Guides for Participation at Insight Northwest Recovery

Participant Guide

Welcome to Insight Northwest Recovery!

We're glad you're starting this journey with us.

Here at Insight Northwest Recovery, we understand that life can be tough, especially if you're dealing with mental health or substance use concerns. Our support groups are designed to give you a place to talk about what's happening in your life and to learn new ways to handle challenges.

Getting to Know Insight Northwest Recovery

Insight Northwest Recovery is all about creating a safe space for you. We're dedicated to providing you with support that respects your unique story. We listen, we understand, and we're here to help you build on your own strength and resilience.

Your First Days

Feeling a bit unsure is normal when you're new. This guide will help answer your questions, but don't hesitate to reach out to any of our friendly staff for extra help or just to chat about what's on your mind.

Discover Your Path at Insight

We offer a variety of support circles to fit where you are on your journey:

Focused Support Circle
Our most involved circle, where you can spend 5 days a week with us, diving deep into understanding and growth. We spend around 5 hours each day together, for about a month, giving you a consistent, engaging space to work on what matters to you.

Weekly Support Sessions
After you've completed our Focused Support Circle or if you're looking for something with a lighter touch, these sessions meet less often—just a few times a week—to keep the conversation and support going.

Steady Check-Ins
As you make progress, we'll still be right here. We'll catch up less frequently, but these check-ins will be your steady backing as you navigate life with new confidence.

Ongoing Encouragement
When you've found your stride, we'll still touch base, offering support and a listening ear to ensure you stay on track.

One-to-One Guidance
Your individual guide (therapist) is here for you, ready to meet a couple of times a month for those one-on-one discussions that can really make a difference. This is your time to talk about anything and everything that's on your mind.

Support for Your Mind and Body

Our psychiatrist is part of your team, too—here to help you understand the mental health side of things. While we don't jump straight to medication, we're all about making sure you understand what's going on and finding ways to support you.

Housekeeping Rules

• Keep your phone off during group time—this time is all about you, without distractions.

• Skip the energy drinks; we're all about keeping our minds clear and focused.

• Safety first, always. That means no weapons or other risky stuff here.

Jumping In - Program Expectations

• Be punctual

• Join the conversation

• Show respect

We all support each other here, so let's make sure we're doing our part.

Understanding Your Rights

From the get-go, you'll learn about your rights in our program. We'll go over:

• How to speak up and be heard if something's bothering you.

• Your privacy—what you say here stays here.

• Your right to understand everything that's going on.

Need Help or Wanna Chat About a Problem?

Here’s How to Tell Us

Step 1: If something’s not right, grab a Grievance Form from any staff or ask for one.

Step 2: Fill it out—tell us what’s bothering you and how you think we could make it better.

Step 3: Hand it back to any staff. We’ll look into it and try to fix things fast—usually within 5 days. If it takes longer, we’ll keep you updated.

Don’t Agree with a Decision?

Ask for a Do-Over: If you don’t agree with a decision about your care or the outcome of your complaint, you can ask for an appeal. That means we’ll take another look at everything.

What Happens Next: A few people who weren’t involved before will review your appeal. They’ll check out all the info and see if the decision should be changed.

Final Answer: We’ll let you know what they decide within 15 days and explain why.

Need Help with This Stuff?

We get that this can be a lot. Our team is here to help you fill out forms, explain things, or just listen if you need to talk.

Example of What You’ll Fill Out:

• Your Info: Your name and how we can reach you.

• What’s Up: Tell us what went wrong and when.

• What You Want: Let us know how you’d like us to fix it.

We Promise to Be Fair

We’re here to make sure everyone feels heard and respected. We’ll always take your concerns seriously and keep things fair.

Extra Support

Sometimes families can be a big help. If it works for you, we'll include them in ways that support you best. We also offer guidance without jumping to diagnoses or medication. Here, it's all about conversation, connection, and support.

Your Insight Northwest Recovery Team

You'll get to know our awesome staff who are all about supporting your journey. Meet the team who'll be by your side, leading groups, and available for one-on-ones.

Moving Forward

Welcome to the Insight family! We're excited to take these next steps with you toward a healthier and happier life. Remember, this guide is just the beginning—any questions, just ask.

Parent/Guardian Guide

Welcome to Insight Northwest Recovery

At Insight Northwest Recovery (INR), we understand that stepping into a journey of recovery and mental health treatment for your child can be a challenging and emotional process. We are dedicated to supporting not only our young clients but also their families through comprehensive and compassionate care.

Understanding Our Services

Insight Northwest Recovery is approved by the State of Oregon to provide a range of services to support individuals with substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and co-occurring conditions. Our services include: Intensive Day Treatment (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP) for substance use and mental health challenges, early intervention, individual counseling, family counseling, peer support, and psychiatry…all tailored to the unique needs of young people and their families in our community.

What Services are Offered at Insight Northwest Recovery?

At Insight Northwest Recovery, we offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients.

Here's a brief overview of each service and its benefits:

Why Are These Services Helpful?

Our diverse range of services ensures that every client receives the support they need at each stage of their recovery journey. From intensive care to ongoing maintenance and support, each program is designed to foster stability, growth, and a fulfilling life. Engaging with these services allows clients to develop the skills and resilience needed to manage their recovery effectively and achieve lasting well-being.

Confidentiality & Trust

At Insight Northwest Recovery, we are committed to providing comprehensive behavioral health care while earning and maintaining your trust through strict confidentiality protocols. If you are a parent or guardian, it's important to understand that all communications between our clients and staff are confidential, unless disclosure is necessary to prevent harm to the client or others.

Understanding Confidentiality

Federal and state laws protect the confidentiality of a client’s behavioral health information.

However, there are exceptions:

Mandated Reporters

All staff at Insight Northwest Recovery are mandated reporters in accordance with Oregon State law. 

• Risk of Harm: If a client poses a credible threat to themselves or others, we are legally required to intervene to ensure safety. This may involve notifying authorities to prevent harm.

• Abuse or Neglect: We are mandated to report suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult to appropriate protective services.

Confidentiality with Minors

We strive to balance parental involvement in a child’s treatment with their right to confidentiality. Parents are encouraged to engage in discussions about treatment goals and progress, but detailed session content is generally confidential to build trust between the therapist and the child.

• Important Note: Per ORS 109.675, a minor child who is at least 14 years old may access mental health, substance use treatment, and psychiatry without parental consent. Providers are expected to involve parents by the end of the child’s treatment unless: 

  • The parent refuses involvement

  • Clear clinical indications to the contrary exist and are documented in the treatment record 

  • There is identified sexual abuse

  • The child has been emancipated and/or separated from the parent for at least 90 days

Trust and Engagement

Trust is foundational to effective treatment. We encourage open dialogue about any privacy concerns you might have, as clear understanding of these policies strengthens the therapeutic relationship.

Our dedication to protecting privacy and confidentiality underpins our commitment to creating a safe and open therapeutic environment. Should you have any questions about our practices, please feel free to discuss them with your provider or our administration.

The Importance of Family Involvement

Family plays a pivotal role in the healing and recovery process. We encourage all parents and guardians to actively participate in family counseling sessions.

Here's why:

Enhancing the Recovery Journey

Family participation can significantly enhance the effectiveness of treatment and recovery, providing a support system that fosters growth and healing. At Insight Northwest Recovery we provide services through a family systems lens, which means when an individual in a family goes through recovery and changes, so does that family. It can be essential for parents and guardians to be involved so that they can learn how to best support their loved one in the process.

Changing Family Dynamics

Without family involvement, especially for those living in the same household, the family system may remain unchanged, potentially hindering the recovery process.

Family Counseling Services

We recommend family counseling sessions to begin no earlier than one week to the onset of services.

Family counseling will occur every other week for participants involved in our various programs, depending on:

1. The mental health status of the participant

2. Their ability to participate

3. Interest or willingness to engage in therapy

These sessions are designed to address issues affecting the family system and promote a healthy, supportive environment for everyone involved.

Exceptions to Family Counseling Engagement

While we advocate for family involvement, there are situations where family counseling may not be appropriate, including:

• Current alcohol abuse/drug use by parent/guardians

• History of physical or sexual abuse

• Current verbal abuse

Stay Engaged

We encourage you to remain proactive in your communication with our team, ask questions, and share your insights. Your feedback is invaluable and helps us to continually improve our services and better meet the needs of those we serve.

Commitment to Safety and Respect

INR is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all clients and their families. Our policies ensure that every individual receives the care and support they need in a manner that respects their dignity and privacy.

Grievance Process

At Insight Northwest Recovery, we strive to address all concerns as soon as possible; however, we understand that there are times that a more formal process is needed. If you feel like your concerns have not be properly addressed, please give us a call.

Thank You

As we conclude this handbook, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to you, the parents and guardians, for your active involvement and trust in Insight Northwest Recovery. Your participation and support play a crucial role in the success of the treatment process and the well-being of our clients.

Contacting Us

For more information about our services or to discuss how we can support your family, please contact us at:

Phone: (541) 576-1510

Email: info@insightrecovery.com

Website: www.insightrecovery.com

Psychiatry at Insight Northwest Recovery

IMPORTANT: PLEASE TAKE 5 MINUTES TO READ THIS!

Our philosophy of care is to meet the patients where they are and do our best to evaluate the patients as they present today. We will take into consideration all the parts of the picture including the patient's medical history, psychiatric history, family history, previous trauma, previous diagnoses, and current medications.

Our goal is to do our best to determine what the underlying driver is that is causing the symptoms and treat them to achieve remission of symptoms. The quicker we get symptoms under control, the greater the benefit the patient will get from attending this program.

This sometimes means:

• We may prescribe multiple medications at the first meeting to quickly stabilize the patient.

• We will meet with patients weekly in the first 4-6 weeks to ensure this is the best course of treatment and will de-prescribe as the patient stabilizes when it makes sense.

• Our goal is to discharge the patient with a medication regimen that has the best chance of longterm stabilization.

• We will discontinue current medications that do not align with how the patient is presenting at this time. (Please keep in mind that this often a higher level of care, therefore, the current meds are often ineffective or have been prescribed as stopgaps and need to be addressed)

• All patients will be prescribed vitamin D3. This is a very important vitamin for bones, the immune system, and most importantly, mental wellness. Vitamin D is a necessary vitamin for the body to make more Serotonin. Low serotonin is responsible for anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, PMS, PMDD, cravings for carbs and sweets, poor digestion, intrusive thoughts, compulsions, neck pain, and TMJ. (not an extensive list)

• The medications we prescribe may be listed in a specific drug class and may cause concern and make you question what the diagnosis is.

  • Often in psychiatry, medications are used at different doses for different reasons. Example:

    • Risperidone is in the antipsychotic drug class, the dose is typically 6-8mg a day and not typically the first choice for schizophrenia anymore, however, it has been purposed for the sedating effect for sleep, anger, and aggression irritability behaviors.

    • Lamotrigine is an older anticonvulsant medication with a typical dose of up to 500mg a day. This medication has been repurposed in psychiatry for mood dysregulation when big emotions with daily mood swings depending on the situation are present or for self-harming. Starting doses are 25mg and most people will do great between 150-200mg a day.

  • Medications are used off-label for something else or are used synergistically with other medications for a new benefit altogether.

    • ADHD medications such as stimulants/or non-stimulants work with clonidine (which is a blood pressure medication) to help the patient focus during the day and get rest at bedtime to reduce hyperactive body and mind.

• Diagnoses may be working diagnoses until we get to know the patient. During treatment there will be a therapy session to discuss official diagnoses and provide education on ongoing treatment after discharge, future support, and prognosis.

In most cases, the patient will be seen in the first weeks of starting treatment. After the first appointment please ensure new medications are picked up and started within 24 hours of the initial appointment. This will allow us to reassess the efficacy of the medication the following week. While medication can take weeks to reach full benefit, we know what progress we are looking for to ensure we are moving in the right direction. Our priorities in treating patients are safety, sleep, mood stabilization, focus, PTSD, and trauma symptoms.

Each Friday you will receive an overall update from our team via email. It will come from the email address insightrecovery@proton.me. The email will be encrypted to ensure only you are able to access the email. The password will be your child’s birthdate in the following format: 01/01/2024.

Insurance Information

We are proud to be in-network with most major insurance providers to minimize out-of-pocket costs for our patients.

We accept health insurance coverage from the following providers:

• PacificSource Medicaid - Oregon Health Plan (OHP)

• PacificSource Commercial

• MODA

• Providence

• Regence BCBS

What is an Out-of-Network Provider?

An out-of-network provider is a healthcare professional, facility, or organization that does not have a contract with your health insurance company. Since there is no formal agreement, the costs for receiving care from out-of-network providers are typically higher than those for in-network providers. Additionally, some insurance plans may not cover out-of-network care at all, or they may require additional steps like pre-authorization and single case agreements before services are approved.

Accessing Out-of-Network Services with Insight Northwest Recovery

At Insight Northwest Recovery, we strive to make accessing care as seamless as possible, even if we are considered out-of-network with your insurance plan.

Here's how we work to secure authorization and assist you through the process:

1. Understand Your Insurance Plan

• Review Your Policy: Check your insurance benefits to determine if out-of-network services are covered.

• Pre-Authorization Requirements: Confirm if your insurance requires pre-authorization before accessing out-of-network care.

• Cost Details: Be aware of your plan's deductible, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum for out-of-network services.

2. Contact Us for Assistance

• Verify Credentials: We will ensure that our services align with your treatment needs.

• Cost Estimate: Our team can provide you with a detailed cost estimate for the services that are included in treatment.

3. Securing Pre-Authorization

We will work directly with your insurance company to obtain pre-authorization for out-of-network care. Here’s how we assist:

• Initiating the Request: Our team submits the pre-authorization request on your behalf.

• Providing Documentation: We handle submitting the necessary medical records, referrals, or justifications required by your insurer.

4. Exploring Single Case Agreements

If your insurance allows, we can request a Single Case Agreement (SCA) to streamline coverage for your care:

• Definition: An SCA is a contract between us and your insurance company for specific treatments included in your care.

• Process:

• Initiation: We work with your insurer to request the agreement.  Sometimes, the insurance companies require that you initiate the SCA, so in those cases, we will work with you to walk you through the process.

• Negotiation: Once approved, we negotiate terms like payment rates and covered services.

• Finalization: Once signed by both parties, we will coordinate with you to begin treatment.

5. Receiving Care

• Transparent Communication: We’ll ensure you understand your out-of-network status and any expected costs upfront.

• Payments: You’ll pay any applicable copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance per your insurance plan.

• Record-Keeping: We’ll help you maintain organized records of receipts, itemized bills, and visit documentation required by your insurer.

6. Handling Reimbursement

We handle the claims submission process for the services you receive working with your insurance company and keeping you informed of any updates or changes.

• Claim Submission: We submit claims electronically or via paper to your health insurance company, ensuring all necessary details are included.

• Insurance Review: Your insurer will review the claim to determine if the service is covered, and if so, calculate the reimbursement amount.

• Explanation of Benefits (EOB): You’ll receive an EOB from your insurer, outlining the amount that they covered for your care and any remaining balance that you are responsible for paying.

• Direct Reimbursement: If you have paid upfront, some insurers may reimburse you directly. We can provide documentation to support this process.

Need Help?

Our Client Care team is here to guide you through every step, from pre-authorization to reimbursement. If you have any questions, please contact us directly. We’re committed to making your experience as smooth as possible.

Insurance Reimbursement Process

Dear Participants, and Parents/Guardians,

As part of our commitment to providing exceptional care and support, we want to ensure that our self-pay patients have the necessary information to manage their healthcare expenses effectively. This includes understanding how to submit superbills and generated receipts of care to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement.

How to Submit Superbills for Out-of-Network Reimbursement

1. Receive Your Superbill

• At the end of each week of care, you will receive a superbill or a generated receipt detailing the treatment rendered. This document includes all necessary information such as diagnosis codes, procedure codes, and payment amounts.

2. Review the Superbill

• Carefully review the superbill for accuracy. Ensure that your personal information, diagnosis codes, and procedure codes are correct. If you notice any discrepancies, please contact our office immediately for corrections.

3. Submit to Your Insurance Company

• Contact your insurance company to understand their specific submission process for out-of-network claims. Most insurance companies will require you to mail or electronically submit the superbill along with a claim form.

• Fill out the required claim form from your insurance provider. Attach the superbill and any other required documents as specified by your insurance company.

4. Follow-Up

• After submitting your superbill and claim form, follow up with your insurance company to confirm receipt and to check on the status of your reimbursement claim.

• Keep copies of all submitted documents and any correspondence with your insurance company for your records.

• Please be aware that we do not

5. Understand Reimbursement

• Reimbursement amounts and timelines vary by insurance company and policy. It's important to understand your insurance plan’s out-of-network benefits and reimbursement policies. Your insurance company can provide you with detailed information about what to expect.

Using Reimbursify.com

• What is Reimbursify?: Reimbursify is a user-friendly platform that simplifies the process of submitting out-of-network insurance claims. It allows you to quickly file claims and track their status online or via a mobile app.

• How to Use Reimbursify: Simply upload your superbill and follow the guided steps to submit your claim. Reimbursify will handle the rest, ensuring your claim is sent to your insurance company and providing updates on the status of your reimbursement.

• Benefits: Reimbursify saves you time and effort, making the reimbursement process more efficient and less stressful.

Important Tips

• Keep Organized Records: Maintain a file of all superbills, receipts, and correspondence with your insurance company.

• Stay Informed: Regularly check with your insurance company about the status of your reimbursement claims and any potential issues.

• Ask for Help: If you have any questions or need assistance with the reimbursement process, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We are here to support you.

​​Disclaimer

Please note that the information provided in this document is intended as a guide and is not a guarantee or promise of reimbursement. Each insurance company has its own policies and procedures, and we cannot guarantee the outcome of any claim submission.

We hope this information helps you navigate the process of obtaining out-of-network reimbursement from your insurance company. Our goal is to make your experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Thank you for your trust in our services. We look forward to continuing to provide you with the highest level of care.

Thank you,
Maleigha Myers, LCSW, Clinical Director
Josh Gotlib, LPC, CADC III, Founder & Executive Director

Parenting Group

Dear Parents,

We are excited to announce the launch of a new 12-week Parenting Group designed to support you in strengthening family relationships, supporting your parenting skills, and creating common language. Understanding the challenges many families face, we are offering this group to provide practical tools and a supportive community to help you navigate the complexities of parenting.

Our Approach (The Why)

We are aligned with evidence-based practices that find treating the whole family in conjunction with the child being in treatment, is the most effective approach. We want to create change to the family unit that involves common language and healing within the natural relationships supporting the child(ren) in treatment. 

Attendance Expectations

Over the 12 week duration of intensive outpatient treatment, it is required that each parent is involved in our Parenting Group that meets once per week with two time offerings (see below). We allow for parents and their child to miss a total of three group sessions over the course of 12 weeks. If a parent chooses not to attend the Parenting Group, their child will be unable to attend treatment at Insight Northwest Recovery. If there are barriers to attending, please speak with Maleigha Myers, our Clinical Director prior to your child(ren) enrolling in the group.

What the Program Covers

Our Parenting Group will cover a variety of topics aimed at improving family dynamics, fostering effective communication, and building trust.

Over the 12 weeks, we will explore:

• Goal Setting: Learn to set achievable and meaningful goals for yourself and your family.

• Effective Communication Skills: Develop techniques to enhance communication within your family.

• Building Trust and Connection: Discover strategies to strengthen trust and connection with your children.

• Managing Stress: Gain tools for managing stress and maintaining balance in your life.

• Building Resilience: Learn how to foster resilience in yourself and your family.

• Healthy Boundaries: Understand the importance of setting and maintaining healthy boundaries.

Why Attend?

Parenting is one of the most rewarding yet challenging roles, and it’s important to have the right support and resources. While your loved one receives treatment, it’s important that the system at home changes in order to prevent regression to previous behaviors.

Our group provides:

• A safe space to share experiences and learn from others.

• Practical strategies you can apply immediately.

• Support from experienced facilitators and fellow parents.

• A community of parents working towards similar goals.

We encourage you to take this opportunity to invest in your family’s future. Consistent attendance will help you get the most out of the program, but we understand life can be busy. That’s why we’ve made the group flexible – attend on the day that works best for you each week.

Sign Up Now

Please click this link and fill out the form, it will take less than 2 minutes! Spaces are limited, so please sign up soon!

We look forward to seeing you and working together to create stronger, healthier family relationships.

Sincerely,
Clinical Director, Maleigha Myers, LCSW
Executive Director, Josh Gotlib, LPC, CADC III

Understanding a Neurodivergence Diagnosis

So You've Been Diagnosed with ASD/ADHD/Neurodivergence, What Next?

You've started a new chapter by stepping through our doors, and we're here to guide you through every part of your journey. Understanding your diagnosis is a key step towards managing your health and making informed decisions about your care.

Understanding Your Diagnosis

A diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder (ADHD), or neurodivergence means that your brain works a bit differently, and that's okay! This can affect how you interact with the world, but it also brings unique strengths and perspectives. Here at Insight Northwest Recovery, we focus on understanding and embracing your unique needs.

How These Conditions Manifest

• ASD: Often involves distinct ways of processing social interactions, emotional expressions, and sensory information. You might find yourself particularly attuned to certain patterns, details, or interests, which can lead to deep expertise and unique problem-solving skills.

• ADHD: Typically characterized by varying levels of attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. This can translate into being highly creative, possessing the ability to think quickly, and maintaining a flexible approach to tasks.

Positive Impacts on Life

Creative Thinking and Innovation

Neurodivergent individuals often excel in creative thinking and innovation. The unique wiring of your brain can lead to novel solutions and breakthroughs in various fields, from art and design to science and technology.

Intense Focus

Many with ASD or ADHD have the ability to hyper-focus on subjects of interest. This intense concentration can lead to significant achievements in specific areas where you feel most passionate.

Resilience and Adaptability

Facing and managing daily challenges can foster incredible resilience and adaptability. Understanding and navigating these challenges can enhance your ability to cope with stress and change.

Enhancing Self-Understanding and Navigation Self-Discovery

Learning about how neurodivergence affects you can be a powerful journey of self-discovery. It helps you understand why you might feel or react differently in certain situations, which can be liberating and affirming.

Navigating Challenges

With support, you can develop strategies tailored to your way of processing the world. This might include adjustments in your learning methods, work environment, or social interactions that better align with your needs.

Managing Stimulation

Understanding your sensory thresholds is key. Whether minimizing overwhelming environments or seeking out stimulating settings that enhance your focus and enjoyment, you can create a personalized approach to managing daily life.

Our Approach to Care

Personalized Care Plans

Your care begins with understanding you as an individual—your needs, your strengths, and your preferences. This involves a thorough evaluation and discussions about the best strategies to support your wellness and well-being.

Medication and Management

Sometimes, medications are part of the plan. We use them thoughtfully to manage specific symptoms that might be making things tough for you. Remember, medications might be prescribed for a variety of reasons and tailored to work just for you.

Therapeutic Support

Alongside medication, you'll engage in tailored therapeutic activities. Whether it's group sessions that help build skills and friendships or one-on-one sessions that focus on personal growth, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Education and Advocacy

Understanding how you view the world is empowering. We provide clear explanations about all aspects of your treatment and are here to answer any questions you might have. This includes helping you understand any medications prescribed and their intended benefits.

What You Can Expect

• Regular Updates: You and your family will be kept in the loop with regular updates about your progress. This ensures everyone involved understands how things are going and what the next steps might be.

• Respect and Support: Our team is committed to providing care that respects your dignity and individuality. You have a say in your treatment every step of the way, and we ensure that your rights are always protected.

• A Safe and Supportive Environment: We strive to make our space welcoming and safe for everyone. Keeping distractions at bay, we encourage a focus on personal growth and well-being during your time with us.

Moving Forward

Getting diagnosed is just the beginning. As you continue with us at Insight Northwest Recovery, we'll explore together the best ways to utilize your strengths and support your challenges. With a combination of medication management, therapy, and ongoing support, we're here to help you navigate this journey.

Reach Out Anytime

If you have questions, or if there's anything you're uncertain about, don't hesitate to reach out. Our doors are always open, and our team is here to support you in understanding and managing your diagnosis effectively.

We're excited to walk this path with you at Insight Northwest Recovery. Welcome to our community!

How to Respond to a Mental Health Crisis

A Guide for Parents

Mental health crises can be overwhelming for both parents and children. This guide is designed to help you respond effectively if your child is experiencing a mental health crisis, particularly if they are exhibiting self-harm or suicidal ideations. It includes practical steps to take during a crisis and provides a list of local, state, and national resources available to you in Lane County, Oregon.

Recognizing the Early Warning Signs

When a child is considering suicide, there are several warning signs that parents should be aware of. These signs can be subtle or more obvious, and it’s important to take any signs seriously.

Here are some things to watch out for:

Changes in Behavior

• Giving Away Belongings: A child may start giving away prized possessions or items that hold sentimental value, which can indicate that they are planning for a future without them.

• Sudden Mood Improvement: After a period of depression or hopelessness, a child may suddenly appear to have a more positive outlook on life. This can be misleading, as it might indicate that they have resolved to end their life and are at peace with the decision.

• Withdrawal from Friends and Family: A child may begin to isolate themselves, avoiding friends, family, and activities they once enjoyed.

• Loss of Interest in Hobbies: They might stop participating in activities or hobbies that used to bring them joy, which could be a sign of deepening depression or hopelessness.

• Increased Risk-Taking: Engaging in reckless behavior, such as substance abuse, dangerous driving, or other high-risk activities, can be a way to test their limits or cope with their feelings.

Verbal Cues

• Talking About Death or Suicide: Direct or indirect statements like “I wish I wasn’t here,” “Everyone would be better off without me,” or “I’m just tired of everything” are red flags that should be taken seriously.

• Expressing Feelings of Hopelessness or Worthlessness: Phrases like “There’s no point in trying,” “Nothing will ever get better,” or “I’m a burden to everyone” can indicate that they are struggling with suicidal thoughts.

• Discussing Being a Burden: A child might express that they feel like a burden to others, which is a common theme in those considering suicide.

Emotional Changes

• Intense Despair or Hopelessness: Persistent feelings of despair, sadness, or hopelessness that don’t seem to improve with time or intervention.

• Sudden Calmness or Relief: After a period of intense emotional turmoil, a child may suddenly become calm and serene, which can indicate that they’ve made the decision to end their life.

• Irritability or Agitation: Increased irritability, agitation, or anger, especially if it’s out of character or disproportionate to the situation.

Physical Changes

• Changes in Sleeping Patterns: Insomnia, excessive sleeping, or erratic sleeping patterns can indicate underlying mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts.

• Changes in Eating Habits: Significant weight loss or gain, or a noticeable change in appetite, might be a sign that something is wrong.

• Neglect of Personal Appearance: A child may stop taking care of their personal hygiene or appearance, which can be a sign of depression or hopelessness.

Social or Academic Indicators

• Declining Academic Performance: A sudden drop in grades, loss of interest in school, or frequent absences may be signs of an internal struggle.

• Avoidance of Social Interaction: Avoiding friends, skipping social activities, or showing disinterest in spending time with others.

• Engaging in Farewell Behavior: Writing notes, posting on social media, or otherwise indicating that they are saying goodbye to others.

Unexplained Physical Complaints

• Frequent Complaints of Physical Pain: Complaints of headaches, stomachaches, or other physical symptoms without a clear medical cause can be linked to emotional distress or depression.

Immediate Steps to Take

1 - Stay Calm and Listen

Your child needs to feel heard and supported. Stay calm, listen without judgment, and acknowledge their feelings.

2 - Assess the Situation

• Is there immediate danger? If your child has harmed themselves or is in imminent danger of doing so, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

• Is your child talking about suicide? Take all mentions of suicide seriously. Ask directly if they are thinking about harming themselves or ending their life. This will not increase the risk but will help you gauge the severity.

3 - Remove Access to Means

If possible, remove any objects that could be used for self-harm or suicide, such as sharp objects, medications, or firearms.

4 - Provide Reassurance

Let your child know you are there for them and that help is available. Reassure them that they are not alone.

5 - Seek Professional Help

• Contact your child’s mental health provider if they have one.

• If they don’t have a provider or you need immediate help, use the resources listed below.

Local Resources in Lane County, Oregon

• White Bird Crisis Line: 24/7 crisis support.

  • Call (541) 687-4000 or toll-free at 1-800-422-7558

• CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets): Mobile crisis intervention within Eugene and Springfield.

  • Call (541) 682-5111

• Lane County Behavioral Health: Offers mental health services and crisis support.

  • Call (541) 682-3608

• Looking Glass Youth & Family Services: Provides crisis intervention for youth.

  • Call (541) 689-3111

• PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center: Emergency psychiatric services.

  • Visit at 3333 RiverBend Drive, Springfield, OR 97477

  • Call (541) 222-7300

State and National Resources

• Oregon YouthLine: Teen-to-teen crisis support and help.

  • Call 1-877-968-8491

  • Text “teen2teen” to 839863

  • Chat online at oregonyouthline.org

• Oregon Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 24/7 crisis intervention.

  • Call 1-800-273-8255

  • Text “273TALK” to 839863

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Available 24/7 for anyone in crisis.

  • Call 988

• Crisis Text Line

  • Text “HOME” to 741741 for free, 24/7 crisis support.

• The Trevor Project: Crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth.

  • Call 1-866-488-7386

  • Text “START” to 678678

  • Visit thetrevorproject.org

Long-Term Support and Follow-Up

Establish a Safety Plan

Work with a mental health professional to create a safety plan that includes triggers, warning signs, coping strategies, and emergency contacts.

Connect with a Mental Health Professional

Ensure your child is connected with a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist for ongoing support.

Join Support Groups

Consider joining a parent support group or encouraging your child to join a peer support group.

Monitor and Follow Up

Continue to monitor your child’s well-being and maintain open communication about their feelings and progress.

Additional Resources

What to Do if Your Child Runs Away

504 Plan vs. IEP: Key Differences for Parents in Oregon