Mental Health Crisis Help

Community Mental Health offers walk in or call crisis 24 Hours a Day (Walk-in services are for those in immediate crisis and cannot wait for an appointment). Contact Us to get directions to the CMH Building. Crisis services provides crisis intervention, assessment, and screening for voluntary and involuntary psychiatric hospitalization.
Toll Free: 800.372.8460
Local: 517.346.8460
TTY: 517.267.7623
Mental Health Crisis

Frequently Asked Questions

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Where is CATS located?  CATS is housed inside the Ingham County Jail facility, at 630 N. Cedar Street in Mason, Michigan.
Is CATS part of the jail?  No.  CATS is a CMHA-CEI outpatient substance abuse program and is run solely by CMHA-CEI staff.

What services does CATS provide? CATS staff are credentialed to provide both mental health and substance abuse treatment to clients. Individual and group therapy is available for substance abuse clients. CMHA CEI Emergency Services staff work closely with CATS and ICJ staff, to assess severe mental health issues and suicide risk within the jail population. CATS has a case manager and a peer recovery coach to assist clients with necessary referrals and follow-up once clients are released from jail.

Does CATS have family therapy?  No.  CATS does not provide family sessions; although we do have phone contact with family members, as needed.
Will my information be automatically provided to the courts or jail staff?  No.  All rules of confidentiality apply and information is not given out to anyone, without a client’s written permission.

Can I refuse treatment?  Yes.  CATS substance use disorder treatment is voluntary.  Individuals may decline to participate at any time in the process.

How will my attorney, judge or others know I completed CATS?  CATS staff provide completion letters to the jail, the courts and attornies, as requested, with the proper releases signed.

How can I get referred to CATS?  Inmates can send a “kite” requesting services, or requests can come from the Judge, Probation Officer or inmate’s attorney, as part of the inmate’s sentencing.  Referrals can also come from family and friends calling the program or CATS Emergency Services staff.

How is CATS funded?  CATS is a publicly funded program, with typically no cost to clients, unless they are on work release; in those cases a sliding fee scale and co-pays may apply.
What is the admission criteria?  Clients must have a willingness to participate in treatment; be stable and able to participate in treatment (if there is an additional mental health issue identified) and have a history of abusing substances, including prescription drugs.
How long does it take to get admitted into CATS?  CATS is bound by the same standards as other outpatient programs, and can sometimes take up to two weeks to begin treatment, depending on the number of referrals and/or availability on therapists’ case loads.

How long is the CATS program?  CATS treatment is tailored to meet the needs of each individual client and length varies depending on the length of the individual's sentence and therapy groups they attend.

Can I continue my treatment after I am released from jail?  Those clients who desire to continue in treatment will be transferred to another provider and/or support groups upon release, with assistance from our case manager.

What is CATS “Emergency Services”?  Emergency Services (ES) staff are available for those inmates who are identified as being “at risk” of self harm and those who appear to need closer monitoring.  These staff work closely with Crisis Services staff at CMHA-CEI, for those needing further evaluation and possible hospitalization for safety reasons.

Who identifies inmates needing ES referrals and monitoring?  Referrals can come from family, friends, courts, Probation Officers, attorneys, other inmates, CMHA-CEI staff, ICJ staff and other sources in the community who have knowledge of previous or current self-harm and mental health issues.

How does an inmate get referred to CATS ES?  Inmates are referred through phone calls, kites, verbally from CMHA-CEI or ICJ staff or through ICJ incident reports that may identify mental health concerns.

How long does it take to be evaluated by CATS ES staff?  CATS ES staff see inmates within 24 hours of the initial referral, to evaluate for suicide risk, and then determine how often, if at all, they need to continue to monitor the inmate to keep them housed safely (exception:  weekends & holidays).

Does CATS ES staff monitor all medications for every ICJ inmate?  No.  The Medical Department of ICJ, part of the Ingham County Health Department, monitors inmates and their medications.

Will a potentially at risk inmate be seen even if he/she declines to participate?  Yes.  Once a referral is made, CATS ES staff will do their best to evaluate for suicide risk, even if the client does not want to talk or participate.  Every effort is made to explain the reason for the evaluation and ensure the inmate’s cooperation, for the screening.  If the inmate remains uncooperative, they will remain in an observation cell, where closer monitoring can continue.

Will information be made available to ICJ staff and/or others without a signed release?  Yes.  There are times when it is necessary to share “minimal” information with ICJ staff, in order to house the inmate safely.  This would be explained to the inmate and documented clearly.

Can family and friends call with concerns about an inmate?  Yes.  Calls can be taken, concerning mental health issues.  CATS staff cannot provide the caller with any information about the inmate unless there is a signed release from the inmate to allow this.

Can the inmate receive ongoing mental health services once released?  Yes.  CATS Supervisor is able to make a referral to all CMHA-CEI mental health programs for further services if the individual meets program criteria.  This is done through coordination with the CMHA-CEI Access Department, who can offer an assessment appointment for the client upon release.  

Applicants will only be considered for two positions at one time. There is no limit to the number of Relief positions for which you can apply. Once notified by email that the position has been filled, feel free to apply for more positions.

When your completed application is submitted, an acknowledgment is sent via e-mail to the email address you registered under. Please choose a reliable email address when creating your account.

The application process may take up to six weeks for processing. Candidates being considered for an interview will be contacted. Once a position has been filled, you will be contacted via email.

Yes. A valid email address is required, and you may apply from any computer with internet access.

No, click the Forgot Password link on the login screen. Enter the e-mail address originally used upon registration along with Social Security Number (formatted 000-00-0000) then click SUBMIT. You will receive your password at the email address entered shortly thereafter. If you have not received the reminder email within five minutes, check your Junk/Spam folder.

Yes. The application does require you to enter personal information including your social security number. All information submitted is confidential and secured.

To make changes to your application, log into the Job Applicant Center using your User ID and Password. Please note: the system does not allow you to make changes to your application after the job opening expires, so it is important that updates occur prior to the expiration date of the job opening.

No. If the job number and title are identical you do not need to reapply. Your application remains in the applicant pool.

Yes. Login and select Update Account and make desired changes.

The system will log you out after 10 minutes of no activity and you will need to log in again. Also, if you added our website to your Favorites list improperly, you may need to log in multiple times.

Yes. Just add https://careers.ceicmh.org to your favorites. Please note, if you have added our website to your Favorites list improperly you may need to log in again.

What is not allowed in the facility?  Cell phones, ipods, laptops, cameras, any hygiene product with alcohol base, nicotine products, magazines, food, beverages,  jewelry, except watches and wedding rings; and clothing depicting alcohol, drugs or demeaning language/pictures.
What medications are available to help with my withdrawal?  The program uses over the counter medication as well as prescription medication when indicated.  This prescribed medication, when indicated, is used to decrease blood pressure; decrease risk of seizures with withdrawal and medication for sleep. These will be prescribed by our Physician Team when the client meets the national withdrawal scale criteria for withdrawal.  TRC also uses auricular (ear) acupuncture to assist with client withdrawal and is available on a 24/7 basis.”
Does the program allow smoking?  No, the program does not allow any nicotine products while in treatment.  The program will provide a Nicotine patch during the detox stay.

What privileges do I have? During the three – five day stay in withdrawal management, individuals are provided a safe, caring, comfortable atmosphere with emotional and social support, as well as personal attention and arrangement of intake into the next level of care.  The restful atmosphere provides television, music and reading material.  Due to the short length of stay, day passes and visitations are not allowed.  Telephone use is only for arrangement of next level of care and arrangement of transportation upon discharge.  All clients receive a copy of the Program Rules and Recipient Rights information which detail rights and responsibilities.

Do you offer any family counseling? Yes, upon request to the therapist.
When are the property drop off hours?  Unless there is an emergent need, medication for example, there are no drop off times during the detoxification stay.

Where are you located?  The program is located at 812 E. Jolly Road, Suite 109, Lansing, MI 48910

Phone: (517) 267-7623

What are my expected daily activities while in treatment?  We have a daily schedule, which includes group therapy, 12 step meetings, auricular acupuncture, meditation, social interaction time, quiet time and individual counseling.
How long is your program?  The length of stay varies from three - five days depending on how an individual stabilizes during the withdrawal period.
Do you accept insurance? The program accepts Medicaid; does not accept commercial insurances.
Is this a “lockdown” facility?  No.
How often can I call home?  The program does not allow telephone use unless it is an emergency or individuals are arranging continuing treatment at another program.
What are the rooms like?  Rooms contain either four beds or two beds.  There are two bathrooms with showers that are private.

Are men and woman together in one facility?  Yes, on opposite sides of the suite.

What should I bring with me into the program?  A change of comfortable clothing for three - five days; this can include sweat pants, lounge pants, etc. Hygiene products, that do not contain alcohol.   All linens and meals are provided by the program.
May family members or friends talk to a counselor?  Only if a release of information is signed by the client, detailing what information can be released to specific individuals.

Individuals in the detoxification program are not allowed to go outside.

How often can I receive and send mail? Given the short stay, the program’s address is not used for mail.

What is not allowed in the facility?  Cell phones, ipods, laptops, cameras, any hygiene product with alcohol base, nicotine products, magazines, food, beverages,  jewelry, except watches and wedding rings; and clothing depicting alcohol, drugs or demeaning language/pictures.  We allow MP3 players as long as they do not have video or recording capabilities.

What privileges do I have?  Telephone availability (can only use staff phones for the first 72 hours).  Visitation from immediate family members is allowed on the third designated visit day after the individual's admission, which could be up to three weeks from their admission date.  The program does not allow for day passes.  All clients participating in services receive copies of the program rules and recipient rights information which detail rights and responsibilities.

Do you offer any family counseling?  Yes, upon request to the counselor.

When are the property drop off hours?  Drop off hours are any time for the first 72 hours. Then all drop off’s must be approved by the counselor and are expected to occur when the individual's counselor is on-sit to receive the drop-off.

Where are you located?  The program is located at 706 Curtis Street, Mason, MI  48854 (just off 127 at Cedar Street exit, behind the A&W restaurant).
What are my expected daily activities while in treatment?  The program has a daily schedule, which includes group therapy, 12 step meetings, lectures, social interaction time, quiet time and individual counseling.

How long is your program?  This depends on the person’s needs and any requirements of the courts.  The length of stay varies between 30 and 90 days.  It can be up to 150 days, although the average lenght of stay is 90 days. 

Do you accept insurance? The program accepts Medicaid; does not accept commercial insurances.
Is this a “lockdown” facility?  No.

How often can I call home?  Once an individual has telephone privileges (after 72 hours) they can use the pay phone to make calls during meal times and scheduled social interaction hours.  The program does not accept telephone calls from friends and family, unless there is an emergency; then the family member would need to speak to staff first.

What are the rooms like?  It is a dormitory, with ten bunk beds on each side. Each bed has a cabinet/locker, which includes space to hang clothes and three drawers.   Bathrooms and showers are private.  The program does not allow padlocks.
Are men and woman together in one facility? No.

What should I bring with me into the program?  Enough clothing to have clean clothes daily for at least six days.  Individuals can do personal laundry once a week.  Hygiene products that do not contain alcohol.  A phone card or change for the payphones.  The program has a candy machine and asks that individuals limit cash on hand to $20.00 per week, upon approval by assigned counselor.  All linens and food are provided by the program; although individuals are allowed to bring in brand new, in package pillows and linens.

May family members or friends talk to a counselor? Only if a release of information is signed by the client, detailing what information can be released to specific individuals.
Are we able to go outside or do we strictly have to stay inside?  Outside activities are scheduled when staff are available to be present while residents are outside.  The program sometimes will take residents bowling or to a movie.

How often can I receive and send mail? Daily, except weekends.  Mail is given to and distributed by assigned counselors.

What is not allowed in the facility?  Possession and consumption of drugs, including alcohol and non-prescription drugs; as well as weapons of any kind are not allowed in the Clinton County Counseling Center site.
Does the program allow smoking?  The building is a smoke free environment; smoking is not allowed in the clinic offices.
What privileges do I have?  All clients participating in services receive copies of the program rules and recipient rights information which detail rights and responsibilities.
Do you offer family counseling?  Yes.   Program therapists develop service plans with clients, through which specific needs are identified, including the need for family counseling.
Where are you located?  The program is located at 201 W Railroad St, Suite A, St. Johns, MI  48879, in the Southpointe mall near the intersection of Scott and Sturgis Roads.
May family members or friends talk to a counselor?  Family members and friends can discuss client care with a therapist upon the client’s written permission or release of information.  As noted, if they are involved in the client’s treatment, a release will be attained.  They may also apply for treatment for themselves, if they feel they have an issue that might be ameliorated by counseling.

How long is your program?  The length of counseling is based on individual progress in treatment and the medical necessity of provided services.  

Do you accept insurance? The program accepts Medicare and Medicaid. Commercial insurances may be accepted. Uninsured individuals may also apply for services which are funded by community block grant funds.

Respite Services, Community living Services (CLS), Residential Supports, Skill Building, Customized Employment, Supported Employment, Supported Work Experience, Clinical Services, and Case Management

A consumer may be eligible for AH services if they have Medicaid and require physical assistance with at least one activity of daily living. An individual who may qualify for AHH, must be assessed for AHH services before receiving CLS service from CMHA-CEI.

An example would be that an individual needs assistance with bathing and dressing. An AHH assessment would be completed through MDHHS and the individual may receive a few hours a week of adult home help assistance for showers and dressing.

Adult Day Care involves the day-time supervision of individuals in a group environment in a center or location. In Michigan, Adult day care is paid through the MI Choice waiver. This waiver is intended for seniors and individuals who are disabled who require a level of care consistent with that which is provided in a nursing home, but wish to remain living at home or in the community, such as in an adult foster care home or a home for the aged (similar to assisted living). In Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties, the MI choice waiver is operated by the Tri-County Office on Aging. For more information please visit their website at: https://www.tcoa.org/long-term-care/

Self Determination – A support option for individuals that provides the ability to directly control their services, including to recruit, hire, schedule, and supervise staff.

Fiscal Intermediary (FI) – An entity designed to assist individuals who choose a self-determination option in choosing and maintaining services as defined in the individual's plan of service. The FI provides assistance with managing an individual's budget.

Person-Centered Planning (PCP) enables individuals to identify and achieve their personal goals.

PCP is a way for people to plan their lives in their communities, set the goals that they want to achieve, and develop a plan for how to accomplish them. PCP is required by state law (the Michigan Mental Health Code (the Code)) and federal law (the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Final Rule and the Medicaid Managed Care Rules) as the way that people receiving services and supports from the community mental health system plan how those supports are going to enable them to achieve their life goals.

The process is used to plan the life that the person aspires to have, considering various options—taking the individual's goals, hopes, strengths, and preferences and weaving them into plans for the future. Through PCP, a person is engaged in decision-making, problem solving, monitoring progress, and making needed adjustments to goals and supports and services provided in a timely manner.

PCP is a process that involves support and input from those people who care about the person doing the planning. The PCP process is used any time an individual's goals, desires, circumstances, choices, or needs change. While PCP is the required planning approach for mental health and I/DD services provided by the CMHSP system, PCP can include planning for other public supports and privately-funded services chosen by the person.

Waivers are Medicaid Plans that are enhancements or additions to Medicaid State plan coverage for certain populations. There are specific eligibility criteria to be considered for a waiver plan.

Habilitation Supports Waiver (HSW) - To be eligible for HSW one must have a developmental disability (as defined by Michigan law); Be Medicaid-eligible; Be residing in a community setting; If not for HSW services, require intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities ICF/IID level of care service; Choose to participate in the HSW in lieu of ICF/IID service; and Receive at least one HSW service per month.

Children Waiver Program - A Medicaid Benefit plan that provides services that are enhancements or additions to Medicaid state plan services for children under the age 18 with developmental disabilities who have challenging behaviors and/or complex medical needs and meet criteria for admission to an ICF/IDD.

CMHA-CEI has two Quality Advisors, in the Quality, Customer Services and Recipient Rights Department who are responsible for conducting annual provider site reviews to ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards.

They use 3 tools; the State Office of Recipient Rights site-review, MSHN's HCBS site-visit tool, and CMHA-CEI's Quality & Compliance tool. Additionally, the Quality Advisors participate in several agency-wide work-groups inclusive of clinical and contracts staff, charged with insuring quality, communication, training, and support of internal and contract staff who provide residential, community living supports (CLS), and respite services to our consumers. Providers receive an orientation from clinical staff at the beginning of a contract, and have on-going support and direction from clinical staff and the Quality Advisors. Providers receive a quarterly newsletter from CMHA-CEI and Providers Meetings are held at least two times a year to provide additional support and direction.

Additionally, as concerns are brought our attention, additional checks and reviews are conducted (for fraud issues, Medicaid event verification, audit findings, etc.) through the compliance team.

Staff are required to complete Recipient Rights Orientation, First Aid Blood Borne Pathogens/Infection Control, HIPAA Privacy & Security, Person Centered Planning, Corporate Compliance, Limited English Proficiency, Cultural Competency, Environmental Safety, and De-Escalation Skills.

Additionally, staff who provide residential services are required to take CPR, Culture of Gentleness, and Basic Health and Medications. Staff are trained specifically to each consumer's individual plan of service, and may require additional training based on the consumer's needs.

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