Getting Started // Your Questions Answered
"I think my child might need professional help. How do I know for sure?"
The clinicians at PMHC are specially trained to assess children of all ages and recognize and understand typical development. Sometimes children are brought in for evaluation and are referred for group therapy, family treatment or even to a service outside our agency. Other times, we may suggest that the parent try a few strategies and see if the child does not mature past the issue of concern. At PMHC, we collaborate with our parents and work as a team to find a good answer to best help your child and resolve your concerns.
To learn more about assessments or request an evaluation, click HERE.
"My baby is only 12 months old. What are the early signs of Autism?"
We recommend that a concerned parent should click HERE to read "The Early Signs of Autism."
My child's teacher says he/she has ADHD. Will he/she have to go on medication?
ADHD cannot be accurately diagnosed except by a psychologist or psychiatrist. Our team is trained in assessing children; we will give you a correct diagnosis and offer multiple options for treatment. Medication might be one option, but is certainly not the only one, and you as the parent will make the final decisions about what is best for your child.
"I need a TSS to for my child at home. How do I arrange that?"
TSS or Therapeutic Staff Support is one part of a comprehensive service called "Wrap around" or BHRS. Click HERE to learn more about BHRS... Or to set up an appointment, click HERE.
Do you have any special programs for school-aged children with Autism?
PMHC's After-School Autism program is a unique opportunity for children to receive year-round therapeutic support in a fun social environment--both after school and during the summer. Click HERE to learn more.
"I am a teenager with Autism. How can I meet other teens like me?"
PMHC has groups that are especially designed for teens and young adults with Autism. Click HERE to learn more.
"I am an adult with Autism. Do you have services?"
Yes; we have services at PMHC that are especially designed for you. In 2011, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania began offering the Adult Autism Waiver. Through this state program, you may be eligible for comprehensive behavioral health services services.
"I/My child needs a therapist but I/my child is physically unable to get to your agency. Can someone come to my home?"
Yes, PMHC is approved to provide adult and child Mobile Mental Health Services in which we can come to you! To learn more, click HERE.
"As a parent of a child with special behavioral health needs, how can I find out what help we are entitled to?"
Pennsylvania has many services that are available to any child who has a behavioral health diagnosis, regardless of income:
I understand that if my child has Autism or certain other diagnoses, the State pays for medical treatment regardless of my income. How do I register for a medical card for my child?
Through the Department of Public Welfare (DPW), the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania pays for many services for children with intense behavioral health needs, regardless of your family income. You must apply to receive coverage. Click HERE to learn more.
Can I talk to someone to get my other questions answered and find out what services might be best for my child?
We are happy to speak with you and answer any questions you might have. Please call us at 215-735-9379 between the hours of 9-5, Monday through Friday. After hours, you may leave a message and your call will be returned the next business day.
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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