The Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health established the Single Point of Access (SPOA) to remove barriers to successful community living for adults with serious mental illness. The goal of the Single Point of Access is to insure service access to high need individuals while increasing integration and community tenure.
Recipients can access both housing and case management services through a single application. Upon submission of the application and appropriate supporting documentation, each request for service is reviewed at the Housing and/or Case Management committee. A service provider is assigned based on the type, level and availability of the service request.
Each of the committees meets on a weekly basis. Both committees are made up of Departmental staff, local service providers and recipient representation.
How Does The Single Point of Access Work?
The application for services is reviewed by the respective committee(s) and assigned to a service provider. Applicants should be encouraged to describe their individual needs in their own words. Whenever possible, consideration is given to the individual’s preference, however there are limited resources.
Once an individual’s application is given to a provider, it is the expectation that the recipient will be contacted within five working days to schedule an interview.
If the applicant is accepted, the case is opened with case management or an admission date is projected for housing.
If the applicant is rejected because the service provider does not feel that they can provide the appropriate level of care, the application is returned for further discussion and reassignment at the respective committee.
What Documentation Is Required?
In addition to the universal application for services, the following documents are required:
- Comprehensive Psychosocial Assessment
- Psychiatric Assessment including DSM-IV diagnosis
- Hospital Admission and Discharge Plan as appropriate
For application to Community Residence and/or Licensed Treatment Apartment additional documents are required;
- Copy of a physical examination (current within 6 months)
- Authorization for Restorative Services signed by a physician
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 Single Point of Access a person must:
- be over 18 years old;
- be considered seriously mentally ill;
- be in need of the service because serious mental illness
- significantly impairs the persons ability to access housing or other services
How To Contact The Single Point Of Access:
If you have questions about the process or need further information contact:
Westchester County
Department of Community Mental Health
112 East Post Road, 2nd Floor
White Plains, New York 10601
(914) 995-5245 Phone
(914) 995-6220 Fax
The Single Point of Access Application for Services is now available on-line in PDF file format. In order to view and print these forms and their instructions, you will need to install the free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Once you have installed Adobe Acrobat Reader, select the desired form or document to view it. Then select the print button on the top left to print it. Instructions provided on each form will guide you through completing and mailing the form.