DHH IMPACT

A collaborative effort of Volunteers of America of Minnesota Mental Health Clinics and the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf

Service Locations: Services are offered between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (with flexibility to meet family needs) at:

Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf
615 Olof Hanson Dr.
Faribault, MN  55021

In some circumstances, services may also be offered at Volunteers of America Mental Health Clinics locations:

  • Golden Valley Office: 5905 Golden Valley Road - Suite 100 Golden Valley, MN  55422
  • Anoka Office: 22426 St. Francis Boulevard Anoka, MN  55303
  • St Cloud Office: 22426 St. Francis Boulevard Anoka, MN  55303
  • Or via telehealth

Service Days/Hours: Services are offered at the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf offices between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The DHH IMPACT program is flexible and appointments are scheduled to accommodate the needs of the participants and their families.

Participants: DHH IMPACT participants are deaf, deaf/blind or hard of hearing children and adolescents (ages 10-18) who have social, emotional and behavioral problems that interfere with their ability to function in daily situations. See below for specific eligibility requirements.

Fees: DHH IMPACT will bill insurance companies for mental health services as needed. Families are responsible for co-payments and deductibles. If families are unable to pay these fees or they do not have insurance, DHH IMPACT will work with the family or identify other financial resources.

Inquiries and Referrals
For inquiries into the DHH IMPACT program or to make a referral through the Volunteers of Amercia's Mental Health Clinics please contact:

DHH Program Offices
Volunteers of America of Minnesota Mental Health Clinics (Golden Valley Office)
5905 Golden Valley Rd., Suite 100
Golden Valley, MN 55422

Contact: Rebecca Goffman, Psy.D., LP

Main Phone: 763.225.4052 (v), 866.400.8229 (v)
Fax: 763.225.4081
Email: rgoffman@voamn.org

For inquiries into the program or to make a referral, through the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf, please contact:

Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf
Admissions Office
PO Box 308
Faribault, MN 55021
Phone: 507.384.6618, 800.657.3996
VP: 507.412.5020
Fax: 507-332-5450
Email: Denise.Reid@MSAD.state.mn.us

Program Summary
DHH IMPACT serves children with behavioral, emotional and learning problems severe enough to interfere with daily functioning in their home, school, and community environments. This intensive day program specifically addresses the needs of deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind children in a culturally and linguistically accessible setting.

  • Programming is up to five days a week and includes three hours per day of clinical services and three hours per day of educational services.
  • Regular collaboration and consultation with all relevant members of the child’s team
  • Highly structured program designed to address emotional and behavioral issues
  • Programming follows the MSAD school calendar
  • Mental health services can be designed for individual children and their families during the summer months.
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The program serves children/youth who typically have problems in the following areas:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Hyperactive/ADHD
  • Aggressive/anger issues
  • Poor peer relations
  • Poor family relations
  • Oppositional or defiant behaviors
  • Have a history of abuse
  • Self harm
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Eligibility
To be eligible for this program, the child must:

  • Meet special education criteria under the area of deaf/hard of hearing, be receiving services, and have been identified with behavioral concerns
  • Be clinically identified has having a DSM-IV diagnosis and be determined to be emotionally disturbed (ED) or seriously emotionally disturbed (SED)
  • Be eligible to receive special education services at least half the day
  • Have been assessed to have a minimum IQ of 70
  • Be between the ages 10 and 17
  • Be willing and able to learn, work, and socialize in an environment where ASL is the primary form of communication
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Children NOT eligible for this program are those who are:

  • Actively suicidal or homicidal
  • Known to be sexual offenders
  • Medically fragile
  • Primarily diagnosed with mental retardation
  • Primarily diagnosed with chemical abuse or dependency
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Therapy Specific Components

  • On-site individual, family and group therapy provided by culturally and linguistically competent therapists
  • Diagnostic Assessments/Psychological Assessments (as needed)
  • Parent education and support groups
  • Skills development group
  • Psycho-educational groups
  • Medication management
  • Psychiatric consultation
  • Case Management
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School-Specific Components

  • Core academic classes taught according to Individualized Educational Program specifications
  • Low student-staff ratios
  • Special Education evaluations
  • Related services provided according to IEP needs
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Professional Treatment Team

  • Mental Health Program Supervisor
  • Licensed Mental Health Professionals (therapists)
  • Mental Health Practitioners (skills workers)
  • Licensed Clinical Psychologist
  • Children’s mental health case manager
  • Child and adolescent psychiatrist
  • Behavioral Pediatrician
  • Licensed special education teachers
  • Educational assistants
  • Special Education Director
  • Education Director
  • School Social Worker
  • Licensed school psychologist
  • School nurse
  • Interpreters
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