Clinical Services

At LIFE, we provide behavioral support services that are meaningful, practical, and designed to improve quality of life.

Our services are delivered in natural environments—where individuals live, work, and engage in community life—so skills can be learned and maintained in real-world settings.

Clinical Services services available:

• Functional Behavior Assessment: assessment to determine why a behavior is occurring and make recommendations to address it

• Creating plans for various tiers of support:

— Individualized Universal Supports: written guidelines that describe how to implement universal supports for a particular individual

— Skill Development Plans: written guidelines targeting specific replacement skills that are implemented in a systematic, planful manner

— Targeted Support Plans: written protocol including targeted behaviors that are operationally defined, identified function of behavior, antecedent management strategies, reinforcement strategies, and response strategies that are implemented consistently by direct care staff

• Staff Training: on universal support implementation for all individuals as well as training on specific behavior plans for specific individuals

• Consultation: ongoing support for LIFE staff in implementing and responding to behavior challenges (ongoing to support provided to ensure the plans are working and advise on any new behaviors or challenges that emerge)

Weekly social skills groups at LIFE’s supported independent living communities on Cape Cod and in Plymouth, MA target skills across a wide range of topics, including stress or frustration management, emotional regulation, setting boundaries, navigating relationships, maintaining organization, self-advocacy, and goal setting, among others.

These topics are largely determined by the interests and needs of the participants. Previous topics included scam/internet safety, navigating conflict, and setting boundaries.

Please note, DDS funding is required to receive Clinical Services support.

LIFE’s community expectations—respectful, kind, inclusive, and engaged—provide a shared framework for how we treat one another every day. Through conversations, activities, and positive role modeling, participants, staff, and families are encouraged to bring these values to life in all of their interactions.

By embracing these expectations together, we can create a stronger, more connected community both within LIFE and beyond.

LIFE’s clinical services are led by Ellen Gage, a board-certified behavior analyst. She has a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Western New England University, and holds a state licensure. Contact LIFE to learn more about clinical services.