Mission Statement:

The overall mission of NKHS is to provide responsive and efficient community-based, consumer-sensitive, mental health, substance abuse, and developmental services to the residents of the Northeast Kingdom. NKHS provides these services around the clock to residents of the Northeast Kingdom through contracts with the State of Vermont. The agency’s staff of professional is dedicated to helping people recover from devastating mental illness and alcohol and drug abuse. NKHS professionals also help people with developmental disabilities to lead normal likes and to be contributing members of their communities.

The agency also serves schools, businesses and individuals independently of the State of Vermont.

We encourage consumers to know their rights, to ask questions and make suggestions about their treatment or their family member's treatment. In the event you are not satisfied with your treatment or the services you are receiving, we urge you, your family, or an advocate of your choice to contact us.

We have instituted a grievance procedure in the event you are dissatisfied. The procedure will be given to you during registration. It is also available at each of our reception desks.

We are committed to providing the best service we can within our financial and human resources. Your participation in this effort will always be welcome.

You have the right to be treated with courtesy, respect and dignity.
You have the right to privacy. We hold all your personal information confidential within the Agency. This information cannot be divulged to anyone not involved in your care without your express written consent.

There are several exceptions to this rule as required by Vermont law:

If you threaten to do bodily harm or destroy property, we are required to notify the potential victim and/or law enforcement officers.
If we suspect child abuse, sexual abuse, or elder abuse, we are required to notify the proper authorities. We will notify you of our intention to report our suspicions. We view various forms of abuse as symptomatic of serious problems that require treatment and counseling.
We will disclose confidential information that we have in our written records if it is subpoenaed for a legal proceeding.
Your insurance carrier reserves the right to review your records to determine the need and appropriateness of treatment. Please check with your insurance company if you have questions.
The Department of Developmental and Mental Health Services and the Vermont Office of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention are required to review records to determine compliance with fiscal and regulatory requirements.
If it becomes necessary, in our opinion, to protect an individual's safety by legal involuntary procedures for hospitalization, we are obligated to discuss relevant information with the court and/or the admitting hospital.

You have the right to review your own clinical record in the presence of one of our mental health professionals. You also have the right to make photocopies of your record for a minimal copying fee.
You have the right to refuse unwanted treatment including medication except when ordered by a court or in an immediate emergency.
You have the right to request a change in your counselor or service provider.
You have the right to be involved in all decisions affecting you including your treatment plan and the termination of your treatment.
You have the right to treatment in the least restrictive appropriate setting.
You have the right to request a review of your treatment by a group of mental health professionals other than your own counselor.
You have the right to know the counselor's credentials and treatment approach.
You have the right to know about possible side effects of any medication and/or treatment offered to you.

Fees

Outpatient and crisis services are provided on a fee-for-service basis and payment is expected at the time of service. However, we accept payment from Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance. Some insurance plans, including some Medicaid plans, are run by managed care companies. Consequently, benefit packages may vary and not all essential services will be covered. You will be billed for services your insurance company does not provide as a benefit. Individuals with no insurance will be charged our standard fees. Adjustments will be made in accordance with an individual's ability to pay. NKHS staff will fully explain billable services at your first appointment.

Service Eligibility: Some agency services have eligibility criteria and can serve only those individuals who meet the criteria.

Staff Information

NKHS, Notice of Privacy Practices

Employee Benefits Summary

Employee Achievement Award - Information

Employee Achievement Award - Nomination Form