Churches
People in distress often turn to their churches for guidance. Churches get involved through many pathways: family members ask for help with a loved one; a person asks for help for himself or herself; pastoral counseling brings a behavioral health or addiction problem to light. Whatever the pathway, HCAMS can help. We understand the role faith plays in both identifying the problem and assisting in the resolution. If the person seeks a treatment program grounded in his/her faith, we have such programs available.
Intervention
If the person denies the problem and/or resists getting help—a very common response in addiction and other behavioral health matters—HCAMS will assist in organizing an intervention. Prior to the actual intervention, those who plan to participate—the pastoral counselor, family members, and/or fellow congregants—will be taught how to confront the person in a loving but direct manner. At the intervention, they will offer evidence of the problem in order to break down the person's denial and motivate him or her to accept help. Immediately following the intervention, HCAMS will assist in placement in a treatment program. (See Setting Up an Intervention page.)
Placement
HCAMS provides education and recommends a course of out-patient and/or in-patient care. The service providers for this care are recommended on the basis of the client's needs, circumstances and resources available. If the client prefers to attend a program that reflects his/her religious beliefs, HCAMS will find a suitable faith-based program.
Insurance Coverage
HCAMS contacts the insurance provider to determine certification and pre-admission procedures, network providers, and treatment coverage. HCAMS provides medical verification to justify valid admissions and supplies documentation to substantiate the need for treatment and aftercare.
If the recommended care is not covered by insurance, we provide information about admission opportunities to charitable and indigent care facilities. If the person is without insurance, we provide information about public funding that may be available.
Case management
Case supervision is an important component of our services. Both the clinical care and the client's progress need to be monitored (job protective services are available upon request). Once the in-patient care is complete, the client will need an aftercare plan. HCAMS will assist with the implementation and monitoring of that plan. To the extent that the pastor and/or other congregants are included in that plan, they will be consulted and notified.
Training/consulting
HCAMS will provide education for clergy and lay staff who minister to church members. Topics include: