Clinical Consultation Service
SAFETY can contract with outside providers to deliver services (assessment, education, treatment or intervention) or conduct staff training programs in our evidence based methods, as well as provide consultation regarding specific cases and program development. We offer specialized assessment evaluations with treatment recommendations, and even individualized treatment services.
All assessment and treatment services not provided via the SSU/OCYF/SAFETY Collaborative Program must be provided using a Service Agreement negotiated with another treatment provider, agency, county,or other administrative setting. Because the cost of these services is not reimbursed by insurance companies, we can only provide them through this contract mechanism. Please contact Eunice Torres, MS, if you have any questions.
Information for Referring Agencies
David Kolko, PhD
Program Director
Dr. David Kolko is the Founder and Director of the SAFETY program established in 1990 and this Consultation Service. A licensed Psychologist in Pennsylvania, he is also board certified in Child and Adolescent Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology and a fellow of the American Psychological Association. He has conducted professional treatment workshops and research presentations on the topic of youth firesetting behavior for more than 35 years.
Eunice Torres, MS
Program Manager
Ms. Torres is the SAFETY Program Manager and the Clinical Consultation Service Coordinator. Ms. Torres has advanced clinical training and experience in diagnostic assessment and in the treatment of child and adolescent sex offenders, firesetting behaviors, and other behavior problems including ADHD, ODD, CD, as well as Affective, Depression and Anxiety disorders. Mrs. Torres has been conducting firesetting evaluations at the SAFETY Program since 2012. She has been the clinical supervisor for Dr. Kolko's programs since 2000. She supervises the clinical staff, provides case consultation regarding treatment methods and case progress, and promotes professional development and quality of care. Eunice is from Puerto Rico and is fully bilingual (Spanish/English).
Evaluation Process
Our evaluation consists of these steps:
- A review of the Fire Reports from the fire marshal, Arson report, Cause and Origin report and any other salient information regarding the specific incident if available (prior to the appointment).
- A review of existing medical/psychiatric records (prior to the appointment).
- Assessments are scheduled in blocks of 3 hours. Separate interviews with the child/adolescent and parents are conducted with Dr. David Kolko and Mrs. Torres using standardized diagnostic instruments (K-SADS-PL) and other assessment tools specific to youth firesetting behaviors.
- Dr. Kolko and Mrs. Torres then meet with the child/adolescent and parent, either separately and/or together for further symptom clarification, and discussion of clinical impressions and initial treatment recommendations.
- A written summary of the evaluation is given to the family and will be shared with the child/adolescent's treating clinician at the family's request.
- Team members are available for consultation with the family and with child/adolescent's treating clinician after the evaluation to address any additional questions.
This extensive evaluation involves 6 to 12 hours with the family plus additional time for review of records and preparation of the written summary. The cost of this consultation is not reimbursed by insurance companies and thus is a strictly completed via a contract with outside providers.
For more information, contact Eunice Torres:
Eunice Torres, MS
Program Manager
torreb@upmc.edu
Office: (412) 246-5286
Cell: (412) 439-4077