Intensive In-Home Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Services (IICAPS)

To be accepted into the IICAPS program, a child/adolescent must be between the ages of 5-18. They will have a significant mental health diagnosis, and be at imminent risk of psychiatric hospitalization or residential placement, 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, among 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.

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 a good fit for the child.

IICAPS is a fee for service program paid for through Medicaid (HUSKY). 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.

A team of two staff members (a Masters-level clinician and a Bachelors-level mental health counselor) visits with the child and/or family at least twice a week for 1- 1 ½ 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.

Having a child with mental health concerns 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.

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.

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.

The IICAPS program’s mandate is to keep children out of psychiatric hospitals and residential placements. We have a very good track record of helping to keep children at home.

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.

We believe that continuity of care for a child is extremely important. The IICAPS team works closely with the family to work out the best after-care plan, including making referrals to other providers.