Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have a mental illness?
Mental illnesses are health conditions that impact a person’s thoughts, emotions, relationships, and daily functioning. They are often related to anxiety, grief, sadness, or other distress, and usually, a struggle to continue the regular activities of daily life.
There is a wide variety of mental illnesses; some are rather mild and only have small effects on certain areas of life. Others can be severe and have large impacts on daily life. Some of the more serious illnesses include major depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
Who does mental illness affect?
On average, mental illness affects one in five adults in the U.S. Mental illness does not discriminate; it can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, income, social status, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or background.
75 percent of mental health conditions develop by the age of 24 (NAMI).
Is there a cause for mental illness?
There is no exact reason or cause for mental illness, but research points to a mix of genetic, biological, psycho-social, and environmental factors as being the cause of most conditions.
Mental illness can run in the family. Genetics have a part in the development of a mental health disorder. If a parent, sibling or grandparent struggled with a disorder,
then that person’s genes may make them more likely to experience mental health symptoms like depression or anxiety or to develop a personality disorder. Also, if a person was raised in a family where one or more members are living with an untreated mental health disorder, it may cause them to pick up those behaviors and be less likely to get treatment later.
Why would I consider seeking behavioral health services?
There are numerous signs that you may want to seek help. You may start to wonder about needing behavioral health help when you feel overwhelmed and unable to cope with daily living effectively and healthily. You may have lost interest in activities you normally enjoy, worry excessively, sleep poorly, think unusual thoughts, or become unusually forgetful.
In severe situations, family, friends or doctors may express concern about you. “You just don’t seem like yourself. What’s wrong?” They may tell you your drinking is out of control or that you’ve become irritable and angry. Or they may simply pull away from you, leaving you feeling abandoned and alone.
I’m reluctant to receive mental health or behavioral health services. What should I do?
You can call us any time. Simply call and say that you are considering treatment but you are unsure if you are ready, how to proceed, if Focused Family Services is right for you, or any other questions you may have. Our receptionist staff will connect you with our Director, who will take the time to answer any questions you may have.
If you’d like to come in to meet, or maybe tour our facility, that too can happily be arranged. Just ask our Director and he’ll gladly accommodate you, and meet with you to answer any and all questions you have, make you feel at ease, etc. At that point, you can make a more informed decision as to if Focused Family Services is the right fit for you.
What Insurance Plans Do You Accept?
We accept all seven AHCCCS (Medicaid) health plans, which include Mercy Care, Health Choice, United Healthcare, Magellan Complete Care, Care1st, Banner Health, and Arizona Complete Care.
We also accept self-payment. Please contact us to discuss your costs if you will be paying out of pocket as we utilize a sliding fee schedule based off your income.
What services do you provide?
We offer a variety of general mental health services. We provide individual, family, couples, and group counseling. We currently offer group classes that address issues related to substance abuse, domestic violence/anger management, parenting, and mindfulness. We do also offer intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment.
We provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management services. In addition, we offer psychosocial and/or vocational rehabilitation services and full case management. We can offer most of these services in-office, via telehealth, or in the home and community to best meet our members where they are at.
Who Do You Provide Services For?
We strive in helping adults, couples, families, and children that are seeking care for general mental health and behavioral health struggles, as well as substance use/abuse concerns.
We are committed to providing quality services to our community, focusing on providing each individual member by focusing on integrity, dignity, and respect to enhance the quality of life for the members and families we serve.
How Can I Schedule or Reschedule an Appointment?
To schedule, or reschedule, an appointment simply call us at 602-253-6259, Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM.
You can also use the option here to send us a message.
What will happen when I arrive for my first visit?
Our Intake Coordinator Leticia will walk you through the entire process over the phone. Rest assured you’ll feel comfortable before even walking through our doors. When you first visit our clinic for your initial appointment, our receptionist will guide you through your brief and simple check-in.
There will be some forms and questionnaires to complete while you wait to meet our staff for your intake. These are only needed during your first appointment. After your initial visit, check-ins are always very quick and accommodating.
How long is a typical Appointment?
The initial appointment generally takes a few hours. Between the intake process and our evaluation, it does take a little bit of time. Don’t worry though, our staff will assist you every step of the way! Appointments after that really depend on the type of services being delivered.
Counseling sessions are typically an hour. Group classes are two hours. Case management or psychosocial/vocational rehab services depend on your needs, and we are available to assist you for the time needed to accomplish your goals.
How long will I be in treatment?
Length of treatment varies depending upon the issues you are facing, and the nature of the treatments that you and your provider select based on your personal needs. Our goal is to always provide services as individualized to your needs as possible.
You and your provider can work together to discuss your treatment to gain the most benefit possible. With that said, all services offered at Focused Family Services are completely voluntary, and you will always have the final say in your treatment, at every level, at every step.
Is my treatment confidential?
All staff members at Focused Family Services comply with state and federal rules and regulations regarding patient confidentiality which will be discussed once treatment starts.
We value the privacy and confidentiality of all members that we work with and ensure that your privacy and confidentiality are one of our utmost concerns.
How is Focused Family Services different?
We are a small agency. Many benefits come with this. Most importantly, the members we provide services for aren’t just numbers or names without a face. They are people that our staff come to know over time. You’re recognized and welcomed when you come in. By our receptionist staff, by all of the staff personnel that is working directly with you, and generally also by our leadership team.
Our Clinical Director Eric greatly enjoys taking the time to meet with members at various times to see how they’re doing, to discuss the services they are receiving, and to see if there is anything he can do to assist them! That tight-knit and personalized person-centered approach is something that has become rare over the years but is not something we have ever lost sight of.
What Should I Do In Case of an Emergency?
If you are experiencing a crisis related to your behavioral or mental health and stability, call the Crisis Response Network at (602) 222-9444. For acute emergencies where you feel your health and/or safety are in danger, please call 911.
You can also visit the AHCCCS page HERE for crisis hotline numbers.
How can I Join Your Team?
If you’d like to join our team, we welcome you to check out our Careers page, to see what current openings we have available.
If you are looking for an internship or volunteer placement, please feel free to give us a call to discuss what you would need and/or desire to gain from working with us, and we would love to discuss it further with you.
Schedule An Appointment
Contact Focused Family Services Community Health Center today to enroll in services or schedule an appointment.