At Riverside Community Care, we believe in meeting people where they are with the specific services they need. Our Behavioral Treatment Services (BTS) program exemplifies this commitment by providing specialized support to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, brain injury, or autism, along with co-occurring mental health challenges.
A Mobile, Integrated Approach
What makes BTS unique is its integrated, mobile model. Our multidisciplinary teams—consisting of licensed mental health clinicians, behavioral analysts, and psychiatric nurse practitioners—meet people in the environments where they live and work, whether at home, in residential programs, or at day programs. This approach allows our staff to observe in real-time what triggers challenges and what supports success, teaching new skills in natural settings and coordinating care more effectively with each individual’s broader support network.
Real Stories, Real Progress
Recently, a young woman with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism was referred to BTS for significant anxiety that impacted her daily life. Through individual therapy, she learned coping skills and worked toward her goals of independence. Our Behavior Analyst collaborated with her parents and the residential program’s team, while our Nurse Practitioner supported medication management.
Today, she advocates for her own needs, has successfully reduced her medication, walks to the library independently, and continues working toward greater community independence. Her progress demonstrates the power of integrated, person-centered care.
Crisis Prevention and Stabilization
BTS also plays a critical role in helping individuals remain stable in the community and avoid unnecessary hospitalizations. The team is often involved when individuals are experiencing escalating behaviors, repeated crises, or are at risk of inpatient admission. Through rapid assessment and close collaboration with the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), families, residential providers, and crisis teams, BTS helps stabilize challenging situations early and supports thoughtful planning when higher levels of care are unavoidable.
Accessing BTS Services
Our BTS teams are based at our Newton and Lynnfield Outpatient Centers. Each program includes a Program Director, three therapists, one Board Certified Behavior Analyst, one to two prescribers, and a Program Support Specialist. Additionally, Lynnfield has five and Newton has four Adjunct BCBAs stationed in DDS Area Offices.
All BTS services are coordinated through referrals from an individual’s DDS service coordinator, ensuring that eligible individuals can access this specialized support.
By bringing behavioral health expertise directly into people’s lives and working closely with their support teams, BTS helps individuals with complex needs develop skills, manage challenges, and enjoy fulfilling lives in their communities.
To Learn More
Newton Outpatient Center: (617) 969-6987
Lynnfield Outpatient Center: (781) 246-4844
