In addition to the difficulties presented by mental illness, consumers in the community face the many barriers resulting from poverty, service fragmentation, inadequate support, and widespread stigma associated with mental illness. The primary goal of case management is to assist consumers in their efforts to increase independent functioning and quality of life by providing them with support, skill development, and access to treatment and rehabilitation services. Each consumer registered with Chestnut is assigned a case manager, who is available to assist with a variety of tasks, including:

• Assistance in applying for financial, medical, and other public entitlements;
• Assistance in locating and applying for housing and obtaining medical and dental care;
• Treatment planning, assessment, and linkage with treatment resources;
• Independent living skills training in the consumer's natural environment;
• Assistance with transportation, money management, advocacy, and community support;
• Crisis counseling and outreach.

Linkage case management provides all of the above services, but is more intensive, and is provided to consumers before and after a stay in the state hospital. A specialized case manager also provides comprehensive mental health assessments to consumers in the local community hospital who may be interested in receiving supportive services upon their release.