DTC Now
From 2012 to present, Nulton Diagnostic and Treatment Center (NDTC) has collaborated with the counties and BHMCOs to implement an innovative model program referred to as CBIT (Community-Based Intensive Treatment) to support individuals transitioning back into the community following an inpatient hospital stay.
What is CBIT?
- From 2012 to present, Nulton Diagnostic and Treatment Center (NDTC) has collaborated with the counties and BHMCOs to implement an innovative model program referred to as CBIT (Community-Based Intensive Treatment) to support individuals transitioning back into the community following an inpatient hospital stay.
- It is an innovative way to deliver comprehensive and effective services to those high acuity individuals with the most challenging and persistent problems that have not been well met by other levels of care or traditional delivery models to increase community tenure.
- CBIT teams collaborate on assessments and treatment planning, and day-to-day interventions.
- CBIT follows evidence-based practices and approaches.
- CBIT also includes an “Urgent Care” Psychiatric Model that works with Crisis, the ER, and the IPMH to provide an immediate appointment within one working day of discharge
- Weekly, the team has a huddle to collect data, monitor progress, ensure provider accountability, examine client needs, and collaborate effectively with other providers
- Program is currently offered within the counties of Blair & Cambria in Pennsylvania
Services Provided to CBIT Participants:
- Intake into program within 24-hours of client-acceptance
- 7 & 30-day medication management appointment with CBIT Psychiatrist
- Weekly Wellness Appointments with Team Nurse to monitor physical health and mental health symptoms
- Monthly Assessments to monitor transition readiness, quality of life, depression and client social determinants of health (SDoH)
CBIT Team Members
- Patient and their family
- Psychiatrist
- Mental Health Professional
- CBIT Coordinator/Leader
- Psychiatric Wellness Nurse
- Blended Case Manager (BCM)
- Co-Occurring Disorders Specialist
- MAT
- Employment Specialist
- Forensic and Housing Specialist
- Natural Supports (client-focused)
- Additional MH Professionals (depending on client needs)
- Substance Use Specialists
- Pharmacy Support – Onsite Pharmacist
- Other Medical Services as needed and prescribed Other Supportive
- Community Behavioral Health Program providers
- Family-Based Mental Health Treatment
- Evidence-Based Programming
- Diversion
- Re-entry
Learn more or Refer for Services
Call 814-262-0025
Fast, Responsive Mental Health Care for Individuals in Crisis
Nulton Diagnostic & Treatment Center’s Urgent Care and Community Based Intensive Treatment (CBIT) programs work together to provide rapid psychiatric access, intensive support, and a better path forward for individuals with complex mental health needs.
A Better Way to Respond to Mental Health Crisis
Nulton Diagnostic & Treatment Center’s Urgent Care and Community Based Intensive Treatment programs provide rapid psychiatric access and intensive community-based support for individuals with complex mental health needs. Designed to improve follow-up, reduce hospitalization, and increase community stability, this model is helping reshape behavioral health care in rural Pennsylvania.
Urgent Care That Moves Fast
NDTC’s Fast-Track Urgent Psychiatric Care program is designed for individuals experiencing crisis situations as identified by a local emergency room, inpatient psychiatric unit, or crisis team.
Eligible individuals can receive a psychiatric appointment within one business day, helping reduce delays in care and creating a faster, more effective transition from crisis to treatment.
- Appointment within 1 business day
- Reduced risk of readmission
- Less reliance on ER and inpatient care
- More compassionate treatment experience
Why the Fast-Track Model Works
Rapid Access
Patients are evaluated in less than 24 hours, avoiding the long delays that often happen after a behavioral health crisis.
Earlier Intervention
Timely care can help reduce the need for emergency room boarding or inpatient admission by intervening before symptoms escalate.
Lower System Costs
By shifting care away from high-cost hospital settings when appropriate, the model supports a more efficient use of resources.
Better Patient Experience
Patients receive care in a more focused, compassionate setting rather than remaining in the ER for extended periods.
Hospital Relief
The model helps reduce the burden on emergency departments and inpatient psychiatric beds.
What Makes the CBIT Model Unique
Intensive, Team-Based Support
- 24/7/365 crisis availability
- Weekly team huddles for accountability and coordination
- Shared caseload responsibility across the care team
- Multidisciplinary support including psychiatry, nursing, therapy, case management, peer support, and other specialists
Care Built Around Real Life
- Small case management caseloads with an 8:1 client ratio
- Services delivered in vivo, including home, work, and community settings
- Medication management access within 7 and 30 days
- Flexible service duration based on individual needs
- Designed to serve rural communities including Bedford, Blair, Cambria, and Somerset Counties
How This Model Changes the Patient Journey
Without Fast-Track Psychiatric Services and CBIT
Patients in crisis often enter the emergency room, wait extended periods for psychiatric consultation or placement, and may remain boarded for days. After discharge, outpatient follow-up may be delayed by weeks, increasing the likelihood of readmission.
With Fast-Track Psychiatric Services and CBIT
Patients can be referred directly for rapid psychiatric follow-up, seen the next business day, evaluated by the CBIT team, and connected to ongoing care and support that helps them remain stable in the community.
Fast access matters. Coordinated follow-up matters. Community stability matters.
Built for Rural Pennsylvania
Mental health care in rural communities comes with real barriers: limited access, fewer intensive programs, and longer delays between crisis and treatment.
NDTC’s Urgent Care and CBIT programs were designed specifically to meet those challenges with a model that is fast, practical, coordinated, and rooted in sustained community integration.
