Specialized Health Service

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Specialized Health Services Inc, a non-profit, private agency, was established in 1985 at the request of North Los Angeles Regional Center. At that time there were no day programs available to meet the needs of individuals with both developmental disabilities and mental illness, and today, VISTAS are still the only local, non-profit, non-hospital based day programs that specialize in serving the needs of adults with a dual diagnosis. The agency currently operates three licensed day treatment programs, vendored as behavior management programs, and one adult residential facility. The agency has intentionally remained small with regard to the number of consumers it serves, in order to continue to provide highly individualized support with continuing involvement of higher level management with each consumer. The agency's Executive Director is Avi Leibovici, L.C.S.W. who has been with S.H.S. since 1988. The agency has continued to improve significantly under Avi's direction, given his emphasis of increasing the voice of staff and consumers. Since he has been in this position, there has been more frequent and regular communication between all levels of staff, less staff turnover and consumers have more opportunities to advocate and make choices on their own behalf. Our Board of Directors is comprised of individuals with professional and personal involvement with consumers. The chair of our board, Dr. Jennifer Ramlo, is a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist. Several parents of people with disabilities are also part of our board, as well as active and committed community members. Our agency strives to find motivated staff who are not only compassionate but eager to learn more about the specialty areas of developmental disabilities and mental health. We employ primarily bachelor-level counselors and and graduate M.F.T. students. Currently, all our program directors hold at least a Master's degree. Also, since 2005, S.H.S. has become an annual internship site for a USC graduate student from the School of Social Work. While education is important, continuing education is even more important, as the fields of science and medicine are so rapidly changing. This organization provides many opportunities for continuing education through educational materials available on site, such as books, professional journals and video tapes. Funding to attend professional conferences in the community is also available to all staff. In addition, each program has an in-service schedule that includes monthly trainings.