The Department of Community Mental Health established the Single Point of Access (SPOA) to remove barriers to successful community living for adults 18 and up with serious mental illness. The goal of the Adult SPOA is to ensure service access to individuals with higher needs while increasing integration and community tenure.

Individuals can access residential, case management, and Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team services through the Adult SPOA application. The application may also be used for referral to Community Oriented Recovery and Empowerment (CORE) Services. Upon submission of the application and appropriate supporting documentation, each request for service is reviewed. A service provider is assigned based on the type, level and availability of the service requested.

How does the Adult SPOA work?
The Adult SPOA application is reviewed and assigned to a service provider. Applicants are encouraged to describe their individual needs in their own words on the application. There are limited resources, but consideration is given to the individual’s preferences whenever possible.

Once an individual’s application is given to a provider, it is the expectation that they will be contacted within five business days to schedule an interview.

If the individual’s application is accepted, the case is opened with case management or an admission date is projected for housing.

If the service provider does not feel that they can provide the appropriate level of care, the application is returned to the Adult SPOA committee for further discussion and possible reassignment.

What documentation is required?
In addition to the Adult SPOA application, the following documents are required:

  • Comprehensive psychosocial assessment
  • Psychiatric assessment including DSM-IV diagnosis
  • Hospital admission and discharge plan as appropriate
  • Consent to release information form

For application to community residence or treatment apartment, these additional documents are required as well:

  • Copy of a physical examination (current within six months)
  • Authorization for restorative services, to be signed by a physician (included in the application)

For application to the HUD Rental Assistance Program for an individual or family experiencing homelessness, this additional document must be included:

  • Disability Verification (required only for those homeless - to be signed by a licensed professional – included in the application)

All documentation must be current within 90 days of the application unless otherwise indicated.

Who is eligible?
In order to be eligible for assistance through the Adult SPOA, a person must be:

  • Over 18 years old
  • Meet the diagnostic criteria for serious mental illness
  • In need of the service, because the serious mental illness significantly impairs his or her ability to access housing or other services

How do I contact the Adult SPOA?
For more information or to request an application, please contact our Adult SPOA Unit at (914) 995-5078.