Outpatient Services

Outpatient services for mental health are services that you get in an office or clinic in the community. Outpatient services may include help from a psychiatrist, psychologist, nurse, social worker, or other type of therapist.

Outpatient services are a good place to start when you think you need help and need some­one to talk to about your problems or issues. An outpatient service provider can help you decide what services are right for you.

How to get Outpatient Services

Call Community Care to learn about service providers who can meet your needs. If you’re already seeing a counselor or therapist, you can talk to them. You should get enough informa­tion to get the service that you want and the process for a referral.

What happens in outpatient services?

At your first appointment, someone will meet with you and ask you questions about your strengths, needs, and goals for recovery. The more you share with your provider, the better they can understand and help you. Your provider will talk with you about your needs and how they can help you. Your provider will work with you to develop a plan for services, including how often you should come back to see your provider, when your next appointment will be, and other services or supports that might help you.

If, for any reason, you are not happy with your provider or the treatment you are receiving, you can select another provider at any time. You can also file a complaint by calling your Community Care office.

What about medicine?

When you meet with your provider, you may talk about whether medicine may be helpful for you. If you think that you would like to try medicine, or if you would like more information, your provider can schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist to help you decide if medicine might be right for you.

Who else should be involved?

To coordinate your care, your provider will communicate with your medical doctor and/or another provider who is treating you. This is to make sure that all the services you receive are right for you and support your recovery. Before your provider can do this, he or she will ask for your permission to speak with them.

Community Care recommends that you allow your provider to communicate with your med­ical doctor—especially when you are starting treatment or if you are being treated for other medical conditions.

If you need help or have a complaint, call Community Care. A customer service representative or a care manager can help you. We are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.