FAQ

Defining Mental Illness

A condition in which thinking, emotions and behavior are changed in a way that is not ordinary for an individual. Changes have to be significant enough to negatively impact a person’s routine sufficiently to create distress in self and/or others in their life. If this occurs early in life the individual would follow a different life course than would have been true for them. Symptoms of mental illness can lead to harm of self or others, physical health problems, legal troubles, inability to pursue certain goals or maintain self-sufficiency. Symptoms can be episodic or chronic and impact can be mild to severe.

The Variety of Ways Mental Illness Can Manifest

Thoughts:

• Sped up, slowed down, not in a logical order, not true, ruminating

Emotions:

• Exagerrated, numb, not expected given situation, not within one’s control, quickly changing, chronic extreme mood

Behaviors:

• Yelling, destroying, crying, picking, starving, vomiting, eating nonedible things,
• Isolating, oversleeping, not sleeping, dressing oddly, lack of awareness of dress or hygiene, odd social behaviors, not making eye contact
• Compulsive placement of items, having to count or recite or touch things for “no” reason
• Avoiding: situations, people, facts, things in nature, routine life activities, memories
• Nonsensical speech, believing things that are not true or even possible, seeing/feeling/ hearing/smelling imaginary things

Origin Of Mental/Emotional Disorders

• Genetic / Biological (chemical imbalances)
• Result of experiences
• Developmental
• Neurological
• Injury-induced

Lincoln offers four different ways to receive help with housing. Your primary clinician is the one to contact to get you started. They may offer assistance themselves depending on your need, or refer you to one of the following programs.

• Residential
• Housing Connect
• Fairweather Lodge Program

Lincoln has free kits for those receiving services here and are happy to share with those who care for them. Please speak with the individual’s case manager. If you do not have that name, ask for the Program Manager or Program Coordinator.

Mindful Yoga Therapy is a collection of simple and effective practices that have been adapted for people recovering from trauma. The objective is to help participants find a calm and steady mind/body connection to support productive and peaceful lives.

Mindful Yoga Therapy is different from other yoga as it:

• Cultivates breathing practices that promote grounded present-moment awareness and self-acceptance.
• Provides tools that can help manage stressful situations, anxiety and sleep.
• Develops techniques that balance the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems promoting a more mindful and less reactive response to life events.
• Empowers self-observation and choice in order to avoid falling into old patterns.
• Creates a sense of calm and stability through mindfully-based movement practices.
• Is designed to empower oneself through self-awareness and choice.
• Offers tools for self-care and self-management of emotions.

Mindful Yoga is led by a skilled instructor in an environment that has been adapted to help participants to feel safe, secure and supported. It is held in 10-week sessions that can be repeated. At this time it is offered in person and on zoom.

If you are interested please let your primary clinician know and they will refer you. You will need your primary care physician to sign a form saying you are medically able to engage in yoga. You can find more information about this evidence-based practice at www.mindfulyogatherapy.org

Accepted insurances change frequently. This list will be updated when there are changes. Please note the date shown.

• If you do not see your insurance listed, it still may be possible that it could be accepted. Please call 313-450-4500 and leave a message for the Billing Department with your insurance information and it will be checked.
• If you have mental health issues related to a vehicle accident, we may be able to bill your auto insurance company. Please call 313-450-4500 and leave a message for the Billing Department with your insurance information and it will be checked.

Insurances Accepted (as of 6/2/2021)

• All Medicaid and Healthy Michigan plans
• AmBetter
• AARP
• Aetna / Signature Admin GEHA
• Alliance Health & Life Insurance
• BCBS of Michigan
• BCBS FEP (Federal Employment Program )
• Beacon Health/ Value Options
• Blue Care Network
• Champ VA
• Cigna
• Cofinity
• Hap (Health Alliance Plan)
• Humana Commerical
• Healthchoice of Michigan
• Optum Health Behavioral Solutions
• Magellan
• Merdian Choice
• Meritain Health
• Molina Commerical/Molina Market Place Silver
• Optum Health Behavioral Solutions
• Pivot Health
• Priority Health Commerical
• Tricare North / VA & Triwest VA /& Tricare East Region
• Total Health Care HMO
• United Health Plan / United Health Care/AARP
• UMR

Medicare Plans

• Medicare Part B
• Medicare Part C / Advantage Plans
• Aenta, Alliance/ Health&Life
• BCN Advantage
• Hap Senior Plus
• Humana
• Medicare Plus Blue
• Molina
• Molina Complete SNP
• Priority Health
• Palmetto Railroad
• Reliance
• Total Health Care
• United Health Care
• WellCare

There are many practices you can put in place to help you stay sober, and by implementing the following tips, you will lessen your risk of relapse. Learn how to break addiction habits and identify cravings so you can manage and avoid the urge to relapse.

• Examine your old patterns of behavior and make appropriate adjustments.
• Staying active is an important part of whole-body wellness during recovery.
• Exercise during recovery is especially good for dealing with cravings, as the natural endorphins relieve stress and make you feel well.
• Regularly attend AA or NA meetings.
• Recognize the signs of slipping back into addiction.
• Speak with a professional to learn all the factors that lead up to and stem from use, that are unique to you.

• https://www.thecabinchiangmai.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Addiction-Recovery-Guide.pdf

No, abstinence is not a requirement to attend Co-Occurring treatment. There are different pathways to recovery. You are in control and you decide what success looks and feels like to you.

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/harm-reduction

To receive a particular diagnosis, you must meet a certain number of criteria, according to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). There are many checklists online that may help individuals to become aware that they meet certain criteria, but it is important to be assessed by a professional. This individual will look at alternative explanations for the symptoms you may have. They take into consideration medical causes, past history of trauma, family history, etc. For example, a person may have “racing thoughts”. This could be explained by Bipolar Disorder, an anxiety disorder, ADHD or sleep apnea. It could be situational or maybe just too much caffeine. They may also find that you have more than one diagnosis.

At Lincoln you will be scheduled to meet with an intake staff who will review any records you may have. This person will determine your initial diagnoses. You will also meet with a psychiatrist/prescriber who will complete a psychiatric evaluation and either leave that initial diagnosis or update/change it. Annually, the clinician assigned to your case will review your diagnoses. People should be aware of their diagnoses and ask questions as needed. Your diagnosis is not a label. It is a guide to help direct your treatment.

Lincoln has a Co-Occurring program. The term "co-occurring" used to be called "dual diagnosis" and refers to multiple diagnoses occurring together. In the mental health field it refers specifically to those who experience addiction, in addition to one or more other mental disorders. Historically, these two areas were treated separately. One side thought you have to get clean before knowing the mental health issues remaining. The other side believed that someone won't get clean until they work on their mental health problems. Eventually, it was realized that treatment had to occur simultaneously to be effective.

Living with mental illness and addiction can be overwhelming and the treatment of it quite complex. Fortunately strategies have been created through much study, with evidence showing that they work.

According to https://www.nimh.gov “Serious mental illness (SMI) is defined as mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder resulting in serious functional impairment, which substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities.” Major life activities include work, school, and daily life and other expected role responsibilities.

LBS does see some children with disabilities such as autism, ADHD and learning disabilities, but it depends on a few factors.

• All children must have a mental health related disorder, that may stem from or be in addition to the developmental or intellectual disability.
• If a child’s intellectual capacity is quite low, they would be better served at agencies that specialize in that population. You may call Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) at 800-241-4949 and tell them you would like treatment for your child who has a developmental disability.
• If you are seeking assistance with specific areas of difficulty due solely from your child being on the autism spectrum, you may want to contact Centria Autism. This agency offers Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy which is considered “the single most effective treatment for children with autism, and the only one shown to make significant, long-lasting improvements”. https://www.centriahealthcare.com/autism
  • DWIHN also offers an initial phone screening for Autism, which may last 30-45 minutes. If the screening determines likelihood for this diagnosis, you will receive a referral for a complete evaluation with the provider of your choice.

Yes we do. Please call our office at 313-937-9500 to schedule an intake appointment.

• Please review what services we offer at this link: https://lbscares.org/services/child-and-family-outpatient/
• For children 0-6 years of age, you can call our office at 313-937-9500 to schedule an intake appointment.
• For children 7-17 years of age, who have Medicaid, please call Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) at 800-241-4949 and tell them you would like mental health treatment at LBS for your child.
• For children 7-17 years of age, who have any other insurance, please call our office at 313-937-9500 to schedule an intake appointment.

In the State of Michigan:

• “A minor 14 years of age or older (to age 17) may request and receive mental health services and a mental health professional may provide mental health services, on an outpatient basis… without the consent or knowledge of the minor's parent, guardian”
• This does not include:
  • Receiving a referral for the termination of a pregnancy
  • Receiving psychiatric medication
• The mental health professional may determine “that there is a compelling need for disclosure based on a substantial probability of harm to the minor or to another individual”
• Services provided to a minor under this section shall be limited
  • To not more than 12 sessions or 4 months per request for services.
  • After the twelfth session or fourth month the mental health professional shall end the treatment or notify the parent or guardian, with the consent of the minor, to obtain consent to provide further outpatient services.
• The parent or guardian, is not liable for the costs of services already received.
• The mental health professional is still mandated to report suspected child abuse or neglect even if learned during the first 12 sessions or 4 months.

Section 3 of the Child Protection Law, Act No. 238 of the Public Acts of 1975

Yes! Lincoln Behavioral Services has a Supported Employment program that can help some clients to create a resume, apply for jobs, and provide support when needed at their new job. Talk with your Case Manager or Therapist about a referral to this program.

Learn More

Yes, in most cases, you will end up with more money by working than not working. You may need to keep your earnings under a certain limit for SSDI or your SSI check may be reduced as you earn money. Information can also be obtained at Disability Benefits 101 https://mi.db101.org/ or you can contact the Benefits to Work Coach through the Supported Employment Department.

There may be limits to how much you can earn and keep your health insurance or you may have to pay a small monthly premium. You can contact the Benefits to Work Coach through the Supported Employment Department at Lincoln Behavioral Services to find out more information. Information can also be obtained on at Disability Benefits 101 https://mi.db101.org/ . You can also talk with your Social Security office and DHHS worker to find out what will happen with your insurance when you start to work.

There is no limit on hours worked. Social Security only counts how much money you earn per month. If you have SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), you must make under a certain limit called Substantial Gainful Activity, which changes every year. You can contact the Benefits to Work Coach through the Supported Employment Department at Lincoln Behavioral Services to find out more information. Videos on SSDI and Planning for Work and SSDI Work Incentives are available at at Disability Benefits 101 https://mi.db101.org/, which explain working and benefits. Scroll thought all the video choices at the bottom of the home page. You can also talk to your local Social Security office for more help.

There is no limit on hours worked. Social Security only counts how much money you earn per month. If you have SSI (Social Security Income), only half your income will count after the first $85.00 you earn each month.

For example, if you earn $585.00 each month, Social Security will not count the first $85.00 and then reduce your monthly check by $250.00.

Yes, the Supported Employment department can assist clients who have felony records to find employment.

Learn More

Yes, the Supported Employment Department can help you to find a job with your specific situation and talk with potential employers on your behalf.

Please see our Resource Page.

ENCOURAGING STATEMENTS
I’m doing the best I can.
I will make it through this.
I’m not alone, I have support.
Tomorrow is a new day.
It won’t last forever.
Things will get better.
Everything is as it should be.
No one is perfect.
Look at how far I’ve come.
There are better days to come.
I have skills now.
Next time it will be easier.
I can do this.

I will do this.
I can learn from this.
Everything is not my fault.
I’ve survived worse than this.
Don’t give up or quit.
I’m strong enough to do this.
I’m confident and capable.
It will get better.
I’ll feel so much better afterward.
I’m one step closer to my goal.
I will survive.
It’s okay.
My best is good enough.
I can do better.
I trust myself and my opinions.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
I can do anything if I put my mind to it.
Accentuate the positive.
I don’t agree and that’s okay.
I have hope.

BEING MINDFUL WITH A LEMON

The mind is a very powerful tool. To demonstrate how your mind can affect your body, we’re going to do a short activity using the mind. close your eyes and get comfortable.

• Imagine you’re holding a big, bright yellow lemon wedge. Picture it in your mind.
• You can feel the texture of the lemon rind on your fingers.
• Now lift the lemon to your nose. You can smell its strong, citrus aroma.
• Now, bring the lemon to your mouth and take a big bite out of the lemon. It’s juicy, the juice squirts all through your mouth. You can taste the tart lemon juice filling your mouth. The juice dribbles down your chin.
• Suck the juice from that lemon.

What happened to your body while you were imagining the lemon juice in your mouth?

From: Chronic Disease Self-Management Program Manual, Stanford University

Two Wolves - - A Cherokee Legend

An old Cherokee chief was teaching his grandson about life...

"A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy.

"It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves.

"One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance,

self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority,

self-doubt, and ego.

"The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility,

kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion,

and faith.

"This same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other

person, too." The grandson thought about it for a minute and

then asked his grandfather - "Which wolf will win?"

The old chief simply replied, "The one you feed."

Mental illness has been a part of the human condition since the beginning of known history. Some would say as early as 6500 BC, due to evidence found in remains. Asylums date back to the beginning of the 16th century. There may have been people who didn’t believe in the existence of mental illness throughout ancient and more recent historical times, but the idea has never gone away. Mental illness has been attributed to “an imbalance between complementary positive and negative bodily forces (according to Chinese medicine’s concept of yin and yang as early as 2700 BC), evil spirits, wandering uterus’, demonic possession, deficiency in or especially an excess of one of the four essential bodily fluids (i.e., humors)—blood, yellow bile, black bile, and phlegm, punishment from God, and probably many more.

It is likely people are skeptical because the origin starts in the brain and is invisible. What is visible are behaviors, hygiene, habits, reactions, etc. All these can be explained by judgments: no self-control, a slob, just doesn’t care, stupid, lazy, must be on drugs and more. Many symptoms are experienced at a lesser level by all humans. We all have bad moods, feel nervous at times, overeat, have periods of insomnia, etc., and believe that because we came out of it and took care of ourselves, that everyone can. A bad mood is very different than a major depressive episode, which can be debilitating, and fatal.

Another way that illness is considered real stems from its being based on something external. “most people think of diseases as external invaders of the body like bacteria, viruses, or parasites”. Diseases result in coughing, vomiting, passing out, changes in our body like enlargement of knuckles with arthritis. Mental illness is most often based on self-report of symptoms and family history.

As medicine continues to make advances we accumulate more proof of the existence of mental illness. One way is through brain scans:

https://www.technologynetworks.com/neuroscience/videos/heres-what-we-learned-from-83000-brain-scans-297185

For a long time the existence of fibromyalgia was questioned. It was later determined to be a neurologic chronic health condition. Does anyone question dementia? The brain rules over all that is physical and mental/cognitive in the human body. Doesn’t it make sense that impairment could create false thinking and sensations, unexplained mood states? Sometimes a potential illness won’t manifest unless triggered. Nature vs. nurture should really be nature and nurture. Be assured that no one with mental illness wants it. It is a very real thing.

https://nobaproject.com/modules/history-of-mental-illness

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/supersurvivors/201705/is-mental-illness-real