FAQs about Birmingham Mental Health

CCS will charge persons receiving mental health services at the usual and customary rate prevailing in the Birmingham, AL area. Payment for services is expected at the time of the service. The center will file your insurance for you if you provide us with all the necessary information to do so. If you have insurance that would cover our service but choose not to file, you will be responsible for the full fee. Some healthcare plans may require a call from you before sessions are approved. If you fail to do this prior to your scheduled appointment, you will be expected to pay full fee for the service you receive. Mental health services will be provided at no charge, or at a discounted charge, to persons unable to pay for care. We will not discriminate against any person receiving mental health services because of his/her inability to pay for services.

Application for Discounted Fee

CCS offers services on sliding scale fee if you are not covered by an insurance plan or have limited benefits under your plan. Eligibility is based on household income, and clients must bring ONE of the following: Current year's tax form (1040 form), 2 current pay stubs, 1 unemployment stub, Letter from employer on letterhead that states your salary or wages, or most recent rent receipt. If none of the above are available, you must provide a letter of reference from any 501(c)(3) (non-profit) organization on their letterhead (for example, your church). You are requested to notify the Center if there is a change in the income or size of your family since this may affect your fee.

Q: What should I expect when I call to schedule an appointment?
A: When you call our office at (205) 956-2000, an intake worker will talk with you about the reason for seeking services. This worker will gather a very brief history from you, and schedule an appointment with a clinician who has expertise in working with the issues that concern you. When you come for your first appointment, you will need to bring 1.) your ID, 2.) your insurance card, and 3.) a list of your medications or your medication bottles.

Q. How soon can I get an appointment?
A. An appointment will be set up for the next available appointment which is generally within the next 5-7 working days. For a psychiatric consultation, appointments are normally available within 1-2 weeks.

Q. How often will I see my therapist?
A: Each individual’s needs are unique. During your intake (initial assessment), your therapist will discuss what form of treatment, i.e. individual therapy, family therapy, medication management, etc. you would most benefit from and how often the sessions will be scheduled. Generally speaking, therapy sessions are scheduled weekly or bi-weekly and last 50 minutes.

Q: How often will I see my psychiatrist?
A: As mentioned above, the frequency and duration of your session is dependent upon your needs. Initial assessments with the psychiatrist will last for one hour. Follow up medication checks are between 15-30 minutes long, and are scheduled on a basis that is consistent with your needs.

Q. What if I have an urgent situation after hours?
A. We have staff on call 24 hours a day to deal with emergencies. You call (205) 956-2000 and you will get an answering service after hours. They can connect you with the on call staff member.

Q. Where can I find information about support groups?
A. There is both a state chapter and a local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) which offers information, education, advocacy and support to family members and consumers. They also have information on other support groups. Please go to the NAMI NH website at www.naminh.org. For the local chapter, email them at www.namialabama.org  or call 1-800-626-4199.