Referral Process FAQs and Information
Q1. Who is this referral meant for?
A1. This Homeless Engagement and Response Team (HEART) referral is for anyone who is homeless who you think may need help with mental health or substance use treatment services. If you know the individual, we recommend that you have a conversation and ask them if they are interested in a referral to HEART. HEART’s focus is outreach, engagement, screening and connection to behavioral health services. This includes outreach to individuals who are homeless, engage them to see if they are ready for help, screen them for eligibility and interest in services and connect them to an appropriate provider to receive needed ongoing services and support.
Q2. Why shouldn’t I use this referral if the individual is already connected to behavioral health services?
A2. This referral should be used for individuals who are not connected to a Behavioral Health Service’s provider. If the individual is connected to a BHS provider, please coordinate directly with that provider for follow up.
Q3. Can you provide housing?
A3. HEART is not a housing provider. We provide outreach and engagement. If the individual qualifies and is willing, we will connect them to behavioral health services. We also refer individuals to services who may be able to provide housing supports.
Q4. What happens after I make a referral?
A4. Within 4 business days, HEART staff will review the referral and assign to field staff who will attempt to locate the individual and begin outreach and engagement. If willing, HEART will screen the individual for eligibility and link them to the appropriate service provider. If allowable by HIPAA, we will contact the referring party and other service providers to help us make contact with the individual.
Q5. Will anyone contact me after I submit the referral?
A5. If you are listed as the ‘Contact Person’ in the referral, the assigned HEART clinicians and/or peers may contact you for any clarification needed and/or to help contact the individual.
*NOTE* the team will work directly with the individual being referred and may not be allowed to provide updates in accordance with HIPAA unless the individual agrees that we may share.