Clinical Philosophy

PROCEDURE #: 3.6.23A, Accompanies Policy #: 3.6.23, Issued by (Title): Executive Director

Purpose:

To provide the core principles on which the clinical philosophy of Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties (CMH) is based. These principles apply to the services and supports directly provided by CMH as well as those purchased by CMH.

II. Those served by CMH:

Although CMH will strive to serve persons with a broad range of mental health and substance abuse needs, the organization has a primary commitment (as per statutory guidance provided by the Michigan Mental Health Code) to persons with serious and persistent mental illness or an impairing personal life crisis, children who are seriously emotionally disturbed, and persons with significant developmental disabilities.

A. The services and supports provided by CMH will:

1. Seek to improve the functioning of consumers and their quality of life, including (as appropriate to the condition of the consumer) improvements in a number of life domains as well as symptom relief and management.
2. Be person-centered (and family-centered in work with adolescents and children and, in work with adults, whenever possible) in their planning and provision, promoting consumer dignity, empowerment, and choice.
3. Acknowledge the importance of consumers and families fully participating in treatment and supports.
4. Acknowledge the importance of consumers and families having knowledge and understanding of the illness/disability, treatment and supports modalities, and the treatment/supports system.
5. Reflect a strength-based approach.
6. Reflect a recovery model in the provision of services and supports to persons with mental illness and substance abuse disorders.
7. Reflect a community inclusion model in the provision of services and supports.
8. Serve to strengthen and supplement but not replace the natural supports of consumers (for example: the consumer, family, friends, employers, teachers, and other community organizations).
9. Promote consumer choice and autonomy in the context of health and safety. When consumer choice and autonomy are in direct and irreconcilable conflict with significant health and safety concerns, health and safety concerns will prevail.
10. serve to ensure access to CMH services and supports to all in the tri-county community in need of these services.
11. Employ least restrictive methods and take place in the least restrictive settings.
12. Be community-based, meaning that they are offered in CMH facilities, throughout the community, and in the places where consumers live, work, volunteer, recreate, and socialize.
13. Respect the range of cultures, traditions, and values of consumers.
14. Be provided via a collaborative, inclusive approach that draws upon the involvement and expertise of a range of disciplines, functions, and organizations.
15. Apply research-based and professionally accepted standards and levels of care, clinical pathways and protocols.
16. Be provided within a framework of professional ethics. Staff with clinical differences of opinion regarding treatment should consult with their supervisor, and obtain approval of the Program and Clinical Services Committee before acting contrary to the plan of service.
17. Be designed and provided with the aims of optimizing the related goals of consumer and community well-being, clinical effectiveness, risk management, and cost control.
18. Be directed to fulfill secondary and tertiary prevention needs of consumers.