Mental Health Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Mental Health Program (Mental Health Community Residences, Paul Wolk Commons, Mental Health Apartment Program)
How do I get referred?
All referrals first go to the Monroe County Office of Mental Health. To complete your referral, you will need a clinical summary from your mental health treatment provider, a physical examination report and the results of a tuberculosis test. All of that information must be less than one-year-old. Mental Health Referral Form - WNY CCP Single Point of Access (SPOA) Application for care coordination and residential services.
Do I have to be in treatment with a mental health provider to be in the East House program?
Yes. Since this is a rehabilitation program for individuals in recovery from mental illness, it is necessary for an outpatient mental health provider to be a part of the treatment team.
How much does it cost?
Most individuals qualify for public funding, including Medicaid, to pay for services. In the event that public funding is not available, a private pay fee scale will be provided.
Do I have to start in a group home?
No, not necessarily. The level-of-care determination is made based upon your treatment provider's recommendation, your desires and the assessment of the East House Admissions Coordinator and the Program Manager.
How long do I have to stay?
The length-of-stay is determined by your needs and the demonstration of readiness to move to a more independent setting. These programs are voluntary. If you plan to leave outside of treatment recommendations, you are asked to give East House 30 days notice.
How may I get a tour?
To tour our community residences, please contact the East House Admissions Coordinator. Once the initial determination of need is established, you will be directed to the appropriate site for a tour.
Will I have my own bedroom?
In a community residence, you may share a bedroom with one other person. Some residences have single bedrooms and one is composed solely of single bedrooms. In the Apartment Program, you might share an apartment with one person, but you will have your own bedroom. We also have several apartments that are for just one person.
Can East House be my Social Security Representative Payee?
Yes, we can. East House can be the representative payee for clients that participate in the Mental Health Program. East House does not charge for this service. East House has Financial Case Managers that will assist you with funding questions.
Can I smoke?
All East House sites are Tobacco Free Facilities. We ask that people do not smoke on our property. This includes group homes and apartment settings. For those who would like to consider quitting smoking, East House has a Peer Tobacco Recovery Specialist as well as smoking cessation support groups for residents.
How can I be referred to Connections Recovery Center?
Connections Recovery Center is available to all current East House Mental Health Program clients and members of the East House Alumni Association. If you are an alumnus/na of East House and would like to apply to the Alumni Association, please click here.
How do I apply for the affordable apartments at Paul Wolk Commons?
Providence Housing is the Paul Wolk Commons property manager who determines placement within the Commons affordable housing, and they can be contacted at 585-987-2626. If you would like to apply to the Office of Mental Health licensed apartments at Paul Wolk Commons, you must complete the East House referral process.
How often will I meet with staff?
It depends on what you need. East House staff meet with clients a minimum of 6 times per month, whether it is a group home or apartment setting. Staff partners with you to develop a custom plan for contacts based on your needs.
What types of things will the staff help me with?
The staff will help you define your goals and break them down into manageable steps. Clients learn skills including budgeting, medication management, cooking, cleaning, community supports, socialization, managing symptoms and recovery.
Independent Living Program (ILP) FAQ
Who is eligible for services?
Persons who are eligible for Independent Living Program services meet the DSM IV TR Psychiatric Diagnosis or have a co-occurring diagnosis of mental health and alcohol or drug dependence. These persons receive services from the mental health system and have chosen to comply with the program expectations.
How does someone get referred?
ILP residents are admitted after going through Monroe County’s Single Point of Access and upon completing an evaluation by East House’s Admissions Coordinator. For more information, click here (link to mental health program referral page).
What services are offered?
Client services include finding and maintaining safe, affordable housing; symptom management; service coordination including linking to medical, educational, and vocational services; advocacy for clients who are parents of minor children; education and training in independent living skills; money management skills; activities to promote social and recreational skill development and advocacy with other service providers.
How often are services provided?
Services are based on individual needs. Average contact is two times per month and can either be in the client apartment or the community.
How long can a person be in the program?
Individuals work toward community networks, gainful employment and/or other rental subsidies, and autonomy. There is no time limit on services; it is based on individual need. Individuals must continue to meet the admission criteria, follow through with individualized treatment plans developed with mental health service provider, and abide by the Case Management agreement.
How do I get assistance with rent or other financial services?
Financial assistance is determined with input from you and your service coordinator upon admission to the program. Assistance is based upon personal resources, including all monthly household income. Assistance is not guaranteed.
Who may live in a client apartment?
Clients with persistent mental illness are the primary focus of the service coordinator. Dependent children or spouses may also live in the household. Decisions regarding roommates are made on an individual basis. East House must approve of the living circumstances for any rental assistance to be provided.
Who holds the lease?
The individual enrolled in the program holds the lease and is directly responsible to the landlord for meeting that obligation.
Do I pay a fee for the Independent Living Program?
No. All fees for ILP services are paid for through the Office of Mental Health.
If I am in ILP, may I also use East House Connections Recovery Center or Career Services Program?
Yes. ILP clients are eligible for services offered to East House clients.
Contact Us
Mental Health Residence Program, Paul Wolk Commons and Mental Health Apartment Program Director:
Gretta Schaefer, BSW, CPRP, LMHC
585.238.4822
Independent Living Program Director:
Abby Brown, BA, CPRP
585.238.4841
Mental Health Admissions Coordinator:
Vicki Cook, BSW
585.238.4807