Mental Health Skill-Building

A cornerstone of our commitment to fostering independence and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with mental health challenges. Our program is tailored to adults who require support to overcome the functional limitations imposed by mental, behavioral, or emotional illnesses. At Garris Group, we believe in a life beyond limitations, and our program is designed to empower participants to achieve their highest potential for community stability and independence.

Our Mental Health Skill-Building Services (MHSS) are delivered by a team of compassionate, highly qualified professionals who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their work. Our staff meets and exceeds the rigorous qualification standards set by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, ensuring that every interaction is guided by best practices and a deep understanding of the needs of those we serve.

  • Garris Group’s Mental Health Skill-Building services were developed with the vision to assist adults in need of achieving more independence and maintaining success in their homes and communities. Due to the intense level of this service, clients must meet the following criteria to be considered for the program:

    ✓ Have a need for individualized training in acquiring basic living skills such as symptom management; adherence to psychiatric and medication treatment plans; development and appropriate use of social skills and personal support system; personal hygiene; food preparation; or money management;

    ✓ Have a qualifying mental health diagnosis (psychotic disorder, major depressive disorder – recurrent, or bipolar disorder I or II). If an individual has another disorder (such as, but not limited to PTSD and anxiety disorders) they may meet eligibility requirements if a physician determines it is a significant mental illness that results in severe and recurrent disability that produces functional limitations in major life activities, and the individual requires individualized training in order to achieve or maintain independent living in the community (this must be documented by the physician);

    ✓ Have a prior history of qualifying mental health treatment (psychiatric hospitalization, residential treatment, residential crisis stabilization, PACT or ICT services, RTC-Level C placement, or TDO evaluation by a CSB/BHA due to mental health decompensation). This bullet must be met in order to be initially admitted to services, however not for subsequent authorizations;

    ✓ Have had a prescription for an anti-psychotic, mood stabilizing, or anti-depressant medication within the twelve months prior to the assessment date unless a physician documents that such medication is medically contraindicated. This bullet must be met in order to be initially admitted to services, however not for subsequent authorizations; and

    If an individual is under the age of 21, they must be in an independent living situation or transferring into one within six months.

  • The focus of our services will be centered on assisting you with learning the skills needed to become independently stable. Our hope is that in the process you develop a more positive self-concept to enable you to explore your world in a healthier way.

    It is our goal to help increase your overall independence and quality of life. While you are in services, you will learn skills that will include, but are not limited to:

    ✓ Maintaining stable housing

    ✓ Housekeeping

    ✓ Personal hygiene

    ✓ Interpersonal skills

    ✓ Maintaining successful employment

    ✓ Developing or increasing the ability to handle finances

    ✓ Understanding medications and taking responsibility for personal medication management

    ✓ Learning to access appropriate transportation and other community resources

    ✓ Internalizing coping mechanisms that demonstrate an understanding of diagnoses

    ✓ Independently managing medical and mental health needs