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Meet the Intensive Community Mental Health Recovery Coordinator - Timothy Neyland

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Intensive Community Mental Health Recovery (ICMHR) or Mental Health Intensive Case Management (MHICM), is a voluntary program that provides intensive treatment for individuals diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness.

  1. Can you tell me a little about yourself?

I’m married (25 years and counting) to my beautiful wife, Tracey. Together we have 3 awesome children (Tim Jr, Taylor, and Titus). Our family has a non-profit, Humble Way Outreach. We service the homeless population in Jackson MS with food, clothing, and toiletries; we provide monetary and in-kind services to a local battered women’s shelter; and have partnerships with several organizations such as the American Cancer Society.

  1. Tell me how you came to work at the VA?

Being a Veteran, I always wanted to serve my brothers and sisters in arms. It is truly an honor to serve the heroes of our nation.

  1. How long have you worked for VA, and what roles have you had at the VA?

I’ve worked at the VA for 16 years. I have served as a MHICM Case Manager, Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Program Re-entry Specialist, Veterans Justice Officer, and Education Coordinator. Currently, I serve as the MHICM Coordinator and Mental Health Supervisor.

  1. How does serving Veterans each day impact you personally?

It is extremely rewarding to see the “tangibles”. When we enroll a  Veteran into the MHICM Program who has problems with homelessness, psychosis, addiction, unemployment, and financial issues; and later see that same Veteran housed, on a working medication regimen, sober, employed, and receiving his VA benefits—the feeling is indescribable.

  1. What is an interesting fact that many do not know about you?

I’ve authored two books (Legacy Lost and Confederate Christian); Co-authored with my wife The Norm but Not; and illustrated children’s books authored by my wife (the Patsy Peacock series). I’ve also written three screen plays (two of them adapted from my books, and the third one is titled Prodigal). My wife and I have also produced two successful stage plays, Color Me Pink (addressing Breast Cancer) and Yoked (addressing Domestic Violence).

  1. What do you do for fun?

Creating! Whether it’s in the form of novels, short stories, illustrations, or screenplays.

  1. Are you a Veteran? If so, what branch of service.

Yes. I served in the Army.

 

What is Intensive Community Mental Health Recovery (ICMHR)  or  Mental Health Intensive Case Management (MHICM)?

Intensive Community Mental Health Recovery (ICMHR), also known as Mental Health Intensive Case Management (MHICM), is a voluntary program that provides intensive treatment for individuals diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness. A team of mental health professionals (program coordinators,  doctors,  nurses, social workers and peer support specialists) provide care to Veterans in their homes and/or in their communities.

What Services Does ICMHR/ MHICM Provide?

  • Intensive Clinical Case Management provided in the community
  • Frequent home and community visits to promote development of coping skills
  • Medication Management and monitoring
  • Crisis Prevention and Management
  • Coordination of medical and mental health care
  • Individual, group, and/or family therapy
  • Teaching Veterans about the illness and how to handle symptoms.
  • Assistance with housing issues, transportation, budgeting finances, self-care skills, home care skills, leisure skills, and social skills
  • Advocacy and linkage to community resources
  • Group Activities and Community Integration
  • Education and linkage to benefit assistance programs

Who is eligible for ICMHR/MHICM Services?

  • Diagnostic Criteria:  Diagnosis of a severe and persistent mental illness such as, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, and Major Affective Disorder with Psychosis. The Veteran may have dual diagnoses but substance abuse disorder should not be the primary diagnosis.
  • Utilization Criteria:  High psychiatric hospitalization use defined as a total of 30 or more days or 3 or more episodes of in-patient psychiatric care within the past 12 months.
  • Severe Functional Impairment: Veteran is unable to maintain independent living nor able to participate in necessary treatments without intensive support.
  • Proximity Criteria: Veterans must live within 50 mile radius of the Jackson VA Medical Center.

What is the Referral Process?

Participants are referred from treatment teams throughout the hospital. If you are unsure whether or not a veteran is appropriate for referral to MHICM, please call: 

Timothy Neyland, PhD, LCSW

MHICM Program Coordinator

601-668-0182

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