Resources
Answers, in plain language.
Everything we get asked, the words the system uses, and the numbers worth having. Written to be read at a kitchen table.
Do I need a referral?
No. A parent can reach out directly. A note from your pediatrician or school clinician can speed things up, and you can start without one.
Do you come to my house?
Yes. Intake and the first evaluation happen at our center. After that, most sessions happen in your home, and with your permission at your child’s school and out in the community.
Is it confidential?
Yes. What you and your child share stays within the treatment team, protected by federal privacy law (HIPAA). We share with a school only with your written consent. Our notice of privacy practices spells it out.
What languages do you speak?
Our team speaks Yiddish, English, Spanish and more. For any other language we arrange an interpreter, free of charge. Tell us your preference on the form.
What if our insurance isn’t listed?
Tell us. Many families qualify for Medicaid or Child Health Plus without knowing it, and we will help you apply. We also accept most private insurance, and we check your plan for you.
How long until we start?
We call you back within one business day. The first session is usually three to five business days after your first call.
What ages do you work with?
From birth to 21. Early intervention covers birth to three; counseling and mental health support covers children and young adults up to 21.
Does it cost anything?
No. With New York State Medicaid, MVP, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan or most private insurance, the services cost your family nothing. We check your coverage for you.
Will my child get a diagnosis?
The first evaluation is about what your child needs, not a label. If a diagnosis is part of getting the right help, your clinician will explain it plainly and you decide together what it means for your family.
Who will come to our home?
The first evaluation is at our center. After that, depending on the plan: the same clinician, a skills coach, a master’s-level practitioner, or a Family or Youth Peer Advocate. You will always know who is coming and why.
Can the school be involved?
Only if you say so. With your written consent we work with your child’s teacher and school staff, so what your child practices with us holds up at school.
What if there is a crisis at night?
A licensed social worker is on call 24 hours a day. Call the same number, day or night. If your child is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For a mental health crisis you can also call or text 988.
Is ABA the same as CFTSS?
They are two programs. Applied Behavior Analysis has its own eligibility and insurance steps, and we offer both. About ABA.
How do I stop or change services?
Tell your clinician, any time. Plans are reviewed regularly and changed when they should be, and services continue only as long as they help.
Glossary
The words you will hear,
one sentence each.
Every acronym the system uses, explained the way we would across a table.
- CFTSS
- Children and Family Treatment and Support Services. New York State’s set of Medicaid mental health services for children under 21, delivered at home, in school and in the community.
- OLP
- Other Licensed Practitioner. Counseling and evaluation by a licensed clinician. The front door to the other services.
- CPST
- Community Psychiatric Supports and Treatment. Goal-directed support with daily life, from a master’s-level practitioner.
- PSR
- Psychosocial Rehabilitation. Skill-building coaching in real settings, from a skills coach.
- FPSS
- Family Peer Support Services. Parent-to-parent support from a credentialed Family Peer Advocate.
- YPST
- Youth Peer Support and Training. Mentoring from a credentialed Youth Peer Advocate: a young adult, 18 to 30, with lived experience.
- Crisis Intervention
- Short-term support during an emotional or behavioral crisis, with a licensed social worker on call 24 hours a day.
- ABA
- Applied Behavior Analysis. A separate, evidence-based program that builds everyday skills, delivered by a licensed behavior analyst.
- LPHA
- Licensed Practitioner of the Healing Arts. A licensed clinician whose signed recommendation is needed for four of the CFTSS services.
- NPI
- National Provider Identifier. The number every licensed clinician has; it appears on an LPHA recommendation.
- HCBS
- Home and Community Based Services. A separate waiver program for children with higher needs, arranged through a Health Home.
- Health Home
- A care management program that coordinates services for children with complex needs. Care managers often refer to us.
- C-YES
- Children and Youth Evaluation Service. The state program that evaluates eligibility for HCBS for children who are not in a Health Home.
- Medicaid managed care
- Medicaid delivered through a health plan such as UnitedHealthcare or MVP. The plan has to be notified before some services start; we handle that.
- Child Health Plus
- New York’s free or low-cost health insurance for children whose families do not qualify for Medicaid. It covers CFTSS.
- Early Intervention
- New York’s program for children from birth to three with a developmental delay. Free to every family, arranged through the county.
- IFSP
- Individualized Family Service Plan. The written early intervention plan, made with the family.
- CPSE
- Committee on Preschool Special Education. The school-district committee that takes over from early intervention at age three.
Community links
Numbers worth saving.
Rockland County Department of Mental Health
Information, referrals and support for children and adults, 24/7, by phone or in person.
Rockland County Early Intervention
For babies and toddlers who seem behind. Anyone can call with a parent’s consent.
Tell us a little about what’s going on.
We’ll call you back within one business day, in your language, and figure out the next step together.
No cost to your family with insurance. We accept New York State Medicaid, MVP, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan and most private insurance, and we check your coverage for you. No coverage yet? We’ll help you apply.