There are any number of issues that can adversely affect the quality of life of deaf and hard of hearing individuals, but one of the most significant challenges can be mental health. To help address this issue, VCDHH provides mental health services and support for children, families, and adults throughout the state of Vermont.
The Mental Health Program provides counseling and assessment services to deaf and hard of hearing individuals and their families, including individual counseling, family counseling, and group counseling, and psychological assessment. In certain cases, case management services are available as well. Services are provided by Masters and Doctoral level clinical staff who are fluent in American Sign Language and have expertise in working with persons who are deaf and hard of hearing. Staff members are familiar with the varying types of communication used by deaf and hard of hearing persons as well as the particular issues they face in day-to-day life.
Counseling services for adults and families are provided either at one of the VCDHH offices or at one of the designated mental health agencies in Vermont, depending upon the residency of individual requesting services. Counseling for children may take place in the child's school (provided the school is the referring agency), at a designated mental health agency, or at one of the VCDHH offices.
The VCDHH Mental Health Program can work with community rehabilitation and treatment (CRT) program clients on a fee-for-service basis in order to assist designated mental health agencies in providing linguistically and culturally appropriate services to deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Individual and family counseling, case management/service coordination, supported employment, community outreach and support, transportation, and consultation regarding psychiatric services can be provided through fee-for-service agreements.
For more information about the Mental Health Program, call 802-258-9500 VideoPhone: 802-275-0130
For Mental Health Programs in Northern Vermont please contact Elaine Morse at our Northern VT Resource Center
Elaine can be reached at VideoPhone & Phone 802-370-3222.
or email
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