Case Management Unit (CMU)

The CMU Mental Health Case Management services are designed to assist Dauphin County residents with serious mental health issues to obtain needed mental health, medical, social, financial, vocational, educational and other necessary supports to maintain maximum independence and community functioning.

What is CMU Mental Health Case Management?

CMU Mental Health Case Management is the process through which individual and families are supported in identifying, securing and sustaining the resources necessary to live successfully in the community.  The ultimate goal of CMU Mental Health Case Management is to help individuals and families gain the highest level of independence and personal growth possible.  Case management services are voluntary and free of charge.

CMU Mental Health Case Management Services Embrace Recovery and Resiliency

The CMU strives to provide services consistent with the ten fundamental elements and defining principles of recovery.  Self-Direction, Individualized and Person Centered, Empowerment, Holistic, Non-Linear, Strengths-Based, Peer Support, Respect, Responsibility, and Hope.

The CMU believes that “Mental health recovery is a journey of healing and transformation for a person with a mental health disability to be able to live a meaningful life in communities of his or her choice while striving to achieve full human potential or “personhood”.”  –  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

What Does a CMU Mental Health Case Manager Do?

CMU Case Managers help explore the variety of resources and supports available to individuals and families and coordinate and monitor the delivery of the services to the satisfaction of those they work with.  Individuals and families drive the planning process and service plans are created in ways that develop natural community supports and provide for choice of services.

CMU Intake/Assessment

CMU Intake services provide a comprehensive evaluation that identifies mental health issues, assesses individual’s strengths and needs and determines program eligibility requirements.  Intakes are free of charge and consist of the following:

  • Data Gathering – A collection of basic demographic personal information used to help determine an individual’s needs and eligibility for services.
  • Service Planning – Developing an initial plan to link the individual with the services that will best support their needs.
  • Crisis Assessment – A determination of the individual’s immediate need for services.
  • Liability Determination – An assessment of an individual or family’s ability to pay for services.

Intakes are available on a walk-in basis, Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Since intakes are completed on a first-come, first-served basis, there may be a short wait to be seen.  If an individual or family is not available during walk-in hours, the CMU will attempt to coordinate alternative arrangements to accommodate their needs.

All intakes in Upper Dauphin are completed at the Elizabethville Human Services Building located at 295 State Drive, Elizabethville, PA 17023.  Appointments may be scheduled by calling (717) 362-1212.

CMU Blended Case Management (BCM)

Blended Case Management provides individualized support to individuals in their mental health recovery based on their specific needs by assuring continuity in the delivery of services.  Face-to-face contacts occur at least every 30 days.  The actual amount of contact and support received is determined by the needs of each individual.  BCM services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  To access BCM during on-call hours, calls are directed to Crisis Intervention at (717) 232-7511.  BCM eligibility is determined based on the needs of the individual and criteria set by the state.  BCM case managers have a limited number of individuals they can service and therefore, waiting periods for assignment to BCM are possible.  BCM is available to both adults and children.

CMU Peer Support Services

CMU Peer Support Services are specialized therapeutic interactions conducted by trained and certified peer specialists who are current or former consumers of behavioral health services.  Based on recovery principles, Peer Support Services are multi-faceted and include individual advocacy, crisis management support, and skills training and aim to facilitate the development of self-help skills.

Case Management (CMU) Website:

www.cmupa.org/