Caring Family Network, located in Durham, took over operation of some mental health and substance abuse programs here after the state ordered a reform of mental health services about two years ago. Now, however, Sean Schreiber, regional director for CFN, said this week that his company is “beginning the process of closing our office in the Roxboro area.”

But, Schreiber assured, “We are working to be sure that someone will take over and continue the practice” at Person Counseling Center.

Schreiber said CFN had begun notifying clients of the change.

CFN has offered outpatient counseling, psychiatric evaluations, medicines management, substance abuse counseling and community support here since shortly after the restructuring of state mental health services caused OPC to divest its programs. OPC now acts as a broker, contracting with companies like CFN to provide the actual services to clients.

Schreiber said CFN is negotiating with three agencies in the area to insure continuation of services.

“With the continued problems associated with the state’s mental health reform,” he said, “along with service rates and the demands of trying to be too many things to too many people,” CFN had determined that it could not meet the needs here.

He said “the local management entity,” or OPC, had “worked great with us, and I know they will work with us to provide the best transition” for clients.

He said CFN was “looking at having the majority of operations closed within 30 days but we may have to continue providing some services to patients” until new providers are under contract with OPC.

“We regret that we have to pull out,” Schreiber said, but the company “is committed” to providing a smooth transition for clients. >>

Those who have concerns, said Schreiber, should call the counseling center at 599-8366.

According to its Web site, “Caring Family Network, a private, non-profit agency serving high-risk youth, families and adults was established in 1994 on the premise that through relationship comes change. Caring Family Network reaches into communities to help fill disparities in children's treatment services, provide mental health services to adults and children, and to provide community support services.”

Mental health reform in North Carolina began with the goals of improving access to cost-effective care, choice in treatment, and system accountability. Under the state reform plan, area mental health programs, like OPC, became local management entities (LMEs), separating management and clinical functions, and transitioning many clinicians to other independent or agency-based practice settings.

Many services once provided directly by area programs are now offered by providers such as CFN, who contract with the LMEs. Under the reform, state funded treatment is now targeted to patients with severe mental illnesses and conditions.