Important Phone Numbers
Crisis – 651-266-7900
Information and Referral – 651-266-7890
Case Management & Mental Health Center Intake – 651-266-7890
What is Mental Illness?
Mental illnesses are biochemical brain disorders that affect a person’s thinking and emotions, and may impact their ability to manage life on a day-to-day basis. Common mental health diagnoses include depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. People of any age, race, or gender can be affected by mental illness. For more information on mental illness, please visit the links listed below.
How Many People Have A Mental Illness?
A federal agency (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) estimates that 8.3 percent of all adults in the United States have a Serious Mental Illness [1]. Applying this percentage to the number of adults in Ramsey County 380,351 (2000 Census) results in an estimated 31,569 adults in Ramsey County who have a serious mental illness.
SAMHSA also reports that nationally 47.9% of all adults with serious mental illness received some form of treatment service within the previous twelve months. Based on the SAMSHA estimate, approximately 15,122 adults are estimated to have received mental health treatment in 2002. The provision of mental health treatment to Ramsey County residents is distributed between Ramsey County Community Human Services, Prepaid Medical Assistance Program (PMAP) health plans, private insurance, and private payers.
Can Mental Illness Be Treated?
Yes, mental illness can be treated through a variety of methods. Many people need a combination of psychiatry services (medication management), therapy and rehabilitative / supportive services to successfully manage their illness.
Whom Does Ramsey County Serve?
The individuals served by Ramsey County Community Human Services, Mental Health are amongst those with the most severe forms of mental illness. Many of the individuals experience a host of factors, such as medical conditions, chemical addictions, criminal histories and poverty, which complicates their care. Most individuals served receive publicly funded health care or are uninsured.
What Services Are Available in Ramsey County?
Ramsey County’s mental health service delivery system includes both direct and purchased services. Ramsey County uses the mission and the framework prescribed by the Minnesota Comprehensive Mental Health Act to develop and enhance services. Ramsey County Community Human Services’ vision is to establish a comprehensive mental health service system that will enable consumers to live as independent as possible in the community.
Outpatient Services
The Ramsey County Mental Health Center is staffed by licensed independent clinical social workers, licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, nurse clinicians, physician assistants, occupational therapists, and mental health workers. The Center offers a variety of services to assist individuals in coping with mental illness. The comprehensive array of outpatient services includes:
- Diagnostic assessments
- Individual and group therapy
- Medication management
- Day treatment (short term services for stabilization of acute illness)
- Partial Hospitalization (short term intensive services for people who would otherwise be hospitalized – intake – 651-266-7900)
- Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services
- Consultation and evaluations for the court system
To make an appointment call 651-266-7890
Crisis Services
Ramsey County directly provides emergency services through the Adult Mental Health Crisis Unit. The crisis unit provides phone and outreach services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis call 651-266-7900
Pre-petition Screening
Ramsey County screens all individuals who are being petitioned for civil commitment, a process by in which the Court determines that an individual’s mental illness or chemical dependence is causing them to be a danger to themselves or others. Individual who are placed under civil commitment may be treated in a community or state hospital or receive intensive community based care during this time of acute need.
Case Management
Case management services are provided for adults with a serious and persistent mental illness. Ramsey County provides direct and contracted case management services. Based on the needs of the consumer, various types of case management services are available, including:
- Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)
- Short-term intensive
- Long-term non-intensive
Case managers assess individuals mental health needs and then arrange, authorize, coordinate, provide and monitor services for the client. Case management services can be requested by calling 651-266-7890.
Community Support Services
Community support services, which include outreach, crisis assistance, medication monitoring, benefits assistance, assistance in independent living skills, psychosocial rehabilitation, education, employability and housing support are available on a limited basis through Ramsey County. Some non-county funded community support services (Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services – ARMHS programs) are also available to individuals in the community. For additional information on ARMHS programs in Ramsey County please call 651-266-7890 or visit the Department of Human Services Website for a list of providers.
Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Disorders
It is estimated that 60% of people who experience a mental illness also experience a co-occurring addiction to alcohol or drugs. Research has demonstrated the need to treat co-occurring disorders through integrated treatment. More information about Ramsey County’s effort to integrate mental health and chemical health services can be found at Chemical Dependency Services
Links:
[1] The federal category of Serious Mental Illness includes illnesses that do not meet the Serious and Persistent Mental Illness category that is used in Minnesota
