Frequently asked questions about Allina Mental Health

1. Who seeks mental health or substance abuse services?

They are the people you work with, your friends, teachers and parents. They are people just like you.

People with mental health or substance abuse problems may be unfairly seen as weak or able to "snap out of it." But they really have a medical problem that they need help to get over or control.

There is no need to suffer. Proper medical care or treatment can help people overcome mental health and substance abuse problems.

2. When should I see a therapist, doctor or substance abuse counselor?

Everyone has good and bad days. But there are times when the troubles of life interfere with your ability to function or cope.

You should consider therapy if you've had any of the following within the last few weeks:

3. What's the difference between psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists?

Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors and can prescribe medicine. They have special training in the biological causes of medical conditions that affect emotional health. They assess, diagnose and treat addiction, emotional and mental problems. A psychiatrist may supervise or be directly involved in your care.

Psychologists are licensed mental health professionals and do not prescribe medication. They help people evaluate and resolve emotional difficulties through counseling. These professionals have master's or doctoral degrees and have finished supervised internships in a hospital or organized health setting.

Therapists are different kinds of mental health providers. A therapist may be a psychologist, social worker, nurse, a marriage and family counselor or another licensed professional.

Substance abuse counselors are licensed mental health professionals who assess and treat addiction disorders. Also called therapists, they may provide referrals to other mental health providers.

4. How do I choose a therapist or a psychiatrist?

Ask someone you trust for a recommendation. This may be your family doctor, religious leader, family member or friend.

5. How do I know which service or program is right for me?

6. What can I expect at my first mental health appointment or "intake"?

For the first session, you will meet with a licensed therapist, nurse or chemical dependency counselor whose expertise matches your needs. The purpose of this "intake" appointment is to learn about your needs and the best plan of treatment for you.

In order to focus your treatment effectively, the mental health provider will need to understand…

• your background
• the current problem
• your strengths
• your medical history

If you are seeking help for a child or adolescent, the parent or guardian's input is needed.

7. Who is on my treatment team?

Your treatment team may consist of a psychiatrist, psychologist, nurse, social worker, licensed marriage and family counselor, or substance abuse counselor. You will work with them to develop your therapy goals. Treatment usually ends when your goals have been met.

8. How much will it cost?

Many insurance companies provide coverage for mental health services. Check with your insurance company to see if mental health or substance abuse services are covered. If they are, ask how you may get these benefits. Find out how much the insurance company will pay for mental health services and what benefit limits they have.

If you are not covered by insurance, you may pay for services yourself. These are called out-of-pocket costs. Call the clinic to learn what the fees are. Find out if you can pay on a sliding-fee-scale, where the amount you pay depends on your income. You may also want to check with your county social service agency to find more resources.

9. How can I be sure that my treatment will be confidential?

We understand that a major concern for people is if their treatment will be confidential. That's why our employees actively protect sensitive and personal information. Every test, every decision, every medicine, every item on a patient's record is confidential. Such information can only be accessed by health care providers who are directly involved in your care.

For the best possible treatment, it is often necessary to exchange or receive information with other health care providers involved in your care. If that happens, you will be asked to give permission to exchange that information.

State or federal law requires reporting of some behaviors. Some examples are the suspected abuse of children and vulnerable adults, when a threat against someone's life is made, or when a court of law has deemed it necessary to view a patient's medical record.

10. How long will my therapy last?

11. Will I have to take medicine? If so, for how long?