Possible Warning Signs of Mental Illness:
The following list is not meant to be a diagnostic tool and is not written by a medical professional. It is a collection of snapshots written from a mother’s perspective in an effort to help others. The following observations are not exhaustive, nor conclusive. But taken together, the information could inform you as to whether you see a pattern emerging in your son or daughter that warrants further intervention. Please seek the advice of a medical doctor if you suspect your loved one needs help.

• Increased agitation. Responding inappropriately to situations. Anger doesn’t fit the crime.
• Reacts inappropriate to change or a new place they’ve never been before.
• Has trouble concentrating in school and/or employment.
• Does not stay focused on a sport or hobby very long.
• Abrupt, odd mood changes.
• Increasing at-risk behavior, ie., running away, truancy, drugs, alcohol, stealing.
• Taking drugs or using alcohol to extremes.
• Tics like sniffing a lot, blinking. Mumbling.
• Isolating themselves. Example: when at a family gathering, they lock themselves in a bedroom.
• Believing that people are thinking or saying things about them or misinterpreting cues. You are certain it is not true.
• Thinking that they see famous people or people you know when you go out to public places.
• Have increasing moments where they hear people or animals talking, whispering.
• Dressing inappropriately, ie., winter clothes in summer and vice versa. Wearing odd, outdated, clashing clothes.
• Aggression or violence toward family member(s). Singling out a family member and/or believing that person wants to hurt them.
• The family becomes increasingly afraid, locking doors at night. Afraid to leave pets alone with the child. Afraid to leave the child alone.
• Believes they see objects changing shapes, melting, and is not related to drug use.
• Repetitive behavior (ie., hitting a drum over and over) with a flat affect, staring off.
• Wanting to take up a hobby that they clearly have no aptitude for.
• Change in sleeping patterns, not sleeping for a day or two. Sleeping excessively. Increase in these patterns.
• Grandiose ideas about themselves, extreme energy at inappropriate times.
• Laughing inappropriately, emotionally inappropriate responses.
• Taking longer to respond to a question you ask. Needs the question to be repeated.
• Neglect of personal hygiene, lack of concern for smell/ appearance.
• Opposite of neglecting hygiene: taking an excessive amount of showers, brushing teeth over and over.
• Inability to follow instructions with more than one step.
• Poor social Judgement

The information provided by P82 Project Restoration, Inc. is not medical advice. Do not rely on it. Discuss with your medical doctor. 

AHCCCS Covered Services: 
Covered Medical Services AHCCCS contracts with several health plans to provide covered services. An AHCCCS health plan works like a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). The health plan works with doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, specialists, etc. to provide care. You will choose a health plan that covers your zip code area. If you are approved, you will choose a primary care doctor that works with that health plan. Your primary doctor will:

• Be the first person you go to for care
• Authorize your non-emergency medical services
• Send you to a specialist when needed

AHCCCS health plans provide the following medical services:

• Doctor’s Visits
• Immunizations (shots)
• Prescriptions (Not covered if you have Medicare)
• Lab and X-rays
• Early and Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) Services for Medicaid eligible children under age 21
• Specialist Care
• Hospital Services
• Transportation to doctor
• Emergency Care
• Podiatry Services Performed by a Podiatrist

• Pregnancy Care
• Surgery Services
• Physical Exams
• Behavioral Health
• Family Planning Services
• Dialysis
• Glasses (for children under age 21)
• Vision Exams (for children under age 21)
• Dental Screening (for children under age 21)
• Dental Treatment (for children under age 21)
• Emergency Dental (for adults 21 and older. Up to $1000 per contract year)
• Hearing Exams (for children under age 21)
• Hearing Aids (for children under age 21)

Covered behavioral health services include: Behavioral Health Day Programs including supervised day programs, therapeutic day programs, medical day programs;

Crisis Services including mobile team services, telephone crisis response, and urgent care Inpatient Services including hospital, sub-acute, and residential treatment;

Rehabilitation Services including living skills, cognitive rehabilitation, supported employment, and education support;

Health Promotion – Prevention, Education and Medication Training – education and standardized training for the purpose of increasing an individual’s behavioral knowledge of a health related topic such as medication management, the nature of an illness, relapse and symptom management, stress management, parenting skills and health lifestyles;

Residential Behavioral Health Services

Support Services including case management, personal assistance, Family & Peer Support, therapeutic foster care, respite, housing support, interpreter services, transportation, assistance accessing community resources and locating and applying for benefits, child care connections; and

Treatment Services – counseling, consultation, assessment and specialized testing, and substance abuse treatment.

Coverage for Individuals Eligible for Arizona Long Term Care (ALTCS)AHCCCS contracts with several program contractors to provide long term care services. An ALTCS program contractor works like a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). The program contractor works with doctors, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, pharmacies, specialists, etc. to provide care. You will also be assigned a case manager who will coordinate your care.
In addition to the services listed above, people who qualify for long term care can receive services such as:

• Nursing Facility
• Hospice
• Attendant Care
• Assisted Living Facility
• Adult Day Care Health Services
• Home Health Services, such as nursing services, home health aide, and therapy
• Home Delivered Meals
• Case Management
• Dental Services (up to $1000 per contract year)

Note: This is a partial list of covered services