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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I schedule my first appointment?
2. What can I expect to happen during my first visit?
- You will meet with your therapist for an hour or more. He/she will gather a detailed history, try to understand your needs and work with you to develop a treatment plan you feel will provide you with your desired outcomes. At least a preliminary plan should be completed by your second visit.
- Your future visits will focus on the goals and objectives of that plan.
- At each visit you should be prepared to show us your health insurance card, if you have one, and confirm your address and phone number.
3. How often will I see my therapist?
- Each individual’s needs are unique. Our goal is to enable you to feel better as soon as possible. The treatment planning process includes estimating the number of visits or services you may require. You will be included in this process.
- For some people the plan may include visits with one of our psychiatrists or nurse practitioners who may prescribe medications to manage symptoms and enhance recovery.
4. Will I continue to see the same therapist that I saw for my first visit?
- We try to create a good match and whenever possible have people continue to see that therapist. At times, it is determined that a different therapist or program is better suited to meet your needs.
- One advantage to our system of care is that you can easily transition from one service to another as your needs change.
5. What if it is an urgent situation that occurs after hours?
- We have staff on call 24 hours a day to deal with emergencies.
- You call 603.668.4111 and you will get an answering service after hours. Tell them you wish to speak with Emergency Services and they will connect you with one of our staff.
- They will work out a suitable plan and, if needed, arrange for you to be seen by our Emergency Staff at the Catholic Medical Center Emergency Department.
6. What if I feel I haven’t connected with my therapist and wish to change?
- We understand there are times when a consumer and a provider just don’t connect. We encourage people to talk openly with their therapist about their concerns in order to work things out.
- We will honor requests for change when a consumer continues to feel it is not a good match. To make this request just call the Director of the program offering the service.
7. Will my health insurance pay for my services?
- Nearly all the services we offer are covered by health insurance. We have contracts with most area health insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare.
- Our intake and business office staff will work with your insurer and explain your coverage to you. We will describe any co-pays, deductibles or other costs for which you may be responsible.
8. Is financial assistance available?
- We hope finances never become a barrier to people getting the help they need. We do offer a sliding fee scale based on income and family size for any fees not covered by insurance.
- If the reduced fee is still too burdensome, our business office staff will examine your finances and work with you to develop a reasonable payment plan.
9. Will my records be kept confidential?
- There are very strict laws and regulations to protect the privacy of healthcare information. We carefully adhere to these standards.
10. Can I look at my record or ask to have it released to another party?
- You have a right to request a copy your records and, if you give us your informed consent by signing a release, we will forward a copy of your records to you or a third party.
- You must understand that once released, we no longer have any control over what this person or agency does with the information they obtain.
- Consumers are provided with 25 copied pages at no charge and the cost is $.25 per page thereafter. Please give us a few days notice.
11. How do I authorize release of my medical record?
The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester
Attention: Medical Records
401 Cypress Street
Manchester, NH 03103
12. I am worried about a friend/family member who is very sad and not enjoying life. What can I do?
- Resist the temptation to advise or lecture. Instead, in a supportive manner, mention your concern and desire to help. If he/she responds positively, tell them you are happy to listen but the most effective thing you can do is to help them to connect with someone trained to help them.
- Offer to assist him/her in calling us. If you are concerned that this person may harm him/herself, call us for advice or, if necessary, call 911.
13. My friend/family member won’t follow recommended treatment.
- Support and encouragement are very important. Lecturing is usually ineffective. If your concern persists, you should feel free to call the person’s therapist.
- Without the consumer’s consent, the therapist cannot share any information with you but they can listen to your concerns. Just remember, for you it will be a one-way conversation and we may have to inform the consumer of your call.
14. Where can I find a support group?
- There is both a state chapter and a local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) which offers information, education, advocacy and support to family members and consumers. They also have information on other support groups.
- Please go to the NAMI-NH website at www.naminh.org or call 603.225.5359.
- For the local NAMI chapter, e-mail them at info@naminh.org
- For persons struggling with challenges to their mental wellness there is a locally based peer support program named On the Road to Better Living. Their phone numbers are 603. 623.4523 or 603.623.0651
15. I am a provider of mental health services and I wish to refer someone to The Cypress Center, Gemini House or some other particular program or service. What should I do?
- You should call 603.668.4111 and ask to speak to the Director of the program or service you are inquiring about.
16. How can I get more information on your programs and services?
- Our Scheduling Department is very well informed about our programs and services. They can also put you in touch with other staff when necessary.
- You may also request descriptive materials from our Marketing Office by calling them at 603.668.4111.
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