Mental Health Awareness Month Spotlight Organization: Gateway Community Service Board

May 17, 2022
Rachael Dempsey
Mental Health Awareness Month 2021, Uncategorized

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month 2022, Healthcare Georgia Foundation will be shining a spotlight on organizations across Georgia that are working to raise awareness of mental health issues, provide services, and advocate for fair and equitable access to mental health care.

The Foundation’s first organization to be highlighted this month is Gateway Community Service Board, and below you’ll find the contents of our recent interview with the group.

When was Gateway Community Service Board founded?

Our organization was founded in 1993.

What is the mission of your organization? What are some of your goals?

Gateway’s mission: To be a leader in providing comprehensive community services for mental health, substance use disorders, and developmental disorders on the Georgia Coast.

Gateway’s vision: Individuals, families, and communities improve their health and wellness, direct their own futures and strive to reach their full potential.

What services does your organization provide?

The full continuum of support for Intellectual and Developmental Disorders:

Group homes
Community living supports (CLS)
Day Clubhouse programs

Full and comprehensive services in behavioral health:

Medication-Assisted Treatment and individual and group counseling for addictions
A special program for young adults with their 1st episode of psychosis
Two Behavioral Health Crisis Centers for adults – one in Savannah and one in Brunswick
A Crisis Stabilization Unit for youth – In Savannah
Certified Peer Specialists and Peer Clubhouses in five counties
Outpatient mental health clinics
Psychiatric care
Psychiatric Residency Program (https://gatewaypsychiatry.org/)
Case Management
Street Medicine (homeless camps)
Apex School-Based Services
Youth Substance Abuse Clubhouse
Child Psychiatry

Which area(s) of Georgia do you service?

Coastal Georgia – Savannah and Brunswick; Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh Counties

What is your fee structure for services provided?

Gateway CSB accepts Medicaid and has a sliding fee scale for uninsured individuals. Gateway also accepts commercial insurance but is “out of network” for most policies, requiring direct payment and insurance companies then reimburse the patient.

What is the one thing you wish more people understood about mental health and mental health services? What is your hope for the future in terms of mental health access and care?

“Engaging in Mental Health, Substance Abuse, or Developmental Disability programming is a sign of strength and resiliency. – Jess Matthewson, Program Manager for young adults with Gateway CSB.

“My hope for the future is that we continue to increase access to high-quality mental health treatment and support for every individual in our society. I want mental health care to be just as routine as an annual dentist appointment.” – Phylicia Anderson, Director of Children and Youth Services with Gateway CSB

“That all payors, Medicaid and Commercial, practiced full parity for mental diagnosis just like they do for diabetes, asthma, cardiac care, etc.” – Dr. Mark Johnson, CEO, Gateway CSB

How can individuals reach out to your organization to learn more about your work?

During regular business hours (M-F 8-5) individuals can contact our call center at 866-557-9955 to be connected with services.

You can also visit the Gateway Community Service Board website here: https://gatewaycsb.org/