Additional Services

SOMETIMES YOU NEED MORE THAN THERAPY WHEN YOU ARE ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY

Resource Navigation:

In addition to therapy and assessment, ECAS provides additional support and resources to help you along your journey. Our Resource Navigator, Kristin Gustafson, is one of those helping hands.

A Resource Navigator (sometimes called a case manager) works alongside the therapy and assessment process to help clients achieve their goals by identifying and breaking down barriers, expanding access to community resources, and providing skills training as needed.

Our Resource Navigator uses a strengths-based approach, working collaboratively with clients to develop an action plan that will include identifying needs and strengths, set goals, and find culturally appropriate services and resources.

What would a Resource Navigator do with me?

Getting to know your needs

Some needs she can help you with are problem solving regarding recovery, researching resource options, and assisting with intake paperwork and application processes.

Identifying pertinent referrals and connecting you to community resources

These referrals and resources could be to other mental health providers, peer support groups, non-profits and social organizations, local events, and others with shared lived experience.

Helping you navigate difficult systems

A few systems that can be difficult to navigate are Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services, the Social Security Administration, and the Department of Human Services. Getting a phone number or email address is often not enough. Kristin can help you maneuver wait lists, fill out vague or tricky applications, and break down overwhelming processes into manageable steps.

Assisting you in overcoming barriers to therapeutic success

Examples include being an advocate during your journey, helping to manage intimidation around therapy, fostering understanding and confidence, bridging gaps in care, and organizing homework into small steps so you can easily follow through.

Offering strategies to strengthen your personal resilience

Kristin can help you in skill-building, such as making those awkward phone calls or creating “To Do” lists. She can also help you strengthen your social support system and identify positive coping mechanisms. Lastly, Kristin can help you find the most accurate and relevant information, as well as provide a detailed understanding of the systems and processes you are working with, so you are clear on the next steps to take.

Interested in working with our Resource Navigator?

Let your clinician know that you would like to work with Kristin, and we will take care of the rest.

FAQ’S

How often would I meet with the Resource Navigator?

Generally, you will meet with Kristin every other week for an hour for 3 months. On off weeks, Kristin spends time following up on the identified needs to find helpful resources, connect with referrals, among other tasks so that she will be ready to follow up at your next meeting. This is individualized, so if in the first meeting/needs assessment, you will discuss with your therapist the frequency of meetings.

Is this service optional?

Yes, this is a voluntary service that is meant to help clients connect to community resources and succeed in their treatment goals. You can decline the service or opt out at any time.

How much does it cost?

There are no additional fees for Medicaid clients for resource navigation, as it is a covered service.

For those with commercial insurance and private pay, there is an out-of-pocket fee. The fee would also cover time that the Resource Navigator spent identifying resources, contacting referral sources, among other tasks, not just the time spent in a session with you.

Case management, per 15 minutes: $30.33
Skills Training, per 15 minutes: $25.75

Can the meetings be virtual?

Yes, Kristin offers both virtual and in-person appointments.

How is this different from what I am already doing in therapy?

While the answer to this may vary for individual clients, in general, resource navigation deals with the practical aspects of meeting long-term goals to improve quality of life while therapy is focused on the more subjective and internal process of facilitating positive changes in mental and behavioral health. Kristin does not diagnose or provide treatment for Mental or Behavioral Health conditions.

Can I work with a Resource Navigator if I've had an assessment?

Yes! Kristin can help you follow up on the recommendations made by the assessment team, helping to connect you with referrals and help you be successful in the recommendation follow-up.