Connecticut State Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

TBI Unit

Acquired Brain Injury Community Services

An Integration of Community Services for DMHAS Consumers with Brain Injury

Definition of Acquired Brain Injury: An Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is an injury to the brain that has occurred after birth, which results in any combination of focal and diffuse central nervous system dysfunction, both immediate and/or delayed at the brain stem level and above.  This dysfunction of the central nervous system is acquired through the interaction of any external force and the body including blows to the head and violent movements of the body (Traumatic Brain Injury); as well as through oxygen deprivation; infection; toxicity; surgery; and vascular disorders not associated with aging.  This dysfunction is not congenital, developmental or degenerative.

Overview of Services:

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the ABI Community Services is to facilitate PERSON-CENTERED RECOVERY and encourage personal empowerment for persons living with acquired brain injury and mental illness.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

  • Personal Dignity
  • Individual Choice
  • Power through Knowledge
  • Community Inclusion

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR ABI SERVICES

  • Accepted For DMHAS services and currently receiving qualifying services
  • Has a qualifying Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) as determined through appropriate documentation
  • Does not have a primary diagnosis of a degenerative cognitive disorder
  • The dysfunction of the central nervous system is not congenital, developmental or degenerative 
  • The services are accepted voluntarily

ABI COMMUNITY SERVICES PROGRAM

CONSULTATION AND DIVERSION PROGRAM

The regional Community Integration Specialists (CIS) provide services to persons with brain injury through the LMHA network.  The CIS is responsible for processing all referrals to the ABI Community Services Program within the designated services area; serving as a link for clients to in-patient services; arranging for clinical consultations; assisting in the development of treatment plans; serving as liaison to private/public services within the appropriate community; providing monitoring of services for DMHAS ABI clients; and providing support to consumers, family members and conservators.  The CIS receives continuous training regarding brain injury services available within the particular geographic region.  The CIS coordinates with other programs within DMHAS and with other Departments within the State/local services constellation that can provide services, funds, etc., to the person with brain injury.

CLIENT POPULATION

The DMHAS ABI Community Integration Specialist serves clients who are 18 years of age or older, are receiving services through DMHAS and have a qualifying ABI as determined through appropriate documentation.

Community Integration Specialists (CIS)

The ABI Services has Community Integration Specialists (CIS) stationed across the DMHAS Local Mental Health Network. The CIS holds a Master of Social Work Degree and Certification as a Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS).  The CIS is the primary staff/point of contact regarding qualification for services as well as issues pertaining to individuals who have an Acquired Brain Injury.

The Community Integration Specialist has the training and knowledge necessary to provide quality, efficient and effective service.  This is accomplished through clinical supervision with the ABI Community Services Clinical Supervisor, monthly CIS leadership meetings, and on-going training specific to Acquired Brain Injury treatment and rehabilitation.

PROGRAM SERVICES

  • Consultation Services
  • ABI Substance Abuse Services
  • Training and Education
  • Advocacy Supports

PROGRAM STAFF

Clinical Director: Erin Leavitt-Smith, MA, LPC, 860-262-6966, Erin.Leavitt-Smith@ct.gov

Education and Training Program: Keith Arnold, LCSW, CBIST, Supervising Clinician 860-262-6767, Keith.Arnold@ct.gov

Referrals and Intakes, Consultation and Diversion Program, ABI Substance Program: orine Brogan, LCSW, CBIS, Supervising Clinician, 860-262-6728, Dorine.Brogan@ct.gov

Nurse Consultant: Natalie Nieves, RN, BSN, 860-262-6737, Natalie.Nieves@ct.gov

Chann Kin-Barlow, Secretary 2, 860-262-6725, Chann.Kin-Barlow@ct.gov

COMMUNITY INTEGRATION SPECIALISTS:

Fairfield County
Latora Hall, LCSW, 860-262-6778, latora.hall@ct.gov

Greater New Haven/Middletown/Meriden
Elizabeth Van Leer, LCSW, 860-262-6960, elizabeth.vanleer@ct.gov

Greater Middletown/Meriden Area
Brooke Pawson, LCSW, CBIS, 860-262-5578, Brooke.Pawson@ct.gov

Southeastern CT-South
William McEwen, LMSW, CBIS, 860-859-4694, william.mcewen@ct.gov

Northeastern CT
Danielle Caldwell, LMSW, 860-456-2261 ext. 5633, danielle.n.caldwell@ct.gov

Greater Hartford Area/ West of the River
Anna Ebora, LCSW, 860-262-6720, anna.f.ebora@ct.gov

Greater Hartford Area/ East of the River
Colleen Marotta, LCSW, 959-282-2295, colleen.marotta@ct.gov

Western CT Greater Danbury/Waterbury Area
Sarah Carlson-Allwood, LCSW, 860-262-6743, sarah.carlson-allwood@ct.gov

Western CT Greater Torrington Area
Vacant