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When trauma is left untreated, its lingering effects impact not only the individual but their interactions with family members and the broader community.
“Hurt people tend to hurt people,” said Katie Baker, Coordinator of Forensic Services for Endeavor Health Services. “At Endeavor, we address trauma and the unhealthy problems and emotions in life.”
Endeavor Health Services is a private, not for profit, licensed behavioral health organization that promotes wellness and recovery through an array of mental health services, alcohol and substance use treatment, and support services for residents of Western New York, Rochester, and the surrounding communities. Endeavor is one of only 13 Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) located in New York State.
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What makes a CCBHC so unique is its integrated treatment model of all-inclusive care to address behavioral health. Endeavor was granted certification by providing mental health services, substance use treatment, primary care screening, case management, and crisis services all under one roof, through evidence-based and holistic practices.
“Our Rochester clinic does it all,” said Baker. “Referrals typically come from primary care physicians, but you can also walk in the front door and be seen by one of our providers. We accept Medicaid, other insurances, and private pay.”
As the coordinator of forensic services, Baker works with individuals involved in the criminal justice system, specifically those convicted of sexual offenses or who have exhibited other problematic sexual behaviors, or those who have engaged in domestic violence.
“Everyone is capable of change,” Baker said. “A sexual offense doesn’t necessarily have to do with sex. Our Sexual Abuse Prevention (SAP) program uncovers what life circumstances brought these individuals here, and why they engage in unhealthy behaviors and make poor choices.”
Endeavor’s approach to behavioral health is grounded in the belief that through the provision of person-centered therapy, counseling, and support, people can effectively navigate hurdles, achieve recovery, and reach the goal of pursuing and maintaining healthy lives.
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Forensic Services and Intersection with CPS
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“Endeavor was requested to come to Monroe County in 2013 for its forensic programs,” said Baker. “Over two-thirds of the services we provide are related to the prevention of sexual abuse and domestic violence.”
Forensic Services refers to specialized mental health and substance use treatment for individuals who are mandated by or currently involved with the New York State Division of Parole, County Departments of Probation, Federal Probation, and other local criminal justice agencies.
The nonprofit’s main presence is in Buffalo, where it is embedded in schools, primary care offices, and clinics. Additional satellite locations are embedded in parole offices between Rochester and Niagara Falls. A total of 34 locations span over five counties: Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, and
Monroe.
Collaborative partnerships between Endeavor and community organizations allow for a wider range of interventions, response efforts, support, and resources. Child Protective Services is one of Endeavor’s newer community partners.
“Most CPS referrals come to us because of alleged neglect or mental health issues,” Baker said. “In these cases, CPS or police have been contacted because children have been in the presence of abusive or otherwise violent domestic behavior.”
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Sexual Abuse Prevention Program
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“Our SAP program is designed to be a two-year program,” explained Baker. “Clients are seen bi-weekly to every 6-8 weeks, depending on individual need. Weekly group sessions are broken down into three phases.”
Phase 1 focuses on the past, targeting the reasons why people commit offenses, addressing childhood dynamics and trauma, and applying learned concepts to past behaviors. This first phase lasts 12 weeks.
Phase 2 focuses on the present, addressing basic human needs (spiritual, physical, mental, social) with the goal of being healthy and successful. This second phase lasts 8-15 months, with the range dependent on the individual’s level of involvement in the program.
Phase 3 focuses on the future, ensuring transition support so that individuals have tools, accountability and goals when dealing with life issues like loss and grief. This final phase can last 6-9 months.
“A common misperception is that we are talking about sex all day,” Baker said. “We’re not. In Phase 1, only three of 12 topics discuss sex. Several of the topics focus on risk factors, unhealthy relationships, and cognitive distortions. The goal is to increase the emotional intelligence and coping skills of the participants.”
Baker said most men begin the program reluctantly, not trusting the system or their own ability to grow. Once they start therapy and begin building group cohesion, their perception and willingness to open up changes.
“I see the most progress in phase 2,” said Baker, “once they start buying in to the program and relating to the struggles of others in group therapy.”
She said the success of the program is due in large part to the collaborative approach of the treatment team, which consists of a group leader, primary counselor, supervisor, nurse practitioner, legal supervision (parole, probation), and CPS caseworkers.
“Everyone is seeing the client in different settings, for example, CPS is going into the home, while parole officers are ensuring justice is being served, with the goal of rehabilitation,” said Baker. “These different perspectives are valuable to the client.”
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Domestic Violence Program
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Baker oversees groups in their Domestic Violence (DV) program in five locations, in addition to managing two clinics and assisting staff with training and developing curriculum.
“Referrals to our DV program are meeting for 26 weeks, mostly in group settings,” said Baker. “Topics include communication, emotional intelligence, trust and accountability, and negotiation and compromise.”
She explained that domestic violence is not just physical. It can be verbal, emotional, economical or technological.
“Economical abuse happens when one person controls the finances so their partner has no access to money,” said Baker. “Technological abuse includes sharing locations or checking each other’s phones or posting on social media in unhealthy ways.”
In Endeavor’s DV program, participants talk about anger, jealousy and conflict resolution.
“I see success when clients who are no longer mandated to attend the program are choosing to stay in it because they have someone to talk to,” said Baker, “because they see progress.”
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RESOURCES:
Endeavor Health Services
https://www.ehsny.org/
Central Intake Phone:
(585) 445-5310
If your organization is interested in being trained in the Domestic Violence program, please contact:
Katie Baker at [email protected]
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