Mental Health Program
The Children’s Receiving Home’s Mental Health Program consists of two program components
and is funded through a contract with Sacramento County Mental Health utilizing
Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) funding. EPSDT is the
child health component of Medicaid. It is required in every state and is designed
to improve the health of low-income children, by financing appropriate and necessary
pediatric services.
Assessment Cottage
Services Provided:
The Assessment Cottage was established in partnership with Sacramento County Children’s
Protective Services (CPS) and Sacramento County Mental Health. The purpose is to
provide detailed diagnostic and treatment assessments to eligible female adolescents
upon approval from CPS and Mental Health with the goal of stabilization and placement
recommendation to decrease recidivism.
An individualized psychological assessment occurs for each child utilizing a multidisciplinary
team approach. Based upon the child’s individualized needs and treatment goals,
they are eligible to receive individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy/sessions,
crisis intervention, case management services and medication support.
The length of service is a minimum of 30 days and an anticipated maximum stay of
60 days. Approximately 120 adolescent girls can be served in a one-year period.
Client for Service:
The Assessment Cottage serves 10 girls between the ages of 12- 17 years. Girls admitted
have significant diagnostic questions and/or have not responded to previous treatment
options. They are referred based upon approval for a higher level of care placement
(RCL 12) by Sacramento County CPS and must be approved/ eligible for services through
Sacramento County Mental Health (based upon MediCal eligibility and medical necessity).
Outpatient Program
Infant Mental Health Services
Services Provided:
Children under the age of 6 years and residing in the Acorns Dorms are provided
with individual play therapy, Incredible Years therapeutic groups, family therapy,
pre-placement facilitation with family members and foster/ resource families, short
term clinical follow-up/ transition visits after the child is discharged from the
Children’s Receiving Home (CRH) and the coordination of services with partner mental
health providers involved with the child.
One of the primary program goals is to make “the next placement of the child the
last” therefore the Infant Mental Health Program begins preparing the child for
their next placement as soon as they are admitted to CRH. After the child leaves
CRH, transition services are provided for 2 – 3 weeks until the next Mental Health
provider can begin services.
The Infant Mental Health Program can serve 18 children at any one time.
Client for Services:
Children under the age of 6 years placed by Sacramento County CPS and approved/
eligible for services through Sacramento County Mental Health (based upon MediCal
eligibility and medical necessity).
General Mental Health Services
Services Provided:
Assessment, individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, psychiatric services/medication
support, case management, crisis intervention, pre-placement facilitation with family
members and foster/ resource families, short term clinical follow up/ transition
visits after the child is discharged from CRH and the coordination of services with
partner mental health providers.
As with the Infant Mental Health Program, one of the primary program goals is to
make “the next placement of the child the last” therefore the mental health team
begins preparing the child for their next placement soon after their arrival at
CRH. The services are designed individually based upon the treatment needs of the
child. The program is designed to provide services that will support the child while
at CRH as well as bridge their transition to foster placement, kinship care or return
to their parent’s care.
The General Outpatient Mental Health Program can serve 37 children at any one time.
Client for Services:
Children over the age of 5 years placed by Sacramento County CPS and approved/ eligible
for services through Sacramento County Mental Health (based upon MediCal eligibility
and medical necessity).