How Do I Start?

How do I know if I need counseling?

Counseling may be appropriate if you or your family member are experiencing thoughts, emotions, or behaviors that are troublesome or affecting your relationships either at work, home, or school. Counseling helps persons who are experiencing worry, stress, loss of sleep, or unusual weight loss or gain. Counseling can be very helpful when alcohol and/or substances are interfering with the quality of your life.  If you are not sure if counseling is right for you, ask your physician or call the mental health center advocate at 587- 6980 for more information.  For more questions on the counseling process please go to the FAQ.

How do I pay?

The San Luis Valley Community Mental Health Center accepts Medicaid and many private insurances. A sliding fee scale is available to those without insurance.

 How do I get started?

Your first step is to complete client registration by calling 719-589-3671. Registration may also be completed on a walk-in basis in Alamosa on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8-11 a.m. Registration can also be arranged for other times when needed.

Your first appointment is called an intake.  A counselor will ask you questions about yourself, complete all the paperwork, and assess what kind of treatment will be best for your concerns. You will receive information about mental health center privacy policies at this time, and together you and your counselor will work on treatment goals.
  
Emergency services are available 24 hours a day for assessment/intervention in crises that may be related to one’s mental health.

What other services are available?

The Mental Health Center offers many programs and classes for adults, families and children.  We also work with agencies in the valley so that we can provide the support and resources you need to be healthy and productive. Our services are described with more detail in Services and Programs.