What is a mental health practitioner?
Mental health practitioners are the workers who provide ARMHS. They are commonly referred to as practitioners, or simply ARMHS workers. Once a participant has been deemed eligible for the program, they will be matched with a mental health practitioners who will come out to their home or meet them in the community to start services.
Who are mental health practitioners?
MPSS has high standards for mental health practitioners on our team. Most of our staff have a degree in either Psychology or Social Work, and are highly qualified and trained to teach skill building, access resources, and advocate for clients in the community. Each practitioner brings innate personal strengths to the table as well, and we encourage matching our practitioner's strengths to our program participant's needs. MPSS also provides intense in-house training for practitioners to prepare them for working with program participants.
Where do participants receive services?
Practitioners meet on a one-to-one basis in the participant's home or other community setting, such as the library or local coffee shop. If part of a goal plan, practitioners can accompany participants to other places in the community as well.
Who is eligible?
ARMHS is regulated and funded through the Minnesota Department of Human Services and serves people who are 18 years of age and older, who have been diagnosed with any mental illness. MPSS performs independent diagnostic assessments as part of the eligibility verification process. ARMHS is paid for by Medical Assistance (MA), the Minnesota state-based health insurance plan, and Minnesota Care. Participants must be eligible for or currently receiving MA to qualify for ARMHS. MPSS is certified to provide services across the metro area in the below counties, and participants must be receiving MA health plan benefits from one of these counties in order to qualify:
Can practitioners advocate for program participants in the community?
Yes. Advocating for participants is a significant part of ARMHS with the intent of alleviating or preventing a crisis for participants. Community resources and services can be vital to community integration and independent living. When appropriate, practitioners may advocate for participants with psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, instructors, lawyers, probation officers, families, or other agencies.
How are medication education services provided to participants?
These services are generally provided by registered nurses either individually or in groups. The goal is to educate participants about their mental health diagnosis and related symptoms, and explain the role and side effects of medications in treating their diagnosis. These services are coordinated with the participant's medication prescriber.
Do you have bilingual staff?
Yes. There are mental health practitioners and professionals who are bilingual. MPSS also effectively works with interpreters, as well. Please call the office for more information on languages available.
Who can make a referral?
Anyone can make a referral to ARMHS and we encourage you to call us if you have questions about getting involved in the program. Typically we receive referrals from: