What are Hispanic Outreach Services?

Hispanic Outreach Services provide counseling, family therapy and case management services in a way that is sensitive to the language preferences and cultural beliefs of the Hispanic population. One of the goals of the program is to reduce stress among Hispanic people related to lack of integration with and understanding of the cultural practices and beliefs of others in the community around them. In addition, the service seeks to improve the ability of other community agencies to recognize and appropriately deal with mental health problems among Hispanics through individual case advocacy and by direct community agency educational contact and outreach support.

Who can benefit from Hispanic Outreach Services?

Any Hispanic individual with a mental illness, developmental disability, or serious emotional disturbance may be eligible for Hispanic Outreach Services.

How do Hispanic Outreach Services help an individual?

An Outreach Worker who is sensitive to the cultural and ethical issues of the Hispanic community supports individuals to more fully participate in the community. A person centered treatment approach is used to help identify an individual's strengths, dreams, goals and desires. An Outreach Worker may help to access the most appropriate living environment; encourage an individual to achieve a higher level of independence; assist with the coordination of assessment, monitoring, advocacy, and crisis intervention services or refer an individual to the appropriate services required.

How can you access Hispanic Outreach Services?

You may call (989) 895-2300 or 1-800 327-4693 for additional information about this program. To request a service or make a referral, call the Access Alliance of Michigan (a division of Bay-Arenac Behavioral Health) at 1-800-448-5498.