Montgomery County's Behavioral Health department's mission is to provide quality, professional, confidential services to persons experiencing symptoms of a mental health or substance abuse disorder and to educate the community to promote a better understanding of such symptoms and their consequences.
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Services Offered
Outpatient Mental Health - Service includes individual and family counseling.
Substance Abuse - MCHD has an established substance abuse program open to all county residents in need of substance abuse treatment. We offer a variety of services including Outpatient Counseling, Psychiatric Services, Intervention, and DUI Services. Funding for this program is provided in part by DHS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.
The Outpatient Counseling program typically consists of a minimum of three months or 30 hours, of counseling unless otherwise specified (as in DUI cases). Outpatient counseling consists of individual sessions for 1 hour every 2 - 4 weeks and group counseling once a week for 2 hours. These sessions are used to focus on the individual's problems usually stemming from their substance abuse and examine ways to change their attitudes and behaviors. We concentrate on various issues such as denial, self-esteem, family, relationships, coping skills, addiction, values, consequences, and relapse prevention. However, we encourage our participants to present their own topics or concerns for discussion. Both the groups and the individual counseling are provided by Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors.
Domestic Violence Counseling
Fees and Payment
Services are available to all persons regardless of ability to pay.
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Qualifying for assistance from Illinois' program usually depends on the severity of your condition and financial circumstance. Read our full guide to Illinois' program.
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.