Community Counseling Center launches Early Diversion Program in five Southeast Missouri counties

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Community Counseling Center is introducing a new program aimed at connecting people experiencing mental health and substance use challenges with treatment and support before they become involved in the criminal justice system.

The Early Diversion Program will serve Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Madison, Perry and Ste. Genevieve counties.

According to Community Counseling Center, the program will work with law enforcement, first responders, courts, health care providers and other community partners to help people access treatment before an arrest or booking into jail.

The goal is to reduce unnecessary involvement with the justice system while helping individuals achieve stability and recovery.

The program will provide outreach services, mental health and substance use screenings, short-term support and follow-up assistance.

Staff will also help connect individuals with housing resources, veterans’ services and other community programs while addressing barriers such as transportation and limited access to care in rural areas.

Community Counseling Center plans to offer community education and training through the program. An Early Diversion Coalition will bring local organizations together to identify gaps in services and improve referrals to treatment.

The program is being developed in partnership with the Missouri Department of Mental Health’s Division of Behavioral Health, with federal funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Community Counseling Center is also hiring an Early Diversion Program Coordinator and Early Diversion Outreach Specialists to help establish and operate the program.

Those interested in applying can do so through Community Counseling Center’s employment application process.

Community Counseling Center is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic providing mental health and substance use services across five Southeast Missouri counties.