United Services, Inc., northeastern Connecticut’s behavioral health center, has once again earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Behavioral Health Care Accreditation and this year adds Joint Commission Certification for its Behavioral Health Home program.
United Services underwent a rigorous, unannounced survey from January 25-29. During the review, The Joint Commission evaluated United Services’ compliance with behavioral health care standards related to several areas, including care, treatment, and services; environment of care; leadership; and screening procedures for the early detection of imminent harm. Reviewers also conducted interviews with staff and clients.
The Joint Commission’s standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. They are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help health care organizations measure, assess and improve performance. The surveyors also conducted onsite observations and interviews.
“We commend United Services for its continuous quality improvement efforts in patient safety and quality of care,” says Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, Accreditation and Certification Operations, and chief nursing executive, The Joint Commission.
United Services is a non-profit, community-based outpatient behavioral health center with more than 55 years’ experience serving northeastern Connecticut. The agency is the Local Mental Health Authority for 21 towns and operates more than 30 programs under its one administration, including outpatient mental health and addiction services, parenting and family programs, youth programs, and community education and prevention programs.
United Services has proudly delivered one of Connecticut’s most innovative care models – the Behavioral Health Home (BHH) – since its outset in 2014. This program was launched to improve the health outcomes of individuals with serious mental illness.
BHH is a healthcare service delivery model focused on the integration of primary care, mental health services, and social services and supports for adults and children diagnosed with mental illness. A multidisciplinary team, including Nurse Care Managers and Peer Support, deliver person-centered services designed to support a person in coordinating care and services while reaching their health and wellness goals. United Services served more than 500 adults and children in its BHH program last year.
“United Services is proud to receive the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for our agency and Certification for our Behavioral Health Home,” said Diane L. Manning, President/CEO of United Services. “This accomplishment recognizes our staff for the hard work they do every day to provide the highest quality behavioral healthcare and wellness services to the residents of northeastern Connecticut.
United Services’ accreditation is valid for three years and the agency’s next survey will be in 2024.
About United Services, Inc.
United Services, Inc. is a private, non-profit and comprehensive behavioral health center, creating healthy communities throughout northeast Connecticut for more than 55 years by providing psychosocial, behavioral health, chemical abuse, primary care, care coordination, wellness and prevention services to the community, and employee assistance program services for business and industry. With 11 locations and a staff of over 200, United Services operates more than 30 separate behavioral health programs, including the only domestic violence shelter for women and children in the region. United Services, Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.