Self Direction: Resources for Wellness

Self Direction is a Community Access pilot program that provides people with resources to reach their wellness goals.

OVERVIEW

Our Resource Consultants work alongside participants to develop a recovery action plan and a budget, and to gain access to the funds to purchase the services or goods needed to achieve success. Services include, but are not limited to:

  • Helping you reach physical health goals by paying for a gym membership, exercise clothes, or nutritional counseling
  • Providing you with the funds to obtain alternative or complementary treatment for pain management, such as acupuncture
  • Assisting you in hiring a personal on-call peer counselor for when you are in emotional distress
  • Paying for clothing needed for employment and job interviews
  • Paying for a specialized therapist or treatment provider not currently covered under your insurance, such as someone who specializes in Trauma or PTSD, or an out-of-network psychiatrist.

Since beginning in 2017, the pilot has introduced over 350 people to Self Directed Care, who have collectively achieved hundreds of wellness goals in the areas of Employment, Education, Physical Health, Mental Health, Social Relationships, Housing, and Substance Use. Outcome highlights so far include:

  • Reconnection with a child in another state, after three years apart
  • Achieved peer employment
  • Coped with stress and PTSD symptoms through pet adoption
  • Passed the GED, after years of trying
  • Passed a driving test

"After so many years of being misunderstood, mis-prescribed, and mentally and physically traumatized, I had started to believe that I was just taking up space...

Thing is though... Before Self-Direction, no one listened to what *I* thought I needed to feel better, and being voiceless in my own care only perpetuated the idea that I was somehow broken, unlovable and even untrustworthy with my own life.

New York City is changing that. Self Direction is changing that. Community Access is changing that."

Jody Gnant, Activist & Artist

MORE INFO

If you have additional questions about Self Direction please contact us via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .