The Single Point of Access (SPOA) is a centralized intake process for referrals for high-intensity mental health services for children and adults who have been diagnosed with a serious mental illness and whose illness interferes with their ability to function in the community, home, school, and/or work. The overall goals include fostering independence and improving the quality of life for consumers of mental health services.
The purpose of the SPOA is to manage access to high-intensity mental health services, provide a forum for improved collaboration among community service providers, and identify and promote community-based alternatives to residential treatment and psychiatric hospitalization. As a part of the SPOA process, stakeholders in the community mental health service system meet on a regular basis to ensure that individuals who are referred are matched to the appropriate level of service based on need. Provisions are made to incorporate and consider recipient preferences and choices.
Adult Services
The Single Point of Access Committee for Adult Services reviews referrals to the following programs for residents of Warren and Washington Counties: Supportive Case Management; Dual Recovery Case Management; Intensive Case Management; Residential Services; East Side Center; and Project C.H.O.I.C.E. More information about these programs can be found on the applications page of this website.
Individuals referred to these programs must be over 18 years old, considered seriously mentally ill, and in need of services because their illness significantly impairs their ability to function in the community.
To make a referral to a service overseen by the SPOA committee, a referral form must be completed and sent to the Office of Community Services for Warren and Washington Counties. The Single Point of Access Application for Adult Services is available on-line in PDF file format.
In order for the application to be considered complete, the following documents are also required: a signed consent for release of information; psychosocial or psychiatric assessment with D.S.M. diagnoses; physical exam with T.B. test (Residential Programs and East Side Center Only); functional assessment survey (Residential Programs Only); and signed physician authorization for restorative services (Residential Programs Only).
Children and Youth Services
The Single Point of Access Committee for Children and Youth reviews referrals to the following programs for residents of Warren and Washington Counties: Supportive Case Management; Intensive Case Management; Home and Community Based Services Waiver; Family-Based Treatment; Teaching Family Homes; Community Residences; and Residential Treatment Facilities. More information about these programs can be found on the Applications page of this web site.
A child or youth qualifies for these services if he or she has been diagnosed with a serious emotional disturbance; AND: is at risk of being hospitalized, re-hospitalized, or placed outside the home; OR is having difficulty functioning in the home, school or community; OR is involved in multiple systems.
The Single Point of Access Application for Services, to be used for Intensive Case Management, Supportive Case Management, and Home and Community Based Services Waiver referrals, is available on-line in PDF and HTM format on our Applications page. In order for the application to be considered complete, a signed release of information and psychosocial or psychiatric evaluation with D.S.M. IV diagnoses is also required.
Referral forms for Family-Based Treatment, Teaching Family Home, Community Residences and Residential Treatment Facilities may be obtained by contacting the Office of Community Services for Warren and Washington Counties.
For further information, contact
SPOA Coordinator
Office of Community Services for Warren and Washington Counties
230 Maple Street
Glens Falls, New York 12801
Tel. 518-792-7143
Fax 518-792-7166
