PAHrtners was founded in 2001 to overcome Deaf/Hard of Hearing people’s inability to access behavioral health services due to language and cultural barriers. We serve Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals with behavioral health needs and/or intellectual disabilities through a wide range of behavioral, developmental, and therapeutic support programs. Most of our staff members are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, fluent in American Sign Language (ASL), and versed in Deaf culture.
Formerly known as Milestones, and affectionately called Deaf Services Center (DSC) by our local Deaf community, we officially changed our name to PAHrtners Deaf Services in 2010. The name “PAHrtners Deaf Services” reflects who we are: members of the Deaf community partnering and working together to provide care to Deaf individuals in need of support. When voiced, our name is pronounced “partners.” The significance of PAH is distinctive and profound in ASL. The sign conveys the meaning of: “ta-da,” “at long last,” “we did it,” or “an answer to a prayer.”
PAH has two locations. Our headquarters near Philadelphia serves the eastern side of Pennsylvania, and our satellite location near Pittsburgh serves the western side. Services include supportive living programs, outpatient therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, case management, day programs, and community participation supports. Services vary by location. View our Notice of Privacy Practices, Privacy Policy and Online Terms and Conditions.
For Pennsylvania residents, funding typically comes through a Pennsylvania county, Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs, a Pennsylvania Managed Care Organization, or private insurance. Funding varies by program.
PAHrtners Deaf Services is a division of RHA Health Services. Founded in 1989, RHA began as a small provider of support services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in North Carolina. Over the years, RHA has expanded to include a broad range of disability services and continue to add other types of services across multiple states to meet communities’ needs. RHA has also added high-quality behavioral health services to support people with a wide variety of mental health and substance use needs as well as support services for those who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing.