Community Support Services: In the Community

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    According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness in a given year, and nearly 1 in 25 adults in the experience a serious mental illness that interferes with major life events or activities every year.

    There are dozens of services offered to the community by organizations across Northeast Ohio, but few focus solely on mental illness.

    We talked to Michael Gaffney, Director of Marketing and Development for Community Support Services (CSS) to find out what CSS does and how they’ve been helping those in Northeast Ohio for over 30 years.

    Q: When did CSS open its doors?

    A: Community Support Services began serving Summit County in August 1988, providing hope and healthcare for individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness.

    CSS strives to offer innovative and life-changing treatments, including case management, supported employment, supported housing, assertive community treatment (ACT), physical and mental health care, counseling, and other wellness-promoting services. 

    Q: What does the process look like when a person comes to CSS for help? (Meeting, consultation, etc.)

    A: In Summit County, the starting point for mental health services for adults is the Summit county Adult Mental Health Admissions unit. This is located at Portage Path Behavioral Health. If you need services at Community Services, you will be referred after you complete the intake.

    To request an intake appointment, call Summit County Mental Health Admissions directly at 330-253-3100.

    Q: How many counselors do you have on staff? (Approximate)

    A: We have about 5 psychiatrists on staff, but with the variety of services we offer such as counseling, case management, supportive housing, supportive employment, a variety of therapies including art therapy, and so much more, we have nearly 300 employees.

    Q: What sets CSS apart from other counseling services?

    A: For those individuals in Summit County living with severe and persistent mental illness, the one-stop approach offered at CSS can help lead them from hopelessness to recovery. Case management services are a collaborative process of assessment, planning, facilitation, and advocacy for options and services to meet an individual’s health needs through communication and available resources to promote quality, cost-effective outcomes. 

    Some of those services might include:

    1. Mental Health Court
    2. Homeless Outreach
    3. Older Adult Services
    4. Crisis Intervention
    5. Representative Payee Services
    6. Psychiatry
    7. Cognitive Enhancement Therapy
    8. Art Therapy
    9. Supportive Employment Services
    10. Residential Treatment
    11. Safe Haven Facilities
    12. Primary Care Clinic
    13. On-site Pharmacy
    14. Dental, Podiatry, and Optometry Services

    Q: How can people get involved with CSS? (Donations, volunteering, etc.)

    A: People can visit our website at www.cssbh.org to learn more about our organization and make a donation to help us provide services to our clients.  

    Q: Where do you see CSS going in the future?

    A: One in five Americans has a diagnosable mental illness, so the need for our services isn’t going away. We are committed to helping our clients live their best lives possible.

    Learn More

    Community Support Services is located at 150 Cross St. Akron, Ohio 44311.

    To learn more about CSS, visit their website or call 330-253-9388

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    The Liner Legal Akron office is located just 10 minutes from Community Support Services at 762 Eastland Ave #110, Akron, OH 44305.

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