Access Services
OCHN’s Access screening process determines where people’s needs are best met, based on severity and urgency. Screenings can be requested by calling 248-464-6363, or by visiting the Resource and Crisis Center. Walk-in appointments are received on a first-come, first-served basis.
All information is confidential and never shared without consent.
- Who is eligible for Community Mental Health services in Oakland County?
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Oakland County residents who have an intellectual/developmental disability, mental illness, children with serious emotional disturbance, and people with substance use disorders may be eligible to receive specialty public mental health services. Most of these people have Medicaid/Healthy MI Plan coverage. However, individuals who are uninsured and underinsured can be linked to mental health services and may still receive services for mental health and substance use disorders through Federal Block grant funding.
- How do I request an Access screening to receive public health services through Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN)?
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OCHN's screening process helps to determine where your needs can be met, based on the severity and urgency of your situation. Screenings can be requested by calling our main line at 248-464-6363 or by visiting the Resource and Crisis Center (1200 N Telegraph, Bldg. 32E, Pontiac, MI). If an access screener is available, a screening can be completed at this time. Walk-in appointments are received on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- What is the process for a screening?
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Once an individual/family calls, our access and referral specialists collect demographic information to identify the individual/family's needs. If it is determined that an access screening is necessary, the referral specialist then checks on the availability of an access screener. If an access screener is not available, the individual/family is offered the opportunity to schedule an appointment with a screener or be added to the call back queue. SUD screenings are scheduled as soon as possible and upon contact. If an individual is having difficulty getting to the RCC for a face-to-face meeting, than a phone screening can be provided.
- How long does it take for a callback?
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Screeners generally call back individuals/families within 24 to 48 hours. This may vary based on the call volume during the day.
- What happens if I am not able to answer the call when Access calls back?
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The access screener will leave a message and request for you to call back the access main number when you are available. The screeners call individuals/families on a rotation basis. When a screener calls, he/she will complete the screening at that time if the individual/family is available.
- What are the hours of the Access Department?
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The hours of operations for non-emergency Access services to Oakland County’s Public Mental Health system are:
- Monday- Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (7:00 p.m. is the latest time that a screening can begin)
- How long does an Access screening last?
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On average, an access screening is 45 minutes to one hour.
- Are Access screenings face-to-face?
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We will determine what type of screening best meets your needs, face-to-face or over the phone. While not mandatory, OCHN prefers face-to-face screenings for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. All other access screenings, including adults with a mental illness and children with a serious emotional disturbance, can take place over the telephone.
Again, SUD screenings are scheduled as soon as possible and upon contact. If an individual is having difficulty getting to the RCC for a face-to-face meeting, than a phone screening can be provided.
Once individuals are connected to an access and referral specialist, an appointment will be scheduled to meet with a screener. Information about the necessary paperwork to complete this process will be provided at this time.
- Do Access screenings take place elsewhere in the community?
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Access screenings are generally completed by telephone or on a walk-in basis at the Resource and Crisis Center. Other community opportunities for screenings can be done if there is enough volume.
- What can I expect during the screening process?
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Licensed clinicians will ask questions about mental health/developmental and/or family history, risk of harm, physical health needs, medications, functional status, family relationships and stress, substance use, socialization, school, symptoms etc. It is important to be as honest as possible to get the correct information, so that the individual/family is placed in the appropriate level of care. If a child/minor is screened, the clinician will want to speak with both the minor and their guardians.
SUD screenings are also conducted prior to a person being discharged from a hospital setting to ensure appropriate follow-up care is in place.
- What happens if I am eligible for services?
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If you qualify for services, you will be given a choice of providers and linked with the provider of your choice for an intake. Intake appointments occur no more than 14 days (if not sooner for adults), 7 days (if not sooner for children) after the screening determination is made. Special screening consideration is given to pregnant women and injecting drug users.
- What if I am not eligible for services?
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If you do not qualify for services, there are a variety of community resources that can be given to help meet your needs. These vary between insurances, locations, and are given based on individualized need.
- Will I have access to my child’s mental health information?
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Children have privacy privileges which protects their information from being openly reported to their family. This aids the mental health practitioner with building rapport with the child and/or young adult. If the mental health professional believes there are any concerns for safety (risk of harm to self or others), they will immediately coordinate with the family to ensure the young person’s safety.
- Can I attend my child’s service sessions?
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Mental health professionals value collaboration with families to ensure the best possible care for their child/children. Typically, professionals will meet with the parent/guardian and their child to get an idea of what services would best meet the family’s needs and on-going to ensure coordination. The professional will work most often with the child one-on-one to help the young person develop coping skills and provide the support that is needed.
- What if my child refuses to take prescribed medications?
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Mental health professionals are able to encourage and support the child and their family through the treatment process; they are not able to force a child to take medications. If a parent is concerned for a child’s well-being, they can take them to them to Common Ground and/or the hospital for additional follow-up.
- What is a Serious Emotional Disturbance Waiver (SEDW)?
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SED waivers provide additional services to Medicaid State Plan coverage for youth with a Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED).
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) provides community-based services to enable youth who would otherwise require hospitalization to remain in home and community settings, and who would otherwise not be eligible for Medicaid-funded supports.
- What are the criteria to receive a SEDW?
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The youth and family must live in a community-based setting (not in a hospital, ICF/IID, nursing facility, correctional facility, or child caring institution) while receiving services. Other criteria include:
- Be under 18 years of age
- Reside in a foster home with a permanency plan
- Live full-time in the community with their birth or adoptive parent, or with a legal guardian and eligible for Medicaid as a “family-of-one”
- What screening tools are used to diagnose a SED and determine SEDW eligibility?
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SED screening tools used by OCHN include:
- Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale (CAFAS®)
- Score of 90 or greater for children ages 7 to 12
- Score of 120 or greater for children ages 13 to 18
- Preschool and Early Childhood Functional Assessment Scale (PECFAS®)
Children aged 3 to 7, elevated subscale scores (20 is considered an elevated subscale score) in at least one of these areas:
- Self-harmful behaviors
- Mood/emotions
- Thinking/communicating
- Behavior toward others
- Devereux Early Childhood Assessment Scales (DECA)
Children aged 2 to 4, scores in the concern range across Protective factor scales (initiative, self-control, and attachment):
- In the Concern Range with a Total Protective Factor T-Score of 40
- Below and/or elevated scores on one or more of the behavioral concerns scales (Attention Problems, Aggression, Withdrawal/Depression, Emotional Control Problems) with a T-score of 60 or above.
- Who oversees SED waivers?
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The MDHHS operates and provides oversight of the SEDW through contracts with the Regional Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHP).
- How do families apply for a SEDW?
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Application for the SEDW is made through the PIHP/ OCHN, Access department. The SEDW is intended to be short-term (1 year). Individuals who meet all eligibility criteria are submitted to MDHHS for approval. An annual recertification process to assure ongoing eligibility is required.
- Who is responsible for SEDW service coordination?
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Once approved, the PIHP/OCHN is responsible for the oversight of SEDW service coordination. Youth will receive services and coordination of services from a Core Provider Agency contracted with OCHN to receive Wrap-Around and any other medically necessary service consistent with the Medicaid Provider Manual.
- How are a child’s service needs determined?
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The Wraparound Facilitator, the youth and their family and friends, and other professional members of the planning team identify the youth’s needs and secure necessary services. All services/supports must be included in an Individual Plan of Services (IPOS).
- Can individuals continue to receive SEDW services after the age of 18?
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If a youth on the SEDW turns 18, meets all non-age-related eligibility criteria, and continues to need waiver services, they can remain on the waiver up to their 21st birthday. Participants must receive at least one SEDW service per month in addition to Wraparound contacts to retain eligibility.
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