PMHCA - PA Mental Health Consumers Association

Community Support Program (CSP)

The Community Support Program (CSP) in Pennsylvania has a deep, rich history beginning in mid 1980s. It was at this time that critical elements of care and support were identified - elements necessary to support the recovery of individuals with mental illness. Also identified was the optimal method for coming together to discuss and move these elements forward bringing together consumers, family members, and professionals at a level table where all voices would be respected as equal, opinions could be shared, and consensus could be built.

CSP is built on solid ingredients, principles for a responsive, recovery-focused system of care. This system of care must be:

Consumer-Centered/Consumer-Empowered
Culturally Competent
Meet Special Needs
Community-Based/Natural Supports
Flexible
Coordinated
Accountable
Strengths Based

CSP committees were formed to help make these principles a reality in PA. The regional CSP committees are comprised of individuals who are involved with their local CSP committees. The regional committee has three co-chairs representing consumers, family members, and professionals. Similarily, the local CSP committees reflect the same co-chair composition. Both the regional and local CSP committees provide a community-based avenue for CSP principles, education, information-sharing, and for the collective input on major successes and concerns regarding community mental health services. Concerns and recommendations are then shared with the OMHSAS Adult Advisory Committee.

Click below for more information about the CSP in your area of interest:

The "What" and "When" of Service Area Planning Meetings:

What is the Service Area Plan?

This is a Plan developed by a group of counties and their state hospital that lays out how to decrease the use of state hospital and increase the use community mental health services for consumers.

The service area is the counties served by each state hospital.
The purpose of the Service Area Planning meetings is to continue regional community service planning that covers the following shared goals:

• Within five years, no person will remain in a state hospital for more than two years.
• Within five years, no person will be involuntarily committed to a community hospital more than twice in one year.
• Within five years, the number of consumers who end up in jail will be reduced.

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