Celebrating Abilities, Embracing Possibilities
At Van Buren Community Mental Health, we offer compassionate, personalized support to help individuals with an intellectual and/or developmental disability (I/DD) live well and reach their fullest potential. From skill-building and counseling to case management and connections to community resources, we’re here to help build independence, stability, and a future everyone can feel confident about.

Support for Individuals with an Intellectual and/or Developmental Disability
We believe every person with an intellectual and/or developmental disability deserves the right support to live a meaningful life. We provide inclusive, whole-person care to all individuals. Together through our Lifespan division, we focus on strengths, create opportunities for growth, and help everyone work toward a future filled with hope, independence, and connection.
Screening and eligibility for Medicaid recipients to qualify for the Autism Benefit giving access to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy.
*Applied Behavior Therapy focuses on improving specific behaviors, such as social skills, communication, reading, and academics as well as adaptive learning skills, such as fine motor dexterity, hygiene, grooming, domestic capabilities, punctuality, and job competence.
Case Management helps individuals living with an intellectual and/or developmental disability, and their family or caregiver(s), connect to the care, resources, and support they need. A VBCMH Case Manager works alongside both the individual and their caregiver to create a plan that supports their goals—whether that’s finding the right medical care, accessing community programs, or managing daily needs.
Care Coordination services for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) are designed to make sure you have the right supports in place—at the right time. We work closely with healthcare providers, community resources, and your personal support network to ensure your mental, physical, social, and developmental needs are met.
From scheduling appointments and sharing important information between providers to helping you navigate complex systems and access benefits, our VBCMH team is here to keep your care organized, accessible, and centered around your goals. We focus on fostering independence, building skills, and supporting inclusion—so you can live, learn, work, and thrive in your community.
Community Support Services (CLS) are here to help individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) feel supported, capable, and confident in their daily lives. We provide warm, personalized assistance that helps you build skills, grow your independence, and stay connected to your community.
Whether it’s cooking a favorite meal, keeping your home tidy, practicing personal care, or learning to manage money, our caring staff is right there with you—encouraging progress and celebrating successes. We also help strengthen social skills, support participation in community activities, and create routines that make life feel comfortable and manageable.
Our goal is simple: to improve your quality of life by giving you the tools, support, and confidence to live each day in a way that reflects your choices, abilities, and dreams.
At VBCMH, our psychiatric care services for individuals with an intellectual and/or developmental disability (I/DD) are designed to provide compassionate, specialized support that addresses both mental health and developmental needs. Our experienced psychiatric team works closely with each person, their family, and their care team to provide evaluations, medication management, and ongoing monitoring tailored to the individual’s unique goals and challenges.
We take the time to listen, understand, and adapt our approach so care feels comfortable, respectful, and empowering. By integrating psychiatric services with other supports—such as therapy, skill-building, and community programs—we help promote emotional stability, improve daily functioning, and enhance overall quality of life. Our goal is to ensure that each person has the right tools, care, and support to live as fully and independently as possible.
At VBCMH, we offer Specialized Residential services. This service provides safe, home-like settings with 24/7 support for individuals who need a higher level of care to live well in the community. In partnership with licensed providers, our team offers help with daily living skills, medication support, personal care, health appointments, and meaningful activities—always guided by a person-centered plan. We work closely with families, case managers, therapists, and psychiatric providers to create consistent routines, behavioral supports, and goals that build independence. The focus is dignity, stability, and progress—so each person has the right supports in place to feel at home and thrive.
Supported Independent Housing (SIH) is for individuals that require a living arrangement with fewer people than a Specialized Residential setting, but still needs higher levels of support due to their medical needs, alternative settings can be considered. These settings are designed to provide a more personalized environment while ensuring that individuals receive the increased care and supervision necessary for their health and well-being.
Semi-Independent Living (SIL) is for individuals who can live on their own with supports in their home.
*Levels of support are determined based on medical necessity to help each person achieve their highest level of independence and safety.
Respite services offers short-term, planned or as-needed support that helps individuals remain safely in their own homes while giving family members and primary caregivers time to rest and recharge. Our trained VBCMH staff provide compassionate, reliable care—supporting daily routines, medication reminders, and meaningful activities—so your loved one is comfortable and engaged while you take care of yourself, other responsibilities, or appointments.
We tailor respite to fit your family’s needs, with options for in-home support or community-based settings, daytime or evening hours, weekdays or weekends. Your respite plan is person-centered and coordinated with broader VBCMH services, ensuring consistency and peace of mind. The goal is simple: reduce stress, strengthen stability at home, and help everyone in the household thrive.
Self-Determination means you have the right to make choices about your own life. The goal is full inclusion—feeling valued, connected, and part of your community—while reducing isolation for receiving mental health and wellness services.
Self-Determination and Self-Directed Services (SDS) is a way to plan and manage your supports yourself, instead of having everything set by professionals. You choose the services you want, who provides them, and when they happen. With help if you want it, you also decide how to use your approved service budget.
SDS is built on five simple ideas:
• Freedom: Choose what a good life looks like and the supports that fit you.
• Authority: Have a say in how your service dollars are used.
• Support: Organize people and resources in ways that are meaningful to you.
• Responsibility: Use funds wisely and hire trusted people or agencies; stay connected to your community.
• Confirmation: Be part of the decisions that affect your life—and help shape how services work.
Your VBCMH team is here to walk alongside you and make self-direction simple and successful.
If you are interested in learning more about SDS and you are already a customer, let your Case Manager know and they can refer you to our VBCMH SDS Coordinator. The SDS Coordinator (SDS) will set up a formal meeting with you to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have. You can also call our SDS Coordinator direct at:
Self-Directed Services Coordinator
Becky Springett
Phone: 269-657-5574
Email: sdservices@vbcmh.com
Supported Employment services for individuals with an intellectual and/or developmental disability (I/DD) focus on helping people find and keep meaningful jobs that match their strengths, interests, and goals. We provide personalized support through every step of the process—from exploring career options and preparing resumes to practicing interview skills and connecting with local employers. Once employment is secured, we offer ongoing coaching, workplace accommodations, and problem-solving to ensure success on the job.
Our VBCMH team works closely with each individual, their family, and employers to create a supportive work environment that fosters independence, builds confidence, and encourages growth. By helping individuals with I/DD gain valuable skills, earn an income, and participate fully in their community, Supported Employment opens doors to greater self-reliance and a sense of accomplishment.
The above services are just some of the ways we can help those with an intellectual and/or developmental disability. Together, we’ll explore all available options—within VBCMH and through trusted community partners—and create a plan that fits everyone's health and wellness goals.
Stronger Together
Partnering with families and caregivers to help individuals with I/DD live their best life
Our Mission
Van Buren Community Mental Health Authority, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), offers prevention, assessment, crisis intervention, treatment and support to all people in Van Buren County to help them meet their own chosen life and work goals.
Care For All
VBCMH complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
*No one will be denied access to services due to inability to pay; and there is a discounted/sliding fee schedule based on family size and income.
Our Locations
Main Access Center: Paw Paw Family Resource Center (Human Resource Building HSB)
801 Hazen St., Paw Paw, MI 49079
Phone: 269-657-5574
Hartford Family Resource Center
57418 CR 681, Hartford, MI 49057
Phone: 269-621-6251
Lifespan
61899 M-43, Bangor, MI 49013
Phone: 269-427-5671
South Haven Family Resource Center
1007 E. Wells St., South Haven, MI 49090
Phone: 269-637-5297
Contact Information
Customer Service
Phone: 269-655-3333
Toll-Free: 1-800-922-1418
Fax: 269-657-3474
24/7 Crisis Line
Phone: 1-800-922-1418
24/7 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Dial/Chat: 988
Línea de texto de crisis en español
Envía un mensaje de texto con la palabra HOLA al 741741
Voice/TTY (MI Relay Service)
Dial: 711
Communication Assistance
Communication resources in alternative languages and formats (Braille, Spanish, audio & communication enhancements, sign language, TDI) are available at no cost. Please contact Customer Service at 269-655-3333 or toll-free at 1-800-922-1418 to access.
• ATTENTION: If you speak English, free language assistance services are available. Call 269-655-3333 or toll-free at 1-800-922-1418 (TTY: 711).
• ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, hay servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística disponibles. Llame al 269-655-3333 or toll-free at 1-800-922-1418 (TTY: 711).
• تنبيه: إذا كنت تتحدث العربية، تتوفر خدمات مساعدة لغوية مجانية. اتصل على 269-655-3333 أو الرقم المجاني 1-800-922-1418 (TTY: 711).