Wellington Counseling & Associates has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Behavioral Health Care Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with Joint Commission performance standards.
The Gold Seal of Approval is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective care.
Wellington Counseling underwent a rigorous four-day on-site survey in March. During the review, compliance with behavioral healthcare standards related to several areas — including care, treatment and services, environment of care, leadership and screening procedures for the early detection of imminent harm — were evaluated. On-site observations and interviews with staff and clients were also conducted.
Established in 1969, the Joint Commission’s Behavioral Health Care Accreditation program currently accredits more than 2,100 organizations in the United States (131 in Florida) for a three-year period. This number represents approximately 10 percent of all behavioral health organizations. Accredited organizations provide treatments and services within a variety of settings across the care continuum for individuals who have mental health, addiction, eating disorder, intellectual/developmental disability and/or child-welfare related needs.
“Joint Commission accreditation provides behavioral healthcare organizations with the processes needed to improve in a variety of areas related to the care of individuals and their families,” said Tracy Griffin Collander, LCSW, executive director of the Joint Commissioner’s Behavioral Health Care Accreditation program. “We commend Wellington Counseling for its efforts to elevate the standard of care it provides and to instill confidence in the community it serves.”
Cassandra Sierra, CEO and owner of Wellington Counseling, said her organization is pleased to receive the prestigious accreditation.
“The Joint Commission is the premier health care quality improvement and accrediting body in the nation,” Sierra said. “Staff from across the organization continue to work together to develop and implement approaches and strategies that are improving care for those in our community. We sought accreditation to strengthen consumer confidence in the quality and safety of care, treatment and services at WCA, at a time when many treatment facilities in Florida are under scrutiny for questionable quality standards, and, in some cases, even criminal behavior. I was confident we had the quality and commitment to prove our case to the Joint Commission, our clients and their families.”
The Joint Commission’s behavioral healthcare standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, quality improvement measurement experts, individuals and their families. The standards are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help organizations measure, assess and improve performance.
Wellington Counseling & Associates is located at 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd, Suite 18G, in Wellington. For more info., call (561) 795-1518 or visit www.wellingtoncc.com.
ABOVE: Paul Greever of the Joint Commission’s Behavioral Health Survey Team (center) meets with Wellington Counseling officials to discuss findings and recommendations. (L-R) RegeanaOdoms, Alice McDonald, Kelly Pitts, Sharon Sinclair, Greever, Cassandra Sierra, Ray Sierra and Peter Richburg.
