Stairways Behavioral Health assists adults with mental health care needs at any stage in their recovery through comprehensive rehabilitation, treatment and support programs.

Through a wide variety of treatment programs, skill-based programs and drug & alcohol treatment as well as outreach programs, housing, adult education, employment services and social opportunities, Stairways helps adults to build skills essential for living, working, learning and participating fully in the community.

The most progressive mental health care provider in Erie County, Stairways serves more than 8,000 each year. Most programs are covered by Medicare and Medicaid or private insurance, depending on eligibility.

Stairways Adult Treatment & Skills-Based Programs

SERVICE	DESCRIPTION	BROCHURE
Outpatient Mental Health	Stairways Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinic is a public mental health clinic serving Erie County adults with serious mental illness who are seeking psychiatric evaluation, ongoing assessment, medication management and/or therapy to address the symptoms of their illness. Public insurance is accepted (Medical Assistance, Medicare), but only limited private insurance is accepted. New clients will participate in a program Intake, where initial needs are identified and information is gathered to enroll into the program, and an initial treatment plan is developed. A Psychiatric Evaluation is then scheduled with a psychiatrist for a thorough psycho-social history, identification of current issues and diagnosis, and to develop a medical treatment plan. - Individuals must be able to communicate independently, or with the assistance of an interpreter, about their symptoms, concerns and needs. - The Outpatient Clinic program is committed to providing the most effective and safest treatment possible. Our goal for health and safety may prevent us from prescribing certain medications, based on each person's individual situation. Once prescribed medications from this clinic, individuals are scheduled to return on a regular basis for Office Visits to monitor the effects of the medication, symptoms and to ensure treatment is continued in the most appropriate and helpful way. For individuals seeking active therapy services to develop insight and tools to address symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma or other difficult feelings or experiences, a variety of therapists and approaches are available. Individuals meet with therapist to develop therapy goals and treatment plan, and to decide a schedule. Individuals seeking active therapy are expected to participate in session as well as with assignments in between sessions, to maximize the benefits to their overall wellness. A course of therapy is expected to be completed, in general, between 3 and 12 months, depending on each person's individual situation. Group Therapy offerings are limited, but may become available based on demand and need. Group therapy can be a safe place to develop skills and insight from others' experiences, as well as practicing new communication skills to enhance relationships outside of the therapy setting. Stairways Outpatient Mental Health Clinic - 2910 State Street, Erie, PA 16508 - 814.454.5686 (New Clients / Intake = Press "1", and be prepared to leave a message with your name, date of birth, social security number and insurance information.)
The Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)	The Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program is for persons with a serious mental illness who have typically not benefited from more traditional outpatient services. This treatment program is designed around the individual needs of the client so that long-term, therapeutic relationships are developed throughout the community. The goal is to help clients reduce hospitalizations, increase independent living in the community, build more positive relationships, secure employment and experience an overall greater satisfaction with life. The ACT team, consisting of a psychiatrist, therapists, nurses, mental health workers, peer specialists and a team leader, collaborates closely with each consumer to find various services that promote physical and emotional wellness. A dedicated ACT Team provides such things as: Service coordination to meet individual needs, Psychiatric services, Individual and group therapy, Substance abuse counseling, Work related services, Daily living skills, Social and interpersonal relationship counseling, Leisure-time skill training, Family education and support, Peer support services. The ACT Team provides the intensive rehabilitation, treatment and support services geared toward assisting that client achieve his or her life goals. *2185 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505 - 814.464.8306*
Blended Case Management (BCM)	Blended Case Management can help in the following areas: Treatment - linking our consumers and their families with available services needed to maintain good mental and physical health and stability. Housing - helping our consumers find safe, affordable housing by linking them with HUD and other subsidized programs as well as private landlords. Education and Work - working with educational and vocational supports to develop plans focused on an individual's potential and success. Daily Living - assessing levels of independence and a family's ability to provide basic needs such as proper nutrition and clothing; then organizing and implementing a process to fill in any existing gaps. Income and Benefits - assessing one's income and health insurance, including entitlements, and then advocating in the best interest of the consumer and family for support and community resources. *2185 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505 - 814.453.5806*
Fairweather Lodge	A lodge is a living arrangement designed specifically for persons with mental illness who are active members of society and wish to live independently. Those who benefit most are persons who may not be able to afford things like rent, food, transportation and utilities on their own but could do so with the help of other house mates. Lodge members share in the day-to-day experiences of running a home and do so more affordably than if they lived on their own. Lodge members create their own house rules and manage their own activities. Lodges are member-managed. Staff assist only as needed and are available in emergency situations. On-site staff is very limited as the goal of the lodge is to promote independent living with minimal assistance. *510 West 10th Street, Erie, PA 16502 - 814.314.9950*
Mobile Medication Management	For persons diagnosed with a serious mental Illness, taking psychiatric medications can be confusing and frustrating. Many people stop taking their medications as prescribed, often leading to psychiatric hospitalizations and/or mental health crises. The goal of the program is for medications to be taken consistently, safely, as prescribed and ultimately independently. Each person is met at the level of care they require from daily home visits to reminder phone calls. The program operates 7 days a week. *2185 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505 - 814.878.3573*
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services	Psychiatric Rehabilitation is a skills building program to help people living with serious mental illness realize meaningful goals and lead more fulfilling lives. Staff meets with people inside or outside their homes to develop skills in the areas of living and wellness, education, vocation and socialization. *2185 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505 - 814.878.5300*
New Opportunities Employee Assistance Program	The New Opportunities Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Stairways is a benefit employers provide for their employees and members of their household. EAP consists of assessment, brief intervention and referrals as needed, and is intended to help employees access local, professional services quickly and confidentially. EAP services are focused on addressing areas which can impact our life and which often cause us to have difficulties in our work. EAP helps to address concerns related to stress and anxiety, grief, depression, parenting, relationship issues, substance use concerns, and issues related to abuse. Businesses interested in contracting with New Opportunities EAP to establish this benefit for your employees can contact through the information below. *2185 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505 - 814.878.3433 -Info@NewOpportunitiesEAP.org*