SUMMIT COUNTY -
Valley is making changes to their programs that they believe will provide better care for clients and save taxpayers money. Workers say it wants to put clients in the driver's seat, but one woman worries the changes will put people who need help on a crash collision course.
In October, Valley Mental Health held a town-hall meeting to discuss new ways to provide help. Among the attendees was Ginger Phillips. For more than a decade, the facility has helped her with alcohol and drug addictions.
"Instead of acting out in those ways, I now use my voice and speak out like I am speaking now," said Phillips.
Last week, Phillips says she was told she would have to change therapists and meeting locations. Phillips says she now may only use a therapist during crisis situations.
"Is very important to be able to touch base with the same person consistently, week after week after week," said Phillips. "When you're doing good and when you're doing not so good."
CEO Debra Falvo hopes clients take control of their recovery instead of passively receiving services.
"Although that weekly psychotherapy meeting is be comfortable, it might not be necessary anymore," says Falvo. "If it's necessary, if it's truly medically necessary for that person they still will receive individual therapy."
The changes will also save money in the wake of budget cuts.
"When you look across the country many of the places are laying folks off and closing their doors to more clients coming in what we're trying to do is keep the doors open to as many clients as possible," said Phillips.
At times, VMH will use peer counselors in place of master's level therapists. VMH believes clients can better relate to someone who's been through similar circumstances.
"I know the administration has great hope for the new team program that they are going to set up, but I guess we'll see," said Phillips
VMH says it will continue to hold town-hall style meetings with its staff and clients. They want people to express their concerns and offer suggestions on how to refine the system.
FOX 13's Katy Carlyle has more.
In October, Valley Mental Health held a town-hall meeting to discuss new ways to provide help. Among the attendees was Ginger Phillips. For more than a decade, the facility has helped her with alcohol and drug addictions.
"Instead of acting out in those ways, I now use my voice and speak out like I am speaking now," said Phillips.
Last week, Phillips says she was told she would have to change therapists and meeting locations. Phillips says she now may only use a therapist during crisis situations.
"Is very important to be able to touch base with the same person consistently, week after week after week," said Phillips. "When you're doing good and when you're doing not so good."
CEO Debra Falvo hopes clients take control of their recovery instead of passively receiving services.
"Although that weekly psychotherapy meeting is be comfortable, it might not be necessary anymore," says Falvo. "If it's necessary, if it's truly medically necessary for that person they still will receive individual therapy."
The changes will also save money in the wake of budget cuts.
"When you look across the country many of the places are laying folks off and closing their doors to more clients coming in what we're trying to do is keep the doors open to as many clients as possible," said Phillips.
At times, VMH will use peer counselors in place of master's level therapists. VMH believes clients can better relate to someone who's been through similar circumstances.
"I know the administration has great hope for the new team program that they are going to set up, but I guess we'll see," said Phillips
VMH says it will continue to hold town-hall style meetings with its staff and clients. They want people to express their concerns and offer suggestions on how to refine the system.
FOX 13's Katy Carlyle has more.
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