A. Yes.

A. We accept some insurance, depending on your individual policy. It varies from company to company. Please call the office at (217) 253-4731 for additional information. Special arrangements may be made for payment.

A. The cost for services is based on a sliding fee scale based on household income and number of dependents. The minimum charge for counseling services is $5 and the maximum amount is $80 per session, for example. Other services have a different sliding fee scale as well.

A. Confidentiality is protected by state law. DCMH believes that confidentiality is crucial in developing trusting relationships with every person we serve. DCMH cannot generally disclose any information regarding services received, including even acknowledging the presence of persons served or disclose information identifying that an individual receives services. There are some exceptions to the confidentiality rule, pursuant to state law, designed to protect those we serve from harm. A complete disclosure of these exceptions is explained at the first meeting held with each person we serve and is outlined in the DCMH handbook, given to each person receiving services upon their initial visit.

A. Douglas County Mental Health has a psychiatrist on staff part time and belongs to a telepsychiatry program that specializes in child psychiatry. It is important to note that in order to be seen by a psychiatrist at DCMH, a consumer must first complete a mental health assessment and be seen by a mental health counselor. Consumers seeing a psychiatrist MUST be seen by a counselor a minimum of once a month. Because the psychiatrists are here on a part-time basis, priority for appointments is given to those residing within Douglas County.

A. A mental health assessment is the process of gathering detailed information about your mental and physical health, family and social background, along with your presenting issues. This is a necessary tool for those who will be working with you in determining the best course of treatment and to aid in the diagnostic process.

A. DCMH is not a pharmacy and we do not dispense medication. We are able to help consumers currently receiving psychiatric care in applying for assistance with medications from pharmaceutical companies.

A. Douglas County Mental Health does not currently offer specialized treatment for dependency issues. Unless a primary diagnosis of a mental health nature is identified, services for substance abuse issues are referred to other agencies for care.

A. It is recommended that each partner in the relationship attend the initial mental health assessment. During this process the scope of needed services will be discussed, including the question of whether each party needs their own counselor. Typically, each party is assigned an individual counselor and then joint sessions are scheduled where both counselors and consumers are present.

A. We offer individual counseling, case management, and community support on an outpatient basis for consumers needing Spanish-speaking support.

A. The agency is not able to provide transportation to clients for scheduled appointments. In rare instances, based on individual needs, transportation may be provided for some services.

A. For established clients, in rare instances, based upon individual needs, home visits may be arranged to accommodate health conditions or other hardships that would make accessing services otherwise impossible.

A. The Sheriff's department maintains a dispatcher available for 24 hour access, year round. This is a service that DCMH could not afford to operate. When you contact the crisis line, your name and phone number are immediately forwarded to the on-call counselor, who will work with you to determine the best course of action needed to defuse the crisis.

A. A treatment plan is your vision of what you want to accomplish while at DCMH. You and your counselor will work together on this written plan, which is designed to identify the strengths and needs of each person served. Together, goals for services area established, with objectives created to meet these goals. The scope of services offered is detailed, along with your diagnosis. Each person receives a copy of his or her treatment plan upon completion. This plan is revised every 6 months. This helps in evaluating the progress the client is making and serves as a measurement of progress toward the client's treatment goal.

A. When you first initiate services, a counselor is assigned to you. If you feel this is not a good "fit" for your needs, you may request to change counselors. Simply inform the receptionist that you would like to change counselors and they will work with you to both inform your assigned counselor of this change and to schedule you with a new counselor.

A. Every threat of suicide should be taken seriously. Contact local authorities or the crisis line if you feel someone you love is in danger.

A. Clients are scheduled according to their schedules and counselor availability. Typically, clients are seen within a week of initiating services, unless it is a crisis situation. Make sure you inform us of your situation's urgency should it be life-threatening or other. Our office will take the needed steps if support is necessary.

A. Thursday evening DCMH is open until 8pm. Evening appointments tend to fill up quickly. Every accommodation is made to ensure access to care at hours that are convenient for those we serve.

A. Persons contacting the mental health center are asked a series of questions designed to determine if DCMH can be of assistance. Unless the presenting issue is an area not covered by DCMH (such as substance abuse) assistance is always available to those requesting help. People needing mental health services are never turned away.