Lawrence House Lawrence House is a 10 bed, 24 hour supervised community residence located on a quiet street, close to downtown Cortland. Licensed by the NYS Office of Mental Health, the program serves approximately 30 adults per year as they transition toward independent community living from higher levels of care, such as hospitals or other inpatient settings. In addition, Lawrence House is known for expertise in working with individuals who suffer from co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse.  The program helps residents learn or further develop the daily living skills they need to live as independently as possible. On-site trained counselors provide supervision and help residents achieve their goals related to stability, living environment, and future directions. Qualification: In order to be considered for admission to this program, adults (18 years or older) must be diagnosed as seriously and persistently mentally ill (SPMI) and limited in their ability to successfully function independently. Admission requires a referral from a clinical professional and review and approval by the single point of access (SPOA) committee. Payment: All individuals residing at our Lawrence House are responsible for a monthly program fee that is paid in a variety of ways: through Temporary Assistance, NYS Medicaid, Social Security benefits, or private income. Although admission is not based on ability to pay, residents are expected to pursue the entitlements available in order to pay for their residential care and treatment. A sliding fee scale is available for people who pay privately. Participation: Individuals are provided a home-like environment including shared living space, a dining room, kitchen and a bedroom that may be shared. Residential Counselors provide daily support to ensure that clients are managing their medication, socializing and navigating their way to independent living. Residents and staff work together to develop personalized treatment goals. Counselors encourage residents to pursue a variety of activities depending on their mental health status. These activities often include enrollment in education or employment training programs. Typical Length of Stay: The length of stay is determined by the progress an individual makes in the program and can be months, and sometimes more than a year. The typical length of stay is approximately 6-8 months. Program Expectations: Residents at Lawrence House are expected to participate in service planning and treatment, work on their goals, and maintain a positive living environment. Residents must be willing and able to live in a group setting and are expected to be courteous and respectful of one another. Individuals using Class 3a medications as part of their treatment program must have plans for alternative medication management and storage while in this program.   For more information, contact the Lawrence House program manager at 753-3550.