Cortland County Mental Health
Intensive Case Management Services
- Intensive Case Management Services are for individuals who:
- Require intensive ongoing support to live successfully in the community
- Will not or have not successfully used other mental health services and program
Repeatedly use emergency rooms or inpatient services for crisis resolution - Are seriously and emotionally disturbed children and youth
Cortland County ICM currently serves 60 individuals (24 adult clients/2 case managers, 36 children/3 case managers) assisted by a rostering committee with representatives from local human service agencies.
Goals for Clients:
- Increase community tenure by avoiding unnecessary, inappropriate or lengthy hospitalizations
- Develop and maintain situations for living, working, and socializing in the community
- Enhance potential for growth and independence
Goals for Providers:
- Identify within local community a roster of clients who are the most needy, the most difficult and least well served by existing services
- Develop supports which are based on each client's unique needs and circumstances
- Help identified clients to meet mutually set goals, regardless of setting or circumstance
- Provide services and supports for as long as needed
Goals for System:
- Create an effective partnership among the Office of Mental Health, County Mental Health Agencies and local service providers which is based on a strong commitment to meeting client needs
- Identify and remedy gaps and problems in existing service systems
- Develop a system which clearly focuses on client outcomes
Some frequently asked questions:
How is ICM different from other case management?
Department of Social Services and Catholic Charities also provide case managers who coordinate existing services. However, ICM staff is usually assigned a smaller caseload with more frequent contacts. Moreover, the ICM program includes funds which can be used to purchase goods and/or services for individual ICM clients as appropriate.
Does the emphasis on community living mean that ICM clients will never be admitted to an impatient bed?
No. Overall, community tenure should increase for most ICM clients because the availability of alternate supports should reduce the need for hospitalization. However, hospitalization will always be possible when medically indicated. For some ICM clients ( for example, homeless or individuals with multiple medical issues) hospitalization may be the first step towards successful living.
How does one enter the ICM program?
Contact the Mental Health Center at (607) 758-6100 and ask for the SPOA Coordinator or ICM Representative. Referrals are often made though other agencies and openings vary. A waiting list is prioritized quarterly.
Offered M-F 9 a. m. - 5 p.m., and flexible evening hours
Contact Information for Cortland County Mental Health
Programs Offered:
Cortland County Mental Health Clinic
Prevention Services for Youth
Intensive Case Management
Family Support Services
Horizon House Continuing Day Treatment
Family Wraparound Program