++ FAQ : Frequently Asked Questions ++

Do people recover from mental illnesses?
Historically, recovery has been regarded as abstinence from drugs or the absence of symptoms. But emerging definitions seek to go beyond abstinence or absence to include re-engagement with life. For more information about how people living with mental illnesses are redefining the meaning of recovery, visit http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/sma05-4129/

View the 10 Fundamental Components of Recovery online at: http://www.samhsa.gov/news/newsreleases/060215_consumer.htm
What are available mental health resources?
Mental health resources include inpatient services and outpatient services. You can contact your local Community Mental Health Clinic to find out what’s most appropriate for you.
When should I use mental health services?
If stress, or interpersonal or job-related tension, is interfering with your daily life or if a medical condition is causing you mental anguish, you may want to seek mental health care. If habitual use of legal or illegal substances is negatively affecting your health and/or your daily life, you should seek treatment for substance abuse. If you or a family member has recently experienced a traumatic event and you feel that you can no longer cope with the situation, seek help. These problems are just as important, and treatable, as medical problems.
How can I get an unwilling loved one into a treatment?
Any parish coroner or judge of a court of competent jurisdiction may order a person to be taken into protective custody and transported to a treatment facility or the office of the coroner for immediate examination when a peace officer or other credible person, including but not limited to a spouse, sibling, or parent of that person, executes a statement under private signature specifying that, to the best of his knowledge and belief, the person is mentally ill or suffering from substance abuse and is in need of immediate treatment to protect the person or others from physical harm.
How can I support a loved one in the recovery process?
When supporting a loved one in the recovery process, it is important that you first take care of yourself. Secondly, seek support from groups that offer services for family members in recovery. You can start by contacting NAMI at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or Meaningful Minds of Louisiana at 1-888-886-6882.
What kind of health care professionals provide mental health services?
When you seek mental health and or substance abuse treatment, you may see a variety of health care professionals which could include a primary care physician, physician assistant, clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, clinical social worker, registered nurse, or a nurse practitioner. You may also deal with a case manager from the insurance company or treatment facility. Depending on the type of your insurance, a case manager (CM) may, in conjunction with your health care provider, assess your health needs, refer you to a qualified practitioner, coordinate the services that you will receive, and/or follow up on your treatment. A qualified practitioner is any practicing health care professional licensed by the State to treat patients and provide health services.
Where can I find information about mental health disorders?
For information or for publications, go to SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center, www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov
The following organizations may be able to provide you with additional information:

National Institute of Mental Health
(301) 443-4513
Email: nimhinfo@nih.gov
www.nimh.nih.gov

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
(800) 950-6264
www.nami.org

American Psychological Association
(800) 374-2721
www.apa.org

American Psychiatric Association
(888) 357-7924
www.psych.org

Much of this content was adapted from the United States Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Available online at: http://www.samhsa.gov/