Substance Use/Disorder Services

A Comprehensive Assessment is used, by a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, to determine if a person is diagnosed with a substance use disorder.  It also provides recommendations for an appropriate level of treatment.  Direct Access allows individuals to go directly to a treatment provider to receive a comprehensive assessment and a referral to appropriate treatment options as appropriate.  

  1. Individuals with Medical Assistance are eligible for direct access without any further action needed (see below for links to substance use providers).
  2. Individuals with Private Insurance of a Managed Care Plan through Medical Assistance (such as Blue Plus, Medica or UCare), must seek services within the health plan network so check with your insurance provider to ensure coverage for the assessment/service.  If your insurance does not cover all or part of SUD services, proceed with the application process for the Behavioral Health Fund after you have checked with your provider.   
  3. Individuals not on Medical Assistance or a PMAP may qualify for the Behavioral Health Fund, income guidelines exist and the Freeborn County Department of Human Services is responsible for determining eligibility.  Call 507-377-5400 to access this process.  
  4. Individuals who are pregnant or using drugs intravenously should continue the application process regardless of health insurance.  
  5. If you are in jail and have no insurance or if you're in jail and have Medical Assistance, please continue the application process.  

You can go directly to the SUD assessment and treatment provider of your choice to receive a Comprehensive Assessment and/or receive SUD treatment services.  The provider will work with you and the Freeborn County Department of Human Services to determine your eligibility for publicly paid funding through the Behavioral Health Fund (formerly Consolidated Chemical Dependency Treatment Fund) if you do not have health care insurance coverage or have partial coverage for SUD assessment and treatment services.
 
Please note that if your assessment is a result of a court order or court proceeding, probation requirement or child protection process, your assessment and treatment options may be directed by the requirements outlined in those proceedings.  You should check with your assigned case manager or probation officer to obtain further information.

Criteria used to determine Behavioral Health Funds eligibility for SUD Comprehensive Assessments and treatment services include:

The individual is a current resident of Freeborn County or Freeborn County has been determined the county of financial responsibility, and

  • The individual does not have health insurance coverage or has partial health insurance coverage for SUD treatment services, and
  • The individual meets the Minnesota guidelines for income and household size for accessing available Behavioral Health Funds.  

    Local Providers (in person and virtual options may be available)

  • Fountain Centers                                                       507-377-5411

Addiction Treatment, Albert Lea, MN - Mayo Clinic Health System

 

  • Independent Management Services                          507-396-4477

Independent Management Services – Providing Human Services to Southern Minnesota Since 1995 (imsofmn.com)

 

     Other Provider Options (in person and virtual options may be available) 

  • Nystrom & Associates                                               844-697-8766

Telehealth - Nystrom & Associates (nystromcounseling.com)

 

  • NUWAY Alliance                                                         507-225-0400 (Rochester)

Home - NUWAY Alliance                                             507-295-4940 (Mankato)

 

  • Common Ground                                                       507-281-0023

Common Ground (commongroundmn.org)

Additional providers searchable database: Search - Fast Tracker (fasttrackermn.org)

  Process to Access the Behavioral Health Fund

Step 1: Application 

The Behavioral Health Fund Request (PDF) or Solicitud de Fondo para Salud Conductual (PDF) must be completed, with corresponding verifications and can by turned in by:

    • Mail to:
    • Freeborn County Department of Human Services 
      Attn: SUD Services
      203 West Clark Street
      Albert Lea, MN 56007
       
    • Fax: 507-377-5498 – Attn: SUD Services

Step 2: Eligibility Determination 

Your application will be reviewed to determine eligibility based on:   

  • Income: Provide your two most recent paystubs 
  • Insurance coverage: Provide a copy of your Health Insurance Card 
  • Location/Where you live: Provide a copy of Photo ID and proof of residency; (i.e. a bill with your name and current address)   

Applications will not be processed until all information is provided. If you wish to proceed in applying Chemical Dependency funding through the Behavioral Health Fund, please complete the attached application and provide all requested verifications. 

To better meet your ongoing health care needs in the event you lack sufficient insurance coverage, we advise you to complete an application for health care insurance through MNSure online at:  MNsure - Minnesota's health insurance marketplace / MNsure