The SMART Model of Care Program (also known as Fresno Bright Beginnings) is a collaboration between Fresno County Behavioral Health-Children’s Mental Health, EMQ-Families First, Exceptional Parents Unlimited (EPU) and Comprehensive Youth Services of Fresno, Inc. (CYS).
The program was created for children between 2 and 5 years of age whose problematic behaviors (defiance, inability to follow directions, aggression) are disruptive or impulsive enough to cause serious problems at home, at daycare, pre-school or kindergarten.
How can my child be referred to this program?
Children must first undergo an assessment at Exceptional Parents Unlimited (EPU) to determine the best treatment options, which may (or may not) include PCIT. You may contact EPU directly by calling (559) 225-1102 or by completing the EPU Assessment Center for Children Referral Form and mailing it to 4440 North First Street, Fresno, CA 93726, or by FAX to (559)320-0442.
If following the assessment at EPU it is determined that PCIT is appropriate, a referral may be made to Comprehensive Youth Services for treatment.
What is PCIT?
PCIT is an evidence-based parent-child treatment program that assists parents of children with behavioral problems. By restructuring interactions between parents and child, it reduces disruptive behavior and improves the parent-child relationship. Parents learn specific skills to increase positive attention to behavior they want to encourage, and specific disciplinary techniques to respond to undesired behaviors.
PCIT has two specific program components:
Relationship Enhancement: Parents are taught and coached how to decrease negative aspects of the relationship with their child while learning how to communicate in a more positive manner.
Strategies for Compliance: Parents are taught and coached how to provide effective discipline and child management skills.
What is unique about this type of therapy?
PCIT incorporates both the parent and the child within the treatment session and involves “live coaching” throughout the entire process. Treatment takes place in two rooms which are separated by a one-way mirror (see diagram below). Parents receive live coaching from their therapists behind the one-way mirror via a wireless earbud, as they undertake guided play sessions with the child in the other room. Home practice facilitates skill-building and confidence in using PCIT techniques and strategies.
Where are services provided?
PCIT services are provided at Comprehensive Youth Services Main Office/Clinical Facility on Shields Avenue near Millbrook in Fresno.
Is there a cost for these services?
Services may be covered by Medi-Cal, private insurance or MHSA funds.
Effective July 1, 2011, the Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health began to apply the “Uniform Method of Determining Ability to Pay (UMDAP)” to all MHSA programs (The SMART Model of Care is a qualified MHSA program). Comprehensive Youth Services will assist families in applying for UMDAP so that they may qualify for low cost services based on income.
How I receive more information on this program?
Please contact the Program Manager,
Jim Pryce, LCSW at (559) 229-3561.
The SMART Model of Care Program is a program of Fresno County’s Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Program, with funding created through a State ballot measure, Proposition 63.