The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) Office of Mental Health gives priority to adults, children, and families affected by serious mental illnesses and significant emotional disorders. We are committed to eliminating stigma, promoting recovery, achieving our goals in collaboration with stakeholders, and to providing the highest quality services possible.

You can expect to be treated with respect and dignity by all staff, both administrative and clinical. Our facilities operate within federal, state, and community ethical standards.

APPOINTMENTS

To make an appointment to be seen at a mental health clinic, please call the clinic located in the county in which you live to schedule your initial screening appointment. Generally, at this appointment you meet with a counselor to determine appropriate treatment needs. Please feel free to ask any questions concerning treatment services when you call to set up the initial screening appointment.

FIRST APPOINTMENT

Expect to talk about yourself a lot the first appointment. This is when the counselor gets a feel for what you need, your goals, your history, etc. Depending on the results of your assessment, the counselor will do one of two things: enroll you in services with us or refer you elsewhere if another provider might meet your needs better.

Fees for services are set by the BHDD Office of Mental Health.  Payment (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, cash, check, Visa or MasterCard) is expected at the time of services.  Patients may be eligible for reduced fees based on their financial status. Please bring financial information with you including any insurance coverage.

If you are enrolled as a patient, an orientation to Center services will be usually be provided at that the time of the screening which includes an explanation and written information about the range of services available, consumer rights, crisis services (during and after hours) and cost and payment schedules.

You may be required to submit a urine drug test to assist with our diagnostic process.  This test will be administered at the screening appointment.

In some cases you may have to wait to be seen for your assessment due to emergencies. We regret any inconvenience this may cause.

PATIENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Quality services depend on the close working relationship between your therapist, staff and yourself. As a patient, you have the responsibility to actively participate in treatment and the development of your plan of care. You are responsible for attending your treatment sessions and to cancel your appointments as soon as you know you will be unable to attend them. For a complete list of Patient Rights and Responsibilities please refer to your Patient Orientation Handbook.

One of the Agency’s core values is to respect patient rights and dignity and to foster an environment of recovery. The department defines recovery as …the process by which a person overcomes the challenges presented by a mental illness to live a life of meaning and purpose… Consistent with this value, most centers have policies regarding scheduled appointments and what happens if they are chronically missed. A recommendation may be made to close your chart if appointments are missed. It is the policy of most centers to notify you by telephone and/or a letter that if you do not contact your therapist within two (2) weeks of receiving the phone call or letter or you fail to attend a rescheduled appointment your chart will be closed for non-participation in your treatment. If your case is closed, no more medications can be prescribed by BHDD Office of Mental Health. You will receive a letter stating that your chart has been closed and no more medications will be prescribed along with appropriate referrals if continued treatment is needed.

You should also:

• Ask a question(s) when you do not understand what is happening to you.
• Let a member of the staff know when you have a problem or feel sick.
• Take part in planning and participating in your own therapy and treatment program and provide information concerning your medical history.
• Attend scheduled activities and keep appointments.
• Show respect for the property and rights of others.
• Obey the laws which apply to all citizens.
• Be familiar with and observe the rules and policies of your center.
• Accept responsibility for your actions.
• Cooperate in the goal of the achieving self sufficiency in the management of your every day living.

PATIENT RIGHTS:

• You have a right to be informed of your rights.
• You have right to be informed regarding methods of resolving possible violations of your rights.
• You may seek advice and assistance from the Patient Advocacy Program.
• You may contact an attorney of your choice.
• You are entitled to a safe and humane environment.
• You have a right to as much freedom of movement as possible.  This right may be limited only when it is necessary for the protection of you, others, and the community.
• You have the right to refuse therapy unless required by law.
• You have a right to participate in the formulation of your treatment plan and to know the names of the staff members responsible for your care.
• You have a right to recognized psychiatric treatment.  This right includes receiving information regarding risks, side effects, and anticipated benefits of all medication and treatment.
• You have the right to refuse participation in any research project and to refuse non-standard psychiatric treatment.
• You have a right to know the cost of your treatment and to know the source of any assistance available in meeting these expenses.
• You have a right to have all information concerning your treatment kept confidential except when State law permits disclosure.
• You may report any suspected abuse or neglect or exploitation of patients without fear or reprisal.
• In exercising your rights, you may not infringe on the rights of others.  You also have certain basic responsibilities and you have a right to know what is expected of you.

If you feel your rights are being violated, you should talk to your assigned center staff.  If you are unable to get the matter resolved, you may register a complaint with your local patient advocate. You may also contact the BHDD Office of Mental Health Patient Advocacy Office.