This Benefits and Schooling section suggests resources to deal with a wide variety of practical issues for people with mental illness and their families in the Philadelphia metropolitan area.

This webpage provides searchable tables that list:

Notes:

To visit a website, click on the hyperlink. If the hyperlink does not work, open a new tab on your browser window and then copy and paste the link into a new tab. To download, email or print a pdf of the information, use the pdf print button at the bottom of the page.

Although the information is accurate to the best of our knowledge, we are not specifically endorsing these services. Email us at info@NAMIPAMainLine.org or call 267-251-6240 to send us feedback.

Benefits Assistance in the Philadelphia area

This table shows benefits assitance for people with mental illness.
ResourceProgram/OrganizationAddress/PhoneWebsiteComments
Benefits AssistanceSocial Security Administration (SSA)6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235. Ph: 800.772.1213www.socialsecurity.govSSA determines who is eligible for SSI and SSDI. You can apply for benefits online.
SSA Chester County807 Crosby St, Chester, PA 19013. Also, 1101 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382. Ph: 800.772.1213. www.socialsecurity.govCheck online for days and hours of operation.
SSA Delaware County8645 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA 19082. Ph: 800.772.1213. www.socialsecurity.govCheck online for days and hours of operation.
SSA Montgomery County1700 Markley St, Norristown, PA 19401. Also, 39 W Ridge Pike, Royersford, PA 19468. Ph: 800. 772.1213. www.socialsecurity.govCheck online for days and hours of operation.
Benefits Assistance Chester CountyChester County Assistance Office100 James Buchanan Dr, Thorndale, PA 19372. Ph: 610.466.1000. LIHEAP Ph: 610.466.1042. www.dhs.pa.gov/citizens/findfa
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Apply to your county assistance office for medical assistance, cash assistance, supplemental food assistance, health coverage, home heating assistance (LIHEAP), help with child care, school meals, long term living services. All of these benefits are means based.
Delaware County Assistance Office701 Crosby St, Suite A. Chester, PA 19013. Ph: 610.447.5500. LIHEAP Ph: 610.447.3099. www.dhs.pa.gov/citizens/findfa
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Apply to your county assistance office for medical assistance, cash assistance, supplemental food assistance, health coverage, home heating assistance (LIHEAP), help with child care, school meals, long term living services. All of these benefits are means
845 Main St, Darby, PA 19023. Ph: 610.461.3800. www.dhs.pa.gov/citizens/findfa
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Apply to your county assistance office for medical assistance, cash assistance, supplemental food assistance, health coverage, home heating assistance (LIHEAP), help with child care, school meals, long term living services. All of these benefits are means
Montgomery County Assistance Office1931 New Hope St, Norristown, PA 19401. Ph: 610.270.3500. LIHEAP Ph: 610.272.1752www.dhs.pa.gov/citizens/findfa
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Apply to your county assistance office for medical assistance, cash assistance, supplemental food assistance, health coverage, home heating assistance (LIHEAP), help with child care, school meals, long term living services. All of these benefits are means
24 Robinson St, Pottstown, PA 19464. Ph: 610.327.4280. www.dhs.pa.gov/citizens/findfa
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Apply to your county assistance office for medical assistance, cash assistance, supplemental food assistance, health coverage, home heating assistance (LIHEAP), help with child care, school meals, long term living services. All of these benefits are means

Health Insurance

This table shows some health insurance options for people with mental illness.
Resource/OrganizationAddress/PhoneWebsiteComments
APPRISEPh: 1800.783.7067www.aging.pa.gov/insuranceFederally funded program administered by the Area Agency on Aging helps older Pennsylvanians with questions on all types of heath insurance including Medicare, Medicaid, Part D prescription coverage, and private policies such as long-ter, care and supplemental insurance.
Benefits CheckupPh: 571.527.3900www.benefitscheckup.orgProvided by the National Council on the Aging, offers information on benefits for low income seniors and disabled people. Complete online application to determine eligibility for federal, state, local and private programs that help pay for prescriptions, utilities, medical care and other needs.
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)Ph: 1800.986. KIDSwww.chipcoverspakids.comState program that provides health insurance for uninsured children through age 18. Free and low cost dependant on income. Presciption coverage is included.
COMPASSPh: 1800.692.7462www.compass.state.pa.usEnables Pennsylvanians to apply for social services online. Only one form is required for services such as CHIP, Medicaid, Cash Assistance, Food Stamps, Energy Assistance and School Lunch Programs.
Disability Rights PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia Building 1315 Walnut St, Suite 500, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Ph: 215.238.8070www.disabilityrightspa.orgWorks with people with disabilitues to ensure their rights to live in their communities with the services they need, to receive a full and inclusive education, to live free of discrimination, abuse and neglect, and to have control and self-determination over their services. Offers free services to help clients obtain SSDI or SSI, Medicare, and Public Assistance.
eHealthinsurancePh: 844.229.4337www.ehealthinsurance.comProvides online comparisons of health insurance policies and prices.
Medical Assistance for Working Disabled (MAWD)Ph: 1800.692.7462www.yourtickettowork.com and www.dhs.pa.gov/citizens/healthcare
medicalassistance/medicalassistance
benefitsforworkerswithdisabilities/
Program for working disabled persons ages 16-65 to purchase health insurance. Affordable premium, just 5% of your countable monthly income.
Medicaid and SSIPh: 1800.772.1213www.ssa.govMedicaid is a federal and state health insurance program with means tested eligibility requirements. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) you will be enrolled in Medicaid, which covers inpatient and outpatient services and includes prescription benefits.
Medicare and SSDIPh: 1800.772.1213www.ssa.govMedicare is a federal program that covers health insurance for older people and people who receive Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). If you receive SSDI you will be enrolled in Medicare which covers most inpatienty and outpatient services. Information on the changing Medicare prescription benefits is available on their website.
Medicare Rights CenterPh: 1800.333.4114www.medicarerights.orgWorks to ensure access to affordable health care for older adults and people with disabilities. Through counseling, educational programs and public policy initiatives.
This table offers a list of organizations that provide legal help to low income Pennsylvanians. Please note that NAMI PA Main Line is not endorsing these organizations.
Resource/OrganizationAddress/PhoneWebsiteComments
Community Legal Services of Philadelphia1424 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102. Ph: 215.981.3700www.clsphila.orgHelps low-income Philadelphia residents with advice and representation housing, public benefits, access to health care, disability benefits, food stamps, employment, family advocacy, consumer law, elderly law, and utilities.
Disabilities Rights PAPhiladelphia Building 1315 Walnut St, Suite 500, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Ph: 215.238.8070www.drnpa.orgWorks with people with disabilities to ensure their rights to live in their communities with the services they need, to receive a full and inclusive education, to live free of discrimination, abuse and neglect, and to have control and self-determination over their services.
Family Advocacy Clinic at Delaware County Community CollegeMichael J. Harper, Clinic Director
(610)-723-4108
http://familyvoice.net/index.htmlDCCC Students majoring in Paralegal Studies, Social Work and Early Education listen to Families to understand their story and enhance a Family’s advocacy skills. DCCC Faculty supervise and support all Clinic activities.
Homeless Advocacy1429 Walnut St, 15 Fl, Philadelphia, PA 19102. Ph: 215.523.9595www.homelessadvocacyproject.orgProvides direct civil legal services to homeless families and individuals, connects clients with needed social services, and advocates for the needs of the homeless population.
Legal Aid of Southeastern PA- Chester County222 N Walnut St, West Chester, PA 19380. Ph: 610.436.4510www.lasp.orgProvides civil legal services and legal remedies to low-income Pennsylvanians.
Legal Aid of Southeastern PA- Delaware County410 Welsh St, Chester, PA 19013. Ph: 610.874.8421. 334 W Front St, Media, PA 19063. Ph: 610.422.7053. www.lasp.orgProvides civil legal services and legal remedies to low-income Pennsylvanians.
Legal Aid of Southeastern PA- Montgomery County625 Swede St, Norristown, PA 19401. Ph: 610.275.5400. 248 King St, Pottstown, PA 19464. Ph: 61o0.326.8280. www.lasp.orgProvides civil legal services and legal remedies to low-income Pennsylvanians.
NAMI National1800.950.NAMIwww.nami.orgNAMI national helpline has a limited referral list of lawyers around the country who specialize in mental health law.
PA Health Law ProjectCorn Exchange Building, Suite 400, 123 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Ph: 215.625.3663. www.phlp.orgProvides free legal services and advocacy to Pennsylvanians having trouble accessing publicly funded health coverage services.
PA Institutional Law ProjectThe Cast Iron Building, 718 Arch St, Suite 304, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Ph: 215.925.2966. www.pailp.orgProvides assistance to incarcerated or institutionalized low-income people whose constitutional rights have been violated within the institution.
PA Law Helpwww.palawhelp.orgOnline resources for legal information and information on legal assistance on a variety of topics including disability, elder law, health law, public benefits, children and families, education, employment, housing and shelter and veterans and military.
This table offers a list of individuals who may be able to help with legal questions or cases. Please note that NAMI PA, Main Line is not endorsing these individuals.
Resource/OrganizationAddress/PhoneWebsiteComments
Allsup, Inc300 Allsup Place, Belleville, IL 62223. Ph: 800.854.1418. www.allsup.comRepresents individuals in disability applications with SSDI.
Disability and Injury Law Offices of David R. Machek, Esq.610 Old York Rd #210. Jenkintown, PA 19046. 1617 JFK Boulevard, #1500, Philadelphia, PA 19103. https://www.disabilitylawpa.com/Specializes in Social Security law, obtaining SSI or SSDI, and private disability claims.
Gasparro, Robert P. (Lifespan Legal Services)410 Lancaster Ave, Haverford, PA 19041. Ph: 484.451.6612. www.lifespanlegal.com/Specializes in estate planning and elder law.
Law Offices of Michael P Boyle123 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19167. Ph: 215.546.7035Specializes in Social Security law, obtaining SSI or SSDI, and employment issues.
Levandowski & Darpino17 Mifflin Rd, #202, Havertown, PA 19083. Ph: 610.446.9626. www.paelderlawnow.comSpecializes in estate planning, disability planning, Medicaid asset protection planning, life care planning.
Lichtman, Jeffrey1521 Locust, 9th Fl, Philadelphia, PA 19102. Ph: 215.731.1150. www.socialsecuritydisabilityclaim.netSpecializes in obtaining SSI and SSDI.
McAndrews, Dennis30 Cassatt Ave, Berwyn, PA 19312. Ph: 610.648.9300. www.mcandrewslaw.comSpecializes in special education and special needs trusts.
Additional Legal Information can be found in the Network of Care for each county.
Resource/OrganizationAddress/PhoneWebsiteComments
Network of Care Chester Countywww.chester.pa.networkofcare.org/mh/services/advanced-search.aspx?k=legal
Network of Care Delaware Countywww.delaware.pa.networkofcare.org/mh/services/advanced-search.aspx?k=legal
Network of Care Montgomery Countywww.montgomery.pa.networkofcare.org/mh/services/category.aspx?cid=37091&targetgrp=
Network of Care Philadelphiawww.philadelphia.pa.networkofcare.org/mh/services/category.aspx?cid=949&targetgrp=

Medication Assistance

This table shows a list of organizations who might be able to help with reduced cost or free medication.
Resource/OrganizationAddress/PhoneWebsiteComments
Cigna Tel-Drug Home Delivery ProgramP.O Box 1019 Horsham, PA 19044. Ph: 1800.TEL.DRUGhttps://teldrug.healthcare.ci
gna.com/healthcare/teldrug/app/
public/welcome.do
Offers discounts on 90 day supply to anyone who does not have medication insurance.
MedicAlert Foundation1800.432.5378www.medicalert.orgNon-profit organzation providing 24-hour emergency medical information and identification service. There are other organizations that provide this service as well. Also sells bracelets to alert first responders to severe allergi, etc.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans: Part D1800.medicarewww.medicare.govMedicare Part D is a voluntary program for Rx coverage. Low income individuals may qualify for help in paying premiums.
NAMI Nationalhttps://www.nami.org/Find-Support/Living-with-a-Mental-Health-Condition/Getting-Help-Paying-for-MedicationsOffers helpful suggestions on how to get help paying for medications.
Needy Meds1800.503.6897www.needymeds.orgHelps people find prescription assistance programs.
Partnership for Prescription Assistancewww.pparx.orgHelps qualifying patients without prescription drug coverage get the medicines they need. Single point of access to more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 200 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.
Pennsylvania PACE programs1800.225.7223www.aging.pa.gov/
aging-services/prescriptions/Pages/
default.aspx
Prescription coverage for low income Pennsylvanians 65 years or older who are not covered by Medicaid. Income limit for PACE is $14,500 individual, or $17,700 if married. Income limit for PACENET is $23,500 individual, or $31, 500 if married. You cannot be enrolled in Medicaid for either program.
Pharmacy Checkerwww.pharmacychecker.comComparison pricing from verified on-line pharmacies.
RxAssistwww.Rxassist.orgResource for patient assistance programs, low cost medications, Plan D and other issues related to pharmaceutical access.
SCBN Prescription Advocacy1888.331.1002www.scbn.orgHelps uninsured, underinsured Americans obtain financial assistance for prescriptions on an ongoing basis from one or more of 270 patient assistance programs.
The Medicine Programwww.themedicineprogram.comHelps patients get medication at low cost or free of charge.
Together RX Access1800.444.4106www.togetherrxaccess.comSponsored by several pharmaceutical companies, this free program helps patients who earn less than $40,000 if single, have no prescription insurance, and are not eligible for Medicare, get discounts of 25-40%. Over 300 brand name drugs and many generics are included.

Medication Assistance via Pharmaceutical Companies

This table offers a list of pharmaceutical companies that offer medication assistance programs to low income individuals.
Resource/OrganizationAddress/PhoneWebsiteComments
Astra ZenecaP.O Box 898 Somerville, NJ 08876. Ph: 800.292.6363www.azandmeapp.comOffers two programs to help with presciption medication expenses. A program for people who do not have insurance; and a program for people with Medicare Part D. Visit website for eligibility requirements.
Bristol-Myers Squibb345 Park Ave, New York, NY 10154. Ph:800.736.0003 www.bmspaf.orgPatient Assistance Foundation is a medication assistance program for low-income or uninsured patients for Bristol-Myers Squibb pharmaceuticals.
Eli Lilly and CompanyP.O Box 13185 La Jolla, CA 92039. Ph: 800.545.6962. www.lillycares.comLilly Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program assists qualifying patients in obtaining certain Lilly medications at no cost.
GlaxoSmithKlinePh: 888.825.5249www.gskforyou.comGSK for you is a program designed to help people pay for their prescription medicines and vaccines. After answering some basic questions, the website will guide you to the best program. Website also has helpful information and resources on how to manage various aspects of your health.
Janssen PharmaceuticalsP.O Box 221857 Charlotte, NC 28222. Ph: 800.652.6227www.jjpaf.orgFor patients who have no prescription insurance or who are low-income. Some drugs including Haldol and Risperdal may be free.
MerckPh: 800.727.5400www.merckhelps.comMerck offers numerous patient assistance programs for eligible people who cannot afford medication or vaccines.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals CorporationPh: 800. 277.2254www.pharma.us.novartis
.com/our-products/patient-assistance
The Novartis Pharmaceuticals Patient Assistance Foundation offers free medication to eligible patients.
PfizerPh: 844. 989.7284www.pfizerrxpathways.com/Pfizer RxPathways connects eligible patients to a range of assistance programs that offer insurance support, co-pay help,* and medicines for free or at a savings.†

Schooling

This table lists alternative schools for children/teens with mental illness as well as other education related resources.
Resource/OrganizationAddress/PhoneWebsiteComments
Chester County Intermediate Unit1525 E Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, PA 19320. Ph: 610.383.7400www.cciu.orgCCIU provides services to public schools in Chester County. CCIU also operates schools on behalf of Chester County's school districts. CCIU specializes in creating and delivering educational programs for career-minded students, students with disabilities and students for whom a traditional setting is not working. CCIU also offers a TEACH program for children grades 3-12 who have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Early Care and Educational Center for children aged 2 months to pre-kindergarten.
Delaware County Intermediate Unit200 Yale Rd, Morton, PA 19070. Ph: 610.938.9000www.dciu.orgDCIU oversees all special education services in Delaware County. Offers schools for students with behavior/emotional problems.
Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health444 Devereux Dr, Villanova, PA 19085. Ph: 800.345.1292www.devereux.orgOperates programs at several locations throughout Chester, Delaware and Philadelphia counties. Residential treatment program for adolescents with psychiatric disorders. Devereux also has approved private schools and a children's behavioral health center as well as residential treatment.
Education Law Center1315 Walnut St, 4th Fl, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Ph: 215.238.6970www.elc-pa.org/Dedicated to ensuring all children have access to quality public education. Offers fact sheets, manuals and training materials on many topics.
Elwyn, Inc111 Elwyn Rd, Media, PA 19063. Ph: 610.891.2000. Multiple locations throughout Pennsylvania. www.elwyn.orgProvides academic instruction to children and young adults who have autism, social, emotional and/or behavioral challenges. Educational services are available from preschool age through 21 years.
Green Tree School and Services1196 E Washington Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19138. Ph: 215.866.0200. www.greentreeschool.orgNon-profit, state-licensed agency that provides education, therapeutic and clinical support to children 5-21 with Autism Spectrum Disorder and severe emotional disability.
Horizon House: Education Plus4725 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19139. Ph: 215.471.4016. www.hhinc.org/behavioral
-health-services/employment
-and-education-
Offers individualized supports such as study skills, peer, campus and life supports to adults with mental disabilities who are attending Philadelphia area colleges and certificate programs. Upon graduation from college, offers employment support.
Independent Educational Consultants Association3251 Old Lee Highway, Suite 510, Fairfax, VA 22030. Ph: 703. 591.4850www.iecaonline.comProfessional association of full-time educational consultants offering guidance and referrals.
Lower Merion Committee for Special EducationMeetings held at LMSD Admin Bldg, 1st floor, Board Room A, 301 E. Montgomery Ave, Ardmore, PA 19033. www.lmcse.orgParent led volunteer organization serving families of children with IEP's, GIEP's and/or service agreements in Lower Merion School District.
Mill Creek School111 N 49th St, Philadelphia, PA 19139. Ph: 215.471.4900. www.millcreekschool.orgAlternative high school for students with emotional or social concerns.
Montgomery County Intermediate Unit2 W Lafayette St, Norristown, PA 19401. Ph: 610.755.9400. www.mciu.orgOverseas all special education services in Montgomery County.
National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs5272 River Rd, Suite 600, Bethesda, MD 20816. Ph: 301.986.8770. www.natsap.orgNational resource for programs and professionals assisting young people beleagured by emotional and behavioral problems.
Northbridge School2374 North Penn Rd, Hatfield, PA 19440. Ph: 215.412.4009. www.npenn.org/domain/529Credit recovery school designed to support students who are struggling academically in grades 9-12. Students are able to receive individualized support in a small classroom community.
Pathway School162 Egypt Rd, Jeffersonville, PA 19403. Ph: 610.277.0660. www.pathwayschool.orgNon -profit private school that serves students with neurological impairment, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, psychological disorders, and serious emotional disturbance.
Parent Education Network6050 Geary Blvd, Ste 101A, San Francisco, CA 94121. Ph: 415.751.2237. www.parentseducationnetwork.orgPEN is a coalition of parents collaborating with educators, students and the community to empower and bring academic and life success to students with learning and attention differences.
Pennsylvania State Task Force on the Right to Educationwww.pattan.net/category
/About/Partners/Single/?id=12
Local task forces are available to assist and support students with disabilities and their families.
Pennsylvania Special Education ConsultlinePh: 1800.879.2301.www.odr-pa.org/parents/consultline/Direct link to trained educator who can explain Federal and State laws about special education, describe options, and identify agencies and support services.
Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN)333 Technology Dr, Malvern, PA 19355. Ph: 610.265.7321. www.pattan.netServes as training and technical assistance branch of the PA Bureau of Special Education.
Silver Springs Martin Luther School512 Township Line Rd, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462. Ph: 610.825.4440. www.silver-springs.orgProvides special education programs for students in kindergarten through 8th Grade who have been identified as needing full-time emotional support in an out-of-district placement.
Smart Student Guide to Financial Aidwww.finaid.orgInformation on loans, scholarships and financial aid applications.
Special Kids NetworkPh: 1800.986.4550www.health.pa.gov/My%20Health
/Infant%20and%20Childrens%20Health
/Special%20Kids%20Network
/Pages/default.aspx#.WQvIsvnyvIV
State-wide information and referral line to resources for kids with special needs.
The Timothy School973 Old Lancaster Rd, Berwyn, PA 19312. Ph: 610.725.0755. www.timothyschool.comK-5 School for children with autism.
The Vanguard School1777 North Valley Rd, Malvern, PA 19355. Ph: 610.296.6700.www.vfes.net/vanguardCo-ed special education school for K-12 children with ADD, autism, learning differences, social difficulties.
The Village452 S. Roberts Rd. Rosemont, PA 19010. Ph: 610.525.5400. (Rosemont Campus) 6517 Chester Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19142. Ph: 215.730.2240. (Preheim Center)www.village1877.orgProvides child welfare, residential programs, mental health, and prevention services to children and families.
Wordsworth AcademyTwo Philadelphia locations and one Fort Washington location. Ph: 215.643.5400.www.wordsworth.orgServices include two fully licensed schools, programs for children in acute psychiatric crisis, and a range of community based prevention, child welfare and behavioral health services.

Complaints

See below for a listing of organizations that deal with complaints related to behavioral health services and providers.
Resource/OrganizationAddress/PhoneWebsiteComments
Disability Rights PennsylvaniaThe Philadelphia Building, 1315 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107. 215.238.8070www.disabilityrights.orgStatewide, non-profit corporation designated as the federally mandated organization to advance and protect the civil rights of adults and children with disabilities.
Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse ServicesHealth and Welfare Building, Room 502. P.O Box 2675, Harrisburg, PA 17105. 717.705.9709www.disabilityrights.orgState mental health agency. Contact them for information about admission, care or treatment in public or private psychiatric facilities.
Pennsylvania Health Law ProjectCorn Exchange Building, Suite 400, 123 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106. 215.625.3990www.phlp.orgFree help to people when Medicaid or Medicare services are not working for them.
Office for Dispute Resolution6340 Flank Dr, Harrisburg, PA 17112. 800.222.3353www.odr-pa.org/Coordinates and manages PA's special education mediation and due process system.
Pennsylvania Special Education ConsultLine800.879.2301www.odr-pa.org/The ConsultLine is designed to assist parents and advocates of children with disabilities. If you have questions or concerns about your child's program or the laws relating to the provision of services in your child's IEP then the ConsultLine may be able to help.
Philadelphia Regional Office Center for Medicare and Medicaid Service150 S. Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA 19106www.cms.gov/About-CMS/Agency-Information/RegionalOffices/Down
loads/PhiladelphiaRegionalOffice.pdf
Regional CMS office that will investigate some complaints about treatment in facilities that receive Medicare and Medicaid funding.
Consumer Satisfaction Team520 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard. #7, Philadelphia, PA 19123www.thecst.orgNon-profit organization authorized by the Office of Mental Health, Office of Addiction Services and Community Behavioral Health to ascertain satisfaction with Philadelphia behavioral health services to adults, adolescents and children.