Mental health is a vital part of overall health and well-being. Being healthy includes enjoying emotional balance and having the ability to resolve personal and family issues with confidence.

How do I know if I need counseling?

Counseling may be appropriate if someone or a family member is experiencing thoughts, emotions, or behaviors that are troublesome or affecting relationships either at work, home, or school. Counseling helps persons who are experiencing worry, stress, loss of sleep, or unusual weight loss or gain. If you are not sure if counseling is right for you, ask your physician or call the mental health center advocate at 589-3671 for more information.

Is counseling confidential?

• The staff of the mental health center understands that your privacy is important to you. As mental health professionals, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical behavior, including honoring client confidentiality. Any questions about this can be answered by the consumer & family advocate or the intake worker.

How long does counseling last?

• The length of treatment varies according to your individual needs. You and your therapist can evaluate how many sessions will be needed for counseling to be effective.

Will I have to take medication?

• Medication can be an important part of treatment for persons with mental health concerns. However, medication is not always necessary for successful treatment. The SLVMHC has a psychiatrist, a prescribing nurse, and a child psychiatrist on staff who can answer questions about medication.

How do I pay?

• The San Luis Valley Comprehensive 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?

• Our 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 be assigned to another counselor for on-going services.
• Intakes are done on a walk-in basis in Alamosa on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 to 11am, and in Monte Vista on Tuesdays from 8-11.

Emergency services are available 24 hours a day for assessment/intervention in crises that may be related to one’s mental health.

Call us at 589-3671 for more information.

A brochure on Mental Health and Well Being is available here. (You'll need the free Adobe Reader, available by clicking here.)