The Human Services Center's clinical programs and staff members treat a variety of mental health and relationship problems. These can include anxiety, depression, marital difficulties, and child-rearing problems as well as more serious problems such as the hallucinations and delusions that often accompany schizophrenia. Services are provided by highly qualified and licensed professionals that include psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, case managers, and counselors.
A family's first step should always be to walk in or call 724-658-3578. Hours of operation are 8:30 am - 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Walk ins are only available at our 130 West North Street facility during these hours of operation.
The Human Services Center charges reasonable fees for its services that often may be paid for through private or public insurance. However, should there be any question regarding payment, our trained staff will guide you through your options. When calling, you should always have your insurance information available. No one is turned away because of lack of resources or inability to pay. Staff can aid you in enrolling in pertinent government funded programs for which you may be eligible.
The Human Services Center has a large number of locations throughout Lawrence County. Principal administrative offices are located at 130 West North Street, New Castle, PA.
Sometimes there is a need for immediate help. Of course, one can always walk in during normal office hours at our West North Street facility in New Castle (Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm) A crisis line is available 24/7 at 724-652-9000.
Mission/Philosophy
The mission of the Human Services Center is to respond to the diverse nature of mental illness by providing a broad array of services.
Philosophy
The Human Services Center has adopted philosophical models that set and support the direction of its clinical services, residential programs, employment practices, property development, and the facilities’ management.
Clinical Services’ Philosophy
The Sanctuary Model – This conceptual model was developed in the early 1980s. It was formally adopted as the Center’s model for clinical practices in 2008. The overall focus of the Sanctuary Model is to address the needs of our clients and staff in a caring, respectful manner, to develop and maintain a welcoming and positive environment, to offer recovery-oriented services that empower individuals to determine their goals and outcomes, and to encourage staff by promoting the Seven Sanctuary Commitments an fostering an atmosphere of personal and professional growth. For further information on the Sanctuary Model go to: www.sanctuaryweb.com.
The Recovery Model – The Center has adopted the Recovery Model clinical practice model that focuses on the needs of seriously mentally ill patients. “Recovery is a self-determined and holistic journey that people undertake to heal and grow. Recovery is facilitated by relationships and environments that provide hope, empowerment, choices and opportunities that promote people reaching their full potential as individuals and community members. (Pennsylvania OMHSAS definition of recovery) For further information on the Recovery Model go to: http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/cmhs/CommunitySupport/toolkits/illness.
Residential Programs’ Philosophy
Fairweather Lodge Housing Model – The basic tenets of this housing model were developed by Dr. George Fairweather in 1963. Fairweather emphasized the involvement of residents in establishing their own house rules including the selection of new tenants. Peer support and active involvement of residents in a training or vocational endeavor are cornerstones of this housing model. Staff are available to provide assistance on an “as needed” basis. For more information go to www.pahousingchoices.org.
Fair Housing Practices -- The Center Fair Housing policy is consistent with HUD guidelines and can be accessed at www.hud.gov.
Employment Practices’ Philosophy
Equal Opportunity/Cultural Diversity – The Human Services Center is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity and to making employment decisions based on merit and value. HSC is committed to complying with all Federal, State, and local laws providing Equal Opportunities, as well as all laws related to terms and conditions of employment. HSC desires to keep a work environment which is free of harassment or discrimination because of sex, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, marital status, age, or any other status protected by Federal, State, or local laws. HSC values diversity and encourage men and women of all ethnic, racial, national origins to seek employment at the Human Services Center. The Center is responsible for upholding this Equal Opportunity policy.
Property Development Philosophy
The Human Services Center owns numerous properties in Lawrence County. In the development of these properties, the Center has followed the Keystone Principles for Growth for Pennsylvania. The core principles of renovating existing properties and incorporating sustainable building practices have guided the Center in its acquisition and development of property.
Facilities’ Philosophy
The Human Services Center has endorsed the philosophy of sustainability as advanced by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) (www.usgbc.org), the Green Building Alliance of Pittsburgh (www.gbapgh.org) and Energy Star (www.energystar.gov). The Center developed Lawrence County’s first and only LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certified building and is in the process of seeking LEED certification for two additional properties.
