Clinical Services

Options Program

Mission Statement

The Community Connections Options program (CC Options) is a pre-trial mental health services program. CC Options is available to any adult in the forensic system who is charged with a misdemeanor, who has a mental illness, who is not presently a danger to others, and who has not been convicted of a weapons charge in the past five years. CC Options is dedicated to providing integrated, comprehensive, mental health services. Many of our clients have been underserved by the mental health system. Our mission is to give people the support they need to solve immediate problems and take control of their own lives.

Our first task is stabilization and support. Case management and practical supports are available on the day of referral. Psychiatric appointments are scheduled immediately. Medical services are arranged within 48 hours of the client's enrollment in the program. If necessary, applications for benefits are submitted within the first week of enrollment. The CC Options program operates three apartments with a total capacity of twelve people. If there is an opening, placement can be made at the time of referral. CC Options case managers can also work with clients in their own homes, in substance abuse treatment settings, and, if necessary, in hospitals and shelters.

After clients are stabilized in the community, the CC Options team invites clients to participate in a comprehensive treatment program. Our clinical services are trauma informed. We recognize that most of our clients have experienced a complicating mix of mental health problems, substance abuse problems, homelessness, and violent victimization. We also recognize that recovery requires coordinated and integrated support for each of these different problems. Services are provided directly and by referral.

Residential Services

The CC Options program has 12 transitional apartment units. These facilities are supported by staff who are on-site 16 hours a day. Residents may stay in the apartments while they are waiting for court and up to 30 days after adjudication. Services include:

• Room and board
• Independent living skills training
• Emotional and problem - solving support
• Group discussions

Integrated Clinical Services

The Options program has a full service case management team. Participants receive intensive services which are available 24 hour a day 7 days a week. Services include:

• Case management
• Substance abuse counseling
• Medical referral
• Benefits counseling and support
• Advocacy in court
• Employment supports
• Family counseling
• Individual counseling
• Budgeting support
• Residential support
• Home visits
• Crisis response
• Coordination with Pretrial Services
• Coordination with Public Defender Service

Day Program Services

The CC Options Day Program is committed to coordinated, integrated services. The Day program is trauma- informed, meaning that we are aware that many of our clients have been harmed by emotional, physical and sexual violence. Our program, which is psycho-educational in nature, is strengths based and recovery focused. We help consumers develop the skills they need to solve problems more effectively and to develop a satisfying sense of purpose in their lives. The CC Options Day Program is open from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Day Program services include:

• Trauma Recovery Groups
• Substance Abuse Recovery Groups
• "Surviving the Forensic System" Groups
• Supported Employment Groups
• Anger Management and Impulse Control Groups
• Self- Esteem and Spirituality Groups
• Relationship Strengthening Groups
• GED and Basic Literacy Groups
• Empowerment Groups

Contact Info

For referral information, please contact Theresa Grant, LPC at Pretrial Services, 202-220-5536; or Alton Byrd, PhD, LPC at 202-879-1732.

David Freeman, PsyD, Project Director, is available at 202-281-2934. Dr. Freeman has 25 years experience in the mental health system. He has sustained a long-term commitment to people with mental illness, he consults with programs around the country and he has published several articles about his work at Community Connections.