Whether you are looking for help for yourself, a family member, a friend, or needing to refer someone else to us, you probably have questions.
Many of the most frequently asked questions are listed below, but if you don’t see your question answered here, feel free to reach out to us.
1.866.Get.2.VOA
If you or a friend needs immediate help, please call 911, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.TALK(8255), or text “WYO” to 741.741 for the Crisis Text Line.
General
Who can you help?
Anyone in Albany, Goshen, Laramie, and Platte counties who is struggling with their mental health can find assistance with Volunteers of America. Our continuum of care is designed to help people of all ages from all walks of life become better versions of themselves.
What insurance do you accept?
We are happy to bill any insurance/3rd party payor on your behalf for your services with VOA. We contract with these and other insurance companies:
• BCBS (includes Federal BCBS and KidCare Chip)
• CIGNA (Formerly Great West)
• Medicare (Must see a LCSW, MD, DO, Licensed Psychologist, or Nurse Practitioner for Medicare to pay)
• RR Medicare (Must see a LCSW, MD, DO, Licensed Psychologist, or Nurse Practitioner for Medicare to pay)
• TriWest (Active Duty must have referral-only pays for eligible providers)
• WinHealth
• Wyoming Medicaid
If your insurance company isn’t on the list above, visit the fees and insurance page to learn what questions to ask your insurance company to confirm your benefits and whether VOA is in fact in-network for you.
How do I get started?
Simply call to schedule your first appointment or drop by during walk-in hours. Your first appointment is an “intake appointment,” which basically means we gather all the information we need to understand the best ways to help you, enroll you in our services, and match you with the right therapist for your second appointment.
What is a clinical assessment?
Part of your first appointment at VOA, a clinical assessment is simply a conversation with one of our qualified therapists to help us understand your unique situation and how we can help you.
We will ask you questions about your health history, your current life circumstances, what kind of problems you’re having—or have had—that concern you, and what you would like to change.
Basically, we need to have a good understanding of what’s happening so we can make the best possible decisions about your care.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
To your first appointment, please bring:
- Photo identification (driver’s license, State-issued ID card, military ID)
- Insurance card (if applicable)
- Proof of income for all household family members (if requesting financial assistance)
- Court documents (if applicable; court orders, probation, parole documents, etc.)
You can also save time that day by filling out our new client paperwork, which can be found on our First Steps page, in advance.
How long will it be before I can see someone?
If you come in during our walk-in hours, we will get you started right away by having you meet with an intake coordinator during the first available appointment time that day. Walk-in appointments are first come, first served, so please allow a 2-3 hour window in case someone arrives ahead of you.
You are also welcome to call to schedule a first appointment in advance.
During your first appointment, a trained therapist will talk with you about your unique situation, health history and how we can help. This process isn’t an actual counseling session; it’s to help us match you with the best therapist for your second appointment, when counseling begins.
When you have your second appointment to begin therapy depends on your schedule and the availability of the therapist who is the best fit for what you need.
Does my first appointment have to be during walk-in hours?
No. For your first appointment to enroll in services, the quickest way to get started is to come in during our walk-in hours at the nearest location, however, if you prefer you may contact us to schedule an appointment.
I am out of my medications. Can I see a psychiatrist to get more?
Please talk with your lead VOA counselor who will help you get an appointment with one of our psychiatrists. We only provide psychiatric and pharmacy services for VOA clients, however, it’s easy to enroll in our services.
Where are you located?
Please see our Mental Health section on the Locations page for all locations and contact information!
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth means using teleconferencing or videoconferencing equipment for “long-distance” appointments with healthcare providers. Especially if you live in a rural area, telehealth makes it easier to keep appointments with doctors or specialists far away and saves you transportation time.
VOA clients may schedule telehealth appointments at our facilities and one of our staff members will have everything set up and help you.
Psychiatric Care
What is the difference between psychiatric care and medical care?
Psychiatric care is a type of medical care specialized in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders of all kinds. This includes understanding behaviors, thinking, perception and disease symptoms and how those relate to the chemistry and physiology of the body.
What is the difference between psychiatric care and other types of mental health care?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO) who specializes in treating mental health conditions. As a doctor, a psychiatrist has the in-depth knowledge to identify specific illnesses or problems based on symptoms a person is experiencing. Because they are doctors, psychiatrists may also legally prescribe medications, as may psychiatric nurse practitioners.
Psychologists, therapists or counselors that are not psychiatrists or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner do not diagnose mental health conditions and cannot prescribe medications. Instead, or working in collaboration with a psychiatrist, they use other forms of therapy to improve a patient’s symptoms, conditions or diseases.
Who provides psychiatric medical care at VOA?
On our team, we have three types of providers specialized in medical care for mental health conditions:
- Psychiatrists. These medical doctors specialize in treating mental health conditions. All of the psychiatrists who work at VOA are certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
- Child psychiatrists. Our services include child psychiatry, and we have an on-staff psychiatrist specialized in the unique needs of children and teens.
- Psychiatric nurse practitioners (Psych NP). These nurse practitioners have special training in assessing and treating mental health conditions. Psychiatric nurse practitioners are certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Like psychiatrists, they do medical assessments, order lab work and prescribe medications when needed.
How do I see a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner?
Once you are a VOA client, your therapist can evaluate your needs and help you decide if seeing a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner for a medical evaluation makes sense as part of your treatment plan.
What should I bring to my first psychiatric appointment?
To your first appointment, please bring:
- All prescribed medications, over-the-counter medications and supplements you are taking
- The names and addresses of other doctors who are taking care of you now
- A list of your medical problems
- The names and addresses of mental health professionals you have seen before
What will happen at my first psychiatric appointment?
First, the psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner will ask you questions about your physical and emotional health to understand what’s going on. Then he or she will work with you to develop a plan to address your problems. The plan may include things like testing your hormones or blood chemistry, medications, counseling and other therapies.
Do I have to go to therapy in addition to seeing my medical provider at VOA?
Yes. VOA considers seeing a therapist an essential part of treatment because we have found it helps people manage their mental health conditions and lives more effectively. If you miss therapy appointments that are part of your treatment plan, your psychiatrist may ask that you first keep those appointments before seeing you again. If you are not actively engaged in therapy services at VOA, we will assist you with a referral to another provider outside VOA for your medications.
How long do I need to be in therapy?
This depends on your individual needs. If you are doing better and you have completed the counseling part of your treatment plan, your therapist and medical provider will decide if it would be beneficial for you to continue therapy, conclude therapy or modify your treatment plan in other ways.
What is telehealth?
Telehealth means using teleconferencing or videoconferencing equipment for “long-distance” appointments with healthcare providers. Especially if you live in a rural area, telehealth makes it easier to keep appointments with doctors or specialists far away and saves you transportation time.
VOA clients may schedule telehealth appointments at our facilities and one of our staff members will have everything set up and help you.
If you or a friend needs immediate help, please call 911, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.TALK (8255), or text “WYO” to 741.741 for the Crisis Text Line.