Community

Resilience
and Healing
ADDRESSING TRAUMA AND VIOLENCE

Photo: Steve Weinik

As Philadelphia strives to decrease incidents of violence,

many people struggle with feelings of sadness, fear, and anxiety.

Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event.

Signs and symptoms can happen within hours or may take as long as weeks to months after the
incident. Although some people recover quickly, you may require additional help and support. Seek
support if you frequently experience:
Confusion, trouble paying attention Excessive smoking, drinking, or drug use
Overwhelming anxiety, fear, grief, guilt Withdrawal from family and friends
Bursts of anger, crying spells Trouble eating, trouble sleeping
Helplessness, hopelessness Loss of interest in normal activities

Tips for Wellbeing

Ask for Additional Support Take a Break from the News
Seeking support to manage difficult emotions is a Too much news can cause
normal part of the healing process. Consider negative emotions to resurface
reaching out for professional advice and support. and increase stress and anxiety.

Stay Connected with People Relieve Stress

Reach out to your support It's normal for traumatic events to leave
system and talk if it makes negative feelings. Take time to think about
you feel better. happy moments and special events. This helps
shift your thinking and balance your thoughts.

Get Connected
CBH Member Services 888-545-2600 24/7, trauma-informed care and supports
Philadelphia Crisis Line 215-685-6440 24/7, mental health crisis/emergency
Community support after a traumatic event, call 267-233-4837 or email [email protected]
To talk or join a support group, visit NAMIphilly.org
For behavioral health screenings and training, visit HealthyMindsPhilly.org
For more resource, tips, and tools visit, DBHIDS.org/Boost
It's okay to not be okay.
You are not alone.
Help is here!
Experiencing and witnessing violence is challenging.
It impacts everyone in the community's health and wellbeing.
Community-based programs build safe, resilient, and trauma-informed communities.

Community Engagement
DBHIDS supports programs that build and promote community resilience.

Partnership Programs: DBHIDS Initiatives:

Collaborations
Efforts to address community trauma have resulted in many cross-sector collaborations.
DBHIDS participates in the Philadelphia Road Map for Safer Communities and coordinates
trauma supports to individuals and communities through many city partners.

We take an active role in promoting the health and wellness of all Philadelphians
through our population health approach. By empowering the entire community
to take charge of their health, DBHIDS helps to create a Philadelphia in which
every resident can thrive.
Trauma is a big issue.
“Trauma impacts our minds, our bodies, our relationships, and our communities. Addressing
trauma means finding ways to prevent it, enhance systems that relieve it, and support
treatments that alleviate it.” - Jill Bowen, PhD, DBHIDS Commissioner
People who experience traumatic events have an increased risk of developing a range of behavioral health concerns.
To address this, the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) has
developed a variety of evidence-based practices and innovative approaches to raise the level of resilience and heal
the effects of trauma in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. Below are some of the examples of how
DBHIDS is helps to strengthen our communities.

Trauma-informed Care DBHIDS begins with a population-health perspective toward treating those
recovering from trauma. Appropriate interventions are implemented in the initial hours, days, or
weeks after trauma exposure are most impactful. We focus on developing resiliency, maximizing
protective factors, and ensuring use of evidence-based practices to decrease the impact of trauma.
Some of these approaches include;

Philadelphia Alliance for Child Trauma Services (PACTS) is a network of child-serving systems and organizations, under
the leadership of DBHIDS. PACTS increases the number of youth who receive effective trauma-focused and trauma-
informed care. PACTS increases the capacity of behavioral health, pediatric, educational, and other child-serving systems to
utilize trauma screenings and assessments and provide Evidence-Based Practices to children and their families. PACTS
provides Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and several provide Primary Child-Adult Relationship
Enhancement (PriCARE).

Hospital-Based Interventions- Healing Hurt People is a trauma-informed hospital-based violence intervention program
developed by Drexel University and is expanding its reach throughout Philadelphia. DBHIDS provides funding for trauma-
specific behavioral health, case management, and other components of intervention and prevention of future violence
through the Healing Hurt People (HHP) program. HHP’s hospital-based violence intervention program serves young men
and women exposed to violent injuries at Tier-One Trauma Centers across the city.

Temple University’s Cease Fire/Cure Violence Program is a community-based violence intervention program that serves
individual survivors of gun violence in the 22nd Police District and parts of the 39th Police District. Cease Fire promotes
early peer engagement, community outreach, and engagement to reduce retaliation, and peer conflict mediation to reduce
school and community violence. DBHIDS continues to partner closely and supports its ongoing efforts.

School Based Services We offer a full continuum of supports for children in schools as well as the
community.

Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) includes individual therapy, family therapy, individualized services by a
Behavioral Health Technician (formerly known as TSS), case management services, and family peer services. Students
receiving IBHS will be supported across environments inclusive of home, school, and community. Providers will be
trained and expected to deliver Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in
Schools (CBITS) and Bounce Back which is group therapy for children who are experiencing traumatic stress.

Support Team for Education Partnership (STEP) program aims to ensure wellness for all youth and families by
identifying drivers of behavioral issues early and connecting children and families to appropriate resources, reducing
missed instructional time and preventing children from going into crisis.

School-Based Prevention Services support Philadelphia youth and families through prevention, education, policies,
and environmental strategies (reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors). Prevention programs are
administered by provider agencies in school settings. Topics include conflict resolution; decision making; skills for
positive peer interactions; understanding self; problem and pathological gambling awareness & education; drug
resistance skills; and Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD) education.
 Training We provide training opportunities to help community members and professionals identify,
understand, and respond to traumatic events or crises. We understand the earlier we intervene with
behavioral health issues, the faster we are able to provide professional care as a community.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a no-cost training offered to people who live, work or study in Philadelphia. This 8-
hour training teaches community members and public safety personnel (e.g. police, fire) to identify, understand and
respond to signs of behavioral health conditions and crises. Philadelphia has trained aiders in many communities
including, the Philadelphia School District, the faith community, local businesses, the Philadelphia Police Department,
Prison System, Fire Department, and City Council.

Police Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) training emphasizes the principles of violence prevention, de-escalation, and
community collaboration. The purpose of the training is to promote empathy and understanding while increasing
effective communication with community members when they are in some of the most vulnerable phases of their life.

Trauma Awareness Training serves as an introductory trauma training aligned with the DBHIDS mission. This training
promotes discussions regarding the impact of trauma, the role of empathy and resilience, and the importance of
wellness practices to address factors such as vicarious trauma. This training is available to both public service
organizations and community groups/organizations.

Early Interventions We have developed a variety of prevention and early intervention programs to help
address behavioral health challenges earlier and connect individuals to necessary services sooner.

Behavioral Health Screenings are our free, quick, and anonymous behavioral health screenings are a component of
Healthy Minds Philly, a public health strategy to extend non-treatment services to individuals while offering treatment
linkages as needed. The online screening tools on HealthyMindsPhilly.org are non-diagnostic and help identify signs and
symptoms of behavioral health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and substance use. Screenings events are hosted by
behavioral health provider organizations in the community.

Community Interventions & Engagement We offer various community-based programs and strategies
to build safe, resilient and trauma-informed communities. sooner.

Porch Light Program is a joint collaboration between DBHIDS and Mural Arts Philadelphia, focuses on achieving universal
health and wellness, especially for those dealing with mental health issues or trauma. We do this by providing
opportunities to contribute to meaningful works of public art. Themes include mental health, substance use, spirituality,
homelessness, trauma, immigration, war, and neighborhood safety.

Network of Neighbors Responding to Violence addresses the traumatic stress associated with community violence,
sudden loss, tragic accidents, suicides, burnout, and other impactful events. The Network is comprised of professionals and
community leaders trained on the impact and reactions associated with traumatic experiences. The Network utilizes the
ASK Model, only providing support when invited by the community. Responders work alongside community leaders to
provide technical assistance, facilitate group interventions, and healing spaces. All Network interventions are free and take
place in community-based settings. Call 267-233-4837 for support after a traumatic incident, to join the Network, or to set
up a presentation about the Network.

Faith & Spiritual Affairs The vision of DBHIDS’ Faith and Spiritual Affairs (FSA) Unit is to achieve optimal health and
wellbeing for all faith and spiritual communities, FSA is dedicated to enhancing the understanding of behavioral health
challenges, promoting inclusion and connectedness in one’s community, and aiding in the integration of spirituality into
behavioral health care and treatment.

Community Wellness Engagement Unit (CWEU) is a multilingual engagement team designed to provide greater access to
wellness-related resources and support for all communities within its scope. CWEU is a mobile unit that makes use of
teams of Certified Peer Specialists, Certified Recovery Specialists, and Behavioral Health Specialists to assess individuals,
link them to the appropriate services, and coordinate with agencies and community stakeholders to address any barriers
to treatment and wellness.

888-545-2600
DBHIDS.org
Community Wellness Engagement Unit
Email: [email protected]

Our Goal Wellness. Culture. Community.

Find us in your neighborhood supporting the efforts of
local existing organizations. We are committed to helping
communities thrive

Our Team Experienced. Mobile. Resourceful.

We promote wellness and value culture. We connect you to
education, employment, and housing to help improve your
health. Our efforts are driven by the community’s voice.
For mental health and addiction services

For mental health crises

Crisis Response Centers

Friends Hospital Episcopal Hospital Children’s Crisis
4641 Roosevelt Blvd. 100 E. Lehigh Ave. Response Center
215-831-2600 215-707-2577 3300 Henry Ave., Suite 3N
215-878-2600
Einstein Medical Center Pennsylvania Hospital
5501 Old York Rd. 801 Spruce St., First Floor
215-951-8300 215-829-5433

Online Services
HealthyMindsPhilly.org
Free, 24/7 online behavioral health screening,
access to Mental Health First Aid trainings, and
resources

Philadelphia’s behavioral health managed care

system for Medicaid recipients
Learn more at CBHPhilly.org

Phone Numbers
CBH Member Services 888-545-2600
mental health and addiction services for people with and without insurance

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255

Veterans dial 1

Domestic Violence Hotline 866-723-3014

Homeless Outreach 215-232-1984
Intellectual disAbility Services 215-685-5900

DBHIDS provides behavioral health services, resources, and advocacy through

a network of providers to help people access mental health, substance abuse,
and intellectual disability services and supports.
The Network helps to:

ƒ Assist and support communities after a tragedy

ƒ Provide psychological first aid, immediate support following
an incident of violence or trauma
ƒ Provide post traumatic stress management interventions
ƒ Offer referrals for clinical services and wellness resources

Network of Neighbors Responding to Violence is a neighbor-driven

network of Philadelphians who are trained to provide support to
communities immediately after violent traumatic incidents.
We are a network of trained trauma responders providing group
interventions and technical support to communities following an
incident of violence or a traumatic event.

The Network is not a 24-hour crisis service.

For 24-hour behavioral health crisis help, call 215-685-6440.
For behavioral health services call 888-545-2600.
 “I find this
site to be incredibly
useful. Philadelphia
needs this.”
-Community
Member

215-685-3755
 TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
PACTS offers training in the following interventions:
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy (TF-CBT) is one of the most effective
trauma treatments for children ages 3-18 and
their caregivers. In about 20 sessions, TF-CBT can
help young people decrease trauma symptoms
THE PHILADELPHIA ALLIANCE and increase functioning at school, home, and the
FOR CHILD TRAUMA SERVICES community. Over 17 programs across Philadelphia
provide TF-CBT which consists of 9 core treatment
PACTS is a city-wide child trauma initiative. components in a structured, yet flexible, and
It’s our mission to serve all youth who have
experienced trauma in Philadelphia with a focus
developmentally-appropriate manner.
Primary Child-Adult Relationship
PHILADELPHIA
on the most vulnerable and underserved young
people, including: Enhancement (Pri-CARE) is a group training
model to help develop positive parenting skills
ALLIANCE FOR
› Young children
› Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/
for caregivers of children ages 2-7 with disruptive
behavior or experiences of trauma. These skills can
CHILD TRAUMA
Questioning, Intersex (LGBTQIA+) youth
› Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC)
be used by non-clinical adults to strengthen the
child-caregiver relationship and improve behavior.
SERVICES
› Intentionally Injured Youth Pri-CARE consists of 6 sessions.
› Unaccompanied Immigrant Youth Child and Family Traumatic Stress
Intervention (CFTSI) is an evidence-based
› Children of military families Providing the most effective
practice shown to be capable of preventing Post-
WE ARE HERE TO HELP. Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in youth ages trauma treatment for children
3-18 when provided within 45 days of a potentially and families in Philadelphia
Our mission is to increase the number of traumatic event or its disclosure. CFTSI consists of 5
children who receive effective trauma-focused sessions focused on the child and caregiver(s).
and trauma-informed care in Philadelphia.
PACTS does this by increasing the capacity of
behavioral health, pediatric, educational, and
Learn more about the PACTS Initiative
other child-serving systems to utilize trauma
Visit PhiladelphiaPACTS.org
screenings and assessments and provide
Evidence-Based Practices to youth and their To get connected with services
families. Visit cbhphilly.org
Call CBH Members Services 1-888-545-2600
Sara Fernandez-Marcote, Project Manager
[email protected]
267-602-2235

PACTS is a project led by DBHIDS and funded by SAMHSA through a

National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative (NCTSI) Category 3 grant.
EXAMPLES OF POTENTIALLY CHILDREN AGES 2-6 MIGHT
TRAUMATIC EVENTS REACT IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS
› Physical or sexual abuse* › Difficulty eating, sleeping, and using the toilet
› Violence at home, school, or neighborhood* (losing attained developmental milestones or
regressing)
› Racism
› Perseverative play and ritualistic behavior
› Poverty
› Social withdrawal and lack of interest in
› Bullying*
previously enjoyed activities
› Neglect
› Increased clinginess and anxiety when
› Serious accidents separated from caregiver
› Death of a loved one YOUTH WHO EXPERIENCE TRAUMA
› Increased defiance, temper tantrums, and
› Separation (due to incarceration, deportation,
CAN HAVE THE FOLLOWING irritability
immigration, hospitalization) from a loved REACTIONS › Expressing negative thoughts about
*Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Questioning, Intersex, › Nightmares and trouble sleeping themselves, such as feeling ‘bad’, ‘dirty’, or ‘no
and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) youth are at a higher risk of › Avoiding activities, people, or places that remind one loves me’
experiencing these potential traumatic events. them of the trauma
› Fast heartbeat, shallow breathing, sweating,
stomach pain, and headaches
› Not wanting to think, talk about, or have feelings
about the trauma
› Having upsetting thoughts or mental images
about the trauma
› Sadness and mistrust
› Self-blame (e.g. “This happened because I’m bad”;
“It’s all my fault”)
› Attention problems
› Anger, fear, guilt, or shame
› Flashbacks
› Withdrawal and numbness
› Poor school performance
› Being jumpy and easily frightened
TRAUMA is an experience that overwhelms
a person’s capacity to cope, causing intense and › Increased risky behaviors (unprotected sex; drunk
driving)
painful physical and psychological stress reactions.
If untreated, trauma can have a lasting and adverse › Drug and/or alcohol misuse to cope with fear,
anger, and confusion
effects on an individual’s social, emotional, and
physical well-being. › Unhelpful cognitions (e.g. “I’m crazy”; “Everyone An initiative of
hates me”; “I’ll never be happy again”)
 porchlightvirtualtour.org

The Only Way Out Is Through dedication. Mural by Eric Okdeh. All photos by Steve Weinik.

The Porch Light Program

E S TA B L I S H E D :

2011

CORE FUNDERS:
Department of Behavioral
We have seen, through many collaborative projects and a focused study
Health and Intellectual with Yale School of Medicine, that art succeeds in opening doors to healing in
disAbility Services, the aftermath of trauma. The Porch Light program, a joint collaboration with
Hummingbird Foundation, the City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual
Patricia Kind Family disAbility Services, focuses on achieving universal health and wellness
Foundation, Stavros Niarchos
Foundation
among Philadelphians by offering opportunities to contribute to meaningful
works of public art.
The path to Thanks to year-round workshops, community meetings, health forums,
wellness is a and paint days, the Porch Light program has produced an ongoing list of
brilliant murals and transformed public spaces. These artworks challenge
path we walk social stigmas around mental and behavioral health, putting names and
together. We faces to important issues that so often go undiscussed in public forums.
believe that Every finished Porch Light project offers a fresh window of opportunity for
journey can be continued progress and community growth. As the impact of beauty and
belonging reverberates, the path to resilience grows stronger.
beautiful.
MURAL: H U B S PAC E : MURAL:

THE NORTH PHILADELPHIA The KENSINGTON THE ATLAS OF TOMORROW

BEACON PROJECT by James STOREFRONT opened in spring by Candy Chang puts emotional
Burns features a vibrant collage 2017 in collaboration with Impact wellness in public—it re-imagines
that sheds light on the stories of Services, Prevention Point what a mural can do, providing
community members in recovery. Philadelphia, and New Kensington a place to pause in our busy
CDC, bringing together a schedules and take stock of our
community in crisis. well-being.

“When I make
H U B S PAC E : MURAL:

In Southeast Philadelphia, COLORFUL LEGACY by Willis

SOUTHEAST BY SOUTHEAST
serves recent immigrant and
Humphrey and Keir Johnston
helped to raise awareness of the art, it gives me
control over
refugee families, offering issues men and boys of color face
everything from sewing and in gaining access to behavioral
weaving to English as a Second health services.
Language. who I am.”
—Adam Alli, Porch Light Participant

Mural Arts Philadelphia is the nation’s largest public art program, dedicated to the belief that art ignites change. For
over 30 years, Mural Arts has united artists and communities through a collaborative and equitable process, creating muralartsphiladelphia
nearly 4,000 artworks that have transformed public spaces and individual lives. Mural Arts aims to empower people,
stimulate dialogue, and build bridges to understanding with projects that attract artists from Philadelphia and around
@muralarts
the world, and programs that focus on youth education, restorative justice, mental health and wellness, and public art #muralarts
and its preservation. Popular mural tours offer a firsthand glimpse into the inspiring stories behind Mural Arts’ iconic
and unparalleled collection, which has earned Philadelphia worldwide recognition as the “City of Murals.” muralarts.org
 Intensive
Behavioral
Health Services
A treatment program for children and adults
up to age 21 with social, emotional, and
behavioral challenges

The IBHS treatment team works with you and

your family in your home, in the school, or in
other community settings.

To learn more, call 888-545-2600

or talk to your school counselor
mental health provider
pediatrician

The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

(OMHSAS) has established new regulations for Intensive Behavioral
Health Services (IBHS) to replace Behavioral Health Rehabilitation
Services (BHRS) for the delivery of child and adolescent services in
the home, school, and community.

For more tips and resources for individuals,

children, young adults, families, and communities,
visit DBHIDS.ORG/BOOST
PROLONGED EXPOSURE (PE)
A treatment approach for individuals with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

ASK FOR IT BY NAME: PE

What is Prolonged Is PE right for me?
Exposure (PE) Therapy? If you’ve experienced a trauma (such
PE is a treatment for adults experiencing as sexual assault, abuse, acts of
symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder violence, accidents, etc.) and have
(PTSD). PE can be effective in reducing difficulties been struggling with difficulties that
associated with trauma by helping individuals have greatly interfered with your life
handle trauma-related thoughts and feelings and or avoiding activities that you used to
re-engage in life activities. enjoy, PE may be a good fit for you.

Testimonials

Adam (Client): Bob (Therapist):

”The day my therapist played a recording of ”After completing PE, he is no
backfiring/firecracker sounds and I didn’t jump. longer angry. His whole personality
Normally I would jump up and be scared. And changed. He comes into the clinic
this time I didn’t do that and I knew it was smiling and joking around with
working. I could go back to the place where I everyone. He has become a favorite
almost died and not be scared. ” in the clinic.”

Traumatic Reactions
• Feeling fearful and anxious
• Unwanted memories of the trauma
• Abusing drugs
• Feelings of depression
• Feeling angry or irritable
• Nightmares or difficulty sleeping

Don’t Miss Out!

Call CBH Member Services at
888-545-2600 and ask for PE.
For more detailed information,
visit DBHIDS.org/EPIC.
EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE & INNOVATION CENTER (EPIC)
Effective Practices that Support People with Behavioral Health Challenges

EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES: EBP

What are EBPs?

EBPs or Evidence-Based Practices are
treatments supported by research that have
been proven to help people thrive.
Why are EBPs important?
Just as doctor’s offices look for the best
treatments for physical health concerns, we
do the same for behavioral health concerns.
EBPs provide hope to families by offering
the most effective treatments.
Where can I find EBP
providers?
Visit our website, DBHIDS.org/EPIC or call
Member Services at 888-545-2600.

Provider agencies offering Prolonged Exposure Therapy

in the Community Behavioral Health Network
• Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM) • Merakey, Mt. Airy 215-248-6700
215-259-3373 • Merakey, Knights Rd 215-632-9040
• Center for Families and Relationships 215-537-5367 • JEVS Human Services 267-350-8646
• Consortium 215-748-8400 • Warren E. Smith Health Center 215-456-2662
• Joseph J. Peters Institute
215-701-1560 or 215-665-8670

Delivering Evidence-Based Practices

Throughout Philadelphia
DBHIDS.org/EPIC
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
Dear CBH Member,

At Community Behavioral Health (CBH), we aim to make sure all

Philadelphians are able to receive high-quality, cost-effective, and recovery-
oriented services that meet all their needs. We have a full team of member
services representatives that will help guide you through the process of
accessing behavioral health services in Philadelphia.

It can be hard to know what to do when you are first seeking treatment for your
behavioral health needs, but the CBH Member Services Team is available to
help you. Though CBH does not directly provide you with services, we have
a large provider network and can work with you to find a provider that will
meet all your treatment needs.

To get started, reach out to a CBH Member Services representative. You can
contact the CBH Member Services Department by phone at 1-888-545-2600,
24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, if you are feeling unsure, we
hope that this Member Services Newsletter will help to provide you with
answers to some of your behavioral health questions.

Sincerely,

Faith Dyson-Washington
CEO
Community Behavioral Health

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WHAT IS TRAUMA?
The Effects of Trauma
Trauma is a response to a negative experience that interrupts you from living
your life as you normally would. Trauma can come from things like being in
a car accident, bullying, not having enough to eat, or watching someone use
substances. People react differently to negative experiences. Our reactions
may indicate a kind of trauma. For example, a person involved in a car accident
may lose sleep and have nightmares about the accident for weeks. A person
who witnessed the car accident may begin to have stomach aches whenever
they see vehicles involved in an accident. Children who experience trauma
may start to show negative behaviors or experience body pains.

There is no right or wrong trauma response to a negative incident.

Trauma does not have to be your end. Identifying what you are experiencing
can be a new beginning.

“I grew up in an environment of abuse, trauma, and

poverty. I found healing in therapy and establishing
myself into a faith. Healing from trauma is possible, but
in order to understand how to heal, it is important to
understand what you are feeling.”

-CBH Member

THERE IS HELP
Where Can I Find It?
If you have insurance, you can contact your insurance company and
request trauma therapy. If you live in Philadelphia and have Medicaid,
CBH is your insurance for behavioral health service. You can contact
CBH Member Services at 1-888-545-2600, 24 hours a day, seven days
per week to request trauma therapy.

As a CBH member, there are several kinds of therapy available to help you
heal from trauma. Some of the therapies available are Trauma-Focused
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eco-systemic Family Therapy, Prolonged
Exposure Therapy, and Trauma Affect Guide for Education and Therapy.

2
These services are called Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs). EBPs are services
that have proven effective in supporting people with behavioral health
challenges.

Trauma therapy is available for children and adults.

Services are available on an outpatient basis. An outpatient service is a medical

service you can receive without having to stay in a medical facility. For
example, you can visit a therapist once or several times a week, and after each
session, you are free to leave the facility to return home. Therapy can occur
over the phone or in person. You and your therapist can decide how often you
receive therapy. You have the power to make decisions about your therapy.
Your therapist should help guide your decisions.

There are many kinds of therapy available to you. Please visit the CBH website
at www.cbhphilly.org or contact CBH Member Services at 1-888-545-2600 to
learn more about your benefits.

Glossary of Terms

Behavioral Health or Mental Health: Both terms refer

to the well-being of your mind and thoughts.

Therapy: A treatment to assist in healing a physical or

emotional pain.

Therapist or Counselor: A professional trained in

behavioral health therapies. This individual should be
licensed or certified.

Social Worker: An individual professionally trained in

social work care.

WHAT HAPPENS AT MY FIRST

APPOINTMENT?
The Intake Appointment
If you have scheduled an appointment for yourself, you will be asked to bring
your insurance card, an identification card, and your social security card to

3
your first appointment. If you have scheduled an appointment on behalf of a
child, you will be asked to bring the child’s social security card and possibly
their birth certificate. During your appointment, you will meet with an intake
specialist, therapist, counselor, or social worker. This person will “intake” your
information to create a record of your therapy visits. The intake specialist,
therapist, counselor, or social worker will ask questions to gain an
understanding of you and why you scheduled an appointment. The goal of this
appointment is to get to know you better to ensure you are connected to the
right kind of treatment.

Know Your Rights

There are many rights afforded to you while receiving services.

 You have a right to share any concerns at any time with your
therapist, social worker, or counselor. You can bring up concerns
during the intake process or during therapy.

 You have a right to request a copy of your medical records.

 You have a right to a second opinion from a different provider at no

cost to you.

 You have the right to file a complaint or grievance regarding any

services you receive.

 You have the right to be included in your treatment programming.

 You have the right to advocacy from Member Services should you
need assistance. Member Service Representatives can be contacted
anytime at 1-888-545-2600.

Ask for It by Name

Did you know that when you avoid a fear, you actually increase your fear of
what you are afraid of?

Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy is an evidence-based treatment for adults

experiencing symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Sometimes, survivors of trauma continue to be haunted by their past
experiences. These memories, thoughts, and feelings are often painful and
difficult to live with. PE Therapy aims to reduce PTSD symptoms by helping
individuals approach trauma-related thoughts, feelings, and situations that had

4
previously been avoided. This gradual exposure process helps reduce the
distress associated with trauma-related thoughts, feelings, and situations that
cause PTSD symptoms. Treatment is delivered by a therapist over eight to 15,
90-minute sessions. A success story from a CBH member who received PE
therapy at a CBH provider called Merakey is listed below. If you are interested
in learning more about PE, please contact Member Services and feel free to
ask for PE by name!

Annie’s Story
“Annie” had an accident that resulted in a significant, life-changing Traumatic
Brain Injury (TBI). A TBI is a disruption to the normal functions of the brain
because of a bump or other injury to the head. She was initially very fearful
when she came to our clinic. She would not even go outside without her brother
accompanying her. The in-vivo exposures, or exposure therapy supervised by
a licensed therapist or other expert, successfully allowed her to walk outside
alone. “Annie” says she is not afraid anymore.

“Annie” also believed she was unable to learn anything due to her TBI and had
even given up trying. She had in-vivo exposures for learning American Sign
Language and discovered that she could indeed learn!

Following treatment, “Annie” reported feeling significantly less severe PTSD

symptoms in the last month than she felt before seeking treatment. “Annie”
summarizes her freedom from trauma as, “I feel like I’m jumping out of a
plane, but this time I have a parachute!”

This story was shared with the permission. The name “Annie” is used to
protect the identity and privacy of the member.