Financial Assistance
We understand that finances can be an obstacle to care for some. The SMart Center has established a financial assistance program that provides reduced rates, sliding fees and/or grants to qualifying families. To learn more, schedule a call with us here. Please allow 2 weeks for application processing.
Mr. B Scholarship
In the Spring of 2019, “Mr. B,” Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum’s right-hand man, beloved ‘O.G’ pug, and first Therapy Dog passed over to the Rainbow Bridge. For 15+ years he played an instrumental role in the lives of children and teens and their families with Selective Mutism. He was known to knock on doors when he wanted to join a session to either sit on a child/teen’s lap and snuggle, or sit by their feet. He instinctively knew who was comfortable and who needed some more TLC.
Mr. B attended the original SMA Conference (then referred to as “SMG-CAN”) and countless conferences thereafter alongside Dr. Shipon-Blum,walking down the aisles visiting attendees and children, then patiently seated at the podium as Dr. Shipon-Blum educated the audience.
All the kids loved him! He always made everyone smile. In honor of his years of service and unconditional therapeutic support to all who crossed his path, the SMart Center has created the “Mr. B Scholarship Program.”
Thanks to this program, the SMart Center is happy to offer qualifying families the opportunity to receive S-CAT® service programs, like CommuniCamp™, a sliding fee scale with lower fees.
MR. B SCHOLARSHIP POLICIES
- Financial assistance awards (reduced program fees) are offered to qualifying families and based upon family size, income, and any special circumstances.
- Financial assistance awards are dependent upon appointment availability.
- Eligible In-person and telehealth consultations services include:
– Initial evaluations/treatment (ie. jump start and intensive programs).
– CommuniCamp™ 3+ day and 1 day programs (ie. intensive group program).
– Testing/assessments.
– School consultations for established patients (*Only if the family is required to pay. Ineligible if school opts to pay).
Fezzi M Grant
Fezzi Grant Policies
- The Fezzi grant is offered to qualifying families in financial need based upon family size, income, and any special circumstances.
- A stipend of $1,000 is awarded to a qualifying family which will go towards select SMart Center Services.
- The Fezzi grant is only applicable to 3+ Day In-Person CommuniCamp program
- The Fezzi grant is limited and is only granted once per family to attend CommuniCamp.
- Only applicable to the CommuniCamp date agreed upon and cannot be transferred.
Toyam Marathe Grant
When Toyam was younger, his parents began to notice that he was mute in select settings. This is when they discovered the SMart Center. Later on, Toyam was diagnosed with Selective Mutism. He began working with our center with a 2-day individualized intensive treatment, followed by CommuniCamp™, and continued follow-up care.
Now, after all of his hard work, Toyam is verbal and his confidence has skyrocketed since starting treatment! According to his teachers, “We have seen such growth! Toyam is verbal, jokes & plays with his peers, and can talk easily to his teachers. And, he recently presented a research project to his entire class!”
Toyam’s parents, Nicole and Pushkar Marathe, were inspired by the progress their son has made in his social communication challenges. Their experience has made Selective Mutism a cause close to their hearts. Pushkar is the chef at Stage Kitchen and the Marathe family has created a charity dinner to raise funding for group treatment programs, research funding, and to spread awareness about Selective Mutism.
Read more about Toyam’s SM journey and how his parents are giving back to the cause here!
Toyam Marathe Grant Policies
- The Toyam Marathe grant is offered to qualifying families in financial need based upon family size, income, and any special circumstances.
- A stipend of $1,000 is awarded to a qualifying family which will go towards select SMart Center Services.
- The Toyam Marathe grant is only applicable to 3+ Day In-Person CommuniCamp program
- The Toyam Marathe grant is limited and is only granted once per family to attend CommuniCamp.
- Only applicable to the CommuniCamp date agreed upon and cannot be transferred.
External Partners
Rise and Grind
Stephen’s Rise and Grind is a nonprofit organization created in honor of, Stephen, who lost his battle with depression and anxiety on December 9, 2021. Their nonprofit is dedicated to ending the stigma around mental illness and to providing financial assistance to individuals who suffer from mental illness so they can access the best available mental health services. They are dedicated to providing financial assistance so that all individuals will have the opportunity to be in recovery from mental illness and families will not experience the loss of a loved one to mental illness. Learn more here!
Hosts for Hospitals
Since 2000, the Hosts for Hospitals non-profit organization has been providing lodging and caring support to meet the housing needs of patients and their families coming to Greater Philadelphia for specialized medical care. The lodging is provided by volunteer Hosts who welcome into their homes patient-families in need. Learn more here!
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Donations to SMRI helps to fund Selective Mutism research, spread awareness, and allow more families access to our treatment programs. To donate, click on the button to the right!