Interconnected pathways symbolize wraparound mental health services, supporting an individual in a thriving community.

24/7 Mental Health Support: How Wraparound Services Transform Lives

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how Chesapeake Connections provides comprehensive, community-based care for individuals with serious mental illnesses, reducing hospitalizations and fostering independence."

The shift away from long-term psychiatric hospitalization has presented significant challenges, particularly for those with severe mental illnesses. Finding effective alternatives that provide comprehensive support is crucial for ensuring these individuals can thrive in the community.

In Baltimore, Chesapeake Connections has emerged as a leader in transforming mental health care. Their innovative approach focuses on providing individuals with serious mental illnesses the comprehensive support they need to remain in the community, significantly reducing the need for psychiatric hospitalizations. This is achieved through a 'whatever it takes' approach.

This article delves into the groundbreaking wraparound services model pioneered by Chesapeake Connections, highlighting its key components, successes, and the profound impact it has on the lives of its members. Discover how this program offers a beacon of hope for individuals seeking to live independently and with dignity.

The 24/7 Wraparound Model: A Comprehensive Approach

Interconnected pathways symbolize wraparound mental health services, supporting an individual in a thriving community.

Chesapeake Connections' wraparound services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, provided by a team of 47 dedicated professionals. The program serves approximately 166 individuals aged 20 to 70, offering a range of services designed to address their diverse needs.

The core of the program is intensive case management, delivered by three clinical teams. Each team consists of a coordinator, a team leader, five case managers, two team assistants, a licensed practical nurse, and a part-time prescriber. This structure ensures that each member receives personalized attention and support.

Intensive Case Management: Helping members develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
Life Skills Training: Providing support and training in essential skills to promote independence.
Housing Assistance: Locating suitable and appropriate living arrangements, including board-and-care homes and independent housing.
Money Management: Assisting members with budgeting and accessing public benefits.
Individual and Group Therapy: Addressing co-occurring disorders, anger management, stress, and relationship challenges.
General Medical Care: A health support team helps members manage chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Recognizing the importance of addressing both mental and physical health, Chesapeake Connections integrates medical care into its wraparound model. The health support team, including a nurse coordinator, acupuncturist, nutritionist, and medical assistant, works to help members manage chronic conditions and improve their overall well-being.

Empowering Lives, One Connection at a Time

Chesapeake Connections' success is evident in the significant improvements in the lives of its members. The program has dramatically reduced psychiatric hospitalizations, increased independent living, and empowered individuals to pursue meaningful activities, such as employment and education.

Despite the challenges inherent in community mental health care, Chesapeake Connections remains committed to its core values: providing comprehensive, individualized support and empowering individuals to live fulfilling lives. The program continually evolves to meet the changing needs of its members, ensuring that they receive the care and support they deserve.

By embracing a 'whatever it takes' approach and fostering a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility, Chesapeake Connections exemplifies the transformative power of wraparound services. The program serves as a model for other communities seeking to provide effective, community-based care for individuals with serious mental illnesses, offering hope and a pathway to recovery.

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Everything You Need To Know

What are 24/7 wraparound services, and why are they important?

Chesapeake Connections offers 24/7 wraparound services, providing constant support to individuals with serious mental illnesses. This model is crucial because it ensures that members have access to help whenever they need it, which is vital for managing their conditions and preventing crises. The availability of services around the clock distinguishes Chesapeake Connections' approach, providing a safety net that reduces hospitalizations and promotes stability.

What are the main components of the wraparound services offered by Chesapeake Connections?

The core components of Chesapeake Connections' wraparound services include intensive case management, life skills training, housing assistance, money management, individual and group therapy, and general medical care. Intensive case management is at the heart, where individuals develop personalized treatment plans. Life skills training focuses on promoting independence. Housing assistance ensures stable living arrangements. Money management aids in financial stability. Therapy addresses mental health needs. General medical care supports overall health, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being. Each component addresses a specific area of need, creating a holistic approach to care.

Why is the approach taken by Chesapeake Connections considered innovative?

Chesapeake Connections' approach is considered innovative because it shifts away from traditional long-term psychiatric hospitalizations towards community-based care. Instead of institutionalizing individuals, Chesapeake Connections provides comprehensive support within the community, enabling members to live independently. This approach is innovative because it empowers individuals, reduces hospitalizations, and integrates various services to meet the diverse needs of each member. It emphasizes a proactive, 'whatever it takes' approach.

How is the team at Chesapeake Connections structured to support its members?

The team at Chesapeake Connections is structured to provide personalized attention and support to each member. Each of the three clinical teams comprises a coordinator, team leader, five case managers, two team assistants, a licensed practical nurse, and a part-time prescriber. This structure ensures that members receive tailored care, with each team member playing a specific role in supporting the individual's needs. The team works collaboratively, offering a variety of services to help members manage their mental and physical health effectively.

How does Chesapeake Connections measure the success of its program?

Chesapeake Connections measures success through the significant improvements in the lives of its members, including a dramatic reduction in psychiatric hospitalizations, increased independent living, and the ability to pursue meaningful activities like employment and education. By focusing on these outcomes, Chesapeake Connections demonstrates the effectiveness of its wraparound services in helping individuals with serious mental illnesses thrive in the community. These improvements highlight the program's positive impact on individuals' quality of life and their ability to achieve their goals.