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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 24, 2012
Greensburg-based AERI Behavioral Health Services becomes Pennsylvania’s first accredited provider of adult autism services.
GREENSBURG, PA— The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities International (CARF) has announced that AERI Behavioral Health Services (AERI) has received a three-year accreditation for five service areas:
- Intensive Family Based Services: Mental Health (Children and Adolescents)
- Outpatient Treatment: Mental Health (Children and Adolescents)
- Behavioral Consultation Services
- Supports for Children with Autism
- Supports for Persons with Autism
In addition to its first accreditation in Pennsylvania, AERI is also recognized as the second accredited provider in the state of Ohio for Supports for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
These accreditations represent the highest level that can be awarded to an organization. AERI participated in a rigorous peer-review process, demonstrating to surveyors during on-site visits to each location that its programs and services are measureable, accountable and of the highest quality.
AERI received no recommendations for improvements from the survey and received “exemplary conformance” to the national standards of CARF in the following areas: leadership, health and safety, human resources, and information measurement and management. The CARF survey summary highlights areas that distinguish AERI from other behavioral health organizations, including 1) the organization’s quality records reviews, 2) compassionate team members, 3) commitment to evidence-based practice 4) quality record reviews, 5) commitment to cultural diversity, 6) extensive training curriculum, and 7) community collaborations.
Rick J. Murray, CEO and co-founder of AERI, says “AERI’s commitment to upholding exceptional standards is unquestionably in line with the mission and values of CARF. Receiving this accreditation validates our continuing efforts to maintain the highest quality of clinical care, and create positive, meaningful change for the individuals and communities we serve.”
AERI—founded in 2009 by Rick J. Murray, LSW, BCBA, and Jerry Joseph, PhD—provides a continuum of services across the lifespan that incorporate evidence-based practices. Our services include transition planning, sexuality training, parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT), trauma –based therapy, and educational services including AERI’s emotional support classrooms within the school district, and professional school consultation and trainings. CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served.
CONTACT: Catherine Hughes, Director of Family Support Services