The Neurodevelopmental Center of Southwestern Indiana (NDC) a collaborative program of both Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare and Easterseals Rehabilitation Center hosted an open house on Tuesday, February 13 at 19 E. Chandler Street, Evansville.
In January 2023, NDC opened as Indiana’s FIRST integrated outpatient Neurodevelopmental Center for youth with co-occurring psychiatric conditions and intellectual/developmental disabilities. Located in downtown Evansville, NDC, in less than two months of opening, processed over 40 referrals.
The program is designed for youth who are dually diagnosed with a mental health disorder along with autism, intellectual or other developmental disability. These youth are assessed by a multidisciplinary cohesive treatment team, which includes psychology, psychiatry, occupational and physical therapies, speech pathology, audiology, and nutrition. NDC utilizes a care coordination approach to address youth and family needs that are more complex, connecting families to resources and providing ongoing services and support.
A Project Advisory Council, whose members represent community organizations and consumers, are appointed through their partnership with NDC to provide feedback related to treatment experiences, workflows, and external communications to assure the program is meeting community needs.
The Neurodevelopmental Center of Southwestern Indiana began as a pilot program is funded in part by a Division of Mental Health and Addiction Community Catalyst Grant.
“What a wonderful year we have experienced together at NDC. Collaboration has been a key factor. With the support of so many, a forward-thinking advisory committee, and our professional staff, we have been able to provide a unique service that was the first in the state to be developed. What an accomplishment!” stated Kayce Smith, Clinical Manger of the Neurodevelopmental Center of Southwestern Indiana.
“Collaborative mental health care is a vital piece to a healthy community. Easterseals is proud to be a part of this collaboration to provide the youth of our area these much-needed services from one location. This is the first facility of its kind in the state of Indiana. As the need continues to expand, we will be here to grow with it,” stated Emily Reidford, VP, Community Outreach and Education at Easterseals Rehabilitation Center.