Look Inside Young Adult Road Map

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Guiding Star Point Two: Learn System Basics
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Youth Mental health
First Aid
Youth Mental Health First Aid is an
excellent program that teaches
youth/young adults and others to
recognize the signs of mental
health problems and help people
(or themselves) get the support they
need. Find out more about this class
at https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.
org/take-a-course/course-types/
youth/.
Guiding Star Point Two Review
To find help with your concerns, you may need to talk with people in one or more systems.
To find the right people, you will need to learn some of the language used in each system
and how things typically get done.
Every system has “key words” that people use to exchange important information and
decide whether someone is eligible to get services. (You will find many of those key words
and definitions in the Glossary section of this Guide.)
1. Understanding yourself starts with a physical examination by a primary care
provider, who maybe a medical doctor (MD) or a nurse practitioner (NP).
• This provider may do tests or ask questions about your behavior, emotions, or
development. If there seems to be a problem, he/she may refer you to a medical
specialist or behavioral health specialist.
• Be sure to bring your physical examination records to any specialists who evaluate
or treat you, since these providers may not do full examinations themselves.
2. Always take your insurance card and some form of “Picture ID” (a driver’s license or
other state-issued identification) to any appointment.
3. Tell providers what you have observed about yourself, what you think, and what you
feel. You are the expert about yourself.
4. Learning key words, including the four basic parts of a health insurance policy/
plan, can help you talk to people about your choices. You can avoid getting stuck with
insurance that costs too much or doesn’t pay for the services you need.
5. When you feel sick or get injured, choose the type of medical provider that matches
your needs. (For example, you need services to cost under X amount of money, and
you need medical help within X amount time.) An emergency room is usually not the
best choice.
6. If you have a behavioral health issue (problems with thoughts, feelings, emotions, or
behavior), the services you receive will depend on (1) what your providers determine
is medically necessary, (2) what is covered by your insurance plan, and (3) what is
available in your community. If you don’t agree with a provider’s or insurer’s decision
about what is medically necessary or what should be covered, ask for an explanation.
Keep asking if you don’t understand. In some cases, these decisions can be changed.
7. If you have a question about your insurance coverage and can’t find the answer
online, the best thing to do is to call the number on the back of your insurance card.
When you call the insurance company, ask “What are my options?” and “Who can
help me with this problem?”
8. The best way to get results from customer service departments is to keep a log of “who
said what and when.” This creates a record of your conversations, which may help if/
when you need to go up the chain to a higher authority or file an appeal. It also helps
you keep track of issues, so you can explain the problem to the next person.
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