What is Project Janus, Inc.?
Project Janus, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that seeks to facilitate coordinated and integrated methods of providing services to individuals with a dual diagnosis of intellectual disability and mental illness (ID/MH) by developing a model for comprehensive behavioral and psychiatric services that will in turn increase the capacity of each individual to live and function successfully in society.

What does the name Project Janus mean?
Project Janus, Inc. was named for the Roman god Janus, "The God of Beginnings," who was also known as "the keeper of doors." Janus would commonly be depicted as having two faces, showing that he could see in two directions at once, seeing both the past and the future. Project Janus, Inc. was named for him because individuals who provide treatment and supportive services to those with a dual diagnosis of ID/MH must also continuously see in two directions at the same time in order to best support and treat someone who has both an intellectual disability and a mental illness.

What does it mean to be "an individual with a dual diagnosis"?
An individual with a dual diagnosis of ID/MH is someone who has been diagnosed with both an intellectual disability and a mental illness.

What is an intellectual disability?
An intellectual disability is defined as a permanent condition originating sometime between birth and age 18. The individual's general intellectual functioning is significantly below average (as measured by a standardized IQ test) and his/her behavior does not meet the level of personal independence and social responsibility expected of the person's age and culture.

What is a mental illness?
A mental illness is a severe disturbance in behavior, mood, thought processes and/or interpersonal relationships. These are diagnosed by a qualified professional using the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

What is the treatment for an individual with a dual diagnosis of ID/MH?
Successful treatment for an individual with a dual diagnosis of ID/MH requires a comprehensive approach that blends behavioral, psychiatric, and psychosocial services, and then specifically tailors them to the needs of each individual. Intensive social, coping and life management skill training, behavior therapy, and psycho-pharmacological intervention may be required before an individual is able to successfully cope with the myriad of demands inherent to community living.

What does Project Janus do?
Project Janus, Inc. currently provides classroom training and educational seminars to family members, mental health/intellectual disability professionals, day habitation and residential providers, and all others interested in learning how to better meet the needs of individuals with a dual diagnosis of ID/MH and hopes to provide similar training on-line in the future. Project Janus, Inc. also works cooperatively with local, regional and state institutions, private service providers, educators, law enforcement officials, health care providers, and parents and advocates of individuals with a dual diagnosis to increase integration and coordination of services currently available, as well as to increase the overall number of available services for this special population. Finally, Project Janus, Inc. is charged by the Texas Legislature to assist in the development of a "best practices" pilot project model for providing services to individuals with a dual diagnosis of ID/MH living throughout the State of Texas.

What is the Janus Certified Provider Program?
The Janus Certified Provider Program is a classroom curriculum designed for all individuals who interact with, or provide services to, individuals with a dual diagnosis of ID/MH. The 10-hour course gives participants a working knowledge of the dual diagnosis ID/MH and provides them with strategies for managing the unique situations that arise when interacting with this unique population. Completion of the 10-hour program awards the participant with a "Janus Certified Provider" designation. For more information about the individual course components, click on the link provided in the main menu. For more information about future course offerings and/or upcoming schedules, contact us at projectjanustx@gmail.com