Patient Education
EXPECTATION FOR TREATMENT AT FCH’s INTEGRATED HEALTH CLINIC
About
Our clinic operates five (5) days a week Monday through Friday with office hours from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Therapy appointments can be held at a later time at the discretion of the individual therapist. On-call therapists are available for after-hours emergencies by calling 402-759-3192.
Therapy is a relationship between people that works in part because of clearly defined rights and responsibilities held by each person. As a client in psychotherapy, you have certain rights and responsibilities that are important for you to understand. There are also legal limitations to those rights that you should be aware of. Your therapist has corresponding responsibilities to you. These rights and responsibilities are described in the following sections.
Psychotherapy has both benefits and risks. Risks may include experiencing uncomfortable feelings, such as sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger, frustration, loneliness and helplessness, because the process of psychotherapy often requires discussing the unpleasant aspects of your life. However, psychotherapy has been shown to have benefits for individuals who undertake it. Therapy often leads to a significant reduction in feelings of distress, increased satisfaction in interpersonal relationships, greater personal awareness and insight, increased skills for managing stress and resolutions to specific problems. But, there are no guarantees about what will happen. Psychotherapy requires a very active effort on your part. In order to be most successful, you will have to work on things outside of sessions.
The first sessions will involve a comprehensive evaluation of your needs by a highly qualified licensed therapist. By the end of the evaluation, your therapist will be able to offer you some initial impressions of what our work might include. At that point, you and your therapist will discuss your treatment goals and create an initial treatment plan. You should evaluate this information and make your own assessment about whether you feel comfortable working with the therapist. If you have questions about procedures, please discuss them whenever they arise. If your doubts persist, we will be happy to help you set up a meeting with another mental health professional for a second opinion.
Your participation in the counseling process is voluntary, and you may withdraw at any time. All counseling services will be discontinued at your request or when you and the therapist have determined that your goals have been met and your problems resolved. You have the right to ask questions about treatment at any time.
While in treatment, we ask that you attend all prescribed appointments on a regular basis. If you aren’t here, you can’t make progress. You will continue in treatment until you have the knowledge, skills, and understanding necessary to maintain the progress you have made and return to your optimal level of functioning. At that time, you will be discharged with a plan of care appropriate for your continued success.
Patient Responsibilities
- To be an active participant in his or her treatment plan.
- To attend therapies in a timely manner and as prescribed, rescheduling when an absence is unavoidable.
- To be considerate of the rights of others in the clinic.
- To complete therapeutic assignments.
- To observe all rules and regulations of the clinic.
- To notify staff if you are absent or expect to be absent from treatment.
- To respect and honor the confidentiality rights of everyone in the clinic.
- To remain abstinent from alcohol or mood-altering chemicals unless specifically approved by your physician.
Patient Rights
- To be treated with consideration and respect for personal dignity, autonomy and privacy.
- To receive services in the least restrictive environment and manner, consistent with your condition.
- To be informed of your own condition.
- To be informed of proposed services, treatments, therapies, and alternatives.
- To give consent or to refuse any services, treatments, therapies, and alternatives.
- To participate in the development of an individualized treatment plan.
- To be free from unnecessary physical restraint or seclusion.
- To consult with an independent treatment specialist or legal counsel at your own expense.
- To confidentiality of communications and personal identifying information within the limitations and requirements for disclosure of patient information under state and federal laws and regulations.
- To have access to your own patient record in accordance with program procedures.
- Not to be discriminated against because of race, ethnicity, age, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, handicap, developmental disability, HIV infection, AIDS – related complex or AIDs.
- To initiate a grievance procedure, voice complaints and concerns and to receive an impartial review of your concerns.
- To make and receive confidential phone calls while in the clinic.
- To an explanation of fees associated with your treatment.
Smoking Policy
Smoking is not permitted on our campus. However, if you choose to smoke while on our campus, please know that smoking by the front entry doors to the hospital is strictly prohibited. Please go to the end of our pavilion parking lot south by H Street and smoke in that area only. If you are in a wheelchair, staff cannot take you to that area to smoke.
Attendance
Treatment participation is a priority. You are expected to attend all scheduled treatment sessions in timely manner and as directed by the clinician.
If you are unable to attend for any reason, you are expected to notify staff of your absence at least one hour prior to the scheduled start of the session. Failure to attend on a regular basis can result in dismissal from treatment. It is important that you anticipate and accept dismissal from treatment in this situation. Your treatment must be a priority. If conflicts arise which interfere with your attendance, please discuss the situation with your therapist.
Safety
For your safety and the safety of others, certain behaviors and items are not allowed. The following are considered unsafe behaviors and are not permitted:
- Sexual acts or inappropriate physical contact between patients are not permitted.
- Violence of any sort is not tolerated. This includes verbal threats, physical aggression, and destruction of property.
- Arriving at the program under the influence of alcohol and/or unprescribed drugs, or in possession of alcohol or unprescribed drugs, is not permitted.
- Unsafe behavior will result in a review of your treatment plan with subsequent recommendations or possible dismissal from the program.
- We also must restrict any hazardous items that could jeopardize your safety or the safety of other patients. We ask that you not bring to the program any of the following:
- Knives
- Guns
- Any protection devices
- Cameras
- Anything that is flammable
To protect the confidentiality of all of our patients, please do not use your smart phones or any recording device to take photos or videos while in our clinic. It is the responsibility of the staff to prevent harm from occurring to any patient. You can help and show your concern about others by immediately telling a staff person if you know of someone who is planning to hurt herself/himself or others.
Clothing
Patients are expected to dress appropriately. We require that clothing be clean and without obscene words, pictures, or alcohol/drug related pictures, logos, etc. Provocative and distractive clothing is prohibited.
Alcohol/Drugs
Use of alcohol or unprescribed drugs/medication is not permitted on the premises. In addition, possession of alcohol or unprescribed drugs, or drug paraphernalia is not permitted. Patients who are suspected of being under the influence will be asked to reschedule and treatment will not be provided at that time. It is the ethical duty of staff to report to law enforcement any individual who attempts to drive while under the influence.
Grievances
Our goal is to provide a positive and valuable treatment experience for all patients. If you have a concern or problem with this experience, FCH has a procedure for allowing patients and others to register a complaint. Patients with complaints should first notify their provider in order to help resolve the issue. If you feel that the issue was not resolved, you may contact the Patient Advocate through the main hospital for further assistance.
The State has a representative who is responsible for investigating serious complaints. If you feel your concern requires State notification or review, the representative may be reached at (402) 471-2035 or (800) 742-7690 (Hospital’s Ombudsman).
Valuables
FCH staff cannot be responsible for lost or missing items. We ask that you limit the amount of money and credit cards you carry with you as well as the amount/type of jewelry you wear. If you drive yourself to treatment, we ask that you lock your car and store any valuables, packages, etc. in the trunk of your car.
Admission & Insurance
Admission Info
To make your admission to the outpatient clinic as convenient as possible, please show up to your appointment 10-15 minutes early and bring the following:
- Health Insurance Cards
- Information for Primary Care Provider
- Medication Information
Insurance Info
Fillmore County Hospital accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and most other health insurance plans. For more information, including price estimates, please call 402-759-3192. For questions about your hospital bill, contact us at 402-759-3167.
Support Groups
Caregiver Support Group
This group provides an opportunity for supportive sharing, educational programming from local resource agencies, and social activities. The group meetings are facilitated by a licensed therapist. The group is open to all people who are caring for someone in their home, or indirect care to someone living outside of the home, in a group or foster home, care facility, assisted living center, or residential treatment center.
Meets last Tuesday of every month
4:00PM – 5:00 PM
Pavilion Conference Room at FCH
Still Going Still Growing
This group is open to all prior members of our Senior Behavioral Health Treatment Programs. This provides an opportunity to check in with one another, maintain support for each other, and continue work on ongoing relapse prevention and resiliency. They are able to enjoy each other’s company while enjoying refreshments and stories about the successes and challenges of maintaining good mental health.
Meets 3rd Tuesday of every month
4:00 PM
Pavilion Group Room
Pain Management
Fillmore County Hospital is now offering a Pain Management Support Group open to everyone in Geneva and the surrounding communities. If you are experiencing chronic pain, your pain medications aren’t doing enough, or if your daily living is being effected by your pain, please join us for support. Our group is facilitated by a licensed therapist using cognitive behavioral interventions to guide insight into all areas of life impacted by pain. Goals for the group include: developing coping strategies, improving communications, and ensuring healthy lifestyle choices, so that you can live the life you want to live.
Meet every Tuesday
4:30PM – 5:30 PM
Pavilion Group Room
Breath of Fresh Air
Breath of Fresh Air seeks to raise awareness about COPD (Emphysema, Asthma, and other respiratory disease) by providing support and educating people living with these diseases, their families, and other interested individuals. This group is open to the public.
Meets 2nd Wednesday of every month
9:00AM – 10:00 AM
Conference Room B
FAQ
Do I need a doctor’s order to see a therapist or APRN?
No. You do not need a doctor order to see a therapist or APRN. You can refer yourself to therapy or medication management. Just give us a call to set up an initial appointment.
How do I know if my insurance will cover services?
You can contact your insurance prior to your visit or you can provide your insurance information to the person setting up your initial visit so we can check your insurance prior to you coming in.
Are services confidential?
Yes. All conversation and even the fact that you have seen a counselor is kept strictly confidential. With few exceptions (which will be explained by your provider), we do not communicate with your friends, teachers, parents, or family without your written consent.
How do I set up an appointment?
Call our office at 402-759-3192.
What if I need to talk to someone after hours?
A therapist will always be available. Call our office and the charge nurse will get you connected to the on-call therapist. If it is an emergency, dial 9-1-1 or go to the closest Emergency Room.
How do I get to your facility?
Attach map? Our entrance is on the north side of the hospital. You can get to the drive from H Street, just past 18th & H Streets.
Do you offer transportation?
We have access to a patient van that is available for our geriatric groups if the client meets eligibility.
What is the duration of counseling?
The frequency of therapy is agreed upon by you and your therapist and is based on your presenting issues and the goals of treatment planning.
What happens if I can’t make my appointment?
We know that things come up and you may have to cancel. We prefer a 24-hour notice so we can fill your time slot. To let us know, just give us a call at 402-759-3192. If you miss your appointment multiple times in a row without notifying us, your therapist may discharge you.
What is group counseling?
Group counseling may be an alternative or supplement to individual counseling which involves you meeting with a therapist and 10 or less other people to discuss similar experiences. The opportunity to meet with other peers can provide you with support as you learn ways to cope. If your therapist recommends that you join a group, you will likely schedule a we will likely schedule an appointment with our APRN to begin your admission process into the program.