Home-based Counseling

 

The overarching goal of MPB Group is to help children and adolescents heal from abusive and traumatic life experiences and strengthen their families. To achieve these goals, our home-based counselors use a systemic-holistic treatment model tailored to the needs of each child and family.  Thus, MPB Group counselors emphasize the interrelatedness of all family members and the unique relationships that form within families and communities. 

At MPB Group, home-based counseling is a collaborative process intended to "meet clients where there are." Therefore, our home-based counselors assist family members to develop the values, principles, and skills necessary for them to create a healthier family system.  For example, the treatment plan is designed in collaboration with family members and is, therefore, family driven rather than counselor driven.

Practically speaking our model strives to improve caregiver discipline practices, enhance family relationships, decrease child’s involvement with deviant peers, increase association with positive peers, improve school or vocational performance, engage child in positive recreational outlets, and develop a community support network to help caregivers achieve and maintain such changes. 

In addition to a systemic therapeutic model, it is not uncommon for counselors to use a variety of approaches such as behavioral modification, anger management, social skills curriculums, and parenting/empowerment models.

MPB Group is dedicated to achieve the following objectives through therapeutic work:

 

¨      Prevent  the out-of-home placement of children and adolescents

¨      Strengthening family units

¨      Help to break the cycle of abuse within relationships among family members

¨      Empower families to connect with the community for support

¨      Provide a fluid continuity of care that meets each families’ unique needs

 

Unique features of MPB Group Home-based Counseling Program

¨      Low caseloads to allow intensive services:

MPB Group’s home-based counseling team consists of part and full-time therapists who provide intensive individual (two to three times per week) and family therapy. The counselor is the team’s main point of contact for the youth, family, and all involved agencies and systems.

¨      Delivery of services in community settings (e.g., home, school, neighborhood center)

To overcome barriers to service access, MPB Group therapists provide services within the home, school, and neighborhood to facilitate family engagement in the clinical process and provide more valid assessment and outcome data.

¨      Time-limited duration of treatment (4 months on average)

To promote efficiency, self-sufficiency, and cost effectiveness, MPB Group therapists attempt to limit the amount of time with clients and their families.

¨      24 hour/day and 7 day/week availability of counselors

To provide services when needed and to respond to crises, home-based counselors are proactive, and plans are developed to prevent or mitigate crises. Crisis response can be taxing, but most families are appreciative, and a supportive response can enhance engagement. Moreover, the capacity to respond to crises is critical to achieving a primary goal of home-based counseling programs – preventing out-of-home placements.

 

Case Management Philosophy

 

In addition to providing in-home family counseling, home-based counselors are also required to provide case management activities.  Case Management is conceived as a crucial component in helping our clients achieve their therapeutic goals. 

 

 

Contact Mr. Stephen J. Toglia, Director, directly if interested in working in the home based program, or interested in making client referrals to our new and exciting program!

 

He can be reached via cell at 410-908-6407 or email toggs2@aol.com