Program Descriptions

From toddlers exhibiting worrisome behavior to young adults learning to live with severe and persistent mental illness and older people experiencing depression, North Range Behavioral Health offers services that can help. Just as mental health issues cover a wide range of problems with varying levels of intensity, so do North Range programs. Our services focus on assisting people to create and maintain an active life in the community, even as they cope with a variety of mental health issues.

Our highly qualified professional staff of psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors clinical social workers and case managers forms the backbone of an extensive network of specialized outpatient and inpatient treatment programs. These caring specialists are backed up by a skilled, experienced work force of professional administrators, program managers, accountants, bookkeepers and receptionists.

Read on to learn more about these professionals and the various programs they offer.

Assessment and Brief Therapy Program
Program Director: Maureen Huff, PhD. Licensed Psychologist

The Assessment and Brief Therapy (ABT) Program is the main entryway for NRBH services. The specially trained staff members provide three main categories of services to consumers of all ages:

• Assessments and Intakes
• Brief Outpatient Psychotherapy
• Emergency Services

Evidence-based techniques are used to help people regain emotional stability in their lives by supporting independence and self-confidence in facing the challenges of life. The staff of the ABT program specializes in the Brief Therapy model of treatment - a research-proven method that uses goal setting and is solution focused for fast and lasting positive results. When indicated, staff members facilitate obtaining psychiatric services such as medication evaluations and medication monitoring.

Site location: 1300 North 17th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631    (970) 347-2120

Outpatient Child and Family Services
Program Director: Paulette Tarnasky, LCSW

Children, adolescents and their families sometimes need specialized services. The Outpatient Child, Youth and Family Program provides state-of-the-art individual, group, and family services for those who require intensive and/or longer-term treatment.

The individuals and families served by this program often are involved with several agencies - schools, the department of social services, probation, the detention center, local hospitals and the courts, for example. This program is committed to providing effective treatment through strong collaborative working relationships with these other agencies and institutions. In addition to services at North Range facilities, screening, evaluation and therapy services may be furnished at other community agency locations.

The program provides a wide range of psychotherapy services for individuals aged 18 months to 18 years and their families. Interventions include play therapy, behavior management training, psycho-education, crisis intervention, and case management. When intensive in-home family intervention is needed, family and individual services are provided in the home, rather than at an agency office.

Together, families, individuals and participating agencies develop an on-going service plan that addresses the needs and goals of all concerned. Crisis intervention and case management services are part of the plan. Designed to help families make effective use of community resources, the plan supports the family's ability to follow-up with greater consistency in meeting goals.

When indicated, staff members facilitate obtaining psychiatric services such as medication evaluations and medication monitoring. Psychological assessments and other specialty services are also available as needed.

Site Location: 1300 North 17th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631    (970) 970-347-2124 or 970-347-2120. Services also offered from the Ft. Lupton office at 120 1st Street (303) 857-2723

Intensive Child and Family Services
Program Director: Kristen Jernigan, LPC

The Intensive Child and Family Team is composed of two evidence based therapy modalities: Multisystemic Therapy (MST) and Functional Family Therapy (FFT). MST is an intensive family- and community-based treatment modality that addresses the multiple determinants of serious antisocial behavior in juvenile offenders. MST addresses the multiple factors known to be related to delinquency and therefore strives to enhance both the safety of the individual and family directly receiving MST services as well as the safety of the greater community in which the youth resides. MST delivers intensive home-based services via therapists fully trained in MST and supported through weekly supervision and telephone consultation with an MST System Supervisor. Therapists carry a small and demanding caseload, and length of treatment averages 2 to 5 months. The program targets 11-18 year old chronic offenders who are often deeply involved with delinquent peers, experiencing problems at school and abusing substances. MST strives to "empower parents with the skills and resources needed to independently address the difficulties that arise in raising teenagers and to empower youth to cope with family, peer, school, and neighborhood problems." Within a context of support and skill building, the therapist places developmentally appropriate demands on the adolescent and family for responsible behavior.

FFT is an intensive family-based treatment that addresses the pervasive patterns of relational dysfunction known to be determinants of conduct disorder, violent acting out and substance abuse among youth 11-18 years old. FTT addresses the multiple factors known to be related to delinquency and therefore strives to enhance both the safety of the individual and family directly receiving FFT services as well as the safety of the greater community in which the youth resides. FFT delivers intensive home-based and out patient services via therapists fully trained in FFT and supported through weekly supervision and telephone consultation with an FFT National Consultant. Therapists carry caseloads of 12-15 families, and length of treatment averages 2 to 6 months. FFT targets 11-18 year old chronic offenders whose family relationships are characterized by pervasive patterns of resentment, disrespect, anger, and hopelessness. In addition, youth being treated through FFT are often involved with delinquent peers, abusing substances and experiencing difficulty in their school environment. FFT strives to empower parents with the skills and resources needed to increase management of family conflict, address the difficulties that arise in raising teenagers, and work together to decrease referral behaviors. These results are achieved when family relational patterns are changed and warmth and effective communication between family members are increased.

Site Location: 1300 North 17th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631 (970) 347-2498 or 970-347-2333. Services offered throughout Weld County.

Child Day Treatment Program
Program Director: Joanna Martinson

Housed within the NRBH Kathleen Painter Littler Center, the NRBH child day treatment provides counseling, guidance, nurturing, and special education outside the traditional school setting. The program is provided at the Littler Center throughout the year for children aged 5 to 12 years. Typically, children attending this less restricted program are able to live at home or with qualified foster care families. Day treatment provides structured, individualized treatment in classrooms taught by teachers from Weld County School District 6. Transportation is provided by the school district.

Site Location: 2350 3rd Street Road, Greeley, CO 80631    (970) 347-2127

Adult Recovery Program (ARP)
Program Director - Doug McDowell, MA, NCC

To show that people need not be defined by their mental illness, the NRBH Adult Recovery Program provides the latest recovery-model services to individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses.

The program is staffed by an inter-disciplinary team of dedicated mental health professionals with many years of experience in the field that complements their intensive training in recovery principles and techniques. Focused on each person's unique strengths and interests, services help people maintain control over their lives and live independently in the community. A variety of treatment modalities help to accomplish these goals - individual and group therapy, case management services, support groups, medication evaluations and community based services, for example. Team members bring their training, experience, and commitment to support individuals to recover and lead productive, meaningful lives.

One unique component of the Adult Recovery Program looks to the particular needs of older adults. In addition to therapists experienced in the special issues of mental illness in the elderly, peers who are trained paraprofessionals are paired with those in need of emotional support through our Peer Counseling Program.

Site location: 1306 11th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631    (970) 347-2125

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT):
Program Director: Miles Matise, Ph.D., M.Div., LPC

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is an exciting innovation in the on-going treatment of people who have severe and persistent mental illnesses and are at high risk of hospitalization. One of the many Evidence Based Best Practices provided by NRBH, the ACT program employs therapists who have extensive experience and training in working with this group of people.

Services include therapy, case management, medication monitoring and vocational counseling. The mix of services varies from consumer to consumer, and may include daily or weekly contact as indicated by individual needs. Outreach is an integral part of services designed to be community based.

One special component of the ACT program is NRBH's Project for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) program that is supported by Federal Block Grant funds. The PATH team identifies individuals and families who have a mental illness and are homeless and connects them with existing services. Mental health services and housing support is also provided to those at risk for becoming homeless.

Contact Andrea H. (970-347-2440) or Janet (970-347-2439) with questions or referrals.

The ACT building is also the site of the NRBH Drop-in Center and the Peer-to-Peer Consumer Mentoring Program. Through these efforts, consumers and community members volunteer their time to assist other consumers in a variety of ways - from running support groups to helping someone obtain public assistance benefits

Site Location: 1306 11th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631    (970) 347-2126

Clubhouse / Vocational:
Program Director: Jennifer Euler, M.A.

Based on New York City's Fountain House Clubhouse, the Frontier House Clubhouse was started in 1990 to provide consumers with state-of-the-art treatment in a non-traditional setting. Considered a model program in Colorado, this program graphically illustrates NRBH's commitment to the philosophy that individuals with severe and persistent mental illness will actively engage in a recovery process. Consumer-members work with peers and staff in running the daily activities of the clubhouse. In this normalizing environment, they are empowered and encouraged to take increased responsibility for their lives and engage in activities previously closed to them.

For many members, employment is one of those activities. The Frontier House is committed to assisting consumers in obtaining community employment for its members. Working closely with local employers, the staff assists members in obtaining real jobs where they can develop new skills and confidence. The clubhouse teaches skills, matches employers to members and provides job coaching services. As part of Transitional Employment, staff is even able to cover shifts if the member is unable to work. The Supported Employment Model employed by the Frontier House is an Evidence Based Best Practice.

Site Location: 1407 8th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631    (970) 347-2128

Multicultural Services Program (MCS):
Program Director: Evelin Gomez Ph.D Licensed Professional Counselor

The Multicultural Services Program is another NRBH model much copied around the State. Developed in response to a Board-sponsored collaboration with key Latino leaders and agencies that serve Latinos, the Multicultural Services Program is staffed by bilingual and bilingual-bicultural therapists and case managers specially trained to provide culturally competent mental health services. Mental health outreach counseling to ethnically and racially distinct populations of Weld County is the focus of the program, and services are provided to the large and diverse community of Hispanic/Latino populations within Weld County. Program staff members are able to deliver the services in Spanish, which is generally their client's native language. Their sensitivity to all the factors affecting the mental health of their clientele enable them to understand and provide therapeutic interventions relevant to the cultural and religious values and beliefs of the children, adults, and families who seek services from Multicultural Services.

Site Location: 100 North 11th Avenue at the Monfort Children's Clinic, Greeley, CO 80631    (970) 347-2384

Latino Professional Development Program: Offering Mental Health Training
Program Director: Becky Marrujo. Latino Professional Development Coordinator

If you have viewed helping people with problems as a fulfilling, a career opportunity in mental health might interest you.

North Range Behavioral Health is offering scholarships and paid second year internships to Latino college graduates to pursue professional education and training.

The requirements for admission to the program are

• Must be a graduate of a four year undergraduate program
• Must be bilingual, Spanish and English, and Latino

The program offers paid tuition and fees for a two year graduate program at either UNC or CSU.

• A second year paid internship at North Range Behavioral Health.
• Clinical supervision by Latinos who are licensed mental health professionals
• An opportunity to be employed by a leading mental health center in Northern Colorado, North Range Behavioral Health

Setting the standard for culturally competent and linguistically appropriate mental health services

Contact Becky Marrujo 970-347-2391 or becky.marrujo@northrange.org

Site Location: 1300 North 17th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631

South County (SC)
Program Director: Pat Orleans, LCSW

The NRBH satellite office in Fort Lupton, Colorado offers an array of outpatient services to all age groups and all populations. The program is staffed by therapists who have diverse backgrounds and the ability to work with a wide range of client populations. The program offers individual, group and family treatment services as well as on-site medication monitoring. The South County office is the primary outpatient treatment site for individuals who live in the southern portion of Weld County.

Site Location: 120 1st Street, Ft. Lupton, CO 80621    (303) 857-2723

Consumer Services Program
Program Director: Carol Staples, MA

A person who has a mental illness does not exist in a vacuum. Family and friends also need information and support. To this end, the NRBH Consumer Services Program provides advocacy, support, and education services for consumers, their friends and families and the general public.

Key services include:

• Information and support for consumers and family members who have questions about mental illness, center services and processes.
• Assistance in locating the community agencies that offer other needed supportive services.
• Linkage to self-help support groups and education sources to help better understand mental illness, use and feel comfortable about NRBH treatment services, and access other useful community resources.
• Individual advocacy when consumers and family members have concerns or complaints about a particular person or treatment issue. Consumer Representatives and Parent/Family Advocates serve as their advocates in the process of clarifying the problem and finding resolution.
• A forum for consumers and family members to advocate for themselves as they represent their peers on various advisory and planning committees including the NRBH Quality Improvement Committee, the Cultural Issues Advisory Committee, the Consumer Advisory Committee and the Parent/Family Advisory Committee.

• Mental Illness Awareness, a 4-week education program for community agencies, families and consumers, given once a year in collaboration with NAMI Weld County
• Family-to-Family, a 12-week educational program for families of adolescents and adults with serious mental illness, given once a year
• Visions for Tomorrow, a 6-week educational program for parents/foster parent/caregivers of children with mental illness or serious emotional disorder given, once a year in collaboration with NAMI Weld County

Site Location: 1300 North 17th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631    (970) 347-2120

Residential Programs

North Range Behavioral Health provides an extensive continuum of residential treatment programs ranging in intensity from hospital-based inpatient psychiatric treatment to independent living where consumers live in apartments and receive on-going support from staff. Inpatient services are provided at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo, and for consumers needing short-term inpatient care, through affiliations with area hospitals.

The alternative settings listed below provide clinically-proven intensive services to residents of Weld County and the entire State. Decisions for placement in this continuum of residential services are based on individual consumer clinical treatment needs and personal desires.

Acute Treatment Unit (ATU)
Program Director: Amanda Springer, MA LPC

The ATU exemplifies NRBH's commitment to innovative and locally based treatment programs. The first such program in the State, it remains a model followed by other mental health centers. The 16-bed ATU is an inpatient alternative for adults with acute residential needs. People are admitted to the ATU from either a more or less restrictive setting, with a planned length of stay of approximately 2 weeks. Designated by the State to manage involuntarily placed individuals, it provides a variety of services in conjunction with other center programs. Psychiatric nurses are on-site, and psychiatrists perform rounds daily. Psychologists are available for consultation and intervention.

Site Location: 1309 10th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631    (970) 347-2127

Children's Residential Treatment Center
Program Director: Joanna Martinson

Located at the Kathleen Painter Littler Center, the NRBH Residential Treatment Center is a comprehensive therapeutic residential treatment and educational program for seriously emotionally troubled children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. Services are designed to enhance daily living skills, peer relationships, and self-development, with the ultimate goal of returning children to their homes or to qualified foster care families. The residential treatment center provides a safe, nurturing environment that allows children time to heal and learn the necessary social and interpersonal skills they will need to cope in life. A professional staff of specially trained counselors, therapists, special education teachers, and licensed psychiatrists provide clinical care.

Site Location: 2350 3rd Street Road, Greeley, CO 80631    (970) 347-2127

Staffed Residential Treatment Program

Kinnick Center - This facility is licensed by the State of Colorado as an Assisted Living Residence and also as a Mental Health Residential Facility. The Kinnick Center is a 12 bed home where residents receive mental health treatment as they develop necessary skills to transition to a more independent setting. The facility is staffed 24 hours per day, seven days a week with qualified Clinical Care Assistants. Services provided include: medication monitoring, skill development in Activities of Daily Living, group therapy and recreational therapy. Each resident has an assigned mental health therapist who works with the consumer to develop an individualized treatment plan. The intent of the Kinnick Center is that it be a transitional place to a semi-independent or independent setting. Some individuals stay at the Kinnick for a few weeks while others may stay for 10 to 12 months. Each resident is encouraged and equipped to move on based upon their individual needs and desires.

Semi-Independent Residential Program

Carriage House - These facilities are 5 bed homes where NRBH consumers live together while receiving on-going support from staff. While no staff members live on site, mental health workers from the Adult Recovery Program hold meetings on a weekly basis to help consumers problem solve issues and learn how to deal effectively with life challenges. Residents of the Stanek and Carriage Houses work closely with their assigned therapists to identify appropriate treatment goals.

North Range Apartments - Another housing option for NRBH consumers are the two bedroom apartments co-located with the Adult Recovery Program office site at 510 13th Avenue in Greeley. A major benefit of this facility is its close proximity to the Adult Recovery Program staff that provides on-going support for apartment residents. Staff members often help consumers with budgeting and shopping, as well as Activities of Daily Living.

Harmony Way - This housing project is funded by a grant from the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. The focus is to provide housing and support services to individuals who have a mental illness and who are also homeless. NRBH staff work closely with these individuals to ensure that they receive adequate support services in their transition from homelessness to community living. Potential residents for this setting are identified from Programs throughout the Center. This project embodies the Center's commitment to providing a full continuum of mental health services to citizens of Weld County.

Independent Living Residential Programs

NRBH manages 24 HUD Section 8 apartments through the State of Colorado Supported Housing and Homeless Program (SHHP). Staff members assist consumers with paperwork for eligibility, perform inspections and work closely with local landlords to make this a win-win program for consumers who need housing and landlords who need tenants. Consumers who qualify for this program are able to keep these Section 8 Vouchers indefinitely.

Emergency Mental Health Care

Every day of the year, 24 hours a day, therapists are available to provide immediate emergency intervention and respond to emergency calls.

During office hours, therapists provide immediate emergency intervention. After hours, ATU therapists take over this responsibility, providing regional emergency coverage and services for North Range, Centennial Mental Health Center and Larimer Center for Mental Health.

Emergency services staff coordinate adolescent pre-screens, monitor inpatient placements, and perform evaluations at selected off-site locations as needed. The facility includes an on-site respite room for extended observation purposes.

Site Location: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., 1306 11th Avenue
                    After-hours, 1309 10th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631    (970) 347-2120

ICAPP and BASIC (In-Custody Alternative Placement Program and
Behavioral Alternative Services in Community)
Program Director: Dana Wellman, M.Div.

These are programs designed to provide treatment rather than incarceration for those individuals in our community whose offenses have either been committed due to or at least influenced by mental health problems, the use of substances, or, as is frequently the case, a combination of both mental health and substance abuse problems. North Range and Island Grove Regional Treatment Center have formed a partnership in treating both problems. The goals of this program are: Reduce bed occupancy at the Weld County Jail, and to reduce the recidivism at the jail.

Individuals who meet the criteria to be diverted from jail Are placed in intensive treatment to address their substance Abuse and or mental health issues. Each client has their own Particular goals and staff assist them to meet those goals, Bringing to bear a great many community resources and Benefits.

Site Location: 1260 H Street, Greeley, CO 80631