Clinical Support Services: Services

Behavior Assessment:

Our goal is to support relationships and environments that provide individuals with felt security and agency so that they can achieve their goals in life.

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are at high risk for behavioral health problems. They are more likely to be exposed to stressful or traumatic events and may not have the skills to communicate their needs or cope with emotional distress. Our Clinical Behavior Specialists will complete a comprehensive behavior assessment to help teams recognize when there is a mismatch between an individual’s needs and their environment.  This program within Nisonger Clinical Support Services works with individuals and their support teams to identify when, where and why these mismatches occur and help to develop supportive, trauma-informed strategies that improve quality of life and foster autonomy.

In addition to conducting these behavior assessments and developing need-based support strategies, services may include (as needed):

Presenting plans to Human Rights Committees
Training on the implementation of supports
Supporting Service Coordinators to incorporate behavior support strategies into Individualized Service Plans

Risk Assessment / Psychological Evaluation

Our goal is to provide individuals and their teams with quality, evidence-based assessments to assist them in safely participating in their communities.

We offer assessments of an individual’s risk of initial offense or recidivism in inappropriate sexual behaviors, violent acts and/or fire setting. Our reports are based upon the results of standardized tests and actuarial scales, records review, and interviews with the clients and people who are familiar with them. In addition, we perform more general psychological evaluations, providing up-to-date IQ scores and mental health diagnoses.

Trauma Informed Biographical Timelines

Our goal is to facilitate the team through the process of exploring an individual’s trauma history with the intent of better understanding the individual and to assist with developing trauma-informed strategies to build resiliency and meet their needs today.

Nisonger Clinical Support Services will work with the support team to build a detailed history of an individual’s life who has experienced significant trauma. The team will be led through the experience of creating a biographical timeline to build empathy and a deeper understanding of the individual. We will examine who the person is, what they have been through, what they need and what it will take to meet their needs today. We will assist the Service Coordinator with adding information from the timeline into the Individualized Service Plan. Our staff will follow up with the team at three and six months following the timeline to review progress on the strategies that were recommended.

CONSULTATION

Behavior Support Services – Ongoing Consultation

Following a behavior assessment, if needed, consultation services may include:

Presenting plans to Human Rights Committees
Training on the implementation of supports
Ongoing support and monitoring according to guidelines provided by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities
Supporting Service Coordinators to incorporate behavior support strategies into Individualized Service Plans

TRAINING

Specialized Training

The Nisonger Clinical Support Services Team offers specialized training designed for those who work with individuals with disabilities. Our training department offers content experts, trainers and clinicians who specialize in a myriad of broad and concentrated topics. Any topic can be adapted to fit your needs. Training can be held virtually or in-person based on your needs.

CLASSES

We’ve reached a milestone!

Nisonger Crisis Prevention and Support has reached over 900 care providers across 17 counties and counting!

Join a growing network of professionals dedicated to safe and supportive care!

Nisonger Crisis Prevention and Support Training – One Day Implementer Training

This training is meant to provide caregivers for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with safe, trauma-informed and supportive intervention techniques to consider when faced with crisis situations.  The purpose of this training is to: 

To reduce the risk of injury to the individuals, those supporting them or others in the area by providing education on non-physical de-escalation strategies as well as hands-on training on safe methods of restraint in the event of a crisis situation where direct and serious risk of harm exists. 
To improve communication among Direct Support Professionals, families and other interdisciplinary team members by reinforcing use of common language and practice based on The State of Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities Rule (Ohio Revised Code 5123-2-06).
To reduce Direct Support Professional/caregiver stress and burnout and increase safety by educating and preparing for crisis situations in the field and, in turn, improve staff retention and job satisfaction, which can then lead to more stability and better outcomes for the individuals served.

This is a one-day course. All participants will receive a certificate for completion of coursework in understanding trauma-informed crisis prevention and intervention. Participants who pass the competency exam for the physical intervention will receive a certificate for ability to safely demonstrate the holds taught. This certification will be valid for a duration of two years. At that time the attendee would need to return for recertification. Six DODD CEUs have been approved for Adult Services, County Board Member, Investigative Agent, Service and Support Administration and Superintendent.

Prospective trainees are encouraged to be screened by a healthcare professional or consider their physical limitations prior to training to ensure the safety of participating in manual restraint training and practice. Participants should not participate in restraints if pregnant. If pregnant, a participant can return at a later date to complete the physical restraint portion of training.

This training will be held at our office monthly. We can also arrange training at your location if desired.

Costs to attend: $400.00

Link to register: https://forms.office.com/r/ELdPW4Nt1u

Upcoming dates:

February 5, 2026
April 13, 2026
May 7, 2026
August 6, 2026
September 8, 2026
November 5, 2026

Nisonger Crisis Prevention and Support Training – Two-Day Trainer Course

This training is an extension of the Crisis Prevention and Support Training. The purpose of this training is to train the attendee on how to teach the one-day course to individuals within their agency or to train on NCPS physical interventions in an OISP that is approved by the county board Human Rights Committee. The hope is that by creating a community of trainers we will be able to reach a broad audience of caregivers to achieve the same goals:

To reduce the risk of injury to the individuals, those supporting them or others in the area by providing education on non-physical de-escalation strategies as well as hands-on training on safe methods of restraint in the event of a crisis situation where direct and serious risk of harm exists. 
To improve communication among Direct Support Professionals, families and other interdisciplinary team members by reinforcing use of common language and practice based on The State of Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities Rule (Ohio Revised Code 5123-2-06).
To reduce Direct Support Professional/caregiver stress and burnout and increase safety by educating and preparing for crisis situations in the field and, in turn, improve staff retention and job satisfaction, which can then lead to more stability and better outcomes for the individuals served.

This is a two-day course that has a mandatory prerequisite of the implementer course. On Day One the participant will take the implementer course and Day Two will be focused on the trainer course material. All participants will receive a certificate indicating they have completed and are able to provide training on trauma-informed crisis prevention, intervention and hands-on interventions. This certificate will be for a duration of two years. At that time, the attendee would need to return for recertification. Twelve (12) DODD CPDs have been approved for Adult Services, County Board Member, Investigative Agent, Service and Support Administration and Superintendent when taught by Nisonger staff. This training will be offered monthly at our offices. We can also arrange training at your location if desired.

Prospective trainees are encouraged to be screened by a healthcare professional or consider their physical limitations prior to training to ensure the safety of participating in manual restraint training and practice. Participants should not participate in restraints if pregnant. If pregnant, a participant can return at a later date to complete the physical restraint portion of training.

Costs to attend: $1250.00