The purpose of Shelby County Community Services (SCCS) is to provide and promote mental health and rehabilitation programs for the residents of Shelby County, Illinois. Our commitment spans over forty years from a modest beginning stemming from our county residents seeing and meeting a need for mental health services in the area. Since then our focus, capacity, and abilities have all expanded to strive for inclusion of all our underserved and disadvantaged neighbors in our community, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, national origin, financial means, developmental disability, mental disability or illness.
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Services Offered
Outpatient Mental Health Services
24 Hour Crisis Intervention
Available to anyone who is in mental health crisis. This crisis may consist of an immediate need for assessment and intervention after a suicide plan or attempt; when suicidal or homicidal ideals are present; or, when one is suffering from a serious psychiatric illness and is not able to provide for basic self-needs. To access this service during regular business hours please call 217-774-2113 or walk in to our office. If you are experiencing a crisis after business hours, please call 217-774-3961. Leave your name and phone number for the crisis worker. Mental Health Assessment
When one is in crisis or seeking mental health services, a mental health worker assesses necessary aspects to determine the appropriate plan of action. When accessing counseling services, the intake appointment consists of a preliminary assessment conducted by a SCCS clinician and includes basic info ration gathering about you and your problem. The entail health counselor assists you in determining the services most suited to your needs. Further in-depth assessment will be conducted in subsequent sessions, and continues to be an on-going process between client and counselor. Medication monitoring is an important form of assessment offered for those who are receiving psychiatric services and are on a medication program. Monitoring may be conducted by your assigned counselor, an agency nurse and/or your psychiatrist. Psychiatric Services
Conducted by licensed psychiatrist, and include psychiatric assessment, medication therapy and monitoring. These services are accessed upon the recommendation of a mental health clinician who has completed your mental health assessment.
Counseling Services
Individual, couples, family, child and adolescent, group counseling provided by trained mental health clinicians. Classes and Groups
Offered in response to the need of the community. Anyone who has an interest in a particular class or group may contact us to inquire of its availability. Children First Classes
Meet the legal requirements for divorcing parents of minor children who are seeking court intervention for issues of divorce, custody, child support, etc. SCCS is authorized to provide children First classes for Shelby, Christian, Fayette, and Montgomery counties. Children First classes consist of two 2 hour classes one week apart. These classes are available upon request by calling our office.
Fees and Payment
Shelby County Community Services is funded through revenues received from the Illinois Department of Human Services, The Shelby County Mental Health 708 Board, Private Donations, and income earned from prime production and subcontract work.
Services Offered To: Adults Couples Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual
Payment: Sliding Scale Medicare Medicaid
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Qualifying for assistance from Mississippi's program usually depends on the severity of your condition and financial circumstance. Read our full guide to Mississippi's 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.