Lifeline Connections Reduces Barriers to Accessing Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Services
(Vancouver, WA) – Lifeline Connections, a leading provider of mental health and substance use services in the Pacific Northwest, now offers patients same-day access for both mental health and substance use assessments for adults and substance use assessments for youth.
A preliminary assessment is required by state code before a person can start treatment. The assessment lets people know what level of care is most appropriate for them, whether Lifeline Connections can provide that level of care, how much it will cost (often there is no charge for low income individuals), approximately how long treatment may last and what their next steps are. They will leave with a recommended plan and a follow up appointment.
Keeping the anxiety at bay prior to walking through the doors is often the most difficult step in the open access process. Barbara H., our Lobby Coordinator, is ready to greet our adult patients Monday to Thursday between 12 noon and 3:30 pm where she will help people complete their paperwork. Adolescent patients will be greeted Friday’s starting at 9:00am. Next, a licensed professional counselor will meet with the individual for a conversational question-and-answer session lasting about an hour. On the rare occasion when patient volume is extremely high some patients may be scheduled for their assessment on the following day.
Open access engages a person in the treatment process when they are ready rather than having them make an appointment for some time in the future. It allows more individuals to be treated for behavioral health conditions and improves their lives and families, as well as the community.
Since 1962, Lifeline Connections has provided behavioral health treatment and recovery services in the Pacific Northwest. Through the use of superior customer service, high quality programs and a well trained and dedicated staff, our mission is to inspire hope and support life saving changes for people affected by substance use and mental health conditions.
