Mental Health Services in Hillsdale County

1. Mental Health Services in Hillsdale County Services for children ages 4-17

2. Steps to accessing services: Visit or call Life Ways Access Center for a brief screening: 8am-6pm Monday-Friday in Hillsdale (25 Care Dr.) Toll free 1-800-284-8288

3. What to except during screening: You will be asked questions to assist the specialist in determining your child’s current mental health needs Life Ways will then determine if your child’s needs can be met: By a community agency or Requires specialty services through a Life Way’s provider

4. If referred to a community agency: • Life Ways will assist you in locating a provider that • accepts your insurance • There are many providers in Hillsdale County that accept a wide range of insurance s for mental health services

5. If referred for possible specialty services: • You and your child will need to participate in a full assessment • At the end of the assessment you will be informed about • services appropriate for your child’s situation. • Assessment lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours • Assessment requires the consent of the adult(s) who have legal custody of the child • Contact Life Ways if you have questions about legal custody and who is required to sign the paperwork • A financial determination will also be required to determine if there is an ability to pay.

6. What to bring to the assessment: Picture ID (driver’s license, State ID, School ID, etc.) Proof of income (pay stubs, W2’s, SSI/SSDI benefits or denial letter) Any school testing and current IEP Social security card Guardianship/Custody Documents Insurance Card (Medicaid, Private or other) List of current medications Any other relevant information

7. If specialty services are recommended: An appointment will be set up with a provider: Life Ways children providers are: Highfields Integro Family Services and Children’s Aid Catholic Charities Hope Network CSI

8. Mental Health Services in Hillsdale County Services for children ages birth to 3 years

9. Referrals: Lifeways 1-800-284-8288 Highfields (Andrea Bernard) Integro (Clint Irwin)

10. Program specifics: Home based counseling for children under age 4. Focus is on building healthy relationships, prevention, and addressing concerns Counseling lasts 6 months to 1 year Minimum of 2 hours weekly Child must be Medicaid eligible unless arrangements are made through Life Ways

11. What parent will need to do: Complete agency provided Home based 0-3 referral form Complete a full assessment through assigned agency Supply all of the required paperwork

12. Teen Mother or At-risk Mother of a child 0-3: Go through Life Ways Access number Access clinician well versed in warning signs of possible attachment or parenting programs will complete the assessment An Infant Mental Health provider may be assigned if needed In the event there are no diagnosis for the child, the mother may be identified as the client. 0-3 tools will be used.

13. "Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success."-Henry Ford