All Programs

ACT 1*

Once at ACT 1, individuals have a clean and supportive setting where they can stay while they regain their sobriety.

Following an initial screening, individuals may stay at ACT 1, be referred to the hospital for medical attention, released to a family member, or referred to protective custody.

ACT 1 follows a goal-directed approach toward intervention and treatment while recognizing that many clients are in the midst of a life crisis. ACT 1 helps the person and family through the crisis, promotes stability, and recommends an appropriate follow-up level of care and assists with referrals.

To make a referral or for more information about ACT 1, call 802-488-6000 or 802-488-6425.

*Due to a shortage of staffing and other challenges, we have made the difficult decision to suspend operation of the ACT 1 and Bridge programs. We hope to reopen both programs when we have stabilized our workforce and resolved other issues.

ARCh (Accessing Resources for Children)

ARCH helps children and young adults up to the age of 22 who have an intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, or an emotional or behavioral challenge.

The program helps families access a variety of supports for children and adolescents who experience challenges related to developmental and/or emotional/behavioral disabilities. Specific supports include care coordination, family support, specialized behavior consultation, skill development supports, support for youths transitioning to adult services, and family respite.

Individuals are referred by staff from other Howard Center programs, as well as the State Health Department, other community providers, or their family. For more information, call 802-488-6500 or 802-488-6000. For help locating ARCh, please visit our directions page.

Adult Crisis Stabilization

Adult Crisis Stabilization, formerly ASSIST, is a six-bed crisis stabilization program for any Chittenden County adult who is experiencing a psychiatric crisis.

Adult Crisis Stabilization helps people remain in the community and avoid hospitalization. The program provides 24-hour staffing and support. In addition, Adult Crisis Stabilization helps clients who are at risk of hospitalization or are transitioning from an in-patient hospital stay or other inpatient setting to the community. Staff support clients who are undergoing a medication change or transitioning from an in-patient hospital stay to living in the community.

Staff work with clients to develop an individualized treatment plan. As Adult Crisis Stabilization is just one component of a network of services, clients are encouraged to pursue other community organizations and services that may support them. Referrals to Adult Crisis Stabilization are received through crisis services, hospitals, and Howard Center Community Support Program care managers.

For more information about Adult Crisis Stabilization, call 802-488-6411 or 802-488-6000.

Autism Spectrum Program

The Autism Spectrum Program (ASP) provides treatment and support services to children and youth with an autism diagnosis ages 3-22 in their community schools.

HOW WE HELP

The ASP provides intensive intervention and specialized services over the course of a full school day/week for children and youth with autism. Services are delivered through 1:1 direct instruction, small group instruction, and/or 1:1 supported inclusion in classroom and community settings (when school is not in session). ASP’s services are based in applied behavior analysis (ABA) and target the teaching and shaping of essential social communication, adaptive behavior, and daily living and functional learning skills. Caregiver coaching and support services are provided to client families to support generalization of skills from school to the home environment. Clients are referred through their local education agency. Additionally, ASP’s Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) provide consultation and training services regarding autism and ABA interventions to schools and community members/ organizations.

Avenue 7

Avenue 7 offers transitional housing for 18-28 year-olds with an intellectual disability or autism, and who receive home and community-based services. The supportive residential community helps individuals gain the skills they need to live independently. Staff are available through the day to support skill building. The program is a partnership with the Burlington Housing Authority, and each person living at Avenue 7 leases their individual residence with the support of a Section 8 housing voucher.

For more information, call 802-488-6000.

Baird School

Baird School offers multi-faceted academic, social, emotional, and behavioral programming to students ages 5-14, in grades K-8, who have significant challenges in these areas. Professional educators, clinicians and support staff assist students in developing skills and strategies to help them function successfully at school, home, and in their communities. Special education team members provide transition support for students returning to public school. Students are referred by their Local Education Agency.

View the 2022-2023 Academic Calendar. 

View our 2024-2025 Academic Calendar

For more information about the Baird School, call 802-488-6803 or  802-488-6000.

Bridge*

The Bridge Program provides short-term stabilization, detoxification, and withdrawal management in a non-medical setting for individuals who are experiencing problematic alcohol or other drug use.

The Bridge Program is staffed 24 hours a day. We provide related services by coordinating with the University of Vermont Medical Center Emergency Department and through referrals to other Howard Center services, depending on each individual’s specific needs.

Bridge offers medical oversight, coordination of services for injection drug users, clinical assessments, and referrals for individuals needing more intensive treatment. Continuing care plans are developed with each client, and ongoing support after discharge is available through free, daily community support groups.

Clients are referred by the court system, primary care providers, friends, family, clergy, a concerned community member, and by self-referral.

To make a referral or for more information about Bridge, call 802-488-6425 or 802-488-6000.

*Due to a shortage of staffing and other challenges, we have made the difficult decision to suspend operation of the ACT 1 and Bridge programs. We hope to reopen both programs when we have stabilized our workforce and resolved other issues.

Career Connections

Career Connections offers adults in the Community Support Program career counseling, job development, post-employment support, benefit counseling, self-employment opportunities, supported education for individuals returning to or beginning college, and a variety of job training programs.

Career Connections focuses on an individual’s unique interests, strengths, abilities and educational and life experiences.

Individuals are primarily referred by care managers and psychiatrists in the Community Support Program. Self referrals are also encouraged.
For more information about Career Connections, call 802-488-6035 or 802-488-6000.

Child and Family Outpatient Services

Our Child and Family Outpatient Services provides counseling for Chittenden County children, adolescents, families, parents, grandparents, and caregivers. The program offers individual, family, couples, group, and play therapy. Services are provided at Howard Center offices, in many Chittenden County schools, and at the Milton Family Community Center. The outpatient team offers a comprehensive array of general mental health and specialty services, including psychosexual assessment and evaluations.

In addition, the program offers Fire Wise Kids of Vermont for children and youth who misuse fire and STAR Groups (Sexual Trauma and Recovery) for children ages 5-12 and their caregivers.

Clients may be referred by any family member, caregiver, or professional.
For more information about our Child and Family Outpatient Services, call 802-488-6647 or 802-488-6000.

Chittenden Clinic

Our medication-assisted treatment program at the Chittenden Clinic prescribes methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone dosing for individuals seeking substance use treatment for opioids.

In addition, we will make sure you have additional support throughout your recovery, including counseling, and referrals to other programs for help with housing, employment, transportation, and medical needs. For more information about the Chittenden Clinic, call 802-488-6450 or 802-488-6000. For help locating the Chittenden Clinic, please visit our directions page.

Communication Supports

Howard Center Developmental Services supports children and adults with diverse needs and challenges in the area of communication. Being able to communicate effectively helps clients live to pursue their goals to continue their education, gain meaningful employment, develop healthy relationships, live independently, and be active members of their community. We believe that all people can develop their communication skills with the right supports and training.

We provide assistance with augmentative communication (AAC) for people with limited speaking abilities, American Sign Language (ASL), English language instruction for New Americans, and literacy to help people develop their reading and writing skills for communication. We are strongly committed to the use of technologies that will help people use their preferred method of communication.

Current Howard Center clients can let their parent, guardian, or Howard Center clinician know that they want to explore communication support options. For more information about our communication services, please call our Developmental Services Offices at 802-488-6500 or 802-488-6000.

Community Outreach Program

The Community Outreach Program provides a range of services for adults, young adults, and families in Colchester, Essex, Hinesburg, Milton, Richmond, Shelburne, South Burlington, Williston, and Winooski. Outreach specialists work with police and service providers to coordinate support for individuals who have mental health, substance use, housing, or other social service needs. The team is also a resource for downtown businesses and service providers who make referrals when they are aware of an individual in need of social service supports. Outreach workers also make efforts to prevent and address the sometimes disruptive behaviors of individuals who demonstrate acute and chronic mental illness or substance use disorders.

Clients can self-refer to Community Outreach or they are engaged by a team member in participating communities. The team also receives referrals from service providers, police, family members or friends, merchants, and concerned community members.

Community Outreach Hours

Mon – Fri: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Community Outreach is closed on weekends and agency holidays.

For more information about the Community Outreach Program, please call 802-488-7778.

Community Support Program

The Community Support Program serves Chittenden County adults 18 and older with severe and/or persistent mental health challenges who meet specific eligibility requirements set by the state.

The program helps people to recover and lead fulfilling lives. Professional clinical staff provide assessment, care management, supportive counseling, employment services through Career Connections, housing assistance, residential services, social and recreational opportunities, medical evaluation, and psychiatric consultation.

Clients participate in establishing an individualized treatment plan and goals. Services are provided at Howard Center sites, community locations, and in client homes. For more information about specific services, visit our Community Support Programs page.

In addition to self-referrals, clients may be referred by hospital, social workers, social service professionals, or family members.

For more information or to learn more about the Community Support Program, please call 802-488-6000

Early Childhood Program

Our Early Childhood Program serves children ages 0-6 who are experiencing social, emotional, and behavioral challenges, and their parents and caregivers. The Program is also the Chittenden County early childhood family mental health provider for Children’s Integrated Services and the mental health consultant for Head Start classrooms.

The Early Childhood Program offers:

• Home-based parenting education and support.
• Supportive counseling for children.
• Consultation, advocacy and care management.
• Behavioral consultation and support in childcare, preschool, and Head Start classroom settings.

The Program provides training, consultation, and education to caregivers and providers who support young children and families. Anyone who is supporting or caring for a young child may contact the Early Childhood Program to make a referral. For more information about our services for young children, please call 802.488.6619 or 802-488-6000.

Eldercare Program

The Eldercare program at Howard Center is part of a statewide collaboration between Vermont’s Designated Agencies, such as Howard Center, and Area Agencies on Aging to provide mental health and co-occurring treatment to elders in their homes. The goal of the program is to make sure vulnerable and homebound elders ages 60 and older who are experiencing psychological or emotional distress have access to the help they need. The Eldercare program is able to work with individuals in their homes and eliminates barriers to treatment, such as transportation.

Referrals are generally made through the Senior Help Line at 1-800-642-5119. If you have questions about an appropriate referral please call 802.488.6106 or 802-488-6000.

Enhanced Family Treatment

The Enhanced Family Treatment (EFT) program provides services in the community and in the home for Chittenden County children and adolescents ages 4-22. EFT is provided to children and families who need additional support.

EFT provides short-term, child focused, family centered treatment. The program is individualized to meet the unique needs of each child and family. This service helps children and families build skills to remain in or return to their home, schools, and communities. EFT offers 24-hour crisis support via phone or onsite, depending on the needs of the family. Each family is matched with a clinician and living skills worker(s) who collaborate to support identified goals.

For more information, please call 802-488-6625 or 802-488-6000.

Family and Community Based Services

Our Family and Community Based Services provide individualized, child-centered and family-friendly support to help families with children from age 5-18 who have significant emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges.

Family and Community Based Services offer therapeutic supports which may vary in type and intensity, as they are based on each family’s specific needs. Services may include assessment, in-home family support, parent education related to child development and mental/behavioral health, living skills for specific skill development for children, crisis intervention, and advocacy to help the family access needed services and supports.

Clients are referred through various Howard Center programs, schools or community providers.  For more information, please call 802-488-6635 or 802-488-6000.

Family Respite

Family Respite helps caregivers who provide ongoing care for an individual with a developmental disability. Through Family Respite, caregivers can arrange and pay for short-term care, so they have a break and can attend to their own needs or the needs of other family members. Family Respite can be used in planned or crisis situations.

Family Respite funds may only be used to pay a homecare provider/employee to provide direct care for an individual. Direct care providers are hired by the family that is providing ongoing care. Funds cannot be used to pay for camp or to pay an organization, agency, or facility.

For more information about Family Respite support, including eligibility requirements, call 802-488-6500 or 802-488-6000.

Fay Honey Knopp School of the Park Street Program

Fay Honey Knopp is an alternative school program that serves students in grades 7-12. The School is associated with the Park Street Program, an intensive residential program that provides treatment for adolescent males ages 12-17 with sexual harming behaviors. There are supports and services in place to provide the students with the necessary resources to address their emotional, behavioral, mental health and special learning needs. Our goal is to provide a safe educational and therapeutic environment that helps students achieve success in school, in the community, and at home.

First Call for Chittenden County

802-488-7777: First Call for Chittenden County serves clients and the community regardless of age or diagnosis.

Our trained, professional staff are available 24/7/365, regardless of the type of service. When you call First Call, you can expect phone support, crisis intervention and assessment, referrals to appropriate services, and connection to follow-up care. We will collaborate with emergency responders during a crisis as needed.

Please remember that during a medical emergency call 911 immediately.

Flexible Family Funding

The Flexible Family Funding (FFF) Program recognizes that families are often able to provide the best care for a child or adult with a disability. However, sometimes families need additional support to care for a loved one at home. Through FFF, individuals with a developmental disability and their families receive limited funding to make it easier for families to support loved ones with developmental disabilities at home.

The Flexible Family Funding (FFF) Program provides limited funding to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The goal is to help families to be able to live together. The individual and the family can decide how the money will be used. Usually, families use the funds for goods or services that are not covered by Medicaid or private insurance.

To receive FFF, individuals must be eligible for Developmental Disabilities Services. If you think you or a family member is eligible, our Howard Center staff can help you with the application process. For more information, call 802-488-6500 or 802-488-6000.

Impaired Driver Rehabilitation Program

Howard Center offers the Vermont State approved Impaired Driver Rehabilitation Program (IDRP) for individuals who have had their license suspended because of an impaired driving violation. Individuals may need to complete the IDRP before they can have their driving privileges reinstated.

The IDRP offers the State of Vermont specific evaluation, 10-hour education, referral to treatment, and review of any other applicable requirements for driving privilege reinstatement. Howard Center offers several options for completing the program, including evaluation appointments and monthly and weekend programs.

Clients may refer themselves or they are referred by the Department of Motor Vehicles or the Chittenden County State’s Attorney Office.

For more information about the IDRP, call 802-488-6151 or 802-488-6000 or email IDRP@howardcenter.org.

INCLUSION Program

The INCLUSION Program serves children and youth in grades K-12 with serious emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs. Master’s level specialists partner with public school staff to develop and manage all aspects of the behavioral and therapeutic elements of a student’s educational program. A continuum of intensive supports and services are offered within the regular education environment, and also through tutorial services, to ensure that a student’s needs are fully addressed without placing undue demands on the school’s regular staff. Family services and summer programming are also provided.

Students are referred by their Local Education Agency.

For more information, call 802-488-6600 or 802-488-6000.

Intensive Outpatient Counseling

Our Intensive Outpatient Program helps individuals achieve or maintain sobriety.

We offer intensive support for anyone who is making the transition from residential or community based treatment or for those who need more than weekly individual and/or group counseling can offer. Clients may choose our Burlington or St. Albans location.

For more information about our Intensive Outpatient Counseling Services, call 802-488-6140 or 802-488-6000.

Jarrett House

Jarrett House offers crisis stabilization beds for Vermont children and youth ages 5-13 who are experiencing an acute mental health emergency. Jarrett House provides short-term, out-of-home care in a staff-secured setting with the following supports:

• 24/7 therapeutic staff supervision.
• Evaluation of acute mental health status.
• Treatment and discharge planning.
• Psychiatric consultation.
• Medication management.
• Intensive care coordination.

Referrals to the program are made through the local designated mental health agency crisis team or primary care provider. For information about Jarrett House call 802-488-6000 or Howard Center’s First Call for Chittenden County at 802-488-7777.

Jean Garvin School

Since 1997, the Jean Garvin School has been serving students ages 12-18 and in grades 7-12 who are struggling to be successful in school. We offer educational programming and unique learning opportunities to inspire personal change and well-being. Our staff is dedicated to working with our students, their caregivers, and their teams to create and nurture an experience of safety and trust. Our goal is to provide a safe educational and therapeutic environment that helps students achieve success in school, in the community, and at home.

In addition to offering basic courses of study in math, language arts, science, social studies, and health, we offer intensive special education, therapeutic behavioral intervention and treatment, counseling, social skills training, and family support.

Students are referred by their Local Education Agency.

For more information about the Jean Garvin School 802-488-6000.

View the 2021-2022 Academic Calendar.

View the 2022-2023 Academic Calendar.

JOBS

The JOBS Program provides comprehensive care management, therapeutic and employment support for adolescents and young adults (ages 16-21 years) who are experiencing mental health challenges.

The program helps youth find and maintain employment, while developing independent living skills in order to live successfully in the community.

Clients are referred through staff in other Howard Center programs and by other community providers. JOBS is a collaboration between Spectrum Youth and Family Services and the State of Vermont Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.

For more information about JOBS Program, call 802-488-7270 or 802-488-6000.

Mental Health Court Programs

Unlike other courts, the Mental Health Court is a problem-solving court that brings together judiciary, prosecution, defense bar, and Howard Center to help non-violent offenders find restoration in recovery and become productive citizens.

The Court links offenders who would ordinarily be under the supervision of the Department of Corrections to Howard Center and other community resources. Individuals must meet the court requirements and agree to

• mental health assessments
• individualized treatment plans
• ongoing judicial monitoring to address both the mental health needs of offenders and public safety concerns of communities.

Rapid Intervention Community Court (RICC) is a collaboration among the Chittenden County State’s Attorney’s Office and community partners to provide treatment and services for some of the common root causes of criminal behavior such as substance use. Howard Center provides assessments, treatment, and referrals.

Individuals are referred through the Department of Corrections and/or the Chittenden County State’s Attorney Office.

For information about the Mental Health Court Programs, call 802.488.6215 or 802.488.6000.

Mental Health Urgent Care

Howard Center’s Mental Health Urgent Care (MHUC) provides a therapeutic alternative to emergency department visits for adults 18 and over.

MHUC bridges the gap between emergency care and primary care by providing timely mental health services in a supportive environment and helps to reduce unnecessary emergency department visits. The program offers person-centered, equitable, and coordinated care, tailored to meet each guest’s needs.

As a therapeutic alternative to emergency department services, the clinic provides mental health support, peer support, suicide care, care management, and related medical assessment and care in a trauma-informed setting for adults experiencing a mental health crisis.

The program is a partnership between Howard Center, the University of Vermont Medical Center, Community Health Centers, Pathways Vermont, and the Vermont Department of Mental Health.

Walk-in care is available Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. No appointment is necessary. Located at 1 South Prospect Street, Arnold 4, Elevator C, Burlington, Vermont. Free parking. Easy access by public transportation. Closed on some holidays.

Mental Health Urgent Care: 802-488-MHUC (802-488-6482).

Northern Vermont Outpatient and Spoke Services

Northern Vermont Outpatient and Spoke Services provides comprehensive outpatient substance use and co-occurring mental health counseling and medication-assisted therapy to residents of Grand Isle and Franklin County.

Specific treatment options vary according to individual needs and may include individual or group therapy, care management or intensive outpatient treatment. Addiction medicine, including medication management to address alcohol use and opioid use disorders are offered in consultation with an addiction medicine provider.

The program provides referrals to treatment and offers information on resources in the community. Clients refer themselves to the program, or they may be referred by other providers, including law enforcement.

Parent Child Interaction Therapy

The Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) program helps parents with children age 2-7 who are experiencing behavioral challenges. PCIT is an evidence-based treatment designed to improve the relationship between a caregiver and their child. Caregivers learn specific skills for relationship enhancement and improving their child’s ability to follow directions and practice those skills in play sessions with their child. During sessions, caregivers receive live coaching by the PCIT therapist. This “real-time” feedback gives caregivers immediate support to build their confidence and effectiveness using the skills with their child to create positive change in the relationship and behavior.

For more information about our Parent Child Interaction Therapy program, call our Early Childhood Program at 802-488-6619 or 802-488-6000.

Park Street Program

Park Street is a community-based residential program providing treatment to families and adolescent males, ages 12-17 with sexual harming behaviors. Through the use of a cognitive behavioral based model with the Good Lives Model concepts and trauma-informed approach, Park Street works collaboratively with youth, their families and referring agencies to modify inappropriate sexual behavior through a strengths-based skill building focus. The goal is to inspire personal change that will promote youth to care about themselves and others and to be responsible for their own behaviors.

Park Street Program helps by offering:
• 90-day assessments and long term treatment
• Individual, group and family therapy
• Psychiatric consultation and medical oversight
• Community reintegration support
• On site educational programming through the Fay Honey Knopp Memorial School
• Safety and behavioral stability
• A holistic model of individualized care with emphasis on addressing sexual behaviors in conjunction with other co-occurring mental health disorders

Clients are referred to the program through the youth’s local team of service providers to include the Agency of Education with either the Department of Mental Health or the Department for Children and Families taking the lead in the process.

For information about Park Street, call 802-488-6775 or 802-488-6000.

For information about a PREA safe environment at Park Street, please click here.

Pine Street Counseling Services

Pine Street Counseling Services offers outpatient services for adults with mental health and/or substance use issues. The program promotes wellness and recovery in all areas and through all phases of a person’s life. Clinicians help clients focus on their strengths and encourage self-care, connections to others and the community, and independence.

Pine Street Counseling provides:

• Individual and group counseling.
• Care management.
• Psychiatric services.

Clients refer themselves to the program or they may be referred by another state/community agency.

For more information about Pine Street Counseling, call 802-488-6100 or 802-488-6000.

Project Hire

Project Hire provides career development and employment support and assistance to individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The program helps adults find meaningful, competitively-paid employment. The specific supports and services offered are individualized for each person, based on their interests and employment goals. Typically, these include employment skill and interest assessments, work experiences, internships, job search and development, on-the-job training assistance, and on-going support to job seekers and their employers.

Individuals may refer themselves, or they may be referred by other providers, educators, or family members.

For more information about Project Hire, call 802-488-6555 or 802-488-6000.

Project SEARCH

Howard Center participates in the nationwide Project SEARCH collaboration that helps interns with intellectual disabilities to gain and maintain employment through trainings, internships, and career exploration.

For more information about Project SEARCH, call 802-488-6555 or 802-488-6000.

Reach Up

Howard Center works in partnership with the state Reach Up program to help eligible parents gain job skills and find work so they are able to support their children. Howard Center clinicians and wellness coaches work with clients on Reach Up who are struggling to meet their goals due to substance use and/or mental health challenges. The specific services include Howard Center assessment, individual and group therapy, service coordination and community support. Through this close working relationship with Reach Up, we are able to provide immediate access, engagement services, and a community-based service approach that helps overcome barriers like transportation and childcare. This program is offered in Chittenden and Franklin Counties.

For information about Howard Center’s collaboration with Reach Up, call 802.488.6000.

Resource Center

The Resource Center is a welcoming and friendly center for individuals with a developmental disability, with various activities throughout the day (Monday- Friday). All activities at the Resource Center are free for Howard Center clients and are adjusted to meet all ability levels. The Resource Center is an engaging place to meet friends and to learn new skills. Visit our After High School and Community  Support page for a full list of our many groups.

Safe Recovery

For many people, the recovery process includes periods of use and non-use. Safe Recovery is a safe place for people to come to for support, even if they are currently using. Helping someone stay safe today, whether or not they are using today, is an important part of supporting their recovery. The Safe Recovery Program offers a variety of services, including

• HIV and Hepatitis C testing.
• Syringe services
• Free anonymous distribution of Narcan overdose reversal kits.
• Fentanyl testing strips
• Drug treatment options counseling.
• Referrals to treatment programs, including the Chittenden Clinic.
• Referrals to community resources for housing, health insurance, and legal problems.

Unlike many other Howard Center programs, clients do not need to have an appointment to receive services. However, for more information, clients can call Safe Recovery at 802-488-6067 or 802-488-6000.

Safety Connection

The Safety Connection program helps people with intellectual and age-related disabilities and mental health challenges to live independently in the community setting of their choice. The program supports transition-age youth, single adults, families, and elders who wish to age in place. Safety Connection works with individuals and their support teams which may include Howard Center staff and community partners. The program’s mission is to help participants feel safe and connected to a larger support community; promote health and wellness; and increase and preserve self-determination.

Safety Connection offers different levels of support based on individual need and preference.  The use of personal help buttons, fall detection, and environmental monitoring connect participants directly to experienced Safety Connection operators between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

For more information about Safety Connection, call 802-488-6500 or 802-488-6000.

School Services Program

The School Services Program provides social work services and therapeutic interventions for children ages 5 to 22 and their families. Howard Center’s masters-level clinicians work in all Chittenden County schools, in addition to home and community settings. Students are referred by their local school, a community agency, or by family members.

For more information about the School Services Program, call 802-488-6664 or 802-488-6000.

START (STABILIZATION, TREATMENT AND RECOVERY TEAM) – A Community Peer Support Team

Through outreach, engagement, and connection, START peer community recovery specialists offer mental health recovery support that is strengths based and hope driven. Our stories, though diverse and unique, emphasize resiliency and recovery.

Our team is available seven days a week, and peer community recovery specialists work from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.  The team provides community-based peer support services and support by telephone and video telehealth. To make a referral call 802-488-6000 or 802-488-6424. For directions, please visit our directions page.

START PEER SUPPORT PROVIDES

• In-home and community connection
• Engagement
• Partnership

Street Outreach Program

The Street Outreach Team provides a range of services for adults, young adults, and families in the city of Burlington, while also holding a consistent presence in the downtown Burlington Business District. Outreach specialists work with police and service providers to coordinate support for individuals who have mental health, substance use, housing, or other social service needs. The team is also a resource for downtown businesses and service providers who make referrals when they are aware of an individual in need of social service supports. Outreach workers also make efforts to prevent and address the sometimes disruptive behaviors of individuals who demonstrate acute and chronic mental illness or substance use disorders.

Clients can self-refer to Street Outreach or they are engaged by a team member on downtown streets or in city neighborhoods. The team also receives referrals from service providers, police, family members or friends, merchants, and concerned community members.

Street Outreach Hours

Mon/Tues: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Wed/Thurs: 8 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.

Fri: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Sat/Sun: 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

To contact Street Outreach, please call 802-488-7013.

SUCCEED

SUCCEED is a post-secondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities or autism that is offered by Howard Center in collaboration with area colleges. The program includes four areas of focus:

• Education
• Campus Life
• Career Development
• Student Housing
• Contact Us

More information about these specific focus areas is included on the SUCCEED web pages on this website. To view a quick overview of the SUCCEED Program, view or download our SUCCEED Fact Sheet.

SUCCEED students participate in a college experience that prepares them for a future of success, creativity, and contribution to their community. While enrolled in the program, students receive support from SUCCEED staff and feedback from their peers, professors, employers, and organizations. When students graduate, they have the skills they need to:

• Live in their own apartment.
• Develop meaningful friendships.
• Obtain fulfilling employment.
• Establish community connections.

To apply, students must submit an application and participate in an interview with SUCCEED staff.

Transition House (T House)

The Transition House (T House) is a residential home for cisgender males and transgender females ages 16-22 who have been in long-term residential programming and are continuing treatment in a less restrictive, transitional setting. The program helps youth with complex behavioral, mental health, and substance use needs by offering individual and family therapy, vocational/educational support, and service coordination for each resident.

The T House works with the Department for Children and Families (DCF) and the Department of Mental Health (DMH) which refers youth to the program.

For information about a PREA safe environment at Transition House, please click here.

Treatment Courts

Our Treatment Courts, on both State and Federal levels are part of a national effort that recognizes that criminal behavior is often the result of mental health and/or substance use issues. Treatment Courts bring together judiciary, prosecution, defense bar, and Howard Center to provide treatment for non-violent offenders whose crimes were a result of substance use and mental health-related issues. Unlike other courts, the goal of Treatment Courts is to help people find treatment, develop healthier lifestyles, and avoid future incarceration.

We offer assessments, including psychiatric assessments when needed, individual and group counseling, intensive outpatient treatment, and an aftercare group for graduates. We meet with each participant on an ongoing basis to help them connect to other resources for supports, such as medical needs, employment, disability determinations, housing, food, transportation, vouchers, and counseling.

To graduate from the program, individuals need to:

• Be 100% free from all non-prescribed substances and/or enrolled in a Medication Assisted Treatment Program (MAT)
• Have stable housing
• Be employed, in school, or receiving Social Security or Disability Insurance
• Have a primary care physician
• Connect to sober community supports
• Engage in counseling
• Be free of all criminal charges

For more information about the Treatment Courts, call 802.488.6120 or 802-488-6000.

Westview House

Westview House is a day program for Chittenden County adults who have been diagnosed with a major mental illness. Clients live in a variety of residential settings, including Howard Center supported homes, and they visit Westview during the day. Lunch is served every weekday so that clients can get a nutritious meal while socializing with others.

Individuals are encouraged to volunteer or seek part-time work, often through Career Connections, a Howard Center supported employment program for individuals with chronic mental health challenges.

For more information about Westview and other Community Support Programs, call 802-488-6000.