Intensive Home-Based Treatment (IHBT): A Game Changer in Mental Health Services

Today, I’m excited to share something truly transformative in the world of mental health care—an approach that’s making a significant difference right here in Northwest Ohio: Intensive Home-Based Treatment, or IHBT. Unison Health is implementing this innovative program and reshaping how support is provided to families with mental health challenges. It does so in the comfort of their own homes.

 What is IHBT?

 IHBT isn’t just therapy; it’s a comprehensive, family-centered approach designed to meet the intense needs of children and adolescents at risk of out-of-home placements due to behavioral or mental health issues. This program pairs therapists with case managers to work as a team, offering much more than the traditional once-a-week therapy session. They provide integrated support, including therapy, case management, and crisis intervention, explicitly tailored to each family’s unique situation.

 Why IHBT?

 Many families struggle with the logistics and stigma associated with traditional mental health care, which often involves traveling to clinics and managing appointments around already hectic schedules. IHBT supports them, making it more accessible and less stigmatizing. Families receive help multiple times a week, sometimes daily, addressing everything from behavioral interventions to navigating community resources like schools and social services.

 The Benefits of a Home-Based Approach

 One of the most significant advantages of IHBT is the comfort and privacy it offers by being in the family’s own home. This setting allows therapists and case managers to understand better the family dynamics and environmental factors affecting the child’s behavior and mental health. It’s personalized care at its best, designed to stabilize the family situation quickly and effectively.

 Who Can Benefit from IHBT?

 IHBT is specifically aimed at families where children are at risk of being removed from the home due to severe behavioral issues. These might include risks of hospitalization, incarceration, or long-term residential treatment. The goal is to intervene effectively before such drastic measures become necessary, preserving the family unit and ensuring children grow up in a loving, supportive environment.

 How Does IHBT Work?

Teams work intensively with families, usually over six months, to stabilize the situation and then gradually reduce support as improvements are made. This intense involvement includes therapy sessions, practical support in accessing community resources, and educational support at schools. Plus, the IHBT team provides a 24/7 crisis line, ensuring help is always just a phone call away.

 Looking to the Future

 As we move forward with this program, our focus remains on meeting and exceeding the expectations of the families we serve and our program funders. We measure success by significant reductions in hospitalizations, school disciplinary actions, and the need for out-of-home placements. More importantly, we look for real-life improvements like better school attendance and behavior and enhanced family dynamics.

 IHBT represents a significant shift in mental health treatment, emphasizing intensive, personalized support where it’s most effective: at home. If you or someone you know might benefit from IHBT, I encourage you to learn more at [Unison Health’s IHBT Page](http://unisonhealthorg/IHBT) or get involved by exploring career opportunities that make a real difference at [Unison Health Careers](http://unisonhealthorg/careers).

References

Ohio Intensive Home-Based Treatment. (n.d.). Intensive Home-Based Treatment – Ohio. from https://ihbtohio.org/