All clients served by WIN must be in need of services to support their healthy functioning in the greater community. All clients referred for WIN’s Substance Abuse Counseling services must meet the requirements of “medical necessity” as defined by the Maryland Public Mental Health System. Additionally, youth and adults referred to WIN Team must be eligible to receive Medical Assistance in the state of Maryland, as all clients seeking program enrollment must receive pre-authorization from the ValueOptions eligibility system. ValueOptions is an automated inquiry, authorization, and claims reporting system that will enable WIN’s Admissions Coordinator to quickly and efficiently verify a Medicaid recipient’s current eligibility status.
Per COMAR 10.47.01.04H(1), a parent or guardian of a youth, with the youth’s consent, may refer a youth to WIN Team’s Substance Abuse Counseling program. Youth referred to WIN Team’s Substance Abuse Counseling program must be at least 12 years of age and not older than 17 years of age. Referrals for individuals age 18 or older are considered adults.
Eligible youth and adult clients will have a referral that validates a pattern and/or history of harmful alcohol or chemical use, as evidenced by:
- Need for repeated use of alcohol or chemical substance for adequate functioning;
- Inability to cut down or abstain from alcohol or chemical use;
- Inability to track the amount of alcohol or chemical substance consumed;
- Repeated efforts to control or reduce the frequency and amount of alcohol or chemical substance;
- Binge alcohol drinking or use; and/or
- Amnestic periods for events while
Additionally, eligible clients will exhibit impairment in social or occupational functioning as a result of ingesting alcohol or chemical substances, as evidenced by one of the following:
- Atypical behavior (such as: financial excess, violence, lying, stealing, or sexual acting out) while intoxicated;
- Vocational or academic problems, such as: absences from work or school, tardiness, failure to meet performance standards, regression of vocational skills, employment termination or probation, expulsion;
- Legal difficulties; and/or
- De-socialization, such as: social isolation, intense social anxiety, or lack of natural
Eligible youth (ages12-17) and adult clients will qualify for outpatient substance abuse counseling services when the above criteria are met and there is an absence of alcohol or drug-induced withdrawal delirium, hallucinosis, and/or amnestic disorder. The individualized strengths and needs of referred clients are considered when determining the most appropriate level of service for newly enrolled youth and adults.
Client Rights, Grievance, and Non-Discrimination – The WIN Team believes that every client deserves the utmost respect at all times. WIN Team holds the individual rights of all clients in the highest regard as we strive to provide high quality outpatient substance use disorder services. All WIN Team Clients have the following rights:
- The right to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion;
- The right to have easy access to our therapeutic treatment team and services;
- The right to expect your assigned Clinician to be responsive and sensitive to your needs;
- The right to be served in the most therapeutic, least disruptive, and most appropriate community setting possible;
- The right to have your family members actively involved in important decisions concerning your mental health treatment; and
- The right to have coordination and collaboration with your other service providers in an effort to promote healthy communication and reduce
The WIN Team treats each prospective and current client with consideration, respect, and full recognition of his or her human dignity and individuality. Our treatment of youth and adults are appropriate, our care is adequate, and our services are in compliance with relevant State, Local, and Federal laws and regulations that prohibit physical or mental abuse or neglect by program staff. WIN Team offers an atmosphere free from discrimination and does not allow any use of physical restraints. The WIN Team continuum of Substance Use Disorder services ensures privacy, confidentiality, and allows for clients, and his or her guardian, the right to refuse participation in any experimental research unless the research complies with 45 CFR Part 46.
