RHA Behavioral Health in North Carolina is home to a nationally recognized program of behavioral health services for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Our program has provided consultation to other states, including Georgia, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, on service delivery and program development for services to this population. The RHA Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Program presented at BreakOut, the only national Mental Health and Deafness conference in the nation.
History of RHA’s Deaf & Hard of Hearing Program
The RHA DHH Program began with a Coastal Care contract in the Wilmington area in 2010. Smoky Mountain Center (Now VAYA) soon followed suit, contracting with RHA to serve the western part of the state in 2011. OPC (Orange, Person and Chatham Area Program) contract was added to the SMC contract in 2012. Alliance contracted with RHA in 2013, making the DHH program statewide.
RHA Health Services was granted a contract with the State Division of Mental Health to administer the DHH program. Initially, the contract was for $1.4 million. The contract grew to $1.6 million in the fiscal year 2018 and additional staff positions were added throughout the year.
Our Team
There are a total of 20 positions within the RHA DHH program; 11 licensed clinical therapists, including one licensed psychologist, five outreach consultant coordinators, one recovery coach, one business manager, one administrative support person and one director. All are fluent in both English and American Sign Language. Most of the team is Deaf or hard of hearing.
DHH staff is located in offices, or can be available to see consumers, in Asheville, Lenoir, Morganton, Charlotte, High Point, Greensboro, Burlington, Raleigh, Lumberton, Fayetteville, Wilson, New Bern and Wilmington.
Technology
In addition to in-person services, RHA uses Zoom, an internet-based meeting technology that is HIPAA compliant. This allows for remote consultation for those living in more rural areas.
RHA also uses PolyCom services, where a consumer can visit a local RHA office to meet with a therapist and/or licensed clinicians in person or via PolyCom.
Service Overview
RHA Behavioral Health’s DHH Program services include comprehensive clinical assessment, case coordination and consultation, mental health and substance abuse counseling and therapy, peer support and outreach, as well as education and referral services. Additionally, a statewide online video NA meeting for the deaf has been launched.
RHA’s Deaf & Hard of Hearing program serves all 100 counties in North Carolina.
Communication Assistance
Regardless of the type of behavioral health services needed by someone who is Deaf or hard of hearing, DHH staff can provide assistance with determining communication needs, finding resources related to hearing loss, and assessing the cultural impact of deafness on treatment. No matter the type of program you work in or services you provide, if you are serving someone with hearing loss, the DHH Program can serve you! Contact us with any question or concerns you might have.
Contact RHA’s Deaf & Hard of Hearing Program
Remember, anyone can contact the DHH Program to refer consumers or request information or consultation – and we encourage you to do so!
Call:
- 1-800-848-0180 – RHA Call Center
- 919-518-9293 – Direct Access for all people, including Video Phone for Deaf & Hard of Hearing
Email:
- Linda Harrington, LCSW, Director, lharrington@rhanet.org
- Lindsey Gray, Business Manager, lgray@rhanet.org