Individuals can request a copy of his/her medical record by completing a request for records form at any of our locations.

Fulton County residents can receive treatment without having insurance. One of our goals in Fulton County is to serve the uninsured population. Therefore, we have internal systems to assist in connection to insurance processes.

If you are a Fulton County resident, there is not a charge for treatment.

There are several options to receive medication if you’re uninsured. Individuals will receive help to apply for patient assistance with pharmaceutical companies. Until then, there is medication coverage available for qualifying individuals with no insurance or no means to pay.

Fulton County DBHDD River Edge offers evening hours that vary by location.  Please call for available hours.

1. Proof of Income
2. Proof of Fulton County Residence (a bill or mail in your name showing a Fulton County address will suffice)
3. Georgia - issued state identification
4. Social Security Card
5. Copy of insurance card, if applicable

If you need to talk with someone after-hours, please call the Georgia Crisis & Access Line at 1-800-715-4225.

According to Mental Health America, an estimated 54 million Americans suffer from some form of mental disorder in a given year. A mental illness is a disease that causes mild to severe disturbances in thought and/or behavior, resulting in an inability to cope with life's ordinary demands and routines.  There are more than 200 classified forms of mental illness. Some of the more common disorders are depression, bipolar disorder, dementia, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders.  Symptoms may include changes in mood, personality, personal habits and/or social withdrawal.

Mental health problems may be related to excessive stress due to a particular situation or series of events. Mental illnesses may be caused by a reaction to environmental stresses, genetic factors, biochemical imbalances or a combination of these. With proper care and treatment, many individuals learn to cope or recover from a mental illness or emotional disorder.

• Confused thinking
• Prolonged depression
• Feelings of extreme highs & lows
• Excessive fears, worries and anxieties
• Social withdrawal
• Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Strong feelings of anger
• Delusions or hallucinations
• Growing inability to cope with daily problems & activities
• Suicidal thoughts
• Denial of obvious problems
• Numerous unexplained physical ailments
• Substance abuse

Accept your feelings

Despite the different symptoms and types of mental illnesses, many families who have a loved one with mental illness, share similar experiences. You may find yourself denying the warning signs, worrying what other people will think because of the stigma, or wondering what caused your loved one to become ill.  Accept that these feelings are normal and common among families going through similar situations. Find out all you can about your loved one's illness by reading and talking with mental health professionals. Share what you have learned with others.

 

Handling unusual behavior

The outward signs of a mental illness are often behavioral. Individuals may be extremely quiet or withdrawn. Conversely, he or she may burst into tears or have outbursts of anger.  Even after treatment has started, individuals with a mental illness can exhibit anti-social behaviors. When in public, these behaviors can be disruptive and difficult to accept.  The next time you and your family member visit your doctor or mental health professional, discuss these behaviors and develop a strategy for coping.

 

Establishing a support network

Whenever possible, seek support from friends and family members.  If you feel you cannot discuss your situation with friends or other family members, find a self-help or support group. These groups provide an opportunity for you to talk to other people who are experiencing the same type of problems.  They can listen and offer valuable advice.

 

Seeking counseling

Therapy can be beneficial for both the individual with mental illness and other family members. A mental health professional can suggest ways to cope and better understand your loved one's illness.  When looking for a therapist, be patient and talk to a few professionals so you can choose the person that is right for you and your family.  It may take time until you are comfortable, but in the long-run, you will be happy to have sought help.

 

Taking time out

It's common for the person with mental illness to become the focus of family life. When this happens, other members of the family may feel ignored or resentful. Some may find it difficult to pursue their own interests. If you are the caregiver, you need some time to yourself.  Schedule time away to prevent becoming frustrated or angry.  If you schedule time for yourself, it will help you to keep things in perspective and you may have more patience and compassion for coping or helping your loved one.  Only when you are physically and emotionally healthy can you help others. It is important to remember that there is hope for recovery and that with treatment, many people with mental illness return to a productive and fulfilling life.