General Questions
What is the Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NEDHSA)?
NEDHSA manages community-based services for individuals diagnosed with major mental illness, developmental disabilities and addictive disorders. NEDHSA is devoted to deliver programs and services that encourage people to reach their true potential. These are our three guiding principles that drive how we serve our citizens:
- Greater access to services
- Excellent customer service
- Quality, competent care
Who does NEDHSA serve?
NEDHSA serves citizens diagnosed with major mental illness, developmental disabilities and addictive disorders in these 12 northeastern Louisiana parishes: Caldwell, East Carroll, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Union, and West Carroll.
How do I know if I am eligible for NEDHSA services?
If you think you are having mental health issues such as depression, severe mood swings, hallucinations, or emotional problems resulting from a traumatic event, we will assess you and determine if you meet our admission criteria or if you would benefit from our assisting you with some other treatment placement.
What type of insurance do we accept?
We accept most private insurance plans, such as:
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- United Behavioral Health Care (OPTUM)
- United Health Care
- ATENA
- Benefit Management
- Humana
- Cigna
- CHAMPVA
Although we accept most private insurance, please be sure to contact your insurance company to make sure the services you need are covered under your plan. Insurance is not required to receive services. We will accept patients who meet eligibility requirements. Client fees are based on income and number of dependents.
Where are NEDHSA facilities and clinics located?
To find services for addictive disorders and mental health services, please review our lists of clinics here. This will minimize the time you’ll have to wait.
The Monroe Clinic has a dedicated walk-in assessment unit and accepts walk-ins from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Ruston Clinic also accepts walk-ins from 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. The remaining clinics may be able to accommodate a walk-in if there is an hour of unscheduled time or a cancellation, but a walk-in to the rural clinics without an appointment may result in longer wait times. For best results, call first to schedule an appointment. For developmental disabilities services, please call 318-362-5188. (The Developmental Disability application center is currently located at 3200 Concordia Avenue in Monroe. We are expanding our offices to a new location as of October 2022 at 2324 Armand Connector, Monroe. Applicants may walk in to be seen by the first available intake staff or may make an appointment.)
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis beyond our hours of operation, please call our 24/7 crisis line at 1-800-256-2522. We will speak with you and help you find the services you need. We will refer you elsewhere if your needs are beyond the scope of the services we offer. If you are experiencing a medical emergency or feel you may be a danger to yourself or others, please visit the nearest emergency room or call 911.
Who do I call for help?
To find services for addictive disorders and mental health services, please review our lists of clinics here. This will minimize the time you’ll have to wait.
The Monroe Clinic has a dedicated walk-in assessment unit and accepts walk-ins from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Ruston Clinic also accepts walk-ins from 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. The remaining clinics may be able to accommodate a walk-in if there is an hour of unscheduled time or a cancellation, but a walk-in to the rural clinics without an appointment may result in longer wait times. For best results, call first to schedule an appointment. For developmental disabilities services, please call 318-362-5188 or you may walk-in to the Women & Children’s Clinic, which also serves as the NEDHSA Development Disabilities Application Center, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis beyond our hours of operation, please call our 24/7 crisis line at 1-800-256-2522. We will speak with you and help you find the services you need. We will refer you elsewhere if your needs are beyond the scope of the services we offer. If you are experiencing a medical emergency or feel you may be a danger to yourself or others, please visit the nearest emergency room or call 911.
What are the general admission criteria for NEDHSA services?
Please contact us for additional information. The following is the general admission criteria:
For People with Developmental Disabilities:
- You are a resident of one of the 12 parishes we serve.
- You have a severe, chronic physical and/or intellectual disability that is present prior to the person turning 22 years of age. Participant ages served is 3 through 100 but disability must be determined to have occurred prior to the time the person turns 22 years.
People in need of Mental Health or Addiction Services:
- You are a resident of one of the 12 parishes we serve.
- You are struggling with mental health issues, or you have received a diagnosis such as depression, bipolar disorder or anxiety disorder ranging from mild to severe.
- You have a substance abuse issue, substance dependence or a severe personality disorder.
- You have one or more mental health disorders that substantially interfere with your ability to carry out the primary aspects of daily living, such as self-care, household management, interpersonal relationships and performance in school or work.
What will take place when I arrive at an NEDHSA clinic?
For addiction and/or mental health services:
- If you have an appointment, you will be seen as scheduled.
- If you are a walk-in, you will be seen at the first available opening with a counselor.
- Upon your arrival, you will be asked to complete a packet of registration forms, consisting of consent forms, treatment options, a Medicaid application, voter registration and fee-setting materials. It may take 30-45 minutes to complete these forms.
- A counselor will meet with you and conduct an assessment which could take between 45-90 minutes. When your assessment is complete, you will either be assigned to a counselor for outpatient services, referred to appropriate services elsewhere if your needs are beyond the services we offer or advised that no services are required.
- Guardians must accompany children and adults who are under another person’s guardianship.
For Developmental Disabilities services:
- Staff will meet with the applicant to gather information about supports and services needed, make appropriate referrals for services, review information applicants provides related to verification of the person’s disability, determine any additional information needed, and sign documents for participation in the eligibility process.
What should I bring on the day of my appointment?
For mental health and/or addiction services:
- An ID card and an insurance card if you have a policy.
- Any medications you take, in the pill bottle, or a pharmacy print-out of your medications.
- Proof of income must be established when you arrive. If you don’t have proof of income with you, you have 30 days to bring it back to us.
- Name and contact information for any agency that referred you to us.
- Any relevant legal paperwork such as a court order.
For developmental disabilities:
- Social security card\number
- Louisiana ID if available
- Any psychological evaluations, medical records, work assessments, social security disability verification documents, Individualized Education Plan (IEP) along with school evaluations current or historical.
- Any medical insurance cards including private, Medicare, and Medicaid.
- Any legal documents related to custody orders, guardianship, tutorship, etc. of the applicant.
Do I qualify for insurance?
Medicaid and private insurance are accepted at all NEDHSA clinics. The NEDHSA Monroe and Columbia Behavioral Health Clinics also serve as Medicaid Application Centers. Staff persons are available to assist individuals in applying for Medicaid insurance on site as a convenience to our consumers.
How was NEDHSA formed?
Louisiana Act 384 merged mental health, developmental disability, addictive disorder services (or co-occurring disorders) into Local Governing Entities (LGEs) as of July 1, 2010. NEDHSA is one of 10 independent LGEs. Each LGE is administered by an Executive Director who reports to a local board of community volunteers. Each LGE remains part of the Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals.
Is NEDHSA an accredited organization?
A CARF One-Year Accreditation was awarded to NEDHSA for the following services:
- Intensive Outpatient Treatment: Alcohol and other Drugs/Addictions (Adults)
- Outpatient Treatment: Alcohol and Other Drugs/Addictions (Adults, Children, and Adolescents)
- Outpatient Treatment: Mental Health (Adults, Children, and Adolescents)
CARF accreditation demonstrates NEDHSA’s quality, accountability, and commitment to the satisfaction of the persons served. CARF International is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services providers in the areas of Aging Services, Behavioral Health, Child and Youth Services, Durable Medical Equipment, Employment and Community Services, Medical Rehabilitation, Opioid Treatment Programs, and Vision Rehabilitation Services. For more information on CARF, visit www.carf.org
Local Governing Entities
What is an LGE?
Louisiana Act 384 merged mental health, developmental disability and addictive disorder services (or co-occurring disorders) into Local Governing Entities (LGEs) as of July 1, 2010. Northeast Delta HSA is one of 10 independent LGEs. Each LGE is administered by an Executive Director who reports to a local board of community volunteers. Each LGE remains part of the Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals, but not in a direct reporting line to the Louisiana Office of Behavioral Health. Northeast Delta HSA serves the same 12 parishes in northeast Louisiana that its former “Region 8” organization served: Caldwell, East Carroll, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Union and West Carroll.
What are benefits of an LGE?
The LGE model was created to better serve citizen’s individual and shared needs. LGEs eliminate the duplication of services and increase the desire to form community partnerships. This model affords greater accountability and responsiveness and provides the services most needed within local communities.
How is an LGE governed?
NE Delta HSA is governed by a 17-member board that meets on a monthly basis. It is composed of members that represent the HSA’s 12 parishes. The board is an initiator of policy and uses the expertise of individual board members to enhance the ability of the board as a body rather than to substitute individual judgments for the board’s values. The board represents NE Delta HSA in determining appropriate performance and it provides a link to NE Delta HSA in the community.
The purpose of the board, on behalf of NE Delta HSA, is to see that NE Delta HSA:
- Achieves appropriate results consistent with the mission of the agency for serving persons living in the community with mental illness, addictive disorders and developmental disabilities, consistent with the terms of the enabling legislation and the MOU/Framework, signed between NE Delta HSA and Louisiana DHH
- Is consistent with the approved NE Delta HSA strategic plan and is fiscally responsive
- Avoids unacceptable risk and situations.
Mental Health Services
How do I know if I need mental health services?
1. You are struggling with mental health issues, or you have received a diagnosis such as depression, bi-polar disorder or anxiety disorder ranging from mild to severe
2. You have a substance abuse issue, substance dependence or a severe personality disorder.
3. You have one or more mental health disorders that substantially interfere with your ability to carry out the primary aspects of daily living, such as self-care, household management, interpersonal relationships and performance in school or work.
How do I know if I am eligible for mental health services?
1. We will assess you and determine if you meet our admission criteria or if you would benefit from our assisting you with some other treatment placement.
2. If you are suffering from a mental health illness such as depression, severe mood swings, hallucinations, or emotional problems resulting from a traumatic event
What should I bring with me to my first appointment?
For mental health and/or addiction services:
1. An ID card and an insurance card if you have a policy.
2. Any medications you take, in the pill bottle, or a pharmacy print-out of your medications.
3. Proof of income must be established when you arrive. If you don’t have proof of income with you, you have 30 days to bring it back to us.
4. Name and contact information for any agency that referred you to us.
5. Any relevant legal paperwork such as a court order.
Where is the nearest clinic for mental health services?
Please visit this list for more details.
Addictive Disorders
How do I know if I need addiction services?
Diagnosing substance abuse or addiction depends on determining more than simply physical symptoms of abuse. Our counselors use a series of both physical and behavioral diagnostic criteria to determine if you have an addiction. These criteria may include:
- Inability to meet your obligations and responsibilities with family, friends or at work
- Relationships with your family or friends are suffering and affected
- Health financial or legal issues occuring due to substance abuse or addiction
- Inability to cease using a substance or inability to stop participating in an unhealthy activity
- Physical tolerance to a substance
- Occurence of withdrawl symptoms when a substance or activity is dropped
- Using a substance more than intended (substance is taken in larger amounts over a larger amount of time than intended)
- A great deal of time is spent trying to obtain a substance, use it or recover from its effects
- Important social, occupational or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of the use
- Continued use despite physical or psychological problems exacerbated by the use of a substance
- Recurrent substance abuse use in situations that are physically hazardous
- Legal problems because of use
- If you think you may have a substance abuse issue, dependence or personality disorder
How do I know if I am eligible for addiction services?
We will assess you and determine if you meet our admission criteria or if you would benefit from our assisting you with some other treatment placement.
If you think you have a substance addiction/abuse problem.
What should I bring with me to my first appointment?
For mental health and/or addiction services:
- An ID card and an insurance card if you have a policy.
- Any medications you take, in the pill bottle, or a pharmacy print-out of your medications.
- Proof of income must be established when you arrive. If you don’t have proof of income with you, you have 30 days to bring it back to us.
- Name and contact information for any agency that referred you to us.
- Any relevant legal paperwork such as a court order.
Where is the nearest clinic for addiction services?
Please visit this list for more details.
Developmental Disability
How do I apply for services?
You may call our main or toll-free number to begin the application process or apply in person at 3200 Concordia Street, Monroe, LA 71201.
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
1. Social security card\number
2. Louisiana ID if available
3. Any psychological evaluations, medical records, work assessments, social security disability verification documents, Individualized Education Plan (IEP) along with school evaluations current or historical.
4. Any medical insurance cards including private, Medicare, and Medicaid.
5. Any legal documents related to custody orders, guardianship, tutorship, etc. of the applicant.
How long does the eligibility determination process take?
The application process could take up to 45 days depending on the availability of documentation and whether or not further evaluations are needed.
If I am found eligible, what services are available to me?
Verification of eligibility into the Developmental Disabilities services system through the issuance of a Statement Of Approval by NEDHSA allows a participant to apply for assistance through the Individualized Family Support Program, the I\DD Medicaid Waiver Programs, and admission into a community home or nursing facility. All of these programs are subject to various other licensing rules and regulations and policies that must be met.
Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)
What is Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)?
Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, CARF International is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services in the following areas:
Aging Services
Behavioral Health
Opioid Treatment Programs
Business and Services Management Networks
Child and Youth Services
Employment and Community Services
Vision Rehabilitation
Medical Rehabilitation
DMEPOS (Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies)
The CARF family of organizations currently accredits close to 50,000 programs and services at more than 22,000 locations. More than 8 million persons of all ages are served annually by more than 6,500 CARF-accredited service providers.
CARF accreditation extends to countries in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
What is the CARF accreditation process?
The CARF accreditation process starts with a provider’s commitment to continuous improvement and culminates with external review and recognition that the provider’s business and service practices meet international standards of quality — with all the steps in between focused on optimal outcomes for the persons the provider serves and sustained organizational success. Achieving greater satisfaction for stakeholders, improved organizational efficiency and effectiveness, as well as an enhanced community image, are among the benefits of the CARF accreditation process.
The CARF standards have been developed over 40 plus years by international teams of service providers, policymakers, payers, family members, and consumers. The standards have also been submitted to the public for review to validate relevancy and ensure input from all interested stakeholders.
After a service provider commits to accreditation, the accreditation process begins with a thorough self-evaluation that applies the relevant CARF standards against the organization’s practices. Once the organization is in conformance to the standards, a request for a CARF survey is submitted at least three full months in advance of the desired date for an on-site survey. By the date of the survey, the provider should be in conformance with the standards for at least six months.
The survey team comprises industry peers who follow a consultative (rather than an inspective) approach in conducting the on-site survey. In addition to interviews of staff, persons served and their families, the surveyors observe organizational practices, review appropriate documentation, answer questions, and suggest ways to improve the provider’s operations and service delivery.
Following completion of the survey, CARF renders an accreditation decision and delivers a report that identifies the service provider’s strengths and areas for improvement and its level of demonstrated conformance to the standards.
To demonstrate its ongoing conformance to the CARF standards, an accredited provider completes a Quality Improvement Plan after receiving the survey report and submits an Annual Conformance to Quality Report each year throughout the accreditation term.
What are CARF Quality standards?
Quality standards form the cornerstone of CARF accreditation. Conformance to quality standards is a way to identify areas for improvement and growth and help the service provider focus on improved service outcomes, the satisfaction of the persons served, and quality service delivery. Each standard sets a guideline for the subject addressed.
The unique collection of standards in each standards manual composes a framework that builds upon your existing practices. Each manual includes quality standards for business practices, service processes, and specific programs and services. Standards provide a mechanism for continuous improvement to positively impact service providers and their consumers.
CARF publishes standards manuals in the following areas:
- Aging Services (including Continuing Care Retirement Communities)
- Behavioral Health
- Business and Services Management Networks
- Child and Youth Services
- Employment and Community Services
- Medical Rehabilitation (including DMEPOS)
- Opioid Treatment Program
- Vision Rehabilitation Services
CARF quality standards have been recognized as a roadmap for quality practices. With the rapid changes in health and human services, the standards assist a service provider in maintaining a leading edge.
Each set of standards is developed with the input of providers, consumers, payers, and other experts from around the world. As such, CARF standards are “field-driven” and “international consensus” standards.
Each year, CARF updates its standards manuals to ensure that its standards are relevant and guide service excellence. Often, the updates provide clarification in response to feedback received from the field. Occasionally, CARF will introduce or update a set of standards between printings of the standards manual. These mid-year changes may be posted online or be available through Customer Connect.
What is the Value of CARF accreditation?
CARF is committed to providing the greatest value for your accreditation investment. Your customers look for CARF accreditation as their assurance that your programs or facilities are of the highest quality. Payers recognize CARF accreditation as a demonstration of superior performance for their clients. As a service provider, you have the advantage of clearly defined and internationally accepted standards to ensure that your services remain among the elite for excellence.
Among the many benefits provided by CARF accreditation are:
- Business improvement.
- Service excellence.
- Competitive differentiation.
- Risk management.
- Funding access.
- Positive visibility.
- Accountability.
- Peer networking.