Comprehensive Clinical Assessments
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A diagnostic assessment is a comprehensive, written evaluation conducted by a mental health professional who works closely with an individual to determine the need for care and recommend appropriate services.
The mental health professional conducts an interview and gathers information such as:
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The nature, severity and impact of current symptoms
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Functional impairment
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Relevant family and social history
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Strengths and resources
The mental health professionals completing the Diagnostic Assessments are licensed psychologists, social workers, professional counselors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychiatrists or marriage and family therapists with expertise in a wide range of conditions such as: depression and anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, and family/relational issues.
Individual, Group, and Family Therapy​
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What happens in individual, group and couples or family counseling sessions depends on the unique needs and contributions of the individual(s) seeking help. Our psychologists, social workers and licensed professional counselors work to empower individuals to build the skills needed to maximize their potential for positive growth and change.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is a collaborative, personal relationship between an individual and a counselor that takes place in an open, supportive, and confidential environment. Individuals will receive guidance and develop insight to help maximize their potential for positive growth and change. Individual therapy can assist with resolving an issue, recovering from traumatic experiences, exploring thoughts and feelings, examining beliefs and working toward making healthy changes in your life. The frequency and length of treatment varies depending upon the specific concerns.
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Group Therapy
Unlike individual therapy where there is only a relationship between a patient and counselor, group therapy offers multiple relationships to assist the individual in growth and problem solving. Group members are encouraged to discuss the issues that brought them into therapy openly and honestly. The therapist works to create an atmosphere of trust and acceptance that encourages members to support one another.
The number of sessions in group therapy depends upon the group's makeup and the goals. Some groups are time limited, with a predetermined number of sessions known to all members at the beginning. Others are general - and the group, a group member and/or therapist determines when they are ready to disband.
Family and Couples Therapy
Family and couples therapy are types of counseling that help family members or couples improve communication and recognize and resolve conflicts. Within family therapy, all family members may attend or only those that are able or willing to participate. The specific focus of both family and couples treatment will depend on the needs of the family or couple.
Medication Management
The use of psychiatric medications does not cure mental illness. However, the right medication, taken as prescribed, may significantly improve symptoms. Medication Management often helps make other treatments, such as counseling, more effective.
Together, with a member of our psychiatric team, individuals will receive a psychiatric evaluation. This information, along with any necessary medical records, laboratory or psychological tests, will lead to the creation of a comprehensive treatment plan. Every plan of treatment developed is unique and will be based on each individual’s concerns and needs.
Adult Recovery Unit
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The Adult Recovery Unit (ARU) is a 24-hour residential treatment facility located in Waynesville. The ARU is an alternative to hospitalization for adults in crisis, age 18-64, who have mental health and/or substance use challenges or an intellectual/developmental disability.
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Our dedicated treatment team, comprising medical and mental health professionals, provides comprehensive support, including:
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Psychiatric evaluation
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Medication management
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Continuous monitoring and observation
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Individual and group counseling
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Wellness education
Aftercare planning is a priority and begins upon admittance to the ARU to increase the success of a smooth transition and continuation of services following discharge. The average length of stay on the ARU is 5-7 days, but will depend on the identified crisis and the needs of the individual.
Special consideration will be given to individuals with IV drug abuse and women who are pregnant with substance abuse issues.
Consideration for ARU admissions occur 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To access this service, contact the Appalachian Community Services, Mobile Crisis Management team at 888-315-2880. ​
Community Support Team (CST)​
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CST is an intensive community based, team approach that assists people with complex treatment needs in all areas of functioning so that they can achieve and maintain their mental health stability and/or meet their recovery goals. CST helps individuals reduce crisis episodes, obtain stable housing, connect with vocational opportunities, improve social and coping skills, and help them to become more independent.
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CST is provided primarily in natural settings such as homes, libraries, shelters and other various community environments. Services are delivered face to face or by telephone with each individual and their family/significant others, as appropriate. The intensity of CST varies to meet the changing need of the individual. Typically, staff provides multiple contacts a week—daily, if needed.
CST includes but is not limited to the following interventions, as clinically indicated:
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Individual therapy
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Behavioral interventions such as modeling, behavior modification, behavior rehearsal
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Substance use treatment interventions
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Development of relapse prevention and disease management strategies to support recovery
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Psychoeducation for the individual, families, caregivers, or others that are involved with the
individual about their diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment
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Psychoeducation regarding the identification and self-management of the prescribed medicationregimen, with documented communication to prescribing practitioner(s)
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Intensive case management
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assessment
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planning
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linkage and referral to paid and natural supports
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monitoring and follow up
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Arranging for psychological and psychiatric evaluations
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Crisis management, including crisis planning and prevention
Peer Support Services (PSS)
Peer Support Services provide an opportunity for individuals who have significantly recovered from their illnesses to help others direct their own recoveries by teaching the skills necessary to lead meaningful lives. PSS staff are in a unique position to teach and motivate others because they have learned to recognize triggers and early warning signs, counteract the negative impact of stress, and create plans for taking care of themselves. PSS staff bring with them a sense of understanding, trust and hope to help support and inspire recovery.
Treatment for Effective Community Supervision (TECS)
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TECS was created as a partnership between the partnership of the Department of Public Safety and outpatient treatment providers.
Through providing Cognitive Behavioral Intervention and Substance Use services to high risk adult offenders, the goal of TECS is to decrease the chance that individuals involved with the criminal justice system will have their probation revoked and/or will become incarcerated by helping them address their risks and needs through treatment.
The treatment received by individuals accepted into the TECS program will be dictated by their individual needs.
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The TECS program is free of charge to individuals that qualify.
TECS is provided at the following Appalachian Community Services locations:
1482 Russ Avenue
Waynesville, NC 28786
100 Teptal Terrance
Bryson City, NC 28713
750 US Highway 64 West
Murphy, NC 28906
