When a loved one is receiving mental health care you may be concerned about what kind of care they're receiving. You may have the following questions:
Are they in the right setting? (i.g. inpatient versus outpatient)
What kind of treatment are they receiving?
How can I be an advocate for my loved one?
How can I obtain information about my loved one’s condition and treatment?
How can I support my loved one?
Here are things you can do.
1. Let the providers and care team know you want to be involved.
If your loved one is an adult, or 16 years old and older, ask them to sign a Release of Information form giving you, the providers, and care team permission to share information regarding diagnosis, concerns, treatments, and plan of care.
2. Ask for information.
If your loved one chooses not to sign a Release of Information form the care team can still provide some general information about the program, what kind of treatment or therapies are offered, amd what some of the rules are. However, without a Release of Information the team can not provide specifics about your loved one.
3. Clarify your role with the providers and care team.
If your loved one is a child (under the age of 16), and you're the legal guardian/parent, you must be informed of all treatment decisions including the plan of care and after care recommendations.
4. Provide information about your loved one to the providers and the care team.
You can share your loved one’s history and any concerns you may have without a signed Release of Information.
5. Encourage collaboration
Connect all teams—the mental health care providers, care team, and the primary care providers and care team, as well as with any other providers that are providing care. (i.g., physical therapy, speech therapy, etc.)
6. Ask about aftercare plans.
If your loved one has been hospitalized, ask to be involved in the discharge plan. Ask what appointments and referrals have been made? Has the primary care provider been involved in the plan? Is there a crisis plan? If your loved one has been in an outpatient setting, clarify the next steps.
7. Look into how you can take care of yourself.
It can be stressful to have a loved one experiencing mental health issues. Feeling anxious, scared, confused, frustrated, angry, and/or sad are all normal reactions to this kind of stress. It’s important that you get the help and support you need so you can be there for your loved one. Therapy or support groups may be options for you. There are classes offered for all mental health disorders. If you need help finding resources, please call the Mental Health Connect Navigator line. The Navigators will be happy to assist you.
Contact a Mental Health Navigator
612.642.1220 text/call
navigator@mhconnect.org
Navigators are available Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.
If you reach out outside these hours, they’ll return your message the following day.
Photo by Belinda Fewings on Unsplash
