LOUISIANA Community Mental Health Services Block Grant ...

this variety is due to the emphasis on the use of Patient Assistance Programs (PAP) that have
decreased costs for the OBH pharmacies while making maximum usage of free and reduced-cost
medications. In recent years, the cost of 70% of outpatient medications has been underwritten by
PAP. Staff members have also assisted all clients who are eligible with obtaining Medicare Part D or
Medicaid benefits. OBH has recently restructured its psychotropic medication formulary in another
attempt to reduce costs. The Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee along with a special committee
composed of Regional Medical Directors developed a step-wise algorithm for the use of medications
from various classes which is included in this document.
Multi-Systemic Therapy
MST is an intensive, home-based wraparound model that combines a variety of individual and family
interventions within a systemic context. MST has been evaluated with youth at risk for detention/
incarceration and at risk for psychiatric or substance abuse hospitalization has shown significant
results in reducing out-of-home placement, externalizing problem behaviors, rates of recidivism and
lowering costs of treatment. This program is operating in Region IV, Region V, and JPHSA. With
continued efforts to improve the Mental Health Rehabilitation (MHR)optional Medicaid program, a
number of new Multisystemic Therapy (MST) providers were certified by Medicaid during the year.
Medicaid added 11 new MST providers during the fiscal year, resulting in 22 MST providers
enrolled, including 32 MST teams. During the fiscal year, 1364 youth were served in MST
throughout the state.
Early Childhood Supports and Services
The Early Childhood Supports and Services (ECSS) program is a multi-agency prevention and
intervention program that promotes a positive environment for learning, growth, and relationship
building for children. ECSS provides infant mental health screening and assessment, counseling,
therapy, child abuse and domestic violence prevention, case management, behavior modification,
parent support groups, and the use of emergency intervention funds. ECSS also serves to build the
infrastructure of the Parishes it serves by training human services professionals, agency personnel,
educational and childcare personnel as well as family members and advocates in the specialized area
of Infant Mental Health assessment and intervention. ECSS serves children from birth through 5
years of age and their families who have been identified as at risk for developing social, emotional,
and/or developmental problems. Risk factors include abuse, neglect, and exposure to violence,
parental mental illness, parental substance abuse, poverty, and having developmental disabilities. The
program has two main components to serve families: Infant Mental Health (IMH) and Temporary
Assistance to Needy Families (TANF). Both services are provided in accordance with family needs.
IMH assists with the development of the child and the attachment between parent and child. TANF
services assist families during emergency times of crisis. All clinicians are advanced trained IMH
Specialists. Clinicians within ECSS provide an excellent repertoire of behavioral management, and
therapeutic intervention for both parents and children.
Louisiana Youth Enhanced Services for Mental Health (LaYES)
LA-YES is a system of care established for children and youth with serious emotional and behavioral
disorders funded through a cooperative agreement between the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, and the
Office of Behavioral Health. LA-YES builds upon prior federal initiatives partnering with state and
local public mental health programs for improving mental health services for children and youth.
PART C LOUISIANA FY 2011 PAGE 92
SECTION II: ADULT & CHILD/ YOUTH
IDENTIFICATION & ANALYSIS OF SERVICE SYSTEM’S STRENGTHS, NEEDS, & PRIORITIES
RECENT SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS