The Birth of CSP
The Community Support Program (CSP) was born from the national shift toward deinstitutionalization during the 1950s–1970s. This movement aimed to support individuals with mental illness to live in their communities instead of institutions. However, communities weren’t fully prepared to provide the services and supports needed.
In response, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) formed the Community Support Workgroup in 1974. Their goal was to design effective community-based mental health systems. Led by Judy Clark-Turner, the group took an innovative approach—asking consumers what worked best for them.
Listening to Lived Experience
Consumers shared that psychosocial rehabilitation helped most with long-term recovery and community integration. The workgroup embraced several proven models, including:
- Clubhouse Model
- PACT (Program of Assertive Community Treatment) – Wisconsin
- Fairweather Lodge Model – Michigan
- Consumer-Run Services – Philadelphia
These models helped shape the CSP Principles & Values and the concept of a Community Support System.
A National Movement
In 1977, the workgroup’s findings led to the official launch of the Community Support Program as a federal initiative. Since then, CSP principles have influenced mental health planning and service design across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories.
CSP in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania established its Statewide CSP Advisory Committee in 1984. The group advises the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) and supports the spread of CSP across the state.
To promote regional representation, four Regional CSP Committees were created:
- Southeast
- Northeast
- Central
- Western
OMHSAS reinforced CSP by requiring its principles in county mental health contracts and offering funding for CSP activities.
Today, the Statewide CSP Advisory Committee includes more than 75 members and continues to shape mental health services grounded in CSP values.
CSP in Bucks County
CSP in Bucks County began in 1991 with a countywide kickoff meeting hosted by the Bucks County Department of Mental Health/Developmental Programs. In January 1992, the first official Bucks County CSP Committee meeting took place.
Unlike most counties, Bucks has three regional CSP committees:
- Lower Bucks
- Central Bucks
- Upper Bucks
This structure improves access and participation by reducing travel time and making meetings more convenient for community members across the county.
Today
Bucks County CSP continues to provide opportunities for individuals with lived experience, family members, and professionals to work together, share ideas, and shape a recovery-focused mental health system—rooted in dignity, inclusion, and community.
