Healthcare can be complicated, so we understand when people have questions about the mental health services we provide. PrairieCare’s Community Relations team compiled the top 10 frequently asked questions they receive while meeting with clinics, hospitals, schools, and potential patients. Here we answer your questions and break down essential topics for patients, families, and helping professionals.
Read on to learn more about PrairieCare, the services we provide, and the various ways we support people in their journey to healing.
10 FAQs About PrairieCare
1. Do you do any substance use treatment in your programming?
We treat substance use as a secondary condition rather than a primary mental health disorder, but we can help someone who has substance use challenges associated with a primary mental health condition, such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD. At our inpatient hospital we offer co-occurring substance use programming with the ability to treat acute withdrawal alongside a primary mental health concern which has been proven to result in better recovery rates. Throughout PrairieCare, we use a harm-reduction approach to treating substance use. We help patients by building healthy coping skills, practicing stress management, and connecting with patients with similar challenges.
Chemical dependency evaluations with a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor are available to all patients before discharge. From there, our treatment team helps patients identify the appropriate next steps.
2. Do you have any telehealth programs?
Yes, PrairieCare has various telehealth programs. Online therapy options provide intensive treatment that is convenient and flexible for patients.
Our admissions team will determine if a telehealth option is appropriate after a comprehensive mental health assessment. For people with severe symptoms, in-person services may be better for their well-being, therapeutic progress, and safety.
We have telehealth availability in the following programs:
- Clinic services: Psychiatry, psychotherapy, and medication management as needed
- Intensive Outpatient Program: A partial-day schedule with individual and group therapy for patients who need more than weekly programming
- Pregnancy and Postpartum Services: Specialized perinatal treatment for people experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including psychotherapy, psychiatry, and an intensive outpatient program
3. What insurance do you accept for programming?
At PrairieCare, we understand that financial barriers can prevent people from receiving the high-quality treatment they deserve. We are an in-network provider for most major insurance and managed care plans. We work closely with patients, families, and insurance providers to optimize treatment coverage.
Refer to our patient financial information page to learn about insurance and billing.
4. How do I get started with receiving PrairieCare services?
Call our team at 952-826-8475 to access a mental health screening, learn about PrairieCare’s services, or make a referral. If you’re unsure where to turn or want to learn about a specific program, our expert assessment team is a helpful resource at any point in your mental health journey. Their team can assist you in finding the appropriate level of care, identifying helpful community resources, and getting your specific questions answered.
You can also schedule a no-cost mental health screening with our experienced team by filling out a short form. The mental health screening will help you share the symptoms you are feeling with mental health professionals who will support you or a loved one in finding the appropriate treatment. We also offer The Family First admissions process which provides immediate care for anyone 35 and younger with severe mental health symptoms to come directly to our inpatient hospital without a prior visit to the ER.
5. How does your programming support patients who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community?
PrairieCare has a strong understanding of the challenges that LGBTQIA+ people face, including societal stigma, rejection, and lack of gender-affirming care, which can increase their risk of mental health conditions. We are dedicated to supporting our LGBTQIA+ patients and community with partnerships, professional development, and culturally competent care. Every day, we support our patients to identify and overcome barriers to self-acceptance, through mental health services that put their individual needs at the center.
We champion LGBTQIA+ equality in mental health treatment in the following ways:
- Our clinicians are experienced in addressing the unique mental health challenges of LGBQTIA+ patients; this includes staff who work primarily with LGBTQIA+ patients.
- As a division of Newport Healthcare, we partner with the Trevor Project to provide specialized training to our staff around gender-affirming care.
- Across all our levels of care, we use a trauma-informed lens to provide a safe environment that respects the unique history of patients and creates a trusting relationship.
- All staff participate in pronoun training for appropriate identification of patients during treatment and in medical reporting. We also use gender-neutral terminology to provide an environment that is welcoming to all.
6. How do you support families in need of translation services?
We ask our patients for their preferred language during the intake process to ensure they are comfortable and informed about their mental health treatment. From there, our team can provide patients and their families with in-person, video, phone, and written documents in their preferred language. PrairieCare has many treatment materials in common languages in Minnesota, including Spanish, Hmong, and Somali.
PrairieCare has several providers across our continuum of care who speak multiple languages. We are committed to ensuring that patients with language needs have meaningful access and an equal opportunity to participate in our services and programs.
7. What does school look like for patients in your care?
School is an integral part of our full-day and 24/7 mental health programs, including our partial hospitalization program, residential treatment, and inpatient hospitalization. For a portion of their day, patients 18 and younger are taught in a structured classroom environment with specially trained staff from local school districts. While participating in on-site academics, patients also examine school-related stressors and find helpful ways to manage their mental health challenges.
Our integrated approach to education has proven valuable to patients and their parents/caregivers. Curriculums include the following skills:
- Social and emotional learning to practice stress tolerance and symptom management
- Effective communication and self-advocacy within the classroom setting
- Small classrooms to ensure teachers can work with each student to build confidence in the areas they need
Our mental health professionals work with parents and schools to ensure patients have the skills to make a smooth transition from intensive treatment to school. We communicate openly with schools and provide support in a step-down program or as needed.
8. What happens if someone is denied programming?
We use thorough assessments to ensure we understand a patient’s conditions and we can provide effective treatment. If a patient is not a good fit for our programming or there is no availability, we can refer them to a program that fits their needs.
The reasons some patients may be denied vary by the level of care. For example, our residential treatment cannot accept patients with the following identifiers:
- Aggression issues
- Mental health diagnosis was made over 30 days ago
- Primary diagnosis of substance use disorder
- Serious co-occurring health disorder such as epilepsy, diabetes, etc.
In such cases, our experienced our team will work with individuals and families to find an alternative option with minimal wait times.
9. What happens after discharge when a patient completes their treatment plan?
Across all our levels of care, as patients prepare to discharge, we ensure that they have a clear plan for their next steps. This could include a referral to the next level of care, follow-up appointments for medication management, or a stress-free transition to a new provider. Having a comprehensive plan helps patients continue the therapeutic progress they have made in our programming. If a patient, family member, or referring professional has questions, they can contact our team by calling 952-826-8475.
10. Does PrairieCare accept patients with aggression challenges?
No, PrairieCare does not accept patients who have aggression issues. We work with potential patients to identify their needs and ensure they get the appropriate care to treat their current needs. If a patient is denied, we will refer the patient to the proper care setting.
Get Your Mental Health Questions Answered
If you have any questions about our services, how to make a referral, or need assistance, our team can help. Call us at 952-826-8475 to speak with a trained professional who is happy to guide you. You can also request a no-cost mental health screening by filling out our form.
About PrairieCare
At PrairieCare, we believe that mental illness is real, common, and treatable. We provide individuals of all ages with the psychiatric care they truly need. PrairieCare is one of the nation’s leading providers of premier psychiatric services to the Twin Cities metro area, Rochester, and Mankato. Our programs and services span the full continuum of care, with the understanding that each patient has unique experiences, life stages, and needs. Get started today.