Day Treatment Services

DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING SERVICES

Milestone offers specialized services to people who are deaf or hard of hearing and diagnosed with a mental illness.

Group and individual therapies are conducted in sign language by therapists who are trained and experienced in American Sign Language and Deaf Culture.

Our building on Wood Street is equipped with strobe emergency lighting, TTYs and closed caption televisions.

Outpatient Services include:

Partial Hospitalization Program for People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.  This program meets Wednesdays and Fridays, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at 716 Wood Street, Wilkinsburg, PA  15221.

Services include:

• Psychotherapy Groups
• Art Therapy
• Coping Skills
• Problem Solving
• Social Skills
• Communication Skills
• Community Reintegration Groups
• Individual & Family Therapy (as needed)

Partial Program Eligibility:

This program serves clients who are deaf and diagnosed with a mental illness or dual-diagnosed MH/MR.  Our funding sources mandate that clients must:

• Have the ability and willingness to participate in groups and to have some insight and ability to work towards therapeutic goals.
• Receive active treatment of psychiatric symptoms while in treatment.
• Work on goals to improve or maintain functioning level and to prevent relapse.

If you would like more information about the program, please contact:

Jennifer Macioce, LCSW
Director of Day Treatment & Deaf Services
716 Wood Street
Wilkinsburg, PA  15221
Phone:  412-243-3400, extension 413
email:  jmacioce@milestonecentersinc.org

TTY:  412-243-3358
Or
The Base Service Unit:  (412) 731-9707

THRESHOLD COMMUNITY RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION (CRR)

Threshold is a 9-unit apartment complex and provides residential programming for 12 mentally ill deaf adults (7 full-care and 5 moderate-care).  Threshold offers the following:

• A staff trained in sign language and Deaf Culture
• 24-hour treatment for full care residents
• Assistance in development of daily living skills and social skills
• Provides medication monitoring
• Coordinates services with other Milestone community programs
• Provides apartments equipped with assistive devices

Referral Procedure:

If you would like more information about the program or the referral procedure, please contact:

Ernie Macioce, MEd
Director of Mental Health Residential Services
716 Wood Street
Wilkinsburg, PA  15221
Phone:  412-243-3400, extension 416
email:  emacioce@milestonecentersinc.org
 

MENTAL HEALTH & MENTAL RETARDATION
PARTIAL HOSPITALIZATION PROGRAM (PHP)

This is a specialized Day Treatment Program for consumers who are dually diagnosed with Mental Health and Mental Retardation concerns.

The program meets:
TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
at:
716 Wood Street
Wilkinsburg, PA  15221

Services provided under this program include:

• Intake/Assessment
• Individual Treatment Plan Development
• Psychiatric Evaluation
• Psychiatric Monitoring and Medication
• Individual Therapy

Group Therapy Services provided under this program include:

• Traditional Therapy Groups
• Movement and Art Therapy
• Coping Skills and Problem Solving
• Social and Communication Skills

Program Outcomes include:

• Stabilization of Symptoms
• Reduction in Hospitalizations
• Increased Social and Community Living Skills
• Attainment of Vocational Goals

Mental Health/Mental Retardation Partial Hospitalization Program
Group Therapy Descriptions
(Effective:  February 1, 2007 through May 31, 2007):

• Social Graces/Best Foot Forward:  Developing and strengthening social skills and enhancing personal effectiveness by developing and practicing manners and social graces.
• Acting "Up"/Role Playing:  Incorporation of storytelling, characterization and role play for self-discovery of one's actions and reactions to others.
• Laugh it Off/Giggles and Grins:  Promoting physical health and a general sense of well-being through the use of the universal language of humor.
• Current Events/What's New?:  Developing and maintaining a viable sense of self through awareness of news, events, recreation and services in the community.
• Art Play:  Enhancing creativity and self expression for improved psychological health through use of art materials and techniques.
• Interplay:  Exploring how creative energy and spontaneity can improve psychological health through use of movement and dance therapy.
• Fair Play/Teamwork:  Reducing psychological symptoms by utilizing peer support and structured activity through cooperation, communication and team effort.
• Chill Out/Soothing the Soul:  A relaxation group aimed at decreasing stress and negative feelings by utilizing discussion, gentle movement, tranquility music and guided imagery.

Eligibility:  Our funding sources mandate that clients must:

• Have the ability and willingness to participate in group therapy and to have some insight and ability to work towards therapeutic goals.
• Receive active treatment of psychiatric symptoms while in the Partial Hospitalization Program.
• Work towards goals to improve or maintain functioning level and to prevent relapse.

Referral Procedure:

If you would like more information about the program or the referral procedure, please contact:

Nancy Hamilton, B.A.
Coordinator of MH/MR Services
716 Wood Street
Wilkinsburg, PA  15221
Phone:  412-243-3400, extension 423
email:  nhamilton@milestonecentersinc.org

PSYCHOSOCIAL REHABILITATION

AUTUMN BRIDGE PROGRAM

This program serves older adult consumers who are diagnosed with a mental illness and/or mental retardation by offering group psychotherapy in addition to psychosocial groups. Consumers are given the opportunity to socialize with their peers and participate in activities designed to address life changes that occur with age.  Services are customized to meet consumers’ changing needs and help maintain or improve their quality of life.  Individuals may choose to participate in the program one or two days a week.

Services provided include:

• Individual treatment plan development
• Psychiatric monitoring and medications
• Group psychotherapy which allows older adults to address issues relating to social, emotional, spiritual, physical, and interpersonal relationships
• Treatment plan reviews

Groups and Activities:

Participants are encouraged to challenge both their minds and their bodies and may choose to participate in the program one or two days a week.  Group therapies include:

• Focusing on positive life experiences
• Coping with life transitions (including grief and loss)
• Educating proper health and nutritional needs
• Relaxation techniques
• Reminiscing

Activities include:

• Music 
• Art
• Low impact stretches and exercises
• Generational trivia
• Homemade hot lunch and dessert
• Bingo (themes include:  holiday, music, stress, food pyramid, nature, and Pittsburgh)

Program Outcomes:

• Increased socialization and interaction with peers and social/support network.
• Development/enhancement of coping skills.
• Development and reinforcement of appropriate social skills for use in day-to-day living.

Eligibility:

A mental health provider, such as a therapist or case manager, may refer consumers to the Autumn Bridge Program.  We welcome referrals from case managers, clinicians, resource coordinators, therapists and residential staff.

Referral Procedure:  For additional information or to make a referral, please contact:

PSYCHOSOCIAL REHABILITATION

This program serves adult consumers of Milestone services who would like to expand their socialization and recreational opportunities while learning new activities and social skills.

This program offers regularly scheduled groups and activities, as well as special trips and events.  These groups and activities are all designed to increase consumers’ quality of life at home and in the community.

Group Descriptions:

• Health & Fitness:  This group promotes increased physical activity by walking in the community.  Walking sites vary throughout the year and include local parks or malls.  Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
• Beginning Ceramics:  Teaches basic ceramic skills.  Encourages creativity through the use of color and design by pouring, cleaning, firing and painting ceramic pieces.  Mondays 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 
• Ceramics:  This group increases knowledge of the methods and techniques of basic ceramic skills.  This group encourages creativity through the use of color and design by pouring, cleaning, firing and painting ceramic pieces.  Mondays 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Activity Groups:  This group is client oriented or driven.  The group selects outings for each month's schedule.  In house and community activities include movies, dinners or celebrations (for example:  art festivals, restaurants, holiday festivities).  Mondays 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Tuesdays 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Art Studio:  Projects are client driven.  This group gives clients the opportunity to express individuality through art.  These crafts include:  needlepoint, card creating, flower arranging, beadwork/jewelry, and soap making.  Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Cooking Group:  This group is designed to promote client independence through learning basic cooking techniques.  Clients take an active role in planning the menu each month and prepare the meal they choose.  Thursdays 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Nutritional Cooking:  Cooking can be fun and healthy!  This group will teach ways to cook using healthier foods and nutritional ways to prepare meals.   Mondays 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Men's Group:  A forum to discuss issues that uniquely affect men.  Current event topics and relevant issues are shared and discussed by forum participants.  Fridays 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
• Sign Language Class:  This group was created for individuals who want to learn sign language skills to communicate with deaf members in the community.  Participants will be taught by deaf consumers of Milestone.  Mondays 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
• Keyboard Skills:  This group helps consumers to improve their typing speed and accuracy using a computer program.  Fridays 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Computer Skills:  Clients in this group have improved their typing skills and are ready to learn about the computer.  Skills will be taught based on individuals' needs such as how to maneuver the mouse and how to use Microsoft® Word to create documents and charts.  Fridays 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Program Outcomes:

• Increased socialization and interaction with peers and social network.
• Development of appropriate social skills for use in day-to-day living.
• Expanded involvement in social activities.

Eligibility:

A mental health provider, such as a therapist, resource coordinator, case manager or residential staff may refer consumers to the Training and Social Rehabilitation Program.

Referral Procedure:  For additional information or to make a referral, please contact: