Family-Based Mental Health Services (FBMHS) in Pennsylvania

You Are Not Alone

​

If you're struggling to connect with your child or understand their emotional and behavioral challenges, you're not alone. Laurel Life’s Family-Based Mental Health Services (FBMHS) provide intensive, in-home support to help families rebuild relationships, improve communication, and create lasting stability.

​

FBMHS is designed for children and adolescents with significant mental health needs who are at risk of out-of-home placement. Our goal is simple: help families stay together and function more effectively.

​

What Are Family-Based Mental Health Services?

 

Family-Based Mental Health Services (FBMHS) is an intensive, short-term mental health program delivered directly in your home and community.

​

Unlike traditional outpatient therapy, FBMHS focuses on the entire family system. Services are built around your daily life, making support more accessible, practical, and effective.

​

FBMHS helps families:

• Improve communication and relationships

• Build coping and emotional regulation skills

• Navigate crises safely

• Reduce the need for hospitalization or placement outside the home

​

A Flexible, In-Home Approach to Mental Health Care

 

FBMHS is designed for families who may not benefit from traditional office-based therapy.

​

Services are:

• Delivered in your home or community

• Scheduled at times that work for your family

• Tailored to real-life challenges as they happen

​

Each family works with a two-person clinical team, providing consistent support, multiple perspectives, and ongoing guidance throughout treatment.

​

What Services Are Included in FBMHS?

 

FBMHS provides a comprehensive range of supports, including:

• Individual therapy for the child or adolescent

• Family therapy sessions

• Crisis intervention and stabilization

• Skill-building for both children and caregivers

• Parenting support and coaching

• Coordination with schools, providers, and community resources

​

Services typically last up to 32 weeks, depending on the needs of the family.

​

A determination of eligibility—completed by a licensed psychologist or physician—is required before services can begin.

​

A Holistic, Family-Centered Approach to Care

 

FBMHS takes a holistic approach by focusing on the entire family system, not just the child. Emotional and behavioral challenges are often connected to family dynamics, past experiences, and environmental stressors.

​

Our clinicians work with families to understand the root causes of behaviors, strengthen relationships and communication, and build practical, everyday coping strategies that support both the child and caregiver. This approach allows for more meaningful, lasting progress compared to treatment that focuses on the child alone.

​

Building Long-Term Support Beyond Treatment

 

A key part of FBMHS is helping families build a support system that lasts beyond the program.

 

Throughout treatment, Laurel Life clinicians connect families with community resources, coordinate care with other providers and supports, and develop a personalized aftercare plan. This ensures families continue receiving the support they need even after services end.

​

Who Qualifies for FBMHS?

 

FBMHS is available for children and adolescents who meet the following criteria:

• Ages 3 to 21

• Have a diagnosed mental health condition

• Are enrolled in Medical Assistance (MA) through PerformCare or Community Care

• Are at risk for out-of-home placement

 

At least one caregiver must be willing to actively participate in services.

​

Is FBMHS Covered by Insurance?

 

At least one caregiver must be willing to actively participate in services.

​

Rapid Response When Families Need Support Most

 

When a child is in crisis or at risk of out-of-home placement, timing matters.

​

FBMHS is designed to respond quickly and provide immediate support through crisis intervention, frequent in-home sessions, and ongoing communication with caregivers and other supports. Our goal is to step in when families need help most and provide the structure and guidance necessary to stabilize the situation and move forward.

​

How to Get Started with FBMHS

 

Getting started is simple, and referrals can come from many sources.

​

Referrals can be made by:

• Parents, family members, or caregivers

• Psychiatrists or therapists

• Case managers

• School staff

• Other mental health professionals

 

What you’ll need:

• A prescription letter recommending FBMHS

• An eligibility evaluation completed by a licensed psychologist or physician

​

Once a referral is submitted, Laurel Life responds as quickly as possible to begin the process.

​

Why Families Choose Laurel Life for FBMHS

 

Laurel Life takes a trauma-informed, family-centered approach to care.

​

We understand that behavior is often a response to deeper emotional needs. Our team works alongside families to uncover those needs, build practical skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.

​

FBMHS Locations

​

Laurel Life provides FBMHS services across multiple locations in Central Pennsylvania.

​

👉 York FBMHS
👉 Mechanicsburg FBMHS
👉 Chambersburg FBMHS