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Transition of Consumers from the DC Community Services Agency
The transition of DC CSA consumers to community-based private providers is the first step of our plan to make the District’s mental health system stronger, more responsive, more accessible and better able to serve more District residents. This section is aimed at consumers and family members to help you or someone you care about transition to a new mental health provider. We recognize that this transition means real changes for consumers, but while there are challenges to doing this, we believe there also are enormous benefits. Please keep in mind that consumers will be transitioning to a strong network of providers* with long histories in the District serving individuals recovering from serious mental illness. If you are receiving housing benefits, they will be transitioned with you.
While we are committed to maintaining quality services to DC CSA consumers through the private providers, we also are strengthening our role as the state mental health monitoring authority, building a provider network that operates under one set of rules, expanding services and increasing the number of people eligible to receive them. We have set up a DC CSA Consumer Transition Information line to answer any questions you may have about the transition or where to go for help. That number is 1-888-793-4357. In addition, to keep our partners informed about the transition, we are posting a regular DC CSA Transition News Brief.
Ensuring Continuity of Care
- Physicians Practice Group
The Department has retained all the psychiatrists of the DC CSA in a new Physicians Practice Group to ensure that every consumer will have access to psychiatric care. Former DC CSA consumers who have enrolled with new providers can continue to see their current psychiatrists if they choose or they can receive psychiatric services from the new providers. And, a DC CSA consumer who has not yet enrolled with new provider can continue to see the same doctor.
Adult services psychiatrists formerly at 1125 Spring Road, NW have moved to 35 K Street, NE, 3rd Floor, as of August 3, 2009. To contact your psychiatrist or for an appointment, please call (202) 442-4202. Also, children/youth services psychiatrists who were located at 1250 U Street NW, have moved to 821 Howard Rd, SE. You can contact them at (202) 698-2222.
If you have any questions, please call the DC CSA Consumer Transition Information line on 1-888-793-4357.
- Continuity of Care Transition Teams
Continuity of Care Transition teams will serve as the treatment teams for consumers who have not yet enrolled with new providers to ensure that they continue receiving quality mental health services. Also, along with peer support workers, they will work with the consumers to help them select a new provider.
- Same Day Urgent Care Services
Same Day Urgent Care Services are offered at 35 K Street NE to anyone who needs it. Services include assessment, counseling, psychiatric evaluation and medication management. Also, former DC CSA consumers who have not received an intake appointment or seen a psychiatrist at the new provider can come to Same Day Urgent Care Services and see a psychiatrist or receive a prescription if needed.
- Medications/Pharmacy Services
The DMH pharmacies will continue to operate at the current locations—1125 Spring Road NW (202) 576-7053 and 35 K Street NE (202) 442-4954. Hours of operation at both sites are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (closed 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm). Call (202) 442-4202 if you need assistance.
The multicultural services program for consumers who speak limited or no English is now located at 35 K Street NE, effective August 10, 2009. Staff will remain at the 1250 U Street NW address until the end of August to assist and redirect consumers.
Consumer and Family Choice
We believe that consumers and their family members should be partners when making decisions that affect their lives. Consumers are active participants in their recovery and consumer choice will drive the selection of a new service provider. In the coming months, you will have multiple opportunities to meet providers face to face, visit their facilities and choose the one that best fits your needs.
The Department's Office of Consumer and Family Affairs holds a weekly consumer forum to keep you informed, answer any questions, and provide time for you to interact with peer support workers. The forums are held every Friday, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, at the DC CSA, 1250 U Street NW, 4th Floor.
To help you choose a new provider, we will host a series of consumer/provider choice fairs from March through May 2009 and provider open houses so you can learn about and interview prospective providers. Events will be held in various locations around the District for easy accessibility. You also can read about services* offered by each provider. Get to know the providers and choose the one that best fits your needs. After you make a choice, you can transition in several ways—by calling Access Helpline on 1-888-793-4357, by filling out a Consumer Choice Form available at the consumer/provider choice fairs and consumer forums, or by contacting your selected provider. It’s that easy. Next—make an appointment and go. You will continue to get your medication in the same way. If you have any questions or need help, please call the DC CSA Consumer Transition Information line. That number is 1-888-793-4357.
We are transitioning only consumers enrolled in direct services that also are provided by private providers. If you are enrolled in certain unique services—multi-cultural services, programs for people with hearing impairments, the Jackie Robinson School of Excellence, and developmental disabilities services—you do not need to enroll with a new provider. If you are unsure, please talk to your treatment team or call the DC CSA Consumer Transition Information line.
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