Montgomery County Approves $24.38 Million for Mental Health Contracts

The allocated funds will support a range of services including housing, a mobile crisis unit, in-home care, deaf services, therapeutic interventions, case management, and inpatient care. Some of these programs have been recognized as state-mandated services.

David Morgan, a resident of Ambler, expressed his hope that the effectiveness and costs of these services are thoroughly evaluated to ensure taxpayer funds are managed responsibly. He emphasized the need for accountability in the funding provided by the state and how it intersects with county responsibilities.

Montgomery County Commissioner Tom DiBello acknowledged the significant financial commitment while noting that many state-mandated programs have not seen funding increases in over a decade. He criticized the state for closing facilities without a clear strategy to replace the services, placing the onus on counties to deliver mental health support.

A key component of the funding package includes a $5.2 million contract renewal with Creative Health Services, Inc., which focuses on non-institutional residential placements for adults facing mental health challenges. The organization has additional contracts, including nearly $1.3 million for services at the community behavioral health center.

Other notable contracts include $1.36 million with Central Behavior Health for similar services, and $1.84 million allocated to Montgomery County Emergency Service, Inc. for inpatient care. Merakey Montgomery County also received $1.3 million for home-based personal care services.

Even more funding, nearly $3.7 million, is designated for a contract renewal with Salisbury Behavioral Health, Inc. and PAHrtners Deaf Services for case management and support for hard-of-hearing individuals with mental health challenges.

Several contracts were renewed with Access Services, Inc., including a $1.82 million agreement for mobile crisis services and a $954,560 contract providing skill-building support for individuals dealing with primary mental health diagnoses.

Another $1.8 million will be directed toward a housing contract, which assists individuals in securing permanent housing through rental support and a leasing program.

The next Montgomery County Board of Commissioners meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, at One Montgomery Plaza. Attendees can also participate virtually, and further information is available at montgomerycountypa.gov.