Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS)
IBHS stands for Intensive Behavioral Health Services in Pennsylvania. It’s a state-regulated program that provides mental health and behavioral support for children, teens, and young adults (up to age 21).
What are IBHS Services?
IBHS are individualized, medically necessary services designed to help children who have:
- Behavioral challenges
- Emotional or mental health needs
- Diagnoses like autism, ADHD, anxiety, etc.
The goal is to improve functioning at home, school, and in the community by teaching skills and reducing problem behaviors.
Services are designed to improve functioning across settings (home, school, and community) by:
- Increasing adaptive skills
- Improving social and communication abilities
- Reducing challenging behaviors
IBHS are regulated by the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) and are typically funded through Medicaid.
IBHS Services We Provide at CDD
1. Individual Services
- One-on-one, face-to-face interventions
- Delivered in the child’s natural environment (home, school, community)
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Staff may include:
- Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs)
- Behavior Consultants (BCs)
Focus: Behavior support, emotional regulation, and caregiver training
ABA Services (Applied Behavior Analysis)
- Structured, evidence-based behavioral treatment
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Typically includes:
- BCBA or BC-ABA supervision
- Direct ABA intervention
Focus: Skill acquisition (communication, daily living skills), parent training, and behavior reduction
3. Group Services
- Services delivered to multiple children at the same time
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Common in:
- Schools
- Clinics
- Community programs
Focus:
- Social skills development
- Peer interaction
- Group behavior and cooperation
4. Center-Based Services (IBHS)
Center-based IBHS services are provided in our licensed IBHS center located at 510 Routes 6 & 209.
- Our center-based ABA program delivers individualized, evidence-based treatment grounded in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
The program is structured to balance:
- Highly structured teaching (DTI)
- Naturalistic and play-based learning opportunities
- Group and social experiences
All interventions are implemented under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and BC-ABAs, and carried out by trained staff (e.g., BHT-ABA).
- These are individual services that occur within a structured program setting
- Clients will follow a daily schedule that consists of DTI and small-group center activities, including sensory activities and movement activities
- Are staffed by IBHS professionals (BHTs, BCs, BCBA/ABA staff)
Key components typically include:
- Structured routines (e.g., circle time, transitions, planned activities)
- Skill-building opportunities embedded throughout the day
- Behavior support and intervention in real-time
- Opportunities for peer interaction and social learning
- Data collection and ongoing treatment adjustments
Focus:
- Intensive skill development
- School readiness (especially for younger children)
- Socialization and group learning
- Generalization of skills across structured activities
Where IBHS Services Occur
IBHS can be delivered across multiple settings:
IBHS Staff Members
Catherine Dowdell
Samantha Roa, M.Ed., BCBA, LBS
Marie Alaio, MA, BCBA, LBS
Zachary Horowitz, M.Ed., LBS
Karissa McLean, MS, LBS
Dylan Nace, M.Ed., LBS
Support Our IBHS Program
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