Best and Brightest

Poppys is not just a client at RHD’s Lower Merion Counseling & Mobile Services – he’s one of the program’s most enthusiastic supporters.

“People really listen to me here and are understanding of me and my experiences,” said Poppys, who’d experienced homelessness and described his behavioral health challenges as “difficult.” “The support they offered was very helpful in helping me to figure things out. At LMCMS they have a gift to make us all feel valued, heard and respected. I do not feel alone in the world anymore, knowing that I have a team of caring clinicians who want the best for me and have the skills to make sure I am happier and healthy.

“LMCMS has the best and brightest staff who care about each person who walks through the door.”

LMCMS has been providing the highest quality outpatient mental health therapy, psychiatric, and mobile services to children, adolescents, adults, and families since 1970.

RHD’s history of innovative services began with the founding of this very program, in response to a community need for outpatient services. Today LMCMS offers individualized support and community-based treatment to more than 500 people each month.

This year LMCMS expanded services with the opening of a Child & Family Center, serving children, adolescents, and families with behavioral health treatment in a holistic and compassionate manner in a safe and engaging environment.

“When my daughter started showing a significant amount of stress at school we knew it was time to pursue behavioral health services,” said Alyssa, whose daughter Roxy is a client at LMCMS. “I don’t think my daughter knew what to expect when she started, but now she very much enjoys attending every week. The services at LMCMS have been great. My daughter finds the experience so valuable that she’s signed up for an additional group. This school year, my daughter is having an easier time and feeling less overwhelmed.

“The skills she’s learning are useful when something stressful does arise. As a parent, I’m so happy that my daughter has this kind of help.”

The LMCMS clinical program is designed for children and adolescents ages 2-18 who need support with their transition into the next stage of development. Each year more than 800 children and adolescents receive specialized care at LMCMS.

It’s an extension of the commitment to service excellence always found at LMCMS. Pennsylvania designated LMCMS as an Integrated Community Wellness Center (ICWC), supporting LMCMS’ ability to provide the comprehensive array of services necessary to create access, stabilize people in crisis, and provide the necessary treatment for those with the most serious, complex mental illnesses and addictions.

“We are here to provide the highest-quality collaborative care to support people in their recovery,” said LMCMS Operations Manager Courtney Reed. “The LMCMS team meets people where they are, and works to be part of their journey. Our peer specialists provide lived experience, recovery coaches and blended case managers wrap the community supports around the individuals and their families, and our clinicians and doctors provide experience-based practices through their therapeutic services. Our outpatient, mobile, and administrative staff collectively use our talents to provide holistic care and empower individuals to self-direct their goals and treatment.”

LMCMS’ person-centered services provide outpatient drug and alcohol services with integrated treatment at each person’s own pace, helping hundreds of people each year sustain and maintain recovery.

“I had hit rock bottom in my life,” said G.A., a client at LMCMS. “I was referred to LMCMS, and it is their support that I receive that helps me to keep on going. “If it wasn’t for the services I receive at LMCMS I think I would still be living on the street. The staff is very helpful and very supportive. I have someone to help me through challenges. My Certified Peer Specialist believes in me, and even helped me to get a tutor so that I can learn how to read. I am currently working on my GED and believe that I will get it. I feel better than I have felt in a long time.”