol and drug abuse. Within these areas, professional staff provide consultation, crisis intervention, outpatient, inpatient, community support, and residential treatment services.

HOURS OF OPERATION

The office at 1600 Broad Avenue, Gulfport, is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, Appointments after 5:00 can be requested. Information about satellite office hours can be obtained by calling 863-1132.