Programs

Program Overview

Guiding Paths Inc. provides a 24-hour, community-based Residential Program for adults diagnosed with Developmental and/or Intellectual Disabilities who require ongoing supervision, skill-building, and individualized support in a home-like environment.

The program’s purpose is to help individuals live as independently as possible while ensuring their health, safety, and overall quality of life. Each resident receives person-centered services tailored to their needs, abilities, and goals as outlined in their Individual Support Plan (ISP).

Our approach emphasizes normalization, inclusion, dignity, and self-determination. Supports are delivered in accordance with DBHDS regulations (12VAC35-105) and Virginia Developmental Disabilities Waiver service definitions, ensuring compliance, consistency, and measurable outcomes.

The Guiding Paths DD Residential Program offers individualized and structured supports, including:

• 24-hour supervision and support from trained Direct Support Professionals.
• Individualized Service Planning (ISP) in coordination with the individual, family, and Support Coordinator.
• Daily living skills training, including personal hygiene, meal preparation, housekeeping, and self-care.
• Behavioral and emotional support guided by positive behavioral interventions and trauma-informed care. 
• Medication administration and monitoring by trained staff, coordinated with healthcare providers.
• Health, wellness, and safety monitoring, including medical appointment scheduling and follow-up. 
• Community integration and socialization activities to promote inclusion and natural supports. 
• Transportation assistance to day programs, employment, medical appointments, and community outings.
• Money management and budgeting support to encourage financial responsibility and independence. 
• Recreation and leisure skill development to enhance personal interests and social engagement. 
• Coordination with families, guardians, and community partners for continuity of care. 
• Crisis prevention and intervention consistent with approved safety and behavior plans. 
• Documentation and progress monitoring toward ISP outcomes and personal goals.
   

All services are delivered by trained Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) under the supervision of a Qualified Developmental Disabilities Professional (QDDP) who ensures adherence to person-centered practices, health and safety standards, and ongoing staff competency.

Individuals are eligible for the Guiding Paths DD Residential Program if they meet the following criteria:

• Are 18 years of age or older. 
• Have a documented diagnosis of a Developmental Disability and/or Intellectual Disability.
• Are eligible for or enrolled in the Virginia Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver or another approved funding source. 
• Require 24-hour supervision and residential supports to ensure safety and independence. 
• Have functional limitations in at least two areas of adaptive behavior, such as communication, self-care, social skills, home living, community use, self-direction, health and safety, functional academics, or employment. 
• Are medically stable and not in need of hospital-level or nursing-facility care. 
• Have an Individual Support Plan (ISP) recommending residential services and identifying desired outcomes.
   

Admission is appropriate when:

• The individual’s Support Coordinator or case management agency refers the person for residential placement. 
• The individual demonstrates a need for 24-hour supervision or training that cannot be met through less intensive services. 
• The individual’s health, behavioral, and safety needs can be effectively supported within the program. 
• The individual or guardian provides informed consent and agrees to comply with house and program expectations. 
• Current clinical documentation, assessments, and funding authorization are received and approved by Guiding Paths. 
• The individual exhibits potential for growth in independence, community engagement, and skill development.
   

An individual may be excluded or deferred from admission if they:

• Require acute psychiatric hospitalization or 24-hour nursing or medical care.
• Are actively suicidal, homicidal, or experiencing psychosis requiring inpatient stabilization. 
• Are acutely intoxicated or in substance withdrawal requiring medical detoxification.
• Exhibit violent, aggressive, or sexually inappropriate behavior posing a risk to self, peers, or staff. 
• Have severe medical or physical care needs beyond the capacity of program staff or facility design. 
• Consistently refuse participation in the program or demonstrate inability to follow safety plans.
• Lack a funding source, authorization, or required documentation for admission.
• Present medical instability or communicable diseases that jeopardize the safety of others in the home.

Program Overview

Guiding Paths Inc. provides a Mental Health Residential Program designed to offer a safe, structured, and therapeutic living environment for adults (18 and older) diagnosed with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) or co-occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders who require 24-hour support but not inpatient hospitalization.

Our program focuses on stabilization, rehabilitation, and recovery through individualized, person-centered treatment and life skills development. Residents receive daily support from trained staff in a nurturing, home-like setting that promotes dignity, self-sufficiency, and community integration.

The program operates under the principles of trauma-informed care, recovery-oriented systems of support, and least restrictive environments, in compliance with DBHDS regulations (12VAC35-105) and Virginia’s behavioral health service standards.

Guiding Paths provides a comprehensive array of clinical and rehabilitative supports within a structured residential environment. Services include, but are not limited to:

• 24-hour supervision and support by trained Mental Health and Direct Support Professionals.
• Individualized Service Planning (ISP) that identifies strengths, goals, needs, and desired outcomes.
• Psychosocial rehabilitation and skill-building activities to promote independent living, emotional stability, and recovery. 
• Daily monitoring of mental and behavioral health symptoms with timely reporting to clinical staff or case managers.
• Medication management support, including medication reminders and coordination with prescribing professionals.
• Individual, group, and family therapy coordination (onsite or through community partners).
• Behavioral interventions and crisis prevention techniques consistent with trauma-informed practices. 
• Life skills training, including personal care, hygiene, budgeting, cooking, and housekeeping. 
• Health and wellness education, including nutrition, stress management, and relapse prevention. 
• Community integration and socialization activities to encourage independence and belonging. 
• Transportation assistance to medical, psychiatric, or community appointments.
• Case management and care coordination with outside providers, caseworkers, and natural supports. 
• Relapse prevention and recovery planning, including coping strategies and support network development. 
• Discharge and transition planning for continued recovery and housing stability.
   

All services are delivered by qualified staff under the supervision of a Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP, LMHP-R, or LMHP-S) or Qualified Mental Health Professional-Adult (QMHP-A) as appropriate.

To qualify for admission into the Guiding Paths Mental Health Residential Program, individuals must meet the following criteria:

• Be 18 years of age or older. 
• Have a primary diagnosis of Serious Mental Illness (SMI) (e.g., schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, or related condition).
• May have a co-occurring substance use disorder or developmental disability, provided that the individual’s primary need is mental health support.
• Require 24-hour supervision and structured support to maintain safety, stability, or treatment compliance. 
• Be medically and psychiatrically stable, not requiring inpatient or acute hospital care. 
• Exhibit functional limitations in one or more areas of daily living (e.g., self-care, social skills, community living). 
• Have a current Individual Service Plan (ISP) or referral from a Case Manager/Support Coordinator identifying residential services as an appropriate level of care. 
• Have an approved funding source (e.g., Medicaid, DBHDS funding, CSB referral, or private pay).
   

Admission is appropriate when:

• The individual meets DBHDS criteria for Mental Health Residential Services. 
• The person’s symptoms or functioning require 24-hour support and monitoring to maintain safety and treatment progress. 
• The individual demonstrates motivation and willingness to participate in treatment and rehabilitation activities. 
• The individual’s behavioral and medical needs can be managed within a non-medical, residential setting.
• The individual and/or legal guardian consents to participation in the program. 
• Referrals are accompanied by clinical documentation (diagnostic summary, psychiatric evaluation, discharge summary if applicable, and ISP).
   

An individual may be excluded or deferred from admission if they:

• Require inpatient psychiatric hospitalization or 24-hour medical/nursing care. 
• Are actively suicidal, homicidal, or psychotic and require crisis stabilization or hospital-level care.
• Have severe cognitive impairment or medical conditions that prevent safe participation in program activities. 
• Are acutely intoxicated or in withdrawal requiring medical detoxification (ASAM 3.7 or 4.0). 
• Exhibit uncontrolled aggressive, violent, or sexually inappropriate behavior that poses a safety risk. 
• Are unable or unwilling to comply with house rules, treatment   expectations, or safety plans. 
• Have no identified funding source or authorization for residential services. 
• Have medical conditions requiring skilled nursing or 24-hour medical management beyond the program’s capacity.
   

Program Overview 

Guiding Paths Inc. provides Community Engagement Services designed to support adults with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities in building natural supports, fostering independence, and achieving meaningful inclusion within their communities.

This service focuses on integrating individuals into typical community settings through group and individualized activities that promote socialization, skill development, and personal growth. Supports are tailored to the individual’s strengths, interests, and outcomes identified in the Individual Support Plan (ISP), and are delivered in accordance with the principles of person-centered planning, normalization, and least restrictive environment as required by 12VAC35-105-580 and DBHDS Developmental Disabilities Waiver regulations.

The overarching goal is to increase each person’s community participation, self-determination, and independence through meaningful daily experiences.

Community Engagement services at Guiding Paths are designed to create structured, purposeful opportunities for social interaction and skill development. Core service components include:

• Group and individual community activities designed to foster natural relationships and inclusion. 
• Training and coaching to develop communication, self-advocacy, and social interaction skills. 
• Community integration support, including participation in volunteer work, recreation, civic activities, and cultural events. 
• Independent living skills development, such as budgeting, meal planning, transportation training, and decision-making. 
• Health and wellness education, including nutrition, safety awareness, and personal hygiene. 
• Travel and navigation assistance for use of public or community transportation options.
• Peer interaction and social skills development to strengthen confidence and interpersonal relationships.
• Collaboration with families, case managers, and other service providers to maintain consistency and alignment with the ISP.
• Progress monitoring and documentation, ensuring measurable outcomes and ongoing goal achievement.
   

Services are delivered by trained Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) under the supervision of a Qualified Developmental Disabilities Professional (QDDP). Staff maintain current certification in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention, and all DBHDS-required competencies.

Individuals are eligible for Community Engagement services if they meet the following criteria:

• Are 18 years of age or older (or transitioning youth, as approved by DBHDS). 
• Have a diagnosed Developmental or Intellectual Disability. 
• Are eligible for or enrolled in the DD Waiver or another approved funding source. 
• Require assistance to develop, maintain, or enhance skills necessary for successful community participation. 
• Have an Individual Support Plan (ISP) identifying Community Engagement as a needed service. 
• Are medically stable and can safely participate in community activities with staff support. 
• Demonstrate a desire or readiness to engage in community-based experiences designed to increase independence.
   

Admission to the Community Engagement Program is appropriate when:

• The individual’s ISP identifies a need for structured community-based supports to promote inclusion and skill development.
• The individual can benefit from participation in group or individualized activities focused on learning and integration. 
• The individual’s behavioral, medical, and support needs can be safely managed by program staff within community settings. 
• The individual or authorized representative provides informed consent to participate. 
• A referral and required documentation (ISP, assessments, authorization for services) are received from the Case Manager or Support Coordinator.
   

An individual may be excluded from admission or continued participation if they:

• Exhibit active aggressive, violent, or self-injurious behaviors that cannot be safely supported within the program.
• Require 24-hour nursing or medical supervision or intensive behavioral interventions exceeding program capabilities.
• Are acutely ill, hospitalized, or in an inpatient setting.
• Are actively intoxicated or experiencing withdrawal symptoms that require medical management. 
• Consistently refuse participation in scheduled community activities despite reasonable accommodations. 
• Lack a current ISP or funding authorization supporting Community Engagement services. 
• Present a direct safety risk to self, peers, or staff that cannot be effectively mitigated.

Guiding Paths Inc. provides Community Coaching services designed to assist individuals with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities in developing, maintaining, and enhancing skills necessary for community participation, social inclusion, and personal independence.

This service is a one-to-one, goal-directed support provided in community settings to individuals who require more intensive guidance than typical community engagement supports. Community Coaching emphasizes skill acquisition, confidence building, and meaningful participation in preferred community activities.

All services are person-centered, guided by the individual’s Individual Support Plan (ISP), and are consistent with the principles of community integration, normalization, and least-restrictive environment in accordance 

Community Coaching services at Guiding Paths include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Individualized one-to-one coaching focused on skill development and community engagement.
• Goal-based training to help individuals access and participate in community activities aligned with personal interests.
• Social skills development, including communication, relationship building, and self-advocacy. 
• Travel training and use of public or community transportation resources. 
• Safety awareness instruction within various community environments. 
• Money management and purchasing skills to promote independent living. 
• Decision-making and problem-solving training in real-life community situations. 
• Support for community inclusion activities, such as volunteer opportunities, recreation, and local events. 
• Coordination with family members, case managers, and other service providers to ensure consistent support and progress toward ISP outcomes. 
• Progress documentation and monitoring of individual goals to ensure continued growth and independence.
   

All services are delivered by trained Direct Support Professionals under the supervision of a Qualified Developmental Disabilities Professional (QDDP) and in compliance with DBHDS staff training and documentation standards.

Individuals are eligible for the Guiding Paths Community Coaching Program if they meet the following criteria:

• Are 18 years of age or older (or transitioning youth as approved).
• Have a documented diagnosis of a Developmental or Intellectual Disability. 
• Are enrolled in or eligible for the DD Waiver or other approved funding source.
• Require one-to-one skill development and coaching in community settings as identified in their ISP. 
• Have goals related to community integration, independence, or skill acquisition that cannot be met through general Community Engagement alone. 
• Are medically stable and able to safely participate in community activities with staff support.
   

Admission is appropriate when:

• The individual’s ISP identifies the need for intensive, one-to-one community-based support.
• The individual demonstrates readiness and willingness to engage in skill-building and community participation.
• The individual’s service and behavioral needs can be supported by Guiding Paths’ staff and safety protocols. 
• The individual and/or guardian consent to participation and agree to program rules, structure, and coordination requirements. 
• The referring Case Manager or Support Coordinator provides current documentation, including the ISP, assessment summaries, and funding approval.
   

Individuals may be excluded from Community Coaching services if they:

• Exhibit behaviors requiring continuous one-to-one behavioral or medical supervision that exceed the program’s staffing ratio or capacity.
• Are actively aggressive, violent, or present imminent risk to themselves or others. 
• Require nursing, medical, or psychiatric services that cannot be safely provided in a community-based setting.
• Are currently hospitalized, incarcerated, or in acute crisis care. 
• Are unable or unwilling to participate in structured community activities despite reasonable accommodation efforts.
• Do not have funding authorization or eligibility for the service.

 Program Overview

Guiding Paths Inc. provides a Clinically Managed Low-Intensity Residential Service (ASAM Level 3.1) designed for adults experiencing substance use disorders, mental health challenges, or co-occurring conditions.
This program offers a safe, structured, home-like environment emphasizing recovery, stability, and community reintegration.

Our multidisciplinary team delivers person-centered care through individualized service planning, life-skills development, relapse-prevention education, and therapeutic supports consistent with ASAM criteria, DBHDS regulations (12VAC35-105), and evidence-based best practices.

Residents are supported in building recovery capital, establishing healthy routines, improving interpersonal relationships, and learning the skills necessary for long-term wellness and independence in the community.

The Guiding Paths 3.1 Program offers structured, recovery-oriented supports including:

• 24-hour supervised residential setting with on-site staff trained in mental health, substance use, and crisis response. 
• Individualized Service Plans (ISP) developed with input from the client, case manager, and clinical team.
• Individual and group counseling sessions addressing relapse prevention, coping skills, emotional regulation, and personal growth.
• Peer recovery support and mentoring to promote accountability, self-efficacy, and connection to sober support networks.
• Life skills and daily living training (personal hygiene, nutrition, budgeting, medication management, housekeeping). 
• Community integration activities and social skill-building to foster inclusion and connection. 
• Educational and employment readiness support, including pre-vocational skill training and goal setting. 
• Health and wellness education covering nutrition, physical activity, sleep hygiene, and self-care practices. 
• Transportation assistance for medical, behavioral health, and recovery-related appointments. 
• Medication monitoring and coordination with outpatient providers as appropriate. 
• Crisis intervention and de-escalation support when necessary to maintain safety and stability.
   

To qualify for admission into Guiding Paths’ ASAM 3.1 Program, individuals must meet the following criteria:

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Have a diagnosed substance use disorder, mental health condition, or co-occurring disorder requiring structured, 24-hour recovery support but not medically managed detoxification.
• Demonstrate moderate functional impairment in areas such as independent living, employment, or social functioning. 
• Be medically stable and not in acute withdrawal requiring inpatient detoxification. 
• Be free of active tuberculosis (TB) and communicable conditions requiring isolation.
• Be willing to participate in the program’s structure, therapy, and recovery-oriented activities. 
• Have identified funding source or eligibility (Medicaid, DBHDS-approved waiver, CSB referral, or self-pay).
   

Admission is appropriate when:

• The individual meets ASAM Level 3.1 criteria for Clinically Managed Low-Intensity Residential treatment.
• The person demonstrates a need for continued structure and support in maintaining sobriety and managing mental health symptoms. 
• Outpatient or community-based services alone have been insufficient to maintain recovery stability.
• The individual expresses motivation for recovery and willingness to engage in programming. 
• There is no current medical or psychiatric condition that would require a higher level of care (such as ASAM 3.3, 3.5, or 4.0).
   

Individuals may be excluded from admission if they:

• Require acute medical detoxification or hospitalization due to severe withdrawal or medical instability. 
• Exhibit active suicidal or homicidal behavior requiring emergency or inpatient psychiatric care.
• Present with severe cognitive impairment preventing participation in programming or activities of daily living. 
• Have uncontrolled violent or disruptive behaviors posing a risk to self or others.
• Require 24-hour nursing or medical supervision beyond the scope of a low-intensity residential program. 
• Refuse to participate in treatment, rules, or recovery activities essential to program integrity. 
• Are not eligible for an appropriate funding source and cannot establish an alternative payment arrangement.

Guiding Paths Inc. provides a Clinically Managed Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) serving adults (18+) diagnosed with substance use disorders, mental health conditions, or co-occurring disorders who require intensive clinical support but do not need 24-hour inpatient care.

This ASAM 2.5-level program delivers structured, evidence-based treatment five to seven days per week, emphasizing stabilization, relapse prevention, and recovery skill development.  Clients participate in a full therapeutic schedule combining clinical interventions, peer support, medication management coordination, and recovery education.

The program’s mission is to promote stabilization, insight, and sustainable recovery through compassionate, trauma-informed care that supports reintegration into community living and long-term wellness.

Guiding Paths’ Partial Hospitalization Program includes, but is not limited to:

• Structured daily treatment schedule (typically 20+ hours per week) including group and individual therapy.
• Comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments and individualized treatment planning. 
• Individual counseling using evidence-based approaches (CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Relapse-Prevention). 
• Psychoeducational and process groups addressing addiction, coping skills, mental health management, and emotional regulation. 
• Medication management coordination with licensed medical or psychiatric providers. 
• Co-occurring disorder support to address both substance use and mental health symptoms. 
• Family education and support services to enhance recovery environments.
• Case management including discharge planning, linkage to community resources, and referrals to step-down levels of care.
• Peer recovery services to promote lived-experience support and accountability.
• Health and wellness education, including nutrition, sleep hygiene, and stress reduction.
• Urinalysis and toxicology screening as clinically indicated.
• Crisis intervention and relapse-prevention planning.
   

All services are provided by qualified clinical professionals, including Licensed Mental Health Professionals (LMHP/LMHP-R/LMHP-S), Certified Substance Abuse Counselors (CSAC), and Peer Recovery Specialists under clinical supervision.

To qualify for the Guiding Paths PHP (ASAM 2.5) Program, individuals must:

• Be 18 years of age or older. 
• Have a diagnosed Substance Use Disorder and/or co-occurring Mental Health Disorder as defined by DSM-5. 
• Require structured, intensive treatment more comprehensive than outpatient or IOP (ASAM 2.1) but less restrictive than residential or inpatient (ASAM 3.1 +).
• Be medically and psychiatrically stable, not requiring 24-hour nursing or inpatient monitoring. 
• Exhibit moderate to severe impairment in functioning, judgment, or emotional regulation that interferes with recovery. 
• Demonstrate motivation to engage in treatment and willingness to follow program expectations. 
• Be free from acute intoxication or withdrawal requiring medical detoxification (ASAM 4.0 WM).
• Have a verified funding source (Medicaid ARTS, private insurance, CSB referral, or self-pay).
   

Admission is appropriate when:

• The individual meets ASAM 2.5 placement criteria (dimension ratings indicate the need for intensive daily structure).
• The individual requires frequent therapeutic contact and monitoring to prevent relapse or decompensation.
• The individual’s medical and psychiatric conditions can be managed on an outpatient basis. 
• The person is able to safely reside in a community or supportive living setting outside program hours.
• The individual expresses readiness to participate in structured group and individual therapy. 
• The program receives referral documentation including clinical assessment, diagnosis, and authorization.
   

Individuals may be excluded or deferred from admission if they:

• Require 24-hour medical or psychiatric supervision (inpatient hospitalization or ASAM 3.5/4.0).
• Are actively suicidal, homicidal, or psychotic and require a higher level of care for stabilization. 
• Are medically unstable, including uncontrolled chronic health conditions needing inpatient management. 
• Are actively intoxicated or in acute withdrawal requiring medical detoxification. 
• Have severe cognitive impairment preventing participation in group or individual sessions. 
• Exhibit uncontrolled violent or disruptive behavior posing risk to self or others. 
• Refuse to participate in treatment planning, therapy sessions, or program rules. 
• Lack verified funding or authorization for PHP services.

Guiding Paths homes have fully cleaned and sanitized quarantine room. Designated for clients who have COVID-19 and require special care while they recuperate. Rooms are fully stocked with medical supplies and separate equipment to reduce further spread of the virus. Rooms are loaded with entertainment like computer, TV, games and other goodies to keep your loved ones in good spirits as they recuperate. 

Guiding Paths homes have fully cleaned and sanitized quarantine room. Designated for clients who have COVID-19 and require special care while they recuperate. Rooms are fully stocked with medical supplies and separate equipment to reduce further spread of the virus. Rooms are loaded with entertainment like computer, TV, games and other goodies to keep your loved ones in good spirits as they recuperate. 

See our virtual video of our quarantine room.