CONSUMER PROVIDER PROGRAM
CASCAP's Consumer Provider Program (CPP) opened its doors in November 1993. Modeled after a program which began in Denver, Colorado, in 1986, the CPP is the only program of its kind in the New England area. Its mission is to assist talented individuals with severe mental illness in their pursuit of mental health and human services careers.
A basic premise of the program is that this population contains an untapped pool of qualified candidates for training and employment in the helping professions. With sufficient training and support, these individuals can bring a unique and valuable perspective to the service delivery system owing to their first-hand experience with recovery and the mental health system.
The CPP program design incorporates a novel blend of educational, skills training and employment support services. Following a thorough screening and assessment process, participants first enter a 13-week, full-time classroom-training phase. Topics covered include counseling and interviewing, needs assessment, case management techniques, treatment plan development, crisis intervention and client contact note writing. The training curriculum has been developed in collaboration with Bunker Hill Community College and modified continually based on job/task analyses of identified work sites. Upon completion of course requirements, students earn a Certificate of Mental Health and Human Services worth 24 college credits from Bunker Hill Community College.
Students who successfully complete the classroom training then proceed to a 14-week internship experience within a participating human services organization. CPP staff work closely with internship supervisors and interns to provide needed support and assistance. Upon completion of their internship, many students are offered permanent employment within the same organization. The CPP also offers intensive individual and group job seeking services as needed on an ongoing basis. Following graduation and employment, all graduates are eligible to attend monthly alumni support meetings to facilitate long-term peer support, networking and career development.
For more information, please contact:
Brad Day, Director
Consumer Provider Program
CASCAP, Inc.
678 Massachusetts Ave.
10th Floor
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 234-2976