How old does a person need to be in order to receive your supports and services?
For direct, ongoing supports and services the person must be at least 16 years of age. However, we do offer training and consultation to teams supporting those who are younger than 16 years of age.
How do I make a referral for services?
Please read our Service Referrals page for information on how to make a referral.
How do you determine if you will accept a referral?
Our Service Referrals page explains our referral process.
How do I receive supports and services if I am transgender?
Request for services are carefully reviewed by Shawn McGill, who is the person providing direct supports and services to those who are transgender. Contact should be made at smcgill@shawnmcgillmsw.com and specific information and guidelines will be sent as it relates to the services provided.
Can I receive support if I live in another state?
Yes, supports and services can be provided through secure video conferencing. There are special guidelines and regulations that must be followed, and are outlined as a part of our intake paperwork. In essence you will be “telecommuting” to our office in Pittsburgh and following all laws and guidelines set forth by the state of Pennsylvania only. This does not apply to transgendered services.
Who do I contact if I have a behavioral health or psychiatric emergency?
Those who receive our supports and services have a specific crisis plan in place, which should be outlined in both the Behavior Support Plan (BSP) as well as the Individual Support Plan (ISP), if applicable. We stress that we are not a mobile crisis service. Emergency services generally warrant a greater level of care and support such as a county mobile crisis unit and/or support of other emergency services.
Does a person need to have an intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder in order to receive your supports and services?
Not necessarily, but we do consider our expertise to be in supporting those with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as autism spectrum disorders. Therefore we typically ask questions and/or for records that may indicate some learning difficulties or history of traumatic events in the person’s life. For attendance in our groups we do require a diagnosis of intellectual/developmental disabilities, and autism spectrum disorder or borderline intellectual disability. For transgender services this is not required.
How can a person attend one of your groups?
There is a specific referral form for our groups. Information can be received by calling our office at 412-781-3829 or by emailing referrals@shawnmcgillmsw.com Again, any person attending our groups must have a diagnosis of an intellectual/developmental disability, autism spectrum disorder or a borderline intellectual disability. We want those who attend our groups to feel safe and comfortable in this setting.
What is the cost of your groups?
For those who receive our direct supports and services, there is no cost to attend group. We attempt to have the person’s assigned Behavior Specialist utilize the curriculum from group and use it to work directly with the person and the team supporting them in order to utilize the information in everyday life. For those who are private pay, the cost per group is $10.