Pennsylvania Institute for Community Living (PICL)

Founded in 2001, Pennsylvania Institute for Community Living’s (PICL) is a co-occurring residential program located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. In collaboration with the Montgomery County Office of Mental Health, PICL developed a 15-bed community-based program designed to support individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. The program is currently located in Ardmore and is now a 12-bed capacity.

This transitional community living program provides integrated, recovery-oriented supports alongside 24-hour staffing, and assistance with transitioning to independent housing. The interdisciplinary team includes a Program Director, Assistant Director, and Program Supervisor. Psychiatric services are coordinated through an outpatient community provider. The program operates using a progressive responsibility level system, where individuals advance from Orientation through Level 4 at discharge. Progression is guided by skill development, personal growth, and application of recovery principles related to both mental health and substance use.

The average length of stay is 18–24 months, allowing individuals time to build meaningful, sustainable recovery. PICL delivers comprehensive services through structured groups and individualized supports focused on functional skill development. Core areas include social and interpersonal skills, vocational readiness, tenancy skills (such as budgeting and financial management), and daily living skills (including cooking and time management). Services are strengths-based and person-centered, supporting individuals in achieving goals such as maintaining sobriety, securing housing, improving emotional stability, and obtaining employment. The foundation of PICL’s approach is recovery-oriented and trauma-informed, emphasizing each individual’s strengths and personal goals. Services extend beyond the program setting into the community, promoting real-world application of skills. Daily programming includes group sessions, individual support, and substance use services, all designed to foster independence and long-term recovery.