FAQ

What is an appropriate referral to our center?

Referrals will be screened based upon program requirements: low income, uninsured, the patient’s specific situation, as well as the mental health care provider’s judgment. It is only after further discussion of the individual’s specific situation, goals, risks, and other relevant medical discussion that services may be provided.

What to do in case of an emergency?

Please be aware that due to our wait list for services, The Mental Health Center at Hoag Hospital is not geared for crisis. If person is currently a danger to him/herself or others, please call 911 or OC Health Care Agency at 714-850-8463. If person is in an active Domestic Violence relationship please call Human Options Emergency Shelter 877-854-3594.

Can you self refer?

Yes, you can self refer by calling our main line 949-764-6542 and letting us know you are interested in a service. A staff member will contact you to begin the screening process via the telephone. You may also walk in and we will schedule an intake appointment for you.

Can you refer a family member or friend?

You may self refer your minor children to our agency for psychotherapy services. If the person you are considering referring to us is over the age of 18, they need to call our agency personally. We require this because our services are strictly on a volunteer basis and we would like to see some level of motivation coming from the individual interested in psychotherapy services.

If you are a direct service provider please call our agency or complete the referral form.

What happens after the agency receives the referral?

Once your completed referral or phone message has been received by the Hoag Mental Health Center, you will receive a confirmation email or telephone call from the intake coordinator acknowledging the receipt of referral. If you are a service provider and would like to know the status of the referral, a release of information will be necessary if additional information is required.

The individual will then be then be placed on the waiting list for an initial consultation appointment.

What insurance does the Hoag Mental Health Center accept?

The Hoag Mental Health Center does not accept any form of medical insurance. It is our mission to serve vulnerable populations that do not have any insurance, do not have behavioral and/or mental health coverage, and for individuals that cannot afford their co-pay for services.

How much do services cost?

Psychotherapy services are offered on a sliding fee scale. We base your initial consultation/evaluation and weekly fee on your household annual income. We can establish your fee during the phone screening. Please keep in mind that no one will be turned away due to lack of funds.

All other services including: case management, groups, presentations, public health nursing are FREE of charge

Where are you located?

The Hoag Mental Health Center is located at Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living.

To make an appointment with one of our Licensed Clinical Social Workers, please call (949) 764-6542.

Hoag Mental Health Center

Address: 307 Placentia Ave, Suite 100B Newport Beach, CA 92663

Phone: 949-764-6542

Fax: 949-631-8503

What are your hours?

The Mental Health Center is open Monday-Friday 8:00-7:00pm. The last appointment time offered is at 6:00pm. We do not offer weekend hours at this time.

Where can I park?

Parking Lot 8 (P8) Entry can only found via Placentia Avenue. Parking will be validated. Please pull a ticket as you enter.

How long is treatment for psychotherapy?

Treatment time may vary based on your specific need and treatment plan. On average your treatment can last up to 12 sessions. Your therapist will continuously assess your progress and will work toward reaching your treatment goals by 12 weeks.

What services do you offer?

The Hoag Mental Health Center offers a variety of modalities; individual, family, marital/relationship, and group counseling. The appropriate service file is ultimately determined by the therapist based on the needs of the individual.

How do I make an appointment?

Please leave a message on our main line at 949-764-6542 and a representative will return your call in the order that it was received.

Will a record of my counseling services be kept confidential?

Counseling records are covered by special confidentiality laws including HIPPA and various other state and local laws. There are exceptions to confidentiality which your therapist can discuss with you. If you need information provided to any other person, you should ask your therapist to have you sign a Release of Information form.

What should I expect from counseling?

The counselor will talk to you about the issues and help you to identify your own personal goals for counseling. For example, this could be improving how you manage feelings, or dealing more effectively with relationships. Counseling works best as a collaboration between you and the counselor. The counselor may ask questions to help understand your feelings and thoughts and how they affect your life. The counselor may make direct suggestions or may refer you to a more appropriate professional.

When will I start to feel better?

Many people report that counseling is helpful even with the first session. This may be due to feeling good about having made a decision to get help or the relief that comes from being able to discuss your concerns with someone who is understanding and non-judgmental. Long-lasting relief from problems comes more gradually and is the result of making changes in your life, relationships, thoughts, and behavior. There is no definitive time schedule for these improvements. However, you should share with your therapist if you have noticed no improvement after working in therapy for several months or more. The good news is that research has repeatedly demonstrated that therapy works, as long as clients take an active part in the counseling process.

How long will I have to wait to meet with a counselor or therapist?

Once you have been added to the wait list it typically takes about (blank) to meet with your counselor or therapist, but this number largely depends on your availability, how quickly appointment times become available, and if you have requested a specific therapist.