Glossary of Terms
Click the keyword name to view associated programs.
Abuse Spouse/Partner
Programs that provide telephone crisis intervention services for women and men who have experienced domestic abuse which may include steps to ensure immediate safety; short-term emotional support; assistance with shelter; legal information and advocacy; referrals for medical treatment; ongoing counseling and/or group support; and other related services.
Abuse, Alcohol
Programs that provide information about alcohol abuse and alcoholism (including the symptoms of alcohol abuse/addiction, screening and diagnostic procedures and methods of treatment) and/or which offer any of a variety of services that focus on alcohol abuse prevention for people of all ages who are at risk. Included may be printed materials or videos that address the subject; psycho-educational and skill building activities; structured groups which focus on family dynamics, problem-solving, self-esteem and similar issues; and presentations in schools and agencies and to family groups regarding the dangers of alcoholism, the signs of alcohol abuse and alcoholism, the legal consequences of alcohol abuse and how to get help.
Adolescent Counseling
Programs that specialize in the treatment of adolescents, usually age 12 or 13 through 17, who have adjustment problems, behavior problems, emotional disturbance, a personality disorder or incipient mental illness. The programs may help youth troubled by low self-esteem, social isolation, peer pressure, bullying, school performance issues, truancy, anger management issues, family problems, grief and loss, sexual promiscuity, sexually transmitted disease, alcohol or drug addiction, eating disorders, oppositional and defiant behaviors, depression and anxiety, suicidal thoughts or other difficult issues.
Adolescent Services
Programs that specialize in the treatment of adolescents, usually age 12 or 13 through 17, who have adjustment problems, behavior problems, emotional disturbance, a personality disorder or incipient mental illness. The programs may help youth troubled by low self-esteem, social isolation, peer pressure, bullying, school performance issues, truancy, anger management issues, family problems, grief and loss, sexual promiscuity, sexually transmitted disease, alcohol or drug addiction, eating disorders, oppositional and defiant behaviors, depression and anxiety, suicidal thoughts or other difficult issues.
Adult Day Treatment
Programs that provide a therapeutic environment for individuals who have acute or chronic mental or emotional disturbances, who do not require full-time hospital care but who can benefit from a structured environment for some portion of the day or week. Services may include individual, group and/or family therapy; social and recreational activities; and a range of adjunctive therapies. Psychiatric day treatment programs may be offered by freestanding day treatment facilities, by psychiatric hospitals or by psychiatric units in general acute care hospitals.
Alateen
Children and adolescents who have a problem with alcohol dependency or abuse.
Alcohol Detoxification
Programs that provide assistance and support for individuals who are physically dependent on alcohol during the alcohol withdrawal period (usually three to seven days).
Alcohol Education (In-School)
Programs that provide information about substance abuse (including the substances most commonly abused and their effects, the symptoms of abuse/addiction, screening and diagnostic procedures and methods of treatment) and/or which offer any of a variety of services that focus on substance abuse prevention for people of all ages who are at risk. Included may be printed materials or videos that address the subject; psycho-educational and skill building activities; structured groups which focus on family dynamics, problem-solving, self-esteem and similar issues; and presentations in schools and agencies and to family groups regarding the dangers of alcoholism, drug abuse and smoking, the signs of substance abuse and addiction, the legal consequences of substance abuse and how to get help.
Alcohol Education/Prevention
Programs that provide information about substance abuse (including the substances most commonly abused and their effects, the symptoms of abuse/addiction, screening and diagnostic procedures and methods of treatment) and/or which offer any of a variety of services that focus on substance abuse prevention for people of all ages who are at risk. Included may be printed materials or videos that address the subject; psycho-educational and skill building activities; structured groups which focus on family dynamics, problem-solving, self-esteem and similar issues; and presentations in schools and agencies and to family groups regarding the dangers of alcoholism, drug abuse and smoking, the signs of substance abuse and addiction, the legal consequences of substance abuse and how to get help.
Alcohol/Substance Abuse
Programs that conduct an evaluation of people who abuse drugs and/or alcohol to determine the nature and extent of the problem and which may make a recommendation regarding treatment or may refer the individual to a specific program. The service does not include a centralized triage function within the community or a formal relationship with the courts.
Alcoholism Counseling
Programs that provide individual, group or family therapy for individuals who abuse substances of any kind and/or for their families to help them better understand the nature of their physical and/or psychological dependency or impairment and to support their efforts to recover.
Alcoholism, Family Treatment
Programs that provide individual, group or family therapy for people who abuse alcohol and/or for their families to help them better understand the nature of the disease of alcoholism and to support their efforts to recover.
Anger Management
Programs that provide educational and/or therapeutic opportunities for people who are interested in or who need to learn how to deal with their anger in a positive, functional way. Participants may include people who internalize their anger as well as those who act it out verbally or in behavior toward friends, family, children, employers or other people in their lives. Included are court-ordered and voluntary programs for people who are involved in domestic violence or child abuse as well as general workshops for people who are uncomfortable with the way they express their anger.
Anxiety
Disorders that are characterized by persistent feelings of apprehension, worry, uneasiness or dread the source of which is frequently nonspecific or unknown to the individual which may be accompanied by restlessness, irritability, lack of concentration, difficulty sleeping, increased heart rate, shortness of breath and other physiological symptoms.
Attention Deficit Disorder
A neurobiological disorder that arises in early childhood, typically before age seven, and is characterized by developmentally inappropriate behavior including poor attention skills, poor impulse control and hyperactivity. Children with AD/HD have difficulty focusing (picking something on which to pay attention), sustaining focus (paying attention for as long as is needed), and shifting focus (moving attention from one thing to another); tend to fidget, talk incessantly or be constantly ""on the move""; and speak and act on impulse rather than waiting their turn. Symptoms typically worsen in situations like the classroom that require sustained focus and self-application, and may be absent when the child is in a new or one-to-one situation. In the adult form of AD/HD, the symptoms associated with hyperactivity may diminish while those related to inattention and impulsiveness persist. Adult symptoms may include lack of attention to detail, inability to maintain focus, poor listening skills, disorganization, forgetfulness, misplacing or losing things, being overwhelmed by tasks of daily living, difficulty sustaining friendships or intimate relationships, impulsive spending habits, restlessness, irritability, low tolerance for frustration, emotional outbursts and poor self esteem.
Bereavement
Programs that provide emotional support, problem-solving assistance, information and guidance for people who have recently lost a loved one. Included are counseling programs for widows and widowers, children who have lost a parent, parents who have lost a child and people who are in other similar situations.
Bipolar Disorder
A disorder that is marked by episodes of psychotic depression, excessive well-being or mixed episodes alternating with longer periods of relative normalcy. Manic episodes are characterized by elevated, expansive or irritable moods which are accompanied by hyperactivity, pressure of speech, flight of ideas, inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, distractibility and excessive involvement in activities that have a high potential for painful consequences, which is not recognized. The depressive episodes are characterized by loss of interest or pleasure in all or almost all usual activities and pastimes, appetite disturbance, change in weight, sleep disturbance, psychomotor agitation or retardation, decreased energy, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty concentrating or thinking and thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts. During mixed episoded, the individual experiences rapidly alternating moods of sadness, irritability and euphoria.
Caregiver Counseling
Programs that provide emotional support, information and guidance in individual and/or group settings for family members, friends, significant others, non-familial caregivers or attendants who are caring for someone who has a serious illness or disability or who is elderly and increasingly unable to provide for his or her own care, and are feeling overwhelmed by their responsibilities and the effect that their caregiving role has had on their lives.
Case Management
Programs that develop case plans for the evaluation, treatment and/or care of individuals who have mental, emotional or social problems and need assistance in arranging for services; which assess the individual s needs; coordinate the delivery of needed services; ensure that services are obtained in accordance with the case plan; and follow up and monitor progress to ensure that services are having a beneficial impact on the problem.
Chartwell House
Programs that provide alcohol and other drug-free congregate living arrangements which facilitate the return to the community of individuals who are recovering from problems related to substance abuse, who may be leaving an inpatient or residential treatment program and who need ongoing support to sustain an abstinent lifestyle.
Chemical Dependency
Programs that provide individual, group or family therapy for individuals who abuse substances of any kind and/or for their families to help them better understand the nature of their physical and/or psychological dependency or impairment and to support their efforts to recover.
Child Abuse
Programs that provide a wide variety of therapeutic interventions for individuals and/or families who are coping with the trauma arising from child abuse including abandonment, neglect, or emotional, physical or sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, or other family or extended family member whom the child trusts and who is in a position of power over the child. Counseling is offered in a variety of settings and may include individual, conjoint, family and group therapy sessions for the abused child, the abusing or non-abusing parent(s) and siblings.
Child Abuse, Sexual
Programs that provide a wide variety of therapeutic interventions that focus specifically on children who are coping with the trauma of interfamily sexual abuse (contact of a sexual nature between a parent, stepparent, older sibling or other relative and a child) or sexual abuse that has been committed by people trusted by the child such as teachers, clergy, physicians or friends of the family. Behaviors that are sexually abusive often involve bodily contact, such as in the case of sexual kissing, touching, fondling of genitals, and oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse. However, behaviors may be sexually abusive even if they don t involve contact, such as in the case of genital exposure (""flashing""), verbal pressure for sex, and sexual exploitation for purposes of prostitution or pornography.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Programs that specialize in the treatment of adolescents, usually age 12 or 13 through 17, who have adjustment problems, behavior problems, emotional disturbance, a personality disorder or incipient mental illness. The programs may help youth troubled by low self-esteem, social isolation, peer pressure, bullying, school performance issues, truancy, anger management issues, family problems, grief and loss, sexual promiscuity, sexually transmitted disease, alcohol or drug addiction, eating disorders, oppositional and defiant behaviors, depression and anxiety, suicidal thoughts or other difficult issues.
Child Counseling
Programs that specialize in the treatment of children from infancy to age 12 who have adjustment problems, behavior problems, emotional disturbances, a personality disorder or incipient mental illness.
Child Development
Programs that specialize in the treatment of children from infancy to age 12 who have adjustment problems, behavior problems, emotional disturbances, a personality disorder or incipient mental illness.
Child Discipline
Programs that specialize in the treatment of children from infancy to age 12 who have adjustment problems, behavior problems, emotional disturbances, a personality disorder or incipient mental illness.
Community Mental Health Agencies
City or county-operated, neighborhood-based outpatient facilities that offer individual, group, conjoint and family counseling, therapy groups, medication and other mental health services for community residents, especially those who are indigent, who have acute or chronic psychiatric disorders or who may be experiencing difficulty resolving personal or interpersonal conflicts or making personal adjustments to stressful life situations such as separation, divorce, widowhood, loss of a child, poor health, unemployment, family violence, delinquency or substance abuse.
Community Recovery Center
Programs that provide individual, group or family therapy for individuals who abuse substances of any kind and/or for their families to help them better understand the nature of their physical and/or psychological dependency or impairment and to support their efforts to recover.
Counseling, Men
Programs that provide emotional support, information and guidance to help people resolve whatever personal or interpersonal difficulties they are experiencing. The counselor can address any issue that is troubling the individual, but does not specialize in the treatment of any particular problem area.
Counseling, Pastoral
Programs that specialize in providing therapeutic interventions which focus on helping people relate to and resolve their problems and concerns in the context of their religious/spiritual beliefs.
Counseling, Women
Programs that provide emotional support, information and guidance to help people resolve whatever personal or interpersonal difficulties they are experiencing. The counselor can address any issue that is troubling the individual, but does not specialize in the treatment of any particular problem area.
Crisis Intervention
Programs that establish immediate telephone communication between people who are emotionally distressed due to any of a wide variety of issues and individuals who have been trained to provide telephone assistance with the objective of defusing the immediate crisis, ensuring the person s safety, and assisting the person to take the next immediate steps toward resolving the problem. General crisis intervention hotlines are available to anyone who is experiencing a crisis rather than focusing people with particular types of problems such as domestic violence or child abuse.
Crisis Lines
Programs that establish immediate telephone communication between people who are emotionally distressed due to any of a wide variety of issues and individuals who have been trained to provide telephone assistance with the objective of defusing the immediate crisis, ensuring the person s safety, and assisting the person to take the next immediate steps toward resolving the problem. General crisis intervention hotlines are available to anyone who is experiencing a crisis rather than focusing people with particular types of problems such as domestic violence or child abuse.
Crisis, Emotional
Programs that establish immediate telephone communication between people who are emotionally distressed due to any of a wide variety of issues and individuals who have been trained to provide telephone assistance with the objective of defusing the immediate crisis, ensuring the person s safety, and assisting the person to take the next immediate steps toward resolving the problem. General crisis intervention hotlines are available to anyone who is experiencing a crisis rather than focusing people with particular types of problems such as domestic violence or child abuse.
Death/Grief
Programs that provide emotional support, problem-solving assistance, information and guidance for people who have recently lost a loved one. Included are counseling programs for widows and widowers, children who have lost a parent, parents who have lost a child and people who are in other similar situations.
Depression
A disorder that is characterized by one or more major depressive episodes but no manic episodes. Depressive episodes are characterized by loss of interest or pleasure in all or almost all usual activities and pastimes, appetite disturbance, change in weight, sleep disturbance, psychomotor agitation or retardation, decreased energy, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty concentrating or thinking and thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts.
Detoxification
Programs operated under the supervision of trained physicians, nurses or counselors in an inpatient hospital setting or other inpatient facility that provide assistance and support including medical treatment and possibly prescription drugs to help individuals who are physically dependent on alcohol during the withdrawal period.
Disability Counseling
Programs that provide emotional support, information and guidance in a variety of settings for people who have disabilities with the objective of helping them to cope more effectively with their disability, to evaluate their alternatives and to make personal choices that will maximize their ability to function independently.
Disability, Mental
An alteration in thinking, mood or behavior or some combination of those that either creates distress or interferes with people s relationships or their ability function.
Divorce/Separation
Programs that provide emotional support, information and guidance in a variety of settings for individuals who are divorced or have decided to divorce or separate, and for their families.
Domestic Violence Counseling
Programs that provide telephone crisis intervention services for women and men who have experienced domestic abuse which may include steps to ensure immediate safety; short-term emotional support; assistance with shelter; legal information and advocacy; referrals for medical treatment; ongoing counseling and/or group support; and other related services.
Drinker Refusal Training
Programs that provide information about alcohol abuse and alcoholism (including the symptoms of alcohol abuse/addiction, screening and diagnostic procedures and methods of treatment) and/or which offer any of a variety of services that focus on alcohol abuse prevention for people of all ages who are at risk. Included may be printed materials or videos that address the subject; psycho-educational and skill building activities; structured groups which focus on family dynamics, problem-solving, self-esteem and similar issues; and presentations in schools and agencies and to family groups regarding the dangers of alcoholism, the signs of alcohol abuse and alcoholism, the legal consequences of alcohol abuse and how to get help.
Driving While Intoxicated
Individuals who have been arrested and convicted of vehicle code violations while under the influence of alcohol or whose blood alcohol level exceeds allowable limits.
Drug Abuse Hotline
Programs that establish immediate telephone contact between people who abuse drugs of any kind or are at risk of abuse and individuals who are trained to provide telephone assistance with the objective of defusing the immediate crisis, ensuring the person s safety, and providing information about alternatives the person may explore to begin recovering. Drug abuse hotlines are also typically available to significant others of people who abuse drugs.
Drug Abuse Prevention
Programs that provide information about drug abuse (including the drugs most commonly abused and their effects, the symptoms of drug abuse/addiction, screening and diagnostic procedures and methods of treatment) and/or which offer any of a variety of services that focus on drug abuse prevention for people of all ages who are at risk (i.e., who are currently in the light or experimental stage of using drugs; who are members of a drug using sibling, peer or family group; and/or who have behavioral and/or emotional problems at home, in school, in the community or with the criminal justice system). Included may be printed materials or videos that address the subject; psycho-educational and skill building activities; structured groups which focus on family dynamics, problem-solving, self-esteem and similar issues; and presentations in schools and agencies and to family groups regarding the dangers of drug abuse, the signs of drug abuse/addiction, the legal consequences of drug abuse and how to get help.
Drug/Alcohol Education
Programs that provide information about substance abuse (including the substances most commonly abused and their effects, the symptoms of abuse/addiction, screening and diagnostic procedures and methods of treatment) and/or which offer any of a variety of services that focus on substance abuse prevention for people of all ages who are at risk. Included may be printed materials or videos that address the subject; psycho-educational and skill building activities; structured groups which focus on family dynamics, problem-solving, self-esteem and similar issues; and presentations in schools and agencies and to family groups regarding the dangers of alcoholism, drug abuse and smoking, the signs of substance abuse and addiction, the legal consequences of substance abuse and how to get help.
Drug/Alcohol Rehabilitation
Programs that provide supervised, structured, full-day daytime activities which may include individual and group counseling, 12-step meetings, social and recreational activities, educational and vocational services, a program for family members, relapse prevention services and a continuing care program for individuals who have problems related to substance abuse, who need treatment that is more intensive than an outpatient program but do not require 24-hour hospital care and are currently drug and/or alcohol free. Most participants attend day treatment programs eight hours per day Monday through Friday with part-day sessions on the weekends though some programs are available as little as five hours per day or as long as 12 hours per day.
Dual Diagnosis
A condition in which individuals have a diagnosed mental illness which interferes with their functioning in a substantial way in combination with a chemical dependency problem which aggravates their ability to become stabilized or recover.
DWAI (Driving W/Ability Imp.)
Organizations that sponsor a variety of educational programs that attempt to discourage adolescents and adults from driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs that have an impact on their reflexes or judgment. The objective of the program is to reduce the incidence of accidents caused by drinking/drug-impaired drivers.
DWI Driving While Intoxicated
Organizations that sponsor a variety of educational programs that attempt to discourage adolescents and adults from driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs that have an impact on their reflexes or judgment. The objective of the program is to reduce the incidence of accidents caused by drinking/drug-impaired drivers.
Elder HelpLine
Programs that provide emotional support, information and guidance in a variety of settings for older adults who are having mental, emotional or social adjustment problems that have arisen as a result of the process of aging. Geriatric counseling services are provided primarily by social services professionals including licensed social workers rather that psychiatrists or other medical personnel.
Emergency Mental Health Service
Mobile psychiatric emergency teams composed of designated mental health workers (psychiatrists, RN s, MSW s, psychologists, psychiatric technicians) in any combination which intervene in situations where an individual s mental or emotional condition results in behavior which constitutes an imminent danger to him or herself or to another and is unwilling to seek voluntary treatment. These teams are generally operated by county mental health agencies and have the authority to issue an order which authorizes involuntary inpatient hospitalization for up to 72 hours.
Equestrian
Programs that provide opportunities for individuals with any of a wide range of disabilities and others (e.g., victims of assault or abuse, people who have recently suffered a tragic loss, incarcerated offenders, at risk youth) to relate to, handle, groom and ride horses as a part of an experiential habilitation or therapy program in which the horse serves as a co-facilitator or co-therapist. Equestrian therapy provides an experience with horses that fosters growth, communication skills, self-esteem, self-awareness, healing and personal transformation. Clients learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then discussing feelings, behaviors and patterns. Therapy goals for different populations may differ, e.g., treatment for children with autism may focus on behavior modification and improvement.
Families in Crisis
Outpatient facilities that offer a variety of counseling services for individuals, couples, families and extended family groups who may be experiencing difficulty resolving personal or interpersonal conflicts or making personal adjustments to stressful life situations such as separation, divorce, widowhood, loss of a child, poor health, unemployment, family violence, delinquency or substance abuse.
Family and Children's Service
Outpatient facilities that offer a variety of counseling services for individuals, couples, families and extended family groups who may be experiencing difficulty resolving personal or interpersonal conflicts or making personal adjustments to stressful life situations such as separation, divorce, widowhood, loss of a child, poor health, unemployment, family violence, delinquency or substance abuse.
Family Counseling
Programs that offer therapeutic sessions that focus on the system of relationships and communication patterns among family members and which attempt to modify those relationships and patterns to achieve greater harmony. The therapist focuses on the family as a unit rather than concentrating on one of the members who is singled out as the one in need of treatment.
Family Problems
Programs that offer therapeutic sessions that focus on the system of relationships and communication patterns among family members and which attempt to modify those relationships and patterns to achieve greater harmony. The therapist focuses on the family as a unit rather than concentrating on one of the members who is singled out as the one in need of treatment.
Gay/Lesbian Youth
Programs that provide emotional support, information and guidance for people who want to explore their sexual orientation in order to enable them to identify and feel comfortable with their orientation and the impact on their lives. Counseling and support may be offered in a variety of settings which may include individual and group counseling sessions and, if appropriate, conjoint and family counseling sessions with significant others.
Geriatric Counseling
Programs that provide emotional support, information and guidance in a variety of settings for older adults who are having mental, emotional or social adjustment problems that have arisen as a result of the process of aging. Geriatric counseling services are provided primarily by social services professionals including licensed social workers rather that psychiatrists or other medical personnel.
Glove house
Programs that provide a therapeutic living environment in a community-based facility for emotionally disturbed, severely learning disabled, delinquent, pre-delinquent and/or abused children and youth who, because of the severity of their problems, are unable to adjust to other placements but do not require inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. Services include crisis stabilization, initial and continuing bio-psychosocial assessment, care management, medication management, therapy and mobilization of family support and community resources in the context of a comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment plan. Residents often attend on-grounds schools or public special education classes and receive services that are geared to their individual needs and the goal of returning to their own or their foster families.
Grief/Death
Programs that provide emotional support, problem-solving assistance, information and guidance for people who have recently lost a loved one. Included are counseling programs for widows and widowers, children who have lost a parent, parents who have lost a child and people who are in other similar situations.
Group Therapy
Programs that offer therapist-facilitated collective treatment sessions in which unrelated groups of individuals, couples or families discuss their attitudes, feelings and problems and, with input from other members of the group, attempt to achieve greater self and interpersonal understanding and adjustment and explore solutions to their problems.
Halfway House
Community-based, peer-group-oriented, residential facilities that provide food, shelter and recovery services in a supportive, non-drinking, drug free environment for people who have completed a hospital or residential primary drug abuse rehabilitation program and need continued support in a residential setting to sustain their recovery. Services may include case management, relapse prevention counseling, 12-step meetings, educational and vocational planning, recreational activities and assistance in obtaining health, social, vocational and other services available in the community. Residents are expected to abide by house rules which vary from facility to facility. The objective is to help people who are recovering from drug abuse bridge the gap between intensive treatment and independent drug-free living.
Helpline
Programs that offer a telephone service that enables people who are troubled to talk confidentially about their personal problems with an empathetic listener. These programs are often staffed by volunteers who can offer referrals for ongoing treatment, if needed.
Homeless Youth
Programs that provide emotional support, information and guidance for children and adolescents who have run away from home and for the entire family, if appropriate, with the objective of identifying and resolving the problems that prompted the youth to leave home and/or assisting the youth to formulate and implement a workable plan for his or her immediate future.
Horseback Riding
Programs that provide opportunities for individuals with any of a wide range of disabilities and others (e.g., victims of assault or abuse, people who have recently suffered a tragic loss, incarcerated offenders, at risk youth) to relate to, handle, groom and ride horses as a part of an experiential habilitation or therapy program in which the horse serves as a co-facilitator or co-therapist. Equestrian therapy provides an experience with horses that fosters growth, communication skills, self-esteem, self-awareness, healing and personal transformation. Clients learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then discussing feelings, behaviors and patterns. Therapy goals for different populations may differ, e.g., treatment for children with autism may focus on behavior modification and improvement.
Hotline, Runaway
Programs that provide telephone crisis intervention services for children and youth who have run away from or have been pushed out of their homes or who are acting out and at risk of abuse. Services may include steps to ensure the youth s safety; information regarding the youth s rights and alternatives; and referrals for shelter, medical care, ongoing counseling or group support and other related services. Also included are programs that maintain a message relay system which allows runaways to contact their parents or other concerned individuals and receive messages from them.
Hotlines
Programs that establish immediate telephone communication between people who are emotionally distressed due to any of a wide variety of issues and individuals who have been trained to provide telephone assistance with the objective of defusing the immediate crisis, ensuring the person s safety, and assisting the person to take the next immediate steps toward resolving the problem. General crisis intervention hotlines are available to anyone who is experiencing a crisis rather than focusing people with particular types of problems such as domestic violence or child abuse.
Hyperactivity (ADD)
A neurobiological disorder that arises in early childhood, typically before age seven, and is characterized by developmentally inappropriate behavior including poor attention skills, poor impulse control and hyperactivity. Children with AD/HD have difficulty focusing (picking something on which to pay attention), sustaining focus (paying attention for as long as is needed), and shifting focus (moving attention from one thing to another); tend to fidget, talk incessantly or be constantly ""on the move""; and speak and act on impulse rather than waiting their turn. Symptoms typically worsen in situations like the classroom that require sustained focus and self-application, and may be absent when the child is in a new or one-to-one situation. In the adult form of AD/HD, the symptoms associated with hyperactivity may diminish while those related to inattention and impulsiveness persist. Adult symptoms may include lack of attention to detail, inability to maintain focus, poor listening skills, disorganization, forgetfulness, misplacing or losing things, being overwhelmed by tasks of daily living, difficulty sustaining friendships or intimate relationships, impulsive spending habits, restlessness, irritability, low tolerance for frustration, emotional outbursts and poor self esteem.
Impotency
A persistent or recurrent inability to attain, or maintain until completion of the sexual activity, an adequate erection for sexual intercourse.
In-School Presentations
Programs that attempt to reduce the incidence of suicide through a variety of educational interventions which have the objective of exploring alternatives to self-harm or self-destruction. Suicide prevention programs help people understand the nature of the problem; the risk factors and warning signs; and sources for treatment and support. Included are prevention programs that address specific target populations as well as those that are intended to reach the community at large. Delivery formats may include printed materials, videos or Web sites that address the subject and presentations in schools and agencies and to family groups.
Individual Counseling
Programs that offer personal therapeutic sessions in which the therapist works on a one-to-one basis with clients to help them resolve their mental, emotional or social problems.
Inpatient Alcohol Treatment Pr
Programs operated under the supervision of trained physicians, nurses or counselors in an inpatient hospital setting or other inpatient facility that provide assistance and support including medical treatment and possibly prescription drugs to help individuals who are physically dependent on alcohol during the withdrawal period.
Inpatient Psychiatric Services
Programs offered in special units of general acute care hospitals that provide diagnostic and treatment services for children, adolescents, adults and/or older adults who have acute or chronic mental or emotional disturbances, require hospitalization for maximum benefit, and who might be a threat to themselves, to their families or to others if left in the community or placed in a less restrictive treatment setting. Services may include a comprehensive evaluation; 24-hour care in a supportive, therapeutic environment; counseling for the patient and family; adjunctive therapies as needed; medication, if required; and an aftercare program following discharge.
Juvenile Counseling/Informatio
Programs that provide individual, conjoint, family and group counseling for people younger than age 18 who are at risk for or have committed delinquent acts and who are directed to participate in counseling for a period of time as an alternative to arrest, a hearing in a juvenile delinquency or youth court, or, in some cases, another court-ordered disposition. These programs are often provided by agencies which also offer other types of counseling for young people and their families, which coordinate with the referring agency concerning the client s responsible use of services and which involve the client s family in the counseling process as needed.
Legal Intervention
Programs that provide immediate assistance for people who are in acute emotional distress; who are or perceive themselves to be in life-threatening situations; who are a danger to themselves or to others; or who are hysterical, frightened or otherwise unable to cope with a problem that requires immediate action. The objective of crisis intervention is to defuse the critical nature of the situation, ensure the person s safety, and return the individual to a state of equilibrium in which he or she is capable of identifying and seeking solutions to the problem.
MADD
Organizations that sponsor a variety of educational programs that attempt to discourage adolescents and adults from driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs that have an impact on their reflexes or judgment. The objective of the program is to reduce the incidence of accidents caused by drinking/drug-impaired drivers.
Marriage Counseling
Programs that provide emotional support, problem solving assistance, and guidance for one or both married or cohabiting partners who are having problems with their relationship and need assistance to identify the root of their difficulty and explore alternative resolutions with the objective of enhancing the relationship for both partners. Counseling may be available in a variety of settings and may include individual or group counseling for one or both of the partners, conjoint counseling and encounter-type experiences for groups of couples who are experiencing marital problems and/or who want to enhance their marriages.
Medication Evaluation
Programs that provide ongoing medication management services for children and/or adults who have been evaluated to determine the need for psychiatric medication to manage their symptoms and received a prescription for an appropriate drug. Medication monitoring services include periodic follow-up to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication in modifying the individual s behavior, provide for early recognition and minimization of undesirable side effects, make necessary dosage adjustments, provide educational interventions, as needed, and ensure that medication is, in fact, being taken as prescribed. Some programs may conduct special outreach to help homeless mentally ill individuals or other groups initiate and follow through with treatment.
Mental Health
City or county-operated, neighborhood-based outpatient facilities that offer individual, group, conjoint and family counseling, therapy groups, medication and other mental health services for community residents, especially those who are indigent, who have acute or chronic psychiatric disorders or who may be experiencing difficulty resolving personal or interpersonal conflicts or making personal adjustments to stressful life situations such as separation, divorce, widowhood, loss of a child, poor health, unemployment, family violence, delinquency or substance abuse.
Mental Illness
Programs that specialize in the treatment of individuals who have identified mental or emotional disorders with the objective of helping them to eliminate or reduce the severity of their symptoms, to mediate disturbed patterns of behavior, to promote positive personality growth and development and to maximize the individual s ability to function as independently as possible. Treatment may utilize therapeutic techniques derived from one or more theoretical counseling approaches.
Methadone
Programs that utilize controlled dosages of methadone, an addictive synthetic opiate which prevents the symptoms associated with heroin withdrawal, in order to support the efforts of abusers to abstain from use of heroin. The dosage of methadone is gradually reduced so that the individual s dependency is reduced and, if possible, eventually eliminated.
OASAS
Programs that provide individual, group or family therapy for individuals who abuse substances of any kind and/or for their families to help them better understand the nature of their physical and/or psychological dependency or impairment and to support their efforts to recover.
Outpatient Counseling
City or county-operated, neighborhood-based outpatient facilities that offer individual, group, conjoint and family counseling, therapy groups, medication and other mental health services for community residents, especially those who are indigent, who have acute or chronic psychiatric disorders or who may be experiencing difficulty resolving personal or interpersonal conflicts or making personal adjustments to stressful life situations such as separation, divorce, widowhood, loss of a child, poor health, unemployment, family violence, delinquency or substance abuse.
Outpatient Rehabilitation
Programs that integrate treatment strategies associated with psychiatry, occupational therapy and psychiatric case management to help severely mentally ill individuals stabilize their clinical status, increase their ability to function within their environment with as little ongoing professional intervention as possible, and improve their overall quality of life. Services are provided within an intensive case management system and may include medication and supportive psychotherapy to alleviate symptoms; training in interpersonal and independent living skills with a focus on personal care and management, leisure skills, social interaction skills and vocational preferences and aptitudes; cognitive retraining; family psychoeducation; peer support; and assistance in gaining access to the resources and benefits to which they are entitled. The individual is actively involved in developing the treatment plan and selecting the types of training that will be relevant to his or her ongoing roles and relationships.
Outpatient Substance Abuse
Programs that provide individual, group or family therapy for individuals who abuse substances of any kind and/or for their families to help them better understand the nature of their physical and/or psychological dependency or impairment and to support their efforts to recover.
Parent Counseling
Programs that provide a wide variety of therapeutic interventions for parents who are experiencing emotional difficulties or conflicts concerning their role as parents. Included are individual or group counseling for one or both parents or conjoint parent counseling which focuses on and explores the mental, emotional or social problems of the individual(s) which contribute to their parenting problems.
Pastoral Counseling
Programs that specialize in providing therapeutic interventions which focus on helping people relate to and resolve their problems and concerns in the context of their religious/spiritual beliefs.
Peer Mediation
Programs that offer individual therapeutic sessions which are facilitated or guided by an individual who is the same age as the client (an age-peer) or who has experienced and resolved the same type of problem as the client.
PEERS
Programs that offer individual therapeutic sessions which are facilitated or guided by an individual who is the same age as the client (an age-peer) or who has experienced and resolved the same type of problem as the client.
PEP (Peer Education Program)
Programs that offer individual therapeutic sessions which are facilitated or guided by an individual who is the same age as the client (an age-peer) or who has experienced and resolved the same type of problem as the client.
Pet Visitation
Programs that help emotionally disturbed or isolated individuals improve their personal and social functioning by giving them an opportunity to care for and relate to a domestic animal that is kept as a pet. Also included are programs that bring dogs or other small pets to visit people residing in a nursing facility or another institutional setting who are ill or elderly or have disabilities; and those that employ R.E.A.D. dogs who volunteer with their owner/handler as a team, going to schools, libraries and many other settings as reading companions for children.
Postabortion Counseling
Programs that provide individual, conjoint or group counseling for women who have terminated their pregnancies and, if appropriate, for their significant others, which focuses on their feelings about the abortion and its effect on their lives.
Premarital Counseling
Programs that provide information and guidance for couples who are about to marry to ensure that they understand the responsibilities they will assume and the impact that the marriage contract will have on their personal lives. Included are programs that offer counseling for couples younger than age 18 which may be required by the state as a condition for issuing a marriage license.
Psychiatric Day Treatment
Programs that provide a therapeutic environment for individuals who have acute or chronic mental or emotional disturbances, who do not require full-time hospital care but who can benefit from a structured environment for some portion of the day or week. Services may include individual, group and/or family therapy; social and recreational activities; and a range of adjunctive therapies. Psychiatric day treatment programs may be offered by freestanding day treatment facilities, by psychiatric hospitals or by psychiatric units in general acute care hospitals.
Psychiatric Hospitals
Institutions whose primary function is to provide diagnostic and long or short-term treatment services for children, adolescents, adults and/or older adults who have acute psychiatric disorders, require hospitalization for maximum benefit, and who may be a threat to themselves, to their families or to others if left in the community or placed in a less restrictive treatment setting. Services may include a comprehensive evaluation; 24-hour care in a supportive, therapeutic environment; counseling for the patient and family; adjunctive therapies, as needed; medication, if required; and an aftercare program following discharge. Psychiatric hospitals may also offer a range of outpatient mental health services.
Psychological Evaluation
Programs that utilize a variety of means to evaluate the mental or emotional status or functioning of people who may be experiencing acute or chronic disturbances. Diagnostic techniques may include observation of the person s behavior, interviews with the individual and significant others, psychological testing as indicated, medical examination, assessment for psychotropic or other medication, and the formulation of an appropriate, ongoing treatment plan which may include voluntary or involuntary hospitalization.
Psychotherapy
Programs that specialize in providing therapeutic interventions that are based on the theory developed by Freud that the roots of human behavior lie in unconscious motivation and conflict. It takes as its point of departure the concept of the libido (sexual energy), and suggests that the individual s overall development and ability to adjust to life s problems depend on how sexual energy develops in the child, whether it is normal or repressed and distorted into unhealthy channels. Psychoanalysis as a therapy attempts to overcome repressions, often by exploring their origins in childhood in order to release energy for healthy, normal living. Psychoanalysts accomplish this largely by means of free association, dream analysis and working through transference issues over time to overcome resistance and get at the sources of the unconscious impulses. Psychoanalytic psychotherapists accomplish the same objective through utilization of more directive interpretation and a face-to-face therapeutic setting, and focus on the relationship of present behavior to childhood patterns rather than utilize free association.
Rape
Programs that provide crisis, short-term and/or ongoing in-person counseling for adults who are coping with the emotional trauma that is the result of sexual assault by an individual other than a spouse, for adults, who as children, were sexually assaulted by an individual other than a parent or other extended family member who was trusted, and/or for their significant others. Counseling and support may be offered in a variety of settings and may include individual, conjoint, family and group therapy sessions for the survivor and/or significant others.
Rehabilitation, Mental Health
Programs that integrate treatment strategies associated with psychiatry, occupational therapy and psychiatric case management to help severely mentally ill individuals stabilize their clinical status, increase their ability to function within their environment with as little ongoing professional intervention as possible, and improve their overall quality of life. Services are provided within an intensive case management system and may include medication and supportive psychotherapy to alleviate symptoms; training in interpersonal and independent living skills with a focus on personal care and management, leisure skills, social interaction skills and vocational preferences and aptitudes; cognitive retraining; family psychoeducation; peer support; and assistance in gaining access to the resources and benefits to which they are entitled. The individual is actively involved in developing the treatment plan and selecting the types of training that will be relevant to his or her ongoing roles and relationships.
Relationships
Programs that offer therapeutic sessions to help two individuals who are having a problem with their interpersonal relationship identify and resolve their differences and improve their communication. The therapist focuses primarily on their interaction with one another rather than on each person as an individual. Included are couple counseling, sibling counseling, parent/child counseling and other similar groupings.
Religious Counseling
Programs that specialize in providing therapeutic interventions which focus on helping people relate to and resolve their problems and concerns in the context of their religious/spiritual beliefs.
Residential Treatment Faciliti
Programs that provide a therapeutic living environment in community-based facilities for individuals who have emotional and/or behavioral problems and require a structured, supervised treatment program which may include individual, group, family and other treatment modalities as appropriate, but who do not require inpatient psychiatric hospitalization.
Runaway Counseling
Programs that provide emotional support, information and guidance for children and adolescents who have run away from home and for the entire family, if appropriate, with the objective of identifying and resolving the problems that prompted the youth to leave home and/or assisting the youth to formulate and implement a workable plan for his or her immediate future.
Runaway Hotline
Programs that provide telephone crisis intervention services for children and youth who have run away from or have been pushed out of their homes or who are acting out and at risk of abuse. Services may include steps to ensure the youth s safety; information regarding the youth s rights and alternatives; and referrals for shelter, medical care, ongoing counseling or group support and other related services. Also included are programs that maintain a message relay system which allows runaways to contact their parents or other concerned individuals and receive messages from them.
SA (Substance Abuse)
Programs that provide individual, group or family therapy for individuals who abuse substances of any kind and/or for their families to help them better understand the nature of their physical and/or psychological dependency or impairment and to support their efforts to recover.
Sex Offenders
Programs that provide voluntary or court-ordered individual or group counseling for people who have committed or are at risk of committing sexual offenses which may include rape or other sexual assault, nonfamilial child sexual assault, indecent exposure, or voyeurism, with the objective of eliminating violent and/or abusive behavior.
Sexual Abuse
Programs that provide a wide variety of therapeutic interventions that focus specifically on children who are coping with the trauma of interfamily sexual abuse (contact of a sexual nature between a parent, stepparent, older sibling or other relative and a child) or sexual abuse that has been committed by people trusted by the child such as teachers, clergy, physicians or friends of the family. Behaviors that are sexually abusive often involve bodily contact, such as in the case of sexual kissing, touching, fondling of genitals, and oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse. However, behaviors may be sexually abusive even if they don t involve contact, such as in the case of genital exposure (""flashing""), verbal pressure for sex, and sexual exploitation for purposes of prostitution or pornography.
Sexual Preference Cnslg
Programs that provide emotional support, information and guidance for people who want to explore their sexual orientation in order to enable them to identify and feel comfortable with their orientation and the impact on their lives. Counseling and support may be offered in a variety of settings which may include individual and group counseling sessions and, if appropriate, conjoint and family counseling sessions with significant others.
Sexuality Counseling
Programs that provide a wide variety of therapeutic interventions for individuals or couples who are unable to become involved in sexual relationships or whose sexual relationships are unsatisfying. Included are individual or group sessions for one or both partners, conjoint counseling and/or specialized sexual therapy programs which sensitize participants to sexual responsiveness through practicing sexual activity with their own or a surrogate partner.
Smoking Cessation
Programs that provide support which helps people who have quit smoking sustain their commitment during the period of time following treatment when the urge to smoke is still strong.
Starlight
Programs that offer individual therapeutic sessions which are facilitated or guided by an individual who is the same age as the client (an age-peer) or who has experienced and resolved the same type of problem as the client.
Stop Smoking
Programs that utilize one or a variety of techniques including aversion therapy, hypnosis, acupuncture, acupressure, and individual and/or group therapy or mutual support groups to help people who wish to control their dependence on nicotine and give up cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff or other substances containing nicotine. Included are smoking ""quitlines"" which provide information and counseling about tobacco use for people who prefer a telephone-based service.
Substance Abuse (SA)
Individuals who have a physical and/or psychological dependency on any of a variety of addictive substances including alcohol, tobacco or other drugs; or whose use of these substances has impaired their physical or mental health or their personal, social or occupational functioning.
Substance Abuse, Teens
Children and adolescents who have a drug dependency or abuse problem.
Suicide Prevention
Programs that attempt to reduce the incidence of suicide through a variety of educational interventions which have the objective of exploring alternatives to self-harm or self-destruction. Suicide prevention programs help people understand the nature of the problem; the risk factors and warning signs; and sources for treatment and support. Included are prevention programs that address specific target populations as well as those that are intended to reach the community at large. Delivery formats may include printed materials, videos or Web sites that address the subject and presentations in schools and agencies and to family groups.
Support Services, Mental H'lth
Programs that develop case plans for the evaluation, treatment and/or care of individuals who have mental, emotional or social problems and need assistance in arranging for services; which assess the individual s needs; coordinate the delivery of needed services; ensure that services are obtained in accordance with the case plan; and follow up and monitor progress to ensure that services are having a beneficial impact on the problem.
Teddy Bearracks
Programs that provide special stuffed animals, blankets, books, toys, get well cards, small gifts or other items for adults and/or children who are experiencing a traumatic situation to help them regain a sense of comfort and security.
Teen Substance Abuse
Children and adolescents who have a drug dependency or abuse problem.
Teens, Problems With
Programs that specialize in the treatment of adolescents, usually age 12 or 13 through 17, who have adjustment problems, behavior problems, emotional disturbance, a personality disorder or incipient mental illness. The programs may help youth troubled by low self-esteem, social isolation, peer pressure, bullying, school performance issues, truancy, anger management issues, family problems, grief and loss, sexual promiscuity, sexually transmitted disease, alcohol or drug addiction, eating disorders, oppositional and defiant behaviors, depression and anxiety, suicidal thoughts or other difficult issues.
Telephone Reassurance
Programs that offer individual therapeutic sessions which are facilitated or guided by an individual who is the same age as the client (an age-peer) or who has experienced and resolved the same type of problem as the client.
Therapy, Mental Health
Programs that offer early intervention, preventive, diagnostic or treatment services, medication, case management, transitional care or other services that supplement and facilitate primary and adjunctive therapies; which offer community mental health education programs; or which link people who are in need of treatment with appropriate private providers.
Tobacco Control
Programs that provide information about smoking and nicotine addiction, the dangers associated with smoking or utilizing other substances containing nicotine, the risks associated with exposure to second hand smoke and different approaches to smoking cessation with the objective of preventing people from starting to smoke or of helping them find a way to give up the habit if they already use tobacco products. Included may be printed materials or videos that address the subject and presentations in schools and agencies and to family groups.
Youth Counseling
Programs that specialize in the treatment of adolescents, usually age 12 or 13 through 17, who have adjustment problems, behavior problems, emotional disturbance, a personality disorder or incipient mental illness. The programs may help youth troubled by low self-esteem, social isolation, peer pressure, bullying, school performance issues, truancy, anger management issues, family problems, grief and loss, sexual promiscuity, sexually transmitted disease, alcohol or drug addiction, eating disorders, oppositional and defiant behaviors, depression and anxiety, suicidal thoughts or other difficult issues.
Youth Facilities
Institutions whose primary function is to provide diagnostic and long or short-term treatment services for children and adolescents from infancy through age 17 who have acute psychiatric disorders, require hospitalization for maximum benefit, and who may be a threat to themselves, to their families or to others if left in the community or placed in a less restrictive treatment setting. Services may include a comprehensive evaluation; 24-hour care in a supportive, therapeutic environment; counseling for the patient and family; adjunctive therapies, as needed; medication, if required; and an aftercare program following discharge.
Youth, Gay/Lesbian
Programs that provide emotional support, information and guidance for people who want to explore their sexual orientation in order to enable them to identify and feel comfortable with their orientation and the impact on their lives. Counseling and support may be offered in a variety of settings which may include individual and group counseling sessions and, if appropriate, conjoint and family counseling sessions with significant others.
Youth, Homeless
Programs that provide emotional support, information and guidance for children and adolescents who have run away from home and for the entire family, if appropriate, with the objective of identifying and resolving the problems that prompted the youth to leave home and/or assisting the youth to formulate and implement a workable plan for his or her immediate future.