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Frequently Asked Questions about SIRSS Programs and Services- How do you make an appointment?
- Call (618) 457-6703 and wait for the selection to talk to the screening specialist.
- How long will it take to get to see a counselor?
- There is usually less than a three week wait for an intake appointment. Often, the wait is even shorter.
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- What is an intake?
- An intake is an initial appointment where you complete application materials, see the billing clerk, and participate in an assessment with a counselor. During the assessment, you will be asked about the issues that have led you to seek services, as well as about other aspects of your life. Through an assessment, we identify your mental health service needs and make recommendations for the services that will be most appropriate to meet those needs. The whole intake process takes about two and a half hours.
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- I tried counseling before and they provided services I didn’t need. Are you any different?
- Consumers are actively involved in developing a treatment plan that is meaningful to them and is based on their personal goals for change. The treatment plans address the needs identified during the assessment. SIRSS’ motto is "Building Better Lives." During the treatment planning process, each consumer thinks about what "better" looks like for him or her. Think of a treatment plan as your road map to help reach those goals.
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- Are your services confidential?
- All information about you is held confidential and released only through procedures consistent with the Illinois Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code Chapter II, the Illinois Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act, the Code of Federal Regulations (42CFR), and agency policies. No staff from SIRSS may disclose that you or any other person is being served by SIRSS or divulge any part of your medical record without a valid "Consent for Disclosure of Records and Communications" form signed by you and a witness.
In the case of children under 12, a parent/guardian’s signature is also required. In the case of adolescents (12-18), both the adolescent and the parent/guardian must sign the form. If an adult consumer has a guardian, the guardian’s signature is required before any records can be released. Under certain circumstances, human service providers are mandated by law to disclose specific information without obtaining a consumer’s consent for disclosure. These circumstances include:
- What if I don't want my parents to know I am receiving services?
- A youth over the age of 12 can see a counselor for up to five sessions without parental notification.
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- Do you have Driving Under the Influence (DUI) related services?
- Yes, we conduct DUI evaluations, and all levels of required education/treatment.
What if I want a different counselor?- You should ask for one. Keep in mind that SIRSS retains the right to make the counselor assignment. If you strongly disagree with the decision, you can appeal it to your counselor's supervisor. If you are still not satisfied and you want to be heard, you may consult with the SIRSS Consumer Advocate who will aid you in presenting your case. You can reach the SIRSS Consumer Advocate by calling (618) 457-6703 and ask to be connected, or pick up a form in the waiting room.
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- How much will services cost?
- SIRSS is a full service agency with many funding sources. Ultimately, you are responsible for the cost of your services not covered by other payers. The cost of some services are covered by government grants, other costs may be covered by your insurance, or by Medicaid or Medicare if you are covered by those programs. We would be glad to talk to you about your payment options.
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- Do you have a sliding fee scale? What type of documentation do I need to bring?
- You may have your fee adjusted to a sliding scale by talking to our billing clerk and presenting the necessary documentation. This documentation consists of a Public Aid Number, a pay check stub, a W-2 Form, or a copy of your Federal Income Tax Form.
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- Do you have payment plans?
- We will work with you on arranging a payment plan.
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- Can I get my medication from SIRSS?
- Psychiatric services are available to customers engaged in a counseling program at SIRSS. Pharmacy services are not available at SIRSS.
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- Do you have couples/marital counseling?
- Yes, depending on counselor availability.
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- Do you offer family counseling?
- The Youth Services Program works with the whole family when it is appropriate.
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- Is your building handicapped accessible?
- Our first floor is on ground level. When scheduling an appointment, let us know of your accessibility needs and we will meet with you on the first floor.
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- Do you provide transportation?
- Some SIRSS programs provide transportation for their clients. It really depends on what services you are receiving. At present, we do not provide transportation for intake appointments.
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- Will you come to my house?
- Some programs provide services in our consumers' homes. Most do not. It depends on the service you are receiving.
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- Where are you located?
604 E. College, Carbondale, Illinois. Our facility is two buildings east of the Carbondale Fire Department's Station One. Get a Map and driving directions
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3D rendering of new SIRSS building.
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