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Treatment Philosophies
Birch Tree Communities, Inc., has developed a niche in the state of Arkansas to treat individuals
with the most challenging disabilities. Birch uses positive relationships as the cornerstone to
effective outcomes. This program strives to provide least restrictive services, foster independence
and assist individuals in achieving their personal goals. This is achieved through the implementation
of Person-Centered Treatment Planning, which utilizes best practices and Recovery Principles. Ongoing
training is provided to improve our ability to equally respect cultural, spiritual, and issues related
to ethnicity and to accommodate for special needs and stage of change. Treatment Teams are encouraged
to “think outside the box” to overcome obstacles and not to see failure as an end result, but an opportunity
from which to learn. The use of aversive treatment and punishment are prohibited.
Effective Clinical Approaches
1. A positive relationship is the foundation for all meaningful treatment as reflected in our motto
“believing in the power of relationships for positive change.” This relationship is based on unconditional
positive regard, rapport, therapeutic alliance and a commitment to assist individuals in accomplishing their
goals. Establishing this type of relationship is the first priority in beginning treatment and is continually
enhanced throughout the treatment process. A partnership is formed to enhance the quality and efficacy of treatment.
2. Birch incorporates Recovery Principles in its philosophies, individualized treatment plans, and day
treatment programs. It is this program’s belief that all individuals with serious and persistent mental illness
have the ability to recovery fully to live fully integrated lives in the community. They are encouraged establish
resources and connections within their community through work, school, church or other social opportunities.
Members are empowered and given a voice through Sound-Off meetings at every branch and/or to serve on the Members’
Executive Council to be leaders within Birch, to direct and approve policy, to develop programs and activities and
to assist themselves to be less dependent on Birch and the mental health system.
3. Person-Centered Treatment Planning is utilized to assist members in establishing their personal goals and
driving the treatment process. The treatment plans are developed collaboratively with the member and the treatment
team, written in the member’s perspective. Interventions are established to assist members in achieving objectives
which will help them overcome barriers to their overall goals. This is written so the members completely understand
the treatment process and are in agreement with it. Because the goals are defined by the member and he/she understands
how the plan will assist them in meeting their goals, they are more motivated to achieve their objectives. The member’s
needs, cultural and spiritual issues, and stage of change are considered in developing best practices. The member’s
strengths are highlighted and integrated into the plan. Natural/Community supports are identified and utilized to
maximize community integration. Families are encouraged to participate in treatment both as support to treatment and
resources outside of Birch. Person-Centered Therapy Groups are conducted to further perpetuate the process of the
member’s driving their treatment and to foster strengths based problem solving and decreased dependence on staff.
Clinicians are trained to sculpt a process in which members assist each other in problem solving to achieve objectives
on their treatment plans. Each group may develop its own culture, techniques and methods of recovery.
4. The “Strengths Model” approach is used throughout treatment, viewing the member as resourceful and capable of
achieving his/her goals. This involves inspiring hope and assisting members to find and enhance the strengths they were born with.
5. Client-Directed and Outcome-Informed Therapy (by Scott Miller, et al) approach supplements Birch’s philosophy
and Person-Centered Treatment Planning in that the treatment team forms a therapeutic alliance with the member, joins
the member in achieving goals they establish. This technique avoids power struggles, encourages the team to develop
creative solutions to overcome barriers or achieve objectives and focuses on outcomes. Staff are trained to maintain
a healthy dose of hope and expectancy to meet outcome.
6. Individual choice and preferences are honored. Treatment teams assist the member in identifying a variety of
options, some of which may be risky. The member is allowed the dignity of risk and the right to fail. The team assists
in balancing between allowing risk and protecting the member from risk. If a member fails, this is seen as a learning
experience and the team is supportive. This attempt will not prohibit a member from choosing the same risky opportunity
or other similar options. The team’s objective is outcome vs. control.
7. Celebrating successes and rewards are an integral component of the treatment process. Achievement rewards are
used as incentives to motivate members to achieve tasks or objectives. A member may go to lunch with staff if the member
bathed 3 times in a week. These agreements are written into the treatment plan in the “Specialized Treatment Section.”
Pizza parties may be utilized to celebrate a member’s successful transition to a less restrictive setting or to reward a
group of members in a group home for keeping their living area clean.
8. Birch embraces the United States Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association’s standardized definition of psychiatric
rehabilitation:
Psychiatric rehabilitation promotes recovery, full community integration and improved quality of life for persons who have
been diagnosed with any mental health condition that seriously impairs their ability to lead meaningful lives. Psychiatric
rehabilitation services are collaborative, person directed and individualized. These services are an essential element of
the health care and human services spectrum, and should be evidence-based. They focus on helping individuals develop skills
and access resources needed to increase their capacity to be successful and satisfied in the living, working, learning, and
social environments of their choice.
REFERENCE SOURCE: U.S. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association Media Release dated October 4, 2007.
For more information about Birch Tree Communities, Inc. Treatment Philosophies,
Please contact David Kuchinski, LCSW
Clinical Director
501-315-3344
P.O. Box 1589 · BENTON, ARKANSAS 72018-1589
CENTRAL TELEPHONE (ALL
LOCATIONS): (501) 315-3344
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