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IICAPS

One of the significant challenges many families face when parenting a child with mental health diagnoses is keeping them safe and secure at home. Family & Children's Agency's Intensive In-Home Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Services (IICAPS) is an alternative measure to help families dealing with children who have significant psychiatric needs to keep them from being hospitalized.

IICAPS addresses the comprehensive needs of children with severe emotional disorders. Children appropriate for IICAPS intervention may be returning home from psychiatric hospitalization, at-risk for institutionalization or hospitalization, or unable to benefit from traditional outpatient treatment. The program makes use of a consistent treatment team to provide comprehensive assessments, case management, individual and family treatment, and crisis intervention.

Services are provided by a clinical team, which includes a masters-level clinician and a bachelors-level mental health counselor. The clinical team is supported by a clinical supervisor and a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

Family & Children’s Agency’s IICAPS program services the following areas of Connecticut ONLY:

IICAPS Service Area

If you live outside of the service areas listed, click here to find contact information for IICAPS services in your area.

Comprehensive IICAPS Services
  • 24-hours a day, seven days a week, emergency crisis response
  • In-home, individual and family therapy
  • Family communication and parenting skills
  • School consultation
  • Case management

Frequently Asked Questions

If your family is in need of support, we understand that you have a lot of questions. Rest assured our staff is here to help you understand the process. We have compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions we receive.

What are the criteria for admission to IICAPS?

To be accepted into the IICAPS program, a child/adolescent must be between the ages of 5-18. They must have a significant mental health diagnosis, and be at imminent risk of psychiatric hospitalization or residential placement, or will be recently discharged from a psychiatric hospital or other residential treatment. IICAPS works with children who have been diagnosed with disorders such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, bipolar disorder, and others. The program works with the child/adolescent in all areas of their life, including their own personal challenges, school, home, and their community. IICAPS focuses on the child and family’s strengths, and helps identify areas that need improvement.

Who can make referrals to IICAPS?

Referrals can be made by almost anyone: therapists, psychiatrists, probation officers, school social workers, etc. If a parent would like to refer their child, we will ask that a current or past treater provide clinical information so that we can have the complete mental health history and help ensure that the program is an appropriate fit for the child.

How is IICAPS paid for?

IICAPS is a fee-for-service program paid for through Medicaid (HUSKY) and some private insurance plans. If a family is involved with Department of Children and Families (DCF), in most cases DCF will cover payment through the Connecticut Behavioral Health Partnership.

What is the time commitment to IICAPS?

A team of two staff members (a masters-level clinician and a bachelor's-level mental health counselor) visits with the child and/or family two to three times a week for 1 - 1.5 hours each time. The sessions are structured based on the needs of the individual child and family. IICAPS staff can also attend PPT’s at school, meet with the child’s individual therapist if they have one, and any other important people in the child’s life. IICAPS treatment lasts an average of six months, depending on need.

What kind of things do the therapists work on?

Having a child with mental health diagnoses is very stressful for all involved. Typically, the team works with the child and the family to understand the child/adolescent’s diagnosis and what it means to them. Other interventions include, but are not limited to: skill building in anger management, social skills, emotion identification and expression, family communication, and strengthening parenting skills.

My child already has a therapist – does that mean we cannot have IICAPS?

We welcome the opportunity to work with existing providers. The collaboration can provide comprehensive care to the child and family. We also work closely with the child’s school to make sure there is consistency between home and school, and the team can attend PPT’s and other school meetings.

Is there emergency on-call coverage?

Yes, there is an emergency phone, and a staff member can be reached in case of emergency 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Does IICAPS provide medication management?

Yes. In some cases the IICAPS Medical Director who is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist or FCA's psychiatric APRN will oversee medication. The IICAPS team works with the family  and other providers to determine where the medication will be managed.

What about after IICAPS?

We believe that continuity of care for a child is extremely important. The IICAPS team works closely with the family during treatment to connect them with resources and supports and establish an aftercare plan.

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Testimonials
“My daughter has received many helpful ways to improve her relationships with friends and navigate the challenges of middle school. ”
— IICAPS client
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