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For a Child Outpatient

General and Targeted Case Management

941-366-5333
Our case managers help clients gain access to the services needed to meet their mental health and personal needs, achieve recovery and live independently in the community. We coordinate service with other providers to help each individual achieve personalized goals.
The primary goal of general and targeted case management is to prevent the need for a higher level of care.
The purpose is to assist individuals in gaining access to the medical, social, educational, employment and other services they need.
We at First Step of Sarasota work on optimizing the functioning of individuals who have complex needs by coordinating and linking them to treatment and other resources to help them develop their own natural support system.

Community and School-Based Prevention

941 953-0000
Drugs, alcohol-suicide and behavioral education.
Our evidence-based prevention programs are designed to target the youth population. We offer a variety of free classes that include topics regarding the prevention of drugs and alcohol, peer pressure, staying healthy, communication, social relationships, bullying and the influence that social media has on today’s generation. We offer four curriculums:

Too Good For Drugs (High School and Middle School)
Marijuana Download the Facts
Say It Straight
SPORT Wellness

The curriculums cover the following topics: Drugs and Alcohol, Social Skills/Relationships, Goal Setting, Decision Making, Healthy Living, Bullying, Media Messages, Peer Pressure/Self-Esteem Communication.

If you are interested in having First Step provide prevention education to your after-school or in-school program, please click here

Compeer Sarasota at Coastal

941 953-0000, Ext. 5132
Mentoring program for children with mental health disorders.

Family Life Intervention (FLIP)

941 953-0000
Family Life Intervention Program (FLIP) is an outreach program designed to improve the lives of at risk students ages 7 to 17 and their families. Students are referred by schools, community agencies, the court system, and their families.
A plan of action is developed that is appropriate for each individual and their family. The program combines the tutoring, mentoring, and social activities. Students and their family receive support to gain independence and self-sufficiency.
Finding help can be difficult…..we coordinate all the services for you!
The program provides stability, positive peer interaction and mentoring

Outpatient Mental Health:

Outpatient care coordination

Sarasota: 941-331-2530
North Port: 941-492-4300
The goal of care coordination is to assist individuals in accessing medical, social, educational, and other services that reflect the needs, preferences, strengths and goals of each individual. Follow-up is provided to determine the effectiveness of the services in meeting wellness and recovery goals.

Psychiatric Services

Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication prescription and monitoring are provided by an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).
Individuals are encouraged to participate in adjunct outpatient individual and/or group therapies for optimal treatment outcomes and well-being.

Therapy

Sarasota: 941-331-2530
North Port: 941-492-4300
These services include individual and family treatment for emotional, behavioral and/or substance abuse problems. Our licensed professionals are trained in providing integrated treatment of co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders using best and promising practices that promote holistic health.

Outpatient Substance Abuse:

Telehealth

941-331-2530
Our web-based TeleHealth platform allows clients to schedule a face to face video session with our professionals from the comfort of their home, office or other location of their choosing. All they need is an internet connection and a computer or smart phone with a camera.
Speak with your provider to see if you are eligible.
Telehealth is available to non-insured and Florida Medicaid clients. Commercial plans may also cover this service. This service is also available to uninsured people. Ask us about Telehealth benefits under your plan.

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News & Events

First Step Suicide Prevention Video...

First Step Suicide Prevention video. For more than 50 years, we have been "Caring for Our Community"...

Tracey Weeden, head of First Step of Sarasota

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Local broadcast news outlet WSNN has done an interview with Tracey Weeden, head of First Step of Sar...

The First Step of Sarasota executive officers as of August 2020: Front, Gwen MacKenzie, CEO; back, left to right, Tracy Weeden Chief In-patient and residential services officer; Mounira Ragsdale, Chief administrative officer; and Vickie Tiutyama, Chief Financial Officer.

It's official: First Step of Saraso...

After a nine-month consolidation process, First Step of Sarasota and Coastal Behavioral Healthcare h...

First Step of Sarasota and Coastal ...

SARASOTA, Fla. – The two nonprofit agencies First Step of Sarasota and Coastal Behavioral Healthca...

Our Community Partners:

*Community partners are businesses that have chosen to support our organization as a community partner sponsor. If you are interested please click here for the sponsorship form.

Mental Health Partners:

FIRST STEP OF SARASOTA, INC. IS A 501 (C ) (3) ORGANIZATION. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION ON CH1573 MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL FREE 800 435 7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.