Peer Services and Program Changes

Our long term, Community Support Services (CSS) program has been undergoing some changes that have been in process for over two years.  CSS clients, like clients all around the country, have been steadily working toward more involvement in their own treatment.  The recovery movement in mental health has generated nationwide support by showing that when a consumer takes responsibility and makes choices in treatment planning, an improved quality of life is achieved.  Some of our CSS participants have attended local, state, and national trainings to learn techniques for helping themselves and each other.  As a result of this activity, Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. contracted with a consumer working at the state and national levels to provide technical assistance for consumers (peers) as the peers worked toward more autonomy.  Since then, peers have had Open Saturdays at Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare, at chosen times without staff members present, have prepared lunch for the group daily during the week, have raised funds to fund camping trips , have co-facilitated peer mentoring classes, and have trained extensively to man five hours a week of a Warm Line offered state and nation wide.  Peers hold weekly meetings to make decisions about group focus.  At the first technical assistance meeting in July of 2006 local peers voted to maintain Open Door as a joint staff/peer-run organization rather than working toward being entirely peer-run.  As a result there is always at least one staff member at Open Door during the 9:00am to 1:00pm period.

The decision to work jointly with staff coincided well with staff exploration into Supported Employment and Supported Education.  Supported Employment is an evidence-based practice designed to assist clients in obtaining and retaining a job of choice in the community.  Open Door is being used by the Supported Employment specialist as a base for job research, resume development, and job skill training. 

We feel that the merging of the CSS  and Adult Outpatient Programs facilitates autonomy, independence and recovery.

© Copyright 2008 All Rights Reserved
Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare