YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Coleman Health Services and its 850 employees provided behavioral health services to more than 6,000 Mahoning Valley residents last year, an increase compared to the 2020 fiscal year.
The pandemic created a greater need among people struggling with behavioral health issues, as well as those who don’t, says Tammy Weaver, Coleman vice president of clinical services and chief officer for Trumbull and Mahoning counties.
To meet that need, Coleman increased its case management, counseling and peer services, particularly to those with a co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder, she says. It also increased services at the Trumbull County Jail.
Through the support of the Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board, Coleman provided case management and housing coordination services to individuals experiencing homelessness during the pandemic. Coleman partnered with other agencies to provide meals, medications, access to housing and housing resources, and coordination of care.
Telehealth services have been an important addition to Coleman’s treatment options, Weaver says.
“While in-person visits have been available throughout the pandemic, some clients feel more comfortable having virtual visits,” she says. “As many Coleman clients have transportation issues, the telehealth option has made getting treatment easier.”
This month, Coleman introduced mobile response and stabilization services with a focus on children, adolescents and their families in Trumbull County. This includes home-based crisis intervention and short-term case management and peer support.
Coleman also plans to open Heather’s House for women who are in recovery from substance use. The renovated home in downtown Warren will be open to women and their children, Weaver says.
This spring, Coleman will provide day treatment services at its Youngstown and Warren locations.