Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services (ARMHS) is a community-based mental health program that helps adults rebuild and gain essential life skills needed for independent living. Think of it as “real-life skills coaching” for those living with serious mental health conditions. Instead of traditional office therapy, ARMHS providers come to your home or community to work alongside you on the challenges you face in daily life. Our ARMHS program is strengths-based and person-centered – we focus on your abilities and goals, not just your illness. It’s also recovery-focused, meaning we believe that with the right support, you can overcome obstacles caused by mental health symptoms and achieve a fulfilling life in the community.
We teach and practice practical skills with you, step by step. This can range from managing your mental health symptoms (like coping with anxiety or mood changes) to daily living skills such as cooking, cleaning, or using public transportation. The goal is to make these tasks easier and more routine for you.
Together, we identify your personal goals – maybe you want to find a job, go back to school, or keep your apartment clean. We then break down those goals into achievable steps. An individualized plan (often called an Individual Treatment Plan or ITP) is created to support your journey.
Our practitioners help you understand and manage your mental health symptoms. We might work on recognizing triggers, practicing coping strategies for stress or depression, and monitoring your medication (teaching you about what you take, why you take it, and how to manage refills).
Being part of a community is important for wellbeing. We assist with things like finding and engaging in meaningful activities (volunteering, clubs, faith communities), building social skills to improve relationships, and connecting you to resources like support groups or drop-in centers.
A big part of our ARMHS approach is helping you stay safe and stable. We work with you to create a crisis plan early on – identifying warning signs that you’re struggling, and planning out what to do (and who to call) if things start to escalate. Your ARMHS worker will also help you build skills to cope with stress and setbacks, so small problems don’t become big crises.
ARMHS is designed for adults (18+) in Minnesota who have a mental health diagnosis (like depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, etc.) that makes it hard to do everyday tasks. It’s meant for those who want to improve their independence but need some structured support to get there. Typically, clients in ARMHS have a diagnostic assessment that shows services are medically necessary and have Medical Assistance (Medicaid/PMAP) insurance, which covers the cost.
We’ll begin with gathering some background information. If you have a recent diagnostic assessment (within the last 6 months) from a mental health professionals, that helps identify your needs and confirms that ARMHS is a good fit. We’ll also discuss what you want to achieve.
Your ARMHS practitioner will work with you (and with your case manager or family, if you’d like) to create an Individualized Goal Plan. This plan lists the skills you want to learn or improve and sets specific, achievable goals. For example, your plan might include learning to cook 3 simple meals, practicing coping skills for anxiety, or building a daily routine with a regular sleep schedule.
Generally, your ARMHS worker will meet with you at least once a week for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Sessions can happen at your home or somewhere in the community (like a library, coffee shop, or while running errands together) – wherever makes sense for the skill we’re working on. During visits, you’ll work side-by-side on the tasks and skills in your plan. It’s very hands-on: if budgeting is a goal, you might work on a budget together.
Learning a new skill or habit takes time and practice. Your ARMHS practitioner will coach you through challenges, celebrate your successes, and troubleshoot things that aren’t working. We review your progress together regularly (for example, every few months) and update your goals as needed.
We often collaborate with your other providers to give you well-rounded support. With your permission, we can be in touch with your therapist, psychiatrist, or doctor to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding your care. If you have a case manager or other support person, we’ll include them in planning and updates (again, with consent). We can also involve family members or other key supporters in your life, if that’s something you’re open to. Communication and teamwork are key parts of our service.
ARMHS is not meant to last forever – the ultimate goal is that you gain enough skills and stability to no longer need this intensive support. Some people work with us for a few months, others for a few years; it really depends on your needs and progress. When you and your team feel you’ve met your goals and are ready, we’ll plan a careful transition.
We recognize that many individuals seeking ARMHS have been through difficult, sometimes traumatic experiences. Our staff is trained in trauma-informed practices.
While we’re not a crisis service (like a 24-hour crisis line), we put a strong emphasis on preventing crises. Early in services, we help you create a personalized crisis plan – identifying triggers, warning signs, and preferred interventions if you start to feel overwhelmed.
Some programs might focus just on immediate issues; we certainly tackle those, but we’re always keeping an eye on the big picture – your long-term independence. From day one, we ask: “How will this help this person live the life they want on their own?” We aim to equip you with tools you can use long after ARMHS ends.
We know that building trust is crucial, and that comes from showing up consistently. You will have a dedicated ARMHS practitioner assigned to you, and they’ll be your primary support each week. In the rare case they’re unavailable, we have backup plans so you’re not left alone for long.
We adhere to the state-defined ARMHS guidelines, but we don’t stop at “checking the boxes.” Our services are creative and person-driven. If something is important to you, we find a way to make it a part of our work.
Learn to manage household tasks, personal care, and finances more effectively, so day-to-day life becomes smoother and less stressful.
Gain tools to handle your mental health symptoms (like anxiety, depression, hallucinations, etc.), reducing their impact on your ability to function. This might mean fewer bad days and more stability in your routine.
Develop a strong plan for maintaining your wellness and avoiding setbacks. We help you identify early warning signs and triggers, so you can act before things worsen. With these skills, many clients experience fewer crises or hospital visits.
Mastering new skills and achieving goals – no matter how small – boosts your self-esteem. Over time, you’ll likely find you feel more confident making decisions and trying new things, because you know you have coping strategies to lean on.
By working on communication skills and engaging with community resources, you can reduce isolation and build a support network. Having even one or two supportive people in your life (friends, family, peers, or professionals) can make a huge difference in recovery. We help you strengthen those connections.
If employment or schooling is one of your goals, ARMHS can be a bridge to get you there. We can assist with things like setting a daily schedule to mimic work hours, volunteering as a step toward a job, practicing interview skills, or managing anxiety in a classroom.
By working on communication skills and engaging with community resources, you can reduce isolation and build a support network. Having even one or two supportive people in your life (friends, family, peers, or professionals) can make a huge difference in recovery. We help you strengthen those connections.
If you or someone you know could benefit from ARMHS, reach out to us today. We’re happy to answer any questions and walk you through how to get started. Your journey to a more independent life can start now. Contact us for a free consultation or visit our For Families & Clients page for FAQs about the process.
We greatly value our referral partners – county case managers, social workers, healthcare professionals, and community organization staff. You play a crucial role in connecting individuals to the services they need, and we strive to make the referral process as smooth and collaborative as possible. When you refer a client to our ARMHS program, you’re not just handing them off; you’re gaining a partner in their care. We work with you to ensure the client gets comprehensive, well-coordinated support.
We know timely access is important. Our intake team commits to contacting referred clients within 1-2 business days of receiving the referral. We can often schedule the initial meeting and start services sooner than larger providers, helping clients get support when they need it most.
No lengthy bureaucracy here. We have a simple referral form (online or PDF) that captures the essentials. If you ever have questions while filling it out, just call us and we’ll walk through it together. We’re also happy to accept your agency’s standard referral paperwork if that’s easier for you – whatever makes the process seamless.
You’ll have a specific intake coordinator assigned to handle your referrals. This means you communicate with the same person, who will keep you updated on the status (referral received, intake scheduled, etc.). No chasing down info – we keep you in the loop.
Step 1: Download the Referral Form (PDF) from our website or use our secure online referral form. The form will ask for basic client information, insurance (MA/PMAP) details, diagnosis, and a brief description of why ARMHS is needed (e.g., areas of impairment or skill deficits).
Step 2: Fill out the form with as much detail as you have. More info helps us prepare, but don’t worry if some fields are unknown – we can gather details during intake.
Step 3: Submit the form – if online, just hit submit and it comes directly to us. If using the PDF, you can fax it to 612-471-9686 or email it securely to info@ascendrehabsolutions.org. (Our fax is HIPAA-compliant, and we have encrypted email options to protect client privacy.)
Step 4: You’ll receive a confirmation email or call from our intake coordinator within one business day, so you know we got it. We’ll let you know the next steps, such as when we plan to contact the client.
If you prefer a more personal touch or have a complex situation to explain, simply call our Intake Line at 612-471-9686. Our intake coordinator will gather the referral info over the phone. This is also a great time to discuss any specific concerns (for example, safety issues, language needs, best times to reach the client, etc.). We will fill out the internal referral form on your behalf during the call.
We’ll again confirm receipt and follow up with next steps, similar to the above.
Once we have the referral, we verify the client’s eligibility (confirm Medical Assistance/insurance status, ensure a qualifying diagnostic assessment is in place or in progress). If anything is missing, we’ll coordinate with you to sort it out (for example, arranging an assessment).
Our team will assign an ARMHS practitioner who seems like a good fit. We consider factors like the client’s location, personality, specific needs (e.g., do they prefer a practitioner of a certain gender or someone experienced with a particular issue like substance use or trauma?).
The assigned practitioner or our intake coordinator will then reach out to the client directly to schedule the first meeting. We aim to schedule the intake meeting within 1-2 weeks of the referral (oftentimes sooner). If we have any difficulty reaching the client, we’ll inform you and possibly ask for your help to connect.
After the initial intake appointment, we will update you on the outcome: Did the client agree to services? When is the first skill session set? We’ll share the general plan moving forward. If for some reason the client declines or isn’t eligible, we’ll let you know that too, along with any recommendations for other options.
Our commitment doesn’t end at intake. As your client engages in ARMHS, here’s how we continue to support the partnership:
Progress Reports: At least once a month (or at intervals you prefer), we’ll send you a brief report on goals worked on and progress made. We can use your agency’s format or our own. We highlight successes as well as any concerns. For longer-term clients, we also do quarterly treatment plan reviews – we can share these updates with you.
Immediate Alerts: If something urgent arises (e.g., client is hospitalized, we discover a significant safety issue, or the client isn’t attending sessions), we will inform you right away rather than waiting for the next report. Timely communication can help us jointly address issues.
Team Meetings: We invite you to participate in the client’s initial goal planning if possible, and any subsequent care conferences. If the client has multiple services (therapy, psychiatry, ARMHS, etc.), a coordinated meeting can be very beneficial. We’re happy to coordinate or host these meetings.
Transition Planning: When a client is nearing their goals, we’ll loop you in early to plan next steps. Maybe they’ll step down to a lower level of care or just need minimal check-ins. We ensure there’s a discharge plan and that the client (and you) know what’s next. If additional referrals are needed (to other programs, housing, vocational, etc.), we often rely on the case manager’s expertise to plan that hand-off together.
Feedback Loop: We consider you a key stakeholder. If you ever feel the client isn’t progressing or have suggestions to adjust the approach, we welcome that input. Sometimes a quick brainstorm between our practitioner and the case manager can solve a challenge (e.g., figuring out how to encourage attendance or adjusting goals). Don’t hesitate to reach out at any time during the service.
We have a Referral Partner Toolkit available upon request or via our website. This includes:
Printable ARMHS Overview: A one-pager you can give to clients or families explaining ARMHS in simple terms.
Eligibility Checklist: A quick guide on who qualifies for ARMHS and what info/documentation is needed, to streamline referrals.
Crisis Plan Template: We use a standard template for crisis prevention plans. If you’d like a copy to integrate with the client’s overall care plan, we can share it so everyone is on the same page in case of crisis.
Contact Directory: Direct phone/email for key staff (intake coordinator, clinical supervisor, etc.) so you can reach the right person quickly when needed.
FAQs for Professionals: Answers to common questions other case managers have asked us – e.g., how we handle no-shows, how we coordinate transportation for community outings, etc.
ARMHS stands for Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services. In plain language, it’s a program that helps adults with mental health challenges learn and rebuild important life skills so they can live more independently and manage their mental health better.
Think of it as a blend of coaching, therapy, and hands-on help with everyday things. Unlike traditional therapy that might happen in an office, ARMHS typically happens in your home or community, focusing on real-life situations.
For example, an ARMHS worker might help you create a daily routine, teach you how to cook simple meals, go with you to the grocery store to practice shopping on a budget, or role-play how to talk to your landlord or boss. They also help you understand your mental health symptoms and develop coping skills (like what to do when you feel a panic attack coming on, or how to stick to taking your medications). Over time, these supports can reduce stress for both clients and families, because the person receiving services becomes more capable and confident in taking care of themselves.
In short, ARMHS can help stabilize crisis situations, reduce the need for hospitalization, and help someone get back on their feet with the skills they need for day-to-day life.
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It’s about empowering the person to handle life’s challenges more effectively.
ARMHS is meant for adults (18 or older) who are living with a serious mental health condition that makes it hard to do daily tasks. Typically, a person qualifies for ARMHS if:
They have a documented mental health diagnosis (such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, PTSD, etc.).
Because of this mental health condition, they struggle in three or more areas of daily life (for instance: managing personal care, living on their own, working, maintaining relationships, or managing money) In other words, the illness is really impacting their independence.
A mental health professional has done a Diagnostic Assessment (a formal evaluation) and recommended ARMHS as a necessary service. If you haven’t had this assessment yet, we can help coordinate one.
The person is on Medical Assistance (MA) or a similar insurance (PMAP) that covers ARMHS.
In Minnesota, ARMHS is usually a service paid for by MA/Medicaid. Some providers might take other insurance or offer a sliding fee, but most often it’s through MA. (If you’re unsure about insurance, give us a call – we’ll help figure it out).
If your family member is already working with a county case manager, that’s a good sign they might be eligible for ARMHS, since case managers often refer to us. If you don’t have a case manager or therapist, you can still reach out to us directly – we’ll guide you on next steps.
Eligibility can sound complicated, but don’t let that deter you. We’re happy to walk you through it and even communicate with county agencies on your behalf to determine eligibility.
Getting started is easier than you might think:
You (or your family member, or a professional helping you) can contact us by phone or through our website’s referral form. Even if you’re just exploring, we can talk about your situation and see if ARMHS might be a good fit.
Our intake coordinator will chat with you to gather basic information – what are the challenges you’re facing, do you have a mental health diagnosis, what insurance you have, etc. This helps us confirm if ARMHS is appropriate. If it looks like a match, we’ll move ahead. If not, we’ll try to suggest other resources for you.
We’ll likely need a recent Diagnostic Assessment (DA) as mentioned. If you have one (maybe from a hospital stay or a therapy intake), you can sign a release for us to get it. If not, we can set one up with a clinician, which usually involves an interview about your history and current needs. Don’t worry, we guide you through this. There will also be some intake paperwork (consents, privacy notices, etc.) – our staff can help you with these, explaining anything that’s unclear.
We match you with one of our ARMHS practitioners. We try to consider your preferences (like if you’d feel more comfortable with a male or female worker, or someone with certain language skills). You’ll then have an intake meeting, usually at your home or our office, where you, the ARMHS worker, and possibly a supervisor or family member (if you want them there) sit down together. This meeting is to get to know each other, discuss what you hope to achieve, and go over how ARMHS works.
In the first couple of meetings, you and your ARMHS worker will create a plan for what you’ll work on. This is very much a conversation – you share what you want to improve in your life, and the practitioner will suggest ways they can help. Together you’ll agree on a set of goals. You’ll also decide on a regular meeting time and place each week (for example, Wednesdays at 2 PM at your apartment). Consistency helps, but we can be flexible if schedules need to change.
Then, the real work begins! Your ARMHS worker will start coming on the scheduled days, and you’ll work on the skills and activities in your plan. Remember, this is a collaborative process – if something isn’t working for you, or a goal changes, just let them know. We can adapt the plan anytime. There’s no judgment – our job is to support you, and that means being open to feedback.
Every so often (usually every 6 months or so), we’ll formally review how things are going. This is a chance to see what goals you’ve met, what still needs work, and if you want to add new goals. You might notice you’ve made progress in areas that once seemed out of reach!
When you and the team feel confident that you can maintain your progress on your own, we’ll talk about graduating from ARMHS. We won’t rush this – everyone’s timeline is different. Our aim is that you feel ready and supported in transitioning away from our services when the time is right.
Throughout this process, we’re here for your questions. Nothing is too small to ask. We know starting services can feel daunting, but we do our best to make it welcoming and straightforward.
An ARMHS session is not a dry, clinical appointment – it’s often very practical and interactive. Here are a few examples of what might happen in a session:
Your ARMHS worker might come to your home and help you with tasks there. For instance, if one goal is keeping your space clean for health and safety, they might help you create a cleaning schedule, and even work alongside you initially (like cleaning one room together, to show you techniques and build confidence). They won’t do chores for you like a maid service, but they will do it with you until you feel able to handle it solo.
If you’re working on coping skills, a session might involve discussing how your week went, identifying any tough moments (say, a panic attack or an argument with a family member), and then practicing a coping strategy. This could be role-playing a scenario, doing a relaxation exercise together, or filling out a worksheet to challenge negative thoughts. It’s very hands-on learning.
Often, sessions take place out in the community. If you need to learn how to ride the bus, the ARMHS worker might ride the route with you a few times. If you want to start attending a yoga class for anxiety but are nervous to go alone, they could go with you the first couple of times. Shopping is common – for example, going to a grocery store to practice making healthy choices within a budget or going to a thrift store if you need clothes for a job interview. These real-world practices are invaluable.
Part of living independently is managing health appointments and medications. A session might include reviewing your medication list, making a pillbox for the week, or practicing how to call the pharmacy for a refill. Or if you have an upcoming doctor’s appointment, the ARMHS worker can help you prepare questions to ask, and even accompany you if you feel uneasy going alone.
If social interactions are challenging, some sessions could focus on that. This might include talking through a conflict and how to resolve it, practicing how to assert yourself politely or how to introduce yourself in a new group. The practitioner might model behaviors or even join you in a social setting to quietly support you.
Dealing with mail, bills, and forms can be overwhelming. Your ARMHS worker can help you sort through mail, understand bills, set up a budgeting system, or fill out applications for jobs, housing, or benefits. Over time, you’ll learn to tackle these with more independence.
In essence, an ARMHS session is like having a coach or mentor by your side, tackling the real tasks of life together. It’s not just talking (though there’s plenty of talking and listening too) – it’s doing. And each session is guided by what you need most at that time. Some weeks you might need more emotional support and talking, other weeks you might be actively out and about practicing skills.
Great question! ARMHS can sometimes sound like therapy, case management, and life coaching all rolled into one. Here are the differences and how ARMHS complements other services:
Therapy (like seeing a psychologist or counselor) usually focuses on thoughts, feelings, and resolving emotional or psychological issues. It often happens in an office setting, talking through issues (like past trauma, depression, etc.), and might involve specific techniques like CBT or trauma therapy. ARMHS, on the other hand, is action-oriented and takes place in real-life settings. We’re less about talk and more about doing. For example, a therapist might help someone understand the roots of their anxiety, whereas an ARMHS worker will help that person practice going grocery shopping despite their anxiety. Both are important! In fact, they complement each other well – therapy can help internally (mindset, processing emotions) while ARMHS helps externally (daily functioning). Many of our clients have a therapist and ARMHS at the same time; we often coordinate with therapists so we’re on the same page.
A case manager (often county-based) helps coordinate services, connect a person to resources, and make sure they have support systems in place (housing, medical care, benefits, etc.). They usually have a larger caseload and meet less frequently (maybe monthly). ARMHS is more intensive and frequent (weekly). Think of it this way: a case manager might arrange for someone to get ARMHS and help them apply for housing, but the ARMHS worker will actually come each week to help the person build the skills to keep that housing (like paying rent on time, being a good neighbor, managing cleaning). We work in tandem with case managers, focusing on skill-building while they focus on service coordination.
Some folks have peer support specialists, who are people with lived experience of mental illness who provide mentoring and support. Peer support might involve meeting for coffee and talking, sharing experiences and encouragement. ARMHS workers are professionals (typically with mental health degrees) providing structured interventions. However, our approach is still very person-to-person and often feels less formal than therapy. If you have a peer specialist, that’s great – we respect that relationship and again see it as complementary.
Psychiatrists or psychiatric nurse practitioners manage medications. ARMHS providers do not prescribe or adjust meds – but we do help you manage taking them properly and communicating with your prescribers. We might help you track side effects or remember questions to ask your psychiatrist. We make sure our goals align with medical treatment (for example, if your psychiatrist wants you to take a walk daily for health, we might incorporate that into your routine).
If someone is in a hospital or day treatment program, that’s a higher level of care than ARMHS. ARMHS is community-based and meant for when someone is stable enough not to need 24/7 care but still needs more support than just an occasional therapy session. Some people step down to ARMHS after being in residential treatment or an intensive outpatient program, to continue building skills as they transition to regular life.
Family can absolutely be involved, with the permission of the person receiving services. We understand that family members often provide crucial support and also have a lot of insight into their loved one’s needs. Here’s how we typically involve family:
If the client is comfortable, we encourage them to invite family members to the initial intake or goal-setting meeting. Your perspective can help shape meaningful goals.
For example, a mother might mention, “I’d love if he could learn to cook a couple of simple meals for himself,” or a spouse might say, “I notice she does better when the house is organized.” These insights help us tailor the plan.
We can provide education to family members about the client’s mental health condition and strategies that help. Sometimes we do brief family sessions to explain what we’re working on and how the family can reinforce those skills at home. For instance, if we’re helping someone manage their anxiety through deep breathing and taking breaks, we might coach the family on how to support that (like gently reminding them to use their techniques during a panic episode, or giving them space when needed).
In some cases, and only if appropriate, we might do a joint session with the client and family member. This can help address specific family-related goals, like improving communication at home or resolving a conflict. We act as a mediator and skills coach to practice healthier interactions in a safe space.
If the client agrees, we can update a family member about progress. We often do this through case managers, but if there’s no case manager and the client is okay with it, a parent or partner could get periodic check-ins. We have the client sign a release of information specifying what can be shared and with whom. Privacy is important, so we only share what the client allows, but we find many clients are fine with their main support person being in the loop.
We also recognize how stressful it can be for families supporting someone with a mental illness. We might provide you with resources – for example, information on local family support groups, crisis phone lines, or reading materials.
When it comes time for the person to graduate from ARMHS, we often involve family in that conversation. We’ll discuss how everyone can support the person in maintaining their independence, and what signs to watch for that might indicate they need more help again. It’s a team effort.
Remember, participation is always the client’s choice. If you’re a family member wanting to be involved but your loved one is hesitant, give it time. As they build trust with the ARMHS worker, they might become more open to including you. We respect their autonomy while gently highlighting the benefits of having family support.
ARMHS workers are not a 24/7 crisis service, so it’s important to have a plan for emergencies outside of session times. Here’s how we handle this:
Crisis Planning: One of the first things we do is develop a crisis plan with you.
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This will include warning signs that you’re heading into crisis, things that usually help you personally (like listening to music, calling a friend, or going for a walk), and also a list of who to contact. We’ll identify your local crisis line (for the Twin Cities, for example, Crisis Connection or county crisis teams), the Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988), or 911 if it’s a life-threatening emergency. We make sure you and your family have copies of this plan.
During Business Hours: If you feel like you’re heading toward a crisis during the day on a weekday, you can call our office. Your ARMHS worker might be in sessions, but we usually can relay a message and get them to call you back when they’re free. We also have supervisors who can offer guidance. However, if it’s truly urgent and you can’t wait, we’ll direct you to immediate help (like the crisis team). Our team will do what they can – sometimes they can squeeze in an extra visit or call to help calm a situation, but they are not guaranteed to be available at all times.
After Hours: We advise clients and families to use the 24-hour crisis resources in off-hours. For example, the Hennepin County Acute Crisis Line or Ramsey County Crisis Line, depending on where you live, or even text “MN” to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line. These professionals are there specifically for immediate response. Your ARMHS worker will follow up with you as soon as possible after to process what happened and adjust your plan (for instance, if an ER visit occurred, they’ll debrief with you and figure out how to avoid that in the future if possible).
Communication with Providers: If a crisis does occur, you or your family can let us know (or sign a release so the hospital can let us know). We will make sure to coordinate after a crisis. For example, if you were hospitalized, we’ll try to attend the discharge meeting or connect with the discharge planner to ensure ARMHS continues smoothly when you come home.
Safety First: If an ARMHS worker arrives and you are in a crisis state (say, extremely agitated or suicidal), they will focus first on ensuring safety – that might mean calling the crisis team or 911 if needed. They’ll use de-escalation techniques to try to help you get calm. All our staff are trained in crisis intervention. But they cannot, for instance, physically restrain someone or provide medical interventions – so they would get appropriate emergency services if it came to that.
Support for Families: We also educate families on what to do in a crisis. Sometimes, despite best efforts, a loved one might need hospitalization. We help families not see that as a failure, but as a step that sometimes is necessary. After stabilization, ARMHS can resume and often intensify temporarily to get things back on track.
In summary, while we are very proactive in preventing crises, they can still happen. We make sure you have a clear plan and numbers to call when we’re not available. We are part of your safety net, but not the entire net. With our support and other crisis resources, you will have a strong network to stay safe.
For most people, ARMHS services come at no cost to you. Here’s why:
In Minnesota, ARMHS is covered by Medical Assistance (MA) (which is Minnesota’s Medicaid program) or by PMAPs (Prepaid Medical Assistance Plans, which are managed care organizations for Medicaid).
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If you have MA, that insurance will pay for ARMHS 100%. There are no co-pays or deductibles for this service under MA.
If you have a PMAP through an insurer (like UCare, Medica, Blue Plus, etc. as your Medicaid plan), those also cover ARMHS. We handle the billing directly with those insurance plans. You won’t get a bill from us as long as your coverage is active and the service is authorized.
If you don’t have Medical Assistance but think you might qualify (for example, if your income is low due to your mental health disability, you likely do qualify for MA), we can help connect you to resources to apply for MA. Sometimes people apply for programs like CADI waivers or other state benefits, which can include eligibility for ARMHS as well.
If you have private insurance that doesn’t cover ARMHS, here are some options:
Bottom line: If you have MA or PMAP, you likely won’t pay anything. If you’re unsure about your coverage, our intake staff can help you figure it out before starting.
Also, we handle the insurance authorization process. MA usually requires documentation (like the diagnostic assessment and treatment plan) to approve ongoing hours for ARMHS. We take care of submitting those and will keep you informed if there are any issues.
