Community Mental Health Services

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Community Mental Health Division at Northwestern Counseling & Support Services. As NCSS looks ahead at the future of mental health services delivered to Vermont communities, with continuity of care at the forefront, the CMHS division was designed to meet the clinical needs of children, adolescents, adults, and families living in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. Our programs are intended to serve individuals in the environment that most suits their needs and preferences…accessibility being a priority. You’ll find our services spread throughout office-based settings, homes, the surrounding community, and embedded within service delivery structures by way of established partnerships.

Services within the Community Mental Health Division include outpatient therapy, outreach services, and home & community based interventions for children, youth, adults, and families. From early identification of need and support for children and youth, to the highest level of wraparound treatment known as Community Rehabilitation & Treatment (CRT) for adults, we are focused on de-escalation, intervention, symptom reduction, and ongoing recovery through a trauma informed lens. We also provide supported living environments for some individuals served by CRT.

Through a number of partnerships, we provide integrated health services as we embed clinicians in local primary care offices as well as within law enforcement. Our Emergency Services team provides support through de-escalation calls, mobile crisis responses, assessment and answers 988 calls, chats and texts for the state of Vermont.

We have fully invested in the Zero Suicide model of care to support suicide prevention and awareness. We believe in a balanced model of care that includes focus on social determinants of health. To enhance the overall health of our clients, our programs offer a range of wellness activities and evidenced based practices to enhance emotional well-being while supporting mental and physical health.

Sincerely,

Belinda O. Bessette, LICSW
Division Director
Community Mental Health Services Division