Mental Health

Unity Hospital provides mental health and substance abuse treatment tailored to the needs of the individual. We are dedicated to improving our clients' quality of life by providing the support and tools needed for successful recovery.

The role of Allina Mental Health is to provide early detection and treatment of mental health and substance abuse issues, consultation and education, and coordinated access to services throughout the entire continuum of mental health and substance abuse care.

Assessment and referral

Assessment and referral staff are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at Unity Hospital for people who:

• Are experiencing acute emotional distress
• Feel overwhelmed and don't know where to turn
• Are losing control to the point of harming themselves or others
• Need help for chemical dependency or substance abuse issues
• Need referrals to support groups, outpatient care, community resources, hospitalization or other specialized services

Services include:

• Telephone assessments to briefly assess a patient's situation and refer him/her to appropriate resources for help
• Face-to-face assessments in the Emergency Department
• Facilitation of admissions
• Referral information
• Identification of treatment services to best meet the individual's needs
• Assistance with pre-certification, pre-authorization and clarification of available treatment options

What are assessment and referral services?

Assessment and referral is a hospital-based behavioral health service that responds to mental health or substance abuse crisis. Most services are received in the emergency department but they can also be accessed by phone.

What can you expect?

If you have come to the emergency department for an assessment, you will be taken to a room where you will be assessed by and emergency department nurse and doctor and an assessment and referral clinician (masters degree level mental health professional).

The clinician will meet with you and anyone who has come with you to assess how severe your crisis is and to determine the right level of care for you. Meeting with the clinician does not mean you will need to stay in the hospital.

If a child or adolescent is being assessed, family and/or guardian involvement is important. A parent and/or guardian must stay in the Emergency Department during the assessment process.

How long will assessment take?

The time you stay in the emergency department will vary for each person. Staff members are helping a variety of patients who have a number of medical and behavioral health emergencies. Assessment and referral clinicians often consult with on-call phychiatrists, insurance companies, outpatient providers and other community agencies.

What kind of information will the clinician look for?

You may be asked some of the following questions:

• What events led up to a visit to the emergency department?
• Have you recently had a loss or death in your life?
• Are financial/employment issues a concern?
• Are there any recent changes in your relationships with loved ones
• Do you have pending legal issues?
• Is there a family history of abuse, mental illness or substance abuse?
• Does someone in your family or someone close to you have a substance abuse problem?
• How often, and in what quantity, do you use alcohol or other drugs?
• Are you a danger to yourself?
• Are you a danger to others?
• Have you ever been physically, emotionally or sexually abused?
• Have you had recent changes in appetite, sleep, hygiene, interests or activities, social interactions, energy or sexual interests?
• What medicines are you taking now?
• Do you have any major health concerns?

What will happen when the assessment is done?

Once the assessment is done, a plan will be made to help you receive the right level of care. The possibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Admission to the hospital
• Transfer to another hospital
• Return home with a crisis plan in place
• An outpatient appointment with a behavioral health provider
• Referral to a day treatment or partial hospital stay program
• Information about additional resources

It is important to know that even though you may feel overwhelmed with behavioral issues or other conflicts, being admitted to the hospital may not be the best solution. Admission to a hospital is a medical decision made by the emergency department doctor and the on-call psychiatrist. An assessment and referral clinician will talk with you about your options.

Substance abuse services

The road to change could start here.

Substance abuse assessments are provided on a daily basis and walk-ins will be accommodated if possible.

• Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• To schedule an assessment, please call 763-236-4500.

Outpatient programs

• Day outpatient: An intensive, four day-per-week group program.
• Evening outpatient: Similar to the day program, the evening outpatient program is an intensive, four day-per-week program.
• Relapse prevention program: Clients will attend the Relapse Prevention program three times per week. Focus is on those who have had prior treatment.
• Outpatient care: Participants attend these group outpatient programs once per week.

These programs are designed for those affected by chemical dependencies and who have a supportive living environment. An individualized treatment plan is developed to meet the needs of each client. The Day, Evening and Relapse treatment programs are intensive and highly structured. An important component ot the programs is regular involvement of family members or concerned persons.

Clients are also encouraged to attend 12 step meetings and to become acquainted with recovery philosophies. Weekly attendance for two hours of continuous care may be recommended for up to 12 weeks after completion of a primary care program.

To refer, to schedule or for more information, please call 763-236-4500.

Inpatient programs

Programs are targeted at clients requiring inpatient medical stabilization and substance abuse rehabilitation. These clients may require 24-hour nursing care and medical management for seizure and withdrawal symptoms. The unit is locked for patient safety and to provide care for clients on 72-hour holds. Following initial assessment, each client is provided with an individualized treatment plan. The program is Minnesota Department of Human Services licensed as a residential rehabilitation program.

To refer, to schedule or for more information, please call 763-236-4500.

Goals for our programs are to:

• help the client identify and accept chemical dependency
• provide knowledge about the disease of chemical dependency
• lay the foundation for long-term sobriety with serenity
• lead the client through the first five steps of 12 step programs
• educate families and concerned persons about chemical dependency
• help the client start the process of building healthier relationships
• promote healthier thinking about life
• help the client develop an aftercare plan to prevent relapse
• encourage long-term participation in 12 step programs and self-help groups

Detoxification

Our nurses help persons deal with physical discomfort while experiencing withdrawal from alcohol, cocaine, narcotics or other drugs.

Health questionnaire for outpatient clients

On the day of admission, staff will ask you to complete a health questionnaire. The questionnaire will be reviewed by the medical director to determine if a health history and medical exam is required from the client's physician. If medical problems are indicated, the client will need to seek appropriate medical attention. Recovery includes eliminating medical problems.

Finance

Insurance coverage will be verified to determine the client's financial responsibility. If insurance covers 80 percent or more, a payment schedule may be arranged with our business office for the remaining balance. You can reach the business office at 763-236-4566.

Staffing

Our highly qualified staffing team includes:

• medical director
• attending physicians
• behavioral health services director
• program manager
• nurse manager
• licensed and board certified alcohol and drug counselors
• social workers
• registered nurses
• licensed practical nurses