How to Get Mental Health Services

There are four steps to getting mental health services:

STEP ONE - Call a provider

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call the Crisis Clinic at (360) 532-HELP.  There are no eligibility requirements for utilizing Crisis Clinic services.

To request ongoing mental health services, telephone one of the mental health providers (Sea Mar or Behavioral Health Resources) to request services.  A mental health worker will ask you questions to determine if you are eligible to receive services.  If the mental health worker determines that you may benefit from services, the mental health worker will give you an appointment time for an assessment interview.

The mental health worker will also ask you questions about your funding so we can tell you if you will be eligible for publicly funded services.  If you have private insurance the mental health worker will help determine if your insurance will cover the cost of your care, or help with references to other providers.

STEP TWO - Assessment Interview

During the assessment appointment the mental health worker will talk with you and get enough information to understand your background and problems.  The assessment appointment includes a mental health history and questions about your health, your family and your current living arrangement.

With this information the mental health worker will be able to identify what type of mental health services will best meet your needs.  The mental health worker will also set a provisional (temporary) diagnosis.  Medicaid and insurance companies require that all people receiving care have a mental health diagnosis.

The mental health worker will fill out a form that will be submitted to the Grays Harbor County RSN for approval (see Step Three).

STEP THREE - RSN Review

The third step is a review of your assessment by the Grays Harbor County RSN (Regional Support Network).  The RSN reviews your presenting problem and diagnosis and makes a decision as to whether or not you are eligible to receive publicly funded mental health services.

STEP FOUR - Notification

The fourth step is informing you of the RSN decision.  If you are authorized for publicly funded services, you will be contacted and a first appointment for your treatment services will be set up.  Our goal is to meet with you and begin treatment within 10 working days of your assessment interview.

If you are not found to be eligible for RSN funded services, you will be sent a letter explaining why the RSN declined your request for services.  This letter will also contain suggestions for getting help from other services. 

All information is general in nature and is not intended to be used as a substitute for appropriate professional advice.