Charted in 1978 in the state of Texas originally under the name of Phoenix House as a 501 (c) (3) charitable nonprofit corporation, the name was changed to LifeNet over a decade later.  During the 1960s and 1970s, new laws and court actions forced the state to discharge persons who requested to leave mental hospitals, unless the state could legally prove that they were dangerous to themselves or society.  Hundreds of persons with mental illness were prematurely returned to their home communities after years of hospitalization.  While new medications were effective in treating psychosis, Dallas lacked the community support programs necessary for these vulnerable people to succeed outside the hospital setting.  Tragically, many of them ended up living on the streets, in shelters or in sub-standard housing. Some committed crimes and ended up in the criminal justice system.

Our mission is to empower people to rebuild and enhance their lives.  Today we continue to assist men and women transitioning from hospitals and homelessness to gainful employment and self-sufficiency.  LifeNet goals are: residential stability, increased skill level and income, greater self-determination and resourcefulness through mental stability.

LifeNet is considered a leader in the provision of comprehensive mental health services, and in the diagnosis and treatment of severe mental illness (schizophrenia, schizoaffective, bipolar and major depressive illnesses), chemical dependency disorders and dual diagnosis.

LifeNet works with the North Texas Behavioral Health Authority (NTBHA) to provide services for people in Collin, Dallas, Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro and Rockwall Counties through the NorthSTAR Program.

In addition to providing professional expertise in the provision of traditional mental health services, the bilingual, multidisciplinary team also offers a comprehensive array of services for the treatment of severe mental illness and/or dual diagnosis (mental illness concurrent with chemical dependency) by closely integrating Clinical, Supportive Housing and Supported Employment. Core Services Include:

•         Psychiatric Service
•         Medication Management Services
  
•         Individual and Group Counseling – Licensed Professional Counselors
•         Children’s Services

Specialized services include therapeutic treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of consumers (clients). Training and education may be provided in a therapeutic group environment or one-on-one, at the clinic or during home visits. Some programs incorporate family members and friends. LifeNet’s services include:

•         Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)

•          Supportive Outpatient Treatment (SOP)
•          Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)
•          Psychosocial Rehabilitation
•          Basic & Intensive Case Management
•          Life Skills Training