Frequently Asked Questions
Get the support you need with answers to your questions
We know choosing a mental health program comes with a lot of questions. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about our programs, insurance, referrals, and getting started. If you don’t see the information you’re looking for, our team is always happy to help.
What is DBT?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment that helps people develop practical skills to better manage emotions, navigate stressful situations, improve relationships, and make more effective choices. Originally developed to treat chronic suicidality, DBT is now widely used to help individuals experiencing emotional dysregulation, depression, anxiety, trauma, self-harm, substance use, and other mental health challenges.
At MHS, DBT focuses on teaching real-life skills that can be applied immediately in everyday situations. Participants learn skills in mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness to help create meaningful and lasting change.
Answers to your insurance questions
MHS accepts Medical Assistance (MA) and is in-network with most major insurance companies. Please note, not all insurances cover all programs. If you’re curious about your insurance, give us a call!
Before you are seen for an intake appointment, our in-house billing specialists calls your insurance company to verify your benefits. If there are insurance questions, we give you direct help and answers rather than referring you to another party.
MHS works out flexible, interest-free payment plans for people who cannot afford to pay their co-pays and deductibles in full at the time of service. We tailor these payment plans to individual financial needs or circumstances.
About our programs
Our program groups have a maximum of 8 for most programs and 10 for the adherent DBT program.
Yes, we are inclusive of all gender identities.
While some program groups trend younger or older, we have quite a range overall – from 18 to about 65.
For most of our programs – no! We connect with external therapists regularly to share updates and coordinate care. For our state-certified Adherent DBT program, you are required to see an MHS Adherent clinician for weekly individual therapy, and will be matched with one of your group facilitators.
We do! At MHS, individual therapy (IT) and group are connected, meaning that you need to be in our group programming in order to see an MHS clinician for IT. Let the provider know during your intake if you would like to do IT at MHS as well. If you are already in programming and would like to start IT at MHS, let your group facilitator know – we will take down your availability and get you matched up with one of our clinicians.
Our programs are tailored in intensity and length to help you develop the skills you need. Folks typically stay in MHS programming for 9-12 months before graduating. Skills and lessons are taught cyclically, and as start dates are rolling, that 9-12 month period allows you to learn and apply all the lessons and skills and complete the program. That being said, we are always assessing an individual’s progress in group. Some clients may not need to stay that long, and some clients may need to be here longer. It all depends on what challenges you’re addressing, consistency with attendance, and overall engagement and participation.
We do not offer medication management, but we do coordinate with your external psychiatrist or medication prescriber. Medication is an important part of managing mental health symptoms – we expect you to comply with taking prescribed medications and to report whether or not you are taking them. If there are any concerns or observations about medications, we will confer with your external psychiatrist or medication prescriber.
If you want to leave the program before graduating, we encourage you to reach out to your group facilitator to talk about why. If you have any concerns about programming, your group facilitator will work with you to problem solve.
Our Adherent DBT program is certified by the Minnesota Mental Health Division- Department of Human Services (DHS). In addition, MHS provides DBT in different treatment formats and levels of care in a manner that fits the American Psychological Association’s (APA) guidelines on evidence-based practices.
What to Expect
To help maintain a safe, respectful, and therapeutic environment, all clients, visitors, and staff are expected to wear clothing that fully covers the genitals, buttocks, and chest/torso, as well as shoes, while in the clinic.
Our clinic is committed to creating a welcoming environment where people of all identities and backgrounds can feel safe, respected, and able to focus on treatment. Clothing and footwear expectations are intended to support physical safety, promote a professional healthcare environment, and be mindful of the diverse experiences, cultural backgrounds, personal boundaries, and trauma histories of those in our community. These expectations apply equally to everyone and are not intended to make assumptions about gender identity or expression. We ask everyone to follow these expectations to help foster a therapeutic space where all individuals can feel comfortable and supported.
Yes, our program is most effective when you and your group members come to every session. When you have a planned absence, just let your group facilitator know ahead of time when and why. If there are consistent barriers to attending every session, we encourage you to talk with your group facilitator to problem solve. With 20+ years of experience under our belt, we know that clients whose attendance is under 90% typically end up staying in programming longer.
