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Service to the Blind and
Visually Impaired - South Dakota Developmental Center
HUMAN SERVICES CENTER
George S. Mickelson
Center for the Neurosciences
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Q: How are patients admitted to the Human Services Center?
- Q: What is the cost for treatment at Human Services Center?
- Q: Can a person just come to the Human Services Center to receive treatment?
- Q: How can a person be committed to the Human Services Center?
- Q: What should someone do in an emergency situation?
- Q: If a patient is hospitalized at the Human Services Center, are family members allowed to visit or take their loved one for outings?
- Q: Mental illness and chemical dependency are very difficult for family members to cope with. Where can family members gain support or information about these conditions?
A; There are two ways that a patient can be admitted: voluntarily or involuntarily. The admissions procedures are established by the State Mental Health Code, which can be found in South Dakota Codified Law section 27A.
A: Treatment at the Human Services Center is for South Dakota residents. Cost of care is based on financial ability to pay. Specific information regarding costs can be discussed with individuals at their request.
A: Individuals needing treatment services are advised to first consult their Community Mental Health Center. A pre-screening assessment can be completed by a Mental Health Center professional. Some individuals may be able to best be served on an out-patient basis. Out-patient treatment would be the least disruptive to an individual's life, would be less expensive for them, and meets the requirement to serve individuals in the least restrictive alternative. Upon assessment, some people will be found to require in-patient treatment. The Community Mental Health Center can then assist those people with the procedures for admission at the Human Services Center.
A: Individuals who are found to not be competent or who are seriously needing treatment but refusing to give permission for treatment may be considered for commitment. The process of commitment begins with a, contact to the States Attorney or the Chairman of the County Board of Mental Illness.
A: If a person is in crisis call the local law enforcement. There is authority in the Mental Health Code for law enforcement to take an individual into protective custody on a mental illness hold. This is used in extreme cases when an individual might be a threat to their personal safety or to the safety of others. Law enforcement are trained to effectively assist individuals in this type of crisis.
A: Families are often encouraged to maintain contact with the patient in the form of telephone calls, correspondence or personal visits. These contacts may be the best way of supporting the individual during their time of illness. However, the patient may choose to not accept visitors or the patient may be too ill for an outing. Just like in a general medical hospital, a patient's condition may significantly change over time. Families may consult the patient's Social Worker-before visiting or planning outings. The treatment team reviews the patient's condition to make a determination regarding visits or outings. Each patient's case is based on a highly individualized psychiatric condition.
A: There are a variety of support organizations for families. For information on organizations available to provide support in your community, contact the Division of Mental Health at (605) 773-5990 or the Division of Alcohol & Drug Abuse at (605) 773-3123.
