The Mental Health Skill-Building (MHSS) Program provides specialized support to individuals with serious mental illness who lack essential daily living skills and are covered by Virginia Medicaid (excluding Anthem HealthKeepers Plus). Services are delivered by a compassionate team of licensed counselors and Qualified Mental Health Professionals (QMHPs).

MHSS includes structured activities and individualized support aimed at improving functional skills and promoting independence. Services are guided by an Individualized Service Plan (ISP) and may take place in the home or community. Sessions address skill deficits that interfere with independent living and may include family education to improve communication and strengthen relationships.

The program focuses on helping individuals develop key skills such as emotional regulation, effective communication, problem-solving, and daily functioning necessary for successful community living.

Eligibility Criteria

The individual must have one of the following as a primary diagnosis:

1. Schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder (DSM-defined)
2. Major Depressive Disorder — Recurrent
3. Bipolar I or Bipolar II Disorder
4. Another DSM-recognized mental health disorder, documented by a physician within the past year, meeting all of the following:
   • Classified as a serious mental illness
   • Results in severe and recurrent disability
   • Causes functional limitations in major life activities (as documented in the medical record)
   • Requires individualized training to achieve or maintain independent living in the community

Additional Requirements:

• A documented history of at least one of the following:
  • Psychiatric hospitalization
  • Community Stabilization, 23-Hour Crisis Stabilization, or Residential Crisis Stabilization
  • ICT (Intensive Community Treatment) or ACT (Assertive Community Treatment) services
  • Placement in a psychiatric residential treatment facility
  • Issuance of a Temporary Detention Order (TDO)
• A current prescription (within the last 12 months) for an antipsychotic, mood-stabilizing, or antidepressant medication, unless a physician or licensed prescribing practitioner has documented that medication is contraindicated.

Core Skill-Building Services Include:

• Adherence to treatment plans, including support with psychiatric and physical health medications, and education related to mental health, sleep issues, and overall wellness
• Daily living skills (e.g., hygiene, meal preparation/nutrition, money management, responding to mail)
• Social skills and effective communication
• Community integration and independence (e.g., transportation use, accessing resources)
• Executive functioning (e.g., planning, organization, time management)

• Emotional regulation and coping strategies

• Gain United States citizenship (if you are not qualified to take the exam).
• Apply for Social Security benefits (Example: SSDA, SSA, SSI, and Medicare)
• Apply Medicaid and food stamps.