Helping Hope Service Directories Glossary of Service Terms

Glossary of Terms for Overall Directory Use:  The definitions provided in this glossary are based on general information obtained from a variety of community service agencies.  Specific programs may have variations in how they define the following terms.  These definitions have been given to provide the reader with a basic understanding of the multifaceted components of service agencies in general.  For specific information about any particular agency, please contact that agency at the numbers provided.  Thank You. 

• Advocacy - To provide a disadvantaged person, group, or family with support, encouragement, and assistance.
• Case Management - A service provided by an individual possessing at least a Bachelors degree in a human service related field and involving the following:  advocacy, referrals to helpful information about essential community resources, and supportive listening.
• (CSTAR) - Comprehensive Substance Treatment and Rehabilitation, * This acronym is usually present in conjunction with programs having obtained certification from the Missouri Department of Health, Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse.
• Day Treatment - (usually outpatient) A mental health or occupational service occurring during the day, Monday through Friday.  It could contain the following:  group and individual psychotherapy, behavioral health or psycho-social rehabilitation, and/or interactive group activities that assist in developing healthy adaptive coping skills.
• Family Therapy - (inpatient / outpatient / in-home) psychotherapy provided by a licensed mental health professional to members of a family for the treatment of problems that effect the family as a whole; problems such as marital conflict, mental illness, substance abuse, bereavement, or any other problem having a negative effect on the healthy functioning of the family.
• Group Therapy - (inpatient / outpatient) psychotherapy provided by a LMHP in a group setting in which voluntary disclosure by the client of personal or shared experiences is encouraged to assist the client in coping, healing, and developing a healthy social support network.
• In-Home Services - This is any service provided to a person within that person's place of residence.
• Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP) - This is any individual having obtained at least a masters degree in psychology, counseling, or social work, who has completed a practicum of supervised experience and acquired a license to practice psychotherapy from a state licensing regulatory agency.
• Outpatient - This is any service provided to a client or patient that does not require an overnight stay at the hospital or treatment facility.
• Psychotherapy / Counseling - This is a service provided exclusively by a LMHP and in which a client receives skilled counseling to address any variety of life problems such as mental illness, marital conflict, substance abuse, bereavement, or any other issue effecting the mental health and well being of the client, family, or group served.
• Rehabilitation Services - This is any service in which an individual is taught the skills necessary to achieve specific goals that pertain to that individual's improved functioning in his/her vocational, social, and/or daily living environment.
• Residential Care Services - This is a longer term and up to permanent service in which an individual resides in the facility where services are being provided and services include a more structured, supervised, living environment with professional care to better assist in meeting the overall needs of the person placed in care.
• Respite Care Services - This is a service in which senior adult care givers or parents of individuals with special needs are provided with a healthy short term break from attending to their care elder relative or child.  The care receiver is provided with enjoyable and stimulating activities in a safe, caring, and supportive environment that promotes enhanced development and personal growth.
• Family Services - This is any program (private or state) whose primary goals involve promoting  the well being, functioning, healthy development, and/or economy of the family.
• Children's Services - This is any service specifically designed to benefit the health, safety, development, and well being of children, including parental skills training and family