How can a person obtain services from Crossroads Community, Inc?

In order to receive services through Crossroads, an individual must have a diagnosis of a major mental illness or serious emotional disturbance which falls within our "priority population".. The priority population is established by the Public Mental Health System and defines specific, eligible categories of diagnoses for people of all ages.

Does a person have to be receiving Clinical Mental Health services in order to participate in Crossroads' programs?

The services and programs offered by Crossroads are designed to complement and augment the services of Clinical Providers. Services are intended to be practical and focus on making a real difference in the day to day lives of the individuals we serve.

How do people pay for services provided by Crossroads?

Crossroads is a provider of services under the Public Mental Health System of Maryland. Consumers of our services who are not part of the Public Mental Heath System, are evaluated based on a sliding scale established by the state and pay a "co-payment" according to that scale. Some of our programs and services are grant funded and focus on serving specific populations.

What is meant by the term Psychiatric Rehabilitation or Psychosocial Rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation services are designed to be practical and to make a real difference in the day to day lives of the individuals who receive them. Our rehabilitation services focus on helping people access community resources and supports that make it possible to live a meaningful life. Psychosocial Rehabilitation Programs such as Crossroads offer an array of practical services and supports that are provided in a variety of community settings, depending on the needs of the individual. Real life skills are taught both in individual settings and through skill groups. Skill groups serve as a supportive environment for improving social, coping, and other skills through practice. Residential services offer individuals an opportunity to learn or improve skills that focus on what is needed to live in their own home or apartment. Vocational services provide opportunities to learn or practice pre-employment skills. They also offer job coaching and other supports directed at getting and keeping employment.

What is meant by the term Case Management?

Case Managers act as service coordinators who help connect individuals to services and resources. Case Managers may also act as advocates for the individual who is currently involved with a variety of health care and social service organizations. Case Management is a part of Psych-Rehab Programs at Crossroads, and is also a separate program in the community which makes referrals to a wide variety of agencies and programs on the Mid Shore.

Do many adults really have mental illness?

Research indicates that mental illness is not a respecter of persons. It occurs in all ages, race/ethnicity groups, genders and socioeconomic groupings. Approximately 19% of the population aged 18 to 64 will experience some diagnosable mental disorder (as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, IV), excluding substance abuse disorders, during a lifetime. The more serious mental illnesses have been estimated at between 2.6% and 2.8% of adults.

While approximately 60% to 80% of persons with heart disease seek treatment, it is estimated that only about 25% of persons with mental disorders obtain treatment from the health care system. Significantly, it is also estimated that about 40% of persons with serious mental illness do not seek treatment. (Source: United States Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

Is Mental Illness Treatable?

Yes. As other diseases have specific symptoms and treatments, mental illnesses can be diagnosed and effectively treated in most cases. Medical science has made major advances in accurate diagnosis and treatment in the past 20 years. Many people who were previously thought to be unresponsive to medications and other treatments, are now responding to treatment that changes their lives for the better. (Source: United States Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

What is the prevalence of emotional disturbances among children and adolescents?

Like adults, children and adolescents can have mental health disorders that interfere with the way they think, feel, and act. When untreated, mental health disorders can lead to school failure, family conflicts, drug abuse, violence, and even suicide. Untreated mental health disorders can be very costly to families, communities, and the health care system.

In this fact sheet, "Mental Health Problems" for children and adolescents refers to the range of all diagnosable emotional, behavioral, and mental disorders. They include depression, attention- deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and anxiety, conduct, and eating disorders. Mental health problems affect one in every five young people at any given time.
"Serious Emotional Disturbances" for children and adolescents refers to the above disorders when they severely disrupt daily functioning in home, school, or community. Serious emotional disturbances affect 1 in every 10 young people at any given time.

Mental Health Disorders Are More Common in Young People than Many Realize.

Studies show that at least one in five children and adolescents have a mental health disorder. At least one in 10, or about 6 million people, have a serious emotional disturbance. (Source: United States Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)