Navigate the Mental Health System

The purpose of this web page is to assists individuals and families in securing the most appropriate mental health services available.

Questions to consider when seeking mental health services:

1) Do you have insurance?

If you answered "Yes:"

-Does your insurance policy cover mental health services?
-Does your insurance provider determine which mental health professional(s) or clinic(s) you must access?
-Is there an annual or lifetime limit to the coverage that is provided?
-Are prescription medications covered?

Make certain that the mental health professional with whom you are making an appointment is covered by your insurance provider. Do not hesitate to request a written statement from your insurance provider verifying that your preferred mental health professional is covered by your insurance.

If you answered "No:"

-Seek mental health services which are provided on a sliding-fee scale (cost of services are based on household income).

Commonly, clinics which provide services on a sliding-fee scale require identification and proof of household income. Prior to your appointment, get a listing of required documentation to take with you. Commonly, a significant portion of the first appointment will consist of completing necessary paperwork.

Clinics offering sliding-fee scale services must obtain outside sources funding in order to meet their expenses. In order to qualify for this funding, they must make certain that the people they are serving meet specific criteria.

2) Do you expect to need a pharmaceutical prescription?

If you expect to need a pharmaceutical prescription, make certain that you have access to a health care professional who is credentialed to write prescriptions.

Options include:

-Receiving services through a mental health clinic/agency that has someone on staff who can write a prescription, such as a medical doctor or a psychiatrist.
-Having a primary care physician who will write a prescription based partially on the recommendation of a mental health care provider.

3) Do you expect to need case management services?

If you are experiencing a chronic and severe mental illness, case management may be recommended as part of your treatment plan. You may want to consider receiving mental health services through a mental health clinic/agency that provides these case management services.

4) Do you (or someone you know) need emergency mental health services?

-Go to your closest hospital emergency room.

Even if your hospital does not provide psychiatric inpatient care they should still provide emergency services as well as find appropriate emergency services for you at other locations.

-Call 911.

If you or someone you know is a threat to themselves or others, call 911.
Many law enforcement agencies have officers trained and educated in dealing with people who are experiencing mental health challenges in crisis situations. These officers are commonly referred to as the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT).
Even if the agency you reach does not have a CIT officer, they may have someone able to deal with a mental health emergency.