Getting Started // Overview
How do I get started?
Getting started is just a mouse click (or phone call) away! Simply click HERE to fill out and submit an "intake" form, which is a request for services.
Or you can call 215-735-9379 and give us your name, phone number, zip code, child’s date of birth and the reason why you are requesting an evaluation.
Either way, your concerns are very important to us and we thank you for your patience while awaiting the next step: an initial phone interview—which typically occurs within 24-48 hours.
During this interview, we will ask you for your child’s Social Security Number and insurance information (for both your child and the primary policy holder), which includes Medical Assistance and/or private insurance, if applicable. At this time we will also schedule an initial in-person visit. In preparation for this office visit, please bring copies of all previous assessments (e.g., school records, medical reports, psychological or psychiatric evaluations) and contact information for your current family doctor.
What will my first appointment be like?
At your first appointment, you will meet with a Master’s Level Clinician who specializes in assessing children. This subject matter expert will determine your child’s needs and explain how we can help. We will also set up an appointment for a Comprehensive Autism Assessment (CAA) or a Comprehensive Biophsychosocial Evaluation (CBE) with our doctors.
Comprehensive Autism Assessment
The Comprehensive Autism Assessment at PMHC is a unique concept designed to assist and support children and families coping with Autism in the family. Our center takes a holistic approach to Autism which is reflected by our evaluation process. We begin by taking an extensive history, reviewing medical records and talking with family members. We observe the child at play, including his or her interactions with family. We also look for physical and behavioral issues that need to be addressed. The CAA also includes comprehensive testing and evaluation.
After the CAA, which usually encompasses several sessions with both a child psychologist and psychiatrist, we will develop an intervention plan for your diagnosed child. We will ask you to participate in a feedback and treatment planning session. This plan may include not only treatment for your child at our center, but also supportive outpatient therapy and programming for family members, support in your home or in school, and referrals to specialist physicians and Occupational and Speech Therapy, as required.
Services are tailored to each client’s needs and are available for individuals, children ages one to 21, and adults and their families. The CAA generates a detailed developmental profile and intervention plan for each child and family. Group, parent/sibling and family therapies can provide support and networking and socialization opportunities, and community outreach programs provide training, guidance and education.
Comprehensive Biopsychosocial Evaluation
After the initial phone interview and intake meeting with our therapist, we may schedule a Comprehensive Biopsychosocial Evaluation (CBE) for children with varied diagnoses. The CBE is conducted by a child psychologist and may include an appointment with our child psychiatrist. During this evaluation, we gather a comprehensive medical and family history and complete an interview and interactive play session. Some psychological tests will be performed as appropriate to your child.
Through this evaluation our psychologists are able to determine an individual’s diagnosis and will discuss what this means for your child and your family. The family will participate with the doctor in developing an intervention plan and will receive a diagnosis along with the appropriate recommendations. This plan may include not only treatment for your child at our center, but also supportive outpatient therapy and programming for family members, support in your home or in school, and referrals to specialist physicians and other agencies.
We are committed to work with you to find what is best for your child and your family.
Community Collaboration Creates Clerical Careers
PMHC has partnered with Temple University’s Health Information Professions (HIP) program to help provide career opportunities in the administration of Electronic Health Records (EHR) to qualified low-income area residents.
Funded by a $1.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families, HIP offers free EHR training, certification and job internships.
“Our ahead-of-the-curve deployment of EHR via Credible™,” said Dan Miringoff, PMHC’s Director of Quality Assurance, “as well as our solid reputation in BHRS, outpatient services and in- and after-school services made us an obvious go-to choice for this unique vocation initiative. We were exactly what the University was looking for… a valued partner with long-term ties to the community.”
Additionally, Dan’s recent appointment to HIP’s Board of Advisors will allow him to further develop and enhance the program’s curriculum, especially as it relates to the clerical side of EHR transition, support and maintenance.
“The advent of the federal mandate for EHR compliance has elevated the need for trained clerical professionals,” said Kerey Ruggiero, CEO of PMHC. “Our partnership with Temple University’s HIP initiative empowers low-income residents in underserved areas with the opportunity to enter the rapidly growing field of electronic medical record administration.”
The HIP program is already paying dividends, as PMHC recently hired one of its HIP interns as a full-time employee in our billing department and just added another intern this past week.
For more information, including internship opportunities, contact Dan Miringoff at 215.598.0223 ext. 105 or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
The Department of Public Welfare (DPW) has announced its plan to impose co-pays on Medical Assistance (MA) behavioral and physical health services provided to children who have MA due to a medical condition or disability and whose family income is at or above twice the federal poverty level.
The Pennsylvania Health Law Project (PHLP) has received several inquiries as to what families can do. PHLP recommends that families who may be impacted by MA co-payment for their child's healthcare services write to DPW urging them to allow deductions from family income for out-of-pocket medical costs and health insurance premiums.
Click HERE to read the entire article and learn how your voice can be heard!
The Bureau of Autism Services has announced the availability of mini-grants to support children and adults with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and families that include an individual with ASD.
The deadline for submission is April 15. Click HERE to learn more!
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Be informed! Read the latest news about Autism from Autism Speaks.
