SSN-RC-2023-019 - SS to MHA of Rockland Inc. to provide DBT Program for Youth and Adults

The County of Rockland Department of Mental Health is considering the issuance of a Sole Source award to Mental Health Association of Rockland County, Inc to provide DBT Skills training for youth and adults.

This Service will provide DBT Skills training for youth and adults who struggle with emotional regulation. DBT Skills training is one component of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), an evidence-based treatment model not only for suicidal and self-harmful individuals but for those with substance use disorders, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. DBT Skills training is a curriculum-based focused on identifying problem behaviors, and teaching participants new behaviors and skills to more effectively problem-solve and cope with daily situations and challenges. The new behaviors and skills that are taught can support those looking to better control their emotions, understand negotiation and improve basic interpersonal effectiveness.

TERM: January 1, 2023- December 31, 2023

The Provider shall perform the following Programs/Services:

• School-based program in East Ramapo Central School District.
• Expand services to an additional school district in Rockland County.
• Establish a community-based program for adolescents and adults.
• Provide services to approximately 145 high school level students in the East Ramapo School District program.
• Provide services to approximately 125 middle school students and 35 high school students in an additional school district.
• Offer group consultation services to parents of students that attend the DBT Skills training programs.
• Implement two community-based groups to provide services for adolescents and adults with a total of 20 participants.
• Hold community outreach events to draw attention to the DBT community groups.

• DBT Skills training will be provided in person in a group format with two (2) facilitators, with the option for virtual presentations if needed.
• Facilitators will be licensed clinicians trained in the DBT curriculum.
• Facilitators will have experience in delivering DBT skills training to both youth and adults.
• Group sessions will be held weekly with the expectation that participants will practice new skills in the days between group meetings.

• The DBT skills that will be taught include emotion regulation, mindfulness, self-advocacy, and distress tolerance.
• Group facilitators will use active participation and practice with the use of activities such as worksheets, games, and discussions to keep the participants engaged while encouraging maximum participation.
• Modifications to the traditional DBT curriculum will be made to make the information presented more accessible to a young audience and to accommodate the length of time of a school class period. Examples include:
  • Simplified abstract terms
  • Multimedia presentations that include movie clips, poems, and/or songs

• Submit detailed data to the Rockland County Department of Mental Health describing the programs their organization can perform
• Be a 501(c) 3
• Be governed by the Board of Directors
• Be up to date with all IRS filings
• Be up to date with all NYS filings
• Have a 2023 budget with Board approval
• Be fiscally sound
• Have a Non-discrimination Policy
• Have a Non-Conflict of Interest Policy
• Provide a copy of the agency’s most recently files 990 IRS Form
• Maintain program records for the purpose of an audit and provide the County all program related information including proprietary materials, upon request.