Maybe you are a provider with a patient who needs more support than you can give in your setting. Maybe you are a family member watching someone you love struggle, and you are not sure how to get them help. Or maybe you are a friend, a teacher, or a coworker who sees someone having a hard time.
Referring someone to mental health care is one of the most helpful things you can do. Here is how it works at A Body & Mind Health Services — and how to make it as easy as possible for the person you are trying to help.
No Referral Is Required to Call
First, the simplest fact: a person does not need a formal referral to contact us. Anyone can call 208-683-8320 directly, or visit the Get Started page at abmhealthservices.com, and ask about starting care. Our team will walk them through the next steps.
If you are a provider, you can still send a referral — and many providers do. But if the person you are thinking of is willing to call, that is the fastest path. No paperwork has to come first.
What to Share When You Refer
If you are calling on someone’s behalf, or sending a referral as a provider, a few details help us move quickly:
- The person’s name and the best way to reach them
- What kind of support they may need — counseling, CBRS, case management, peer support, family support, or telehealth
- Anything urgent we should know about, such as safety concerns
- Their insurance information, if you have it — we accept most insurance plans in Idaho, and Medicaid is welcome
You do not need a full history or a diagnosis to refer someone. A short description of what is going on is enough to get started. We will take it from there.
What Happens After a Referral
Once we hear from you or from the person directly, here is what to expect:
- A conversation. Our team talks with the person about what they need and what services might fit. This can happen by phone, and it is straightforward — no forms to fill out before you can talk to a human.
- Benefits check. We help check their insurance coverage and answer questions about cost.
- Scheduling. We find a time that works — in person at one of our offices in Boise, Middleton, Twin Falls, Moscow, or Kamiah, or by telehealth anywhere in Idaho.
- Ongoing care. Once they start, their provider builds a plan with them, and other services — like case management or peer support — can be added if they help.
We are now welcoming new clients, and we currently have openings. That means the person you refer does not sit on a long waitlist. Getting help quickly matters, and we work to make that happen.
How to Talk to Someone About Getting Help
The hardest part of a referral is often the conversation itself. A few things that help:
- Be direct and kind. “I care about you, and I think talking to someone could help” goes further than hints.
- Offer to help with the call. Some people will make the call themselves if you offer to sit with them while they do it. Others would rather you call first.
- Normalize it. Counseling and support services are health care, like going to the doctor for anything else.
- Do not wait for the perfect moment. If you are worried about someone, that is reason enough to act now.
For Providers and Community Partners
If you are a provider, school, employer, or community organization that refers people regularly, we welcome the partnership. Our services include counseling, CBRS, case management, peer support, and family support across Idaho, in person and by telehealth. Call 208-683-8320 to talk about how referrals work with us, or send someone our way through the Get Started page at abmhealthservices.com.
How to Get Started
To refer someone — or to start care yourself — call 208-683-8320 or visit the Get Started page at abmhealthservices.com. We accept most insurance plans in Idaho, and Medicaid is welcome. We are now welcoming new clients, and we currently have openings.
One call can be the start of something better. If you are worried about someone, make it today.
If someone is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, any time, day or night.