I heard that there were centers in Mn. that allow mothers to have their kids with them in residential treatment? Is there such a place?

I am a 38yr old single mom. I suffer from major depression, anxiety, and PTSD. My son is 10 and watches his mother grasp for straws everyday just trying to keep it together and keep him happy and safe. I see him losing hope, and sleep. He is sooooo worried that he won't sleep. I need help with meds, coping skills for life, parenting skills, and a lot more. Is there a place where I can go for residental (in facility) help and have my son with me? I promised I would never leave him and he is terrified of our future. So am I!!! Help. I have Medicare and Medicade and he has Medicade. We live in Montana and our state has the worst mental health care rating that a state could have. I've been through alot of freightening stuff with "providers" here and do not wish to go through any more. Its places like this that make people snap and go on killing sprees in public because no one would take the time to help or care (or is qualified enough to). Thats something I would NEVER do, but have felt so discarded by the system that I completely understand why others have in the past. Know of any wonderful places that could change both our lives for the better?

Call Now to learn more about your treatment options (877) 331-9311

Hi Mntmermaid, I don't know

Submitted by Dr. Lane on Wed, 09/19/2012 - 4:44am.

Hi Mntmermaid,

I don't know of any residential treatment facilities (for mental health issues as opposed to drug and alcohol treatment) that allow parents to bring their children. That doesn't mean they don't exist, but I suspect they are few and far between, unfortunately.

It sounds like you are really struggling. You mentioned having some "frightening" experiences with providers; my concern is that you are lumping all providers together and see them all as "bad" or incompetent. That's rarely the case. You sound disillusioned and angry (and perhaps understandably so), but that mindset can also prevent you from getting the help you need.

I'm also very concerned about your statement about why you believe people "snap and go on killing sprees"; to put that in perspective, those "killing sprees" are actually very rare and those who commit them usually don't suddenly "snap"; rather, those killing sprees were planned for weeks or months. In most cases those individuals are severe sociopaths or struggling with another type of serious mental illness; and they may be fueled by a "victim" or "revenge" mentality as well.

I think the best way to find an answer to your question would be to contact a local mental health agency and ask them about residential treatment options in your state. Otherwise, your best option is to find a therapist who can work with you individually, or with you and your son as a family.

I do hope you are able to find someone with whom you can work and who doesn't make you feel "discarded". You might also check to see if there is a NAMI chapter (National Alliance on Mental Illness) in your area. You can find out by going to their website at NAMI.org and click on "find your local NAMI". They may be able to help you get connected to resources as well.

—

Dr. Lane

OCD Self Test

Do you or a loved one feel like you might have a problem with OCD?
Take the Self Test now to get more information.

Sponsored Links

The information provided on brainphysics.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her health professional. This information is solely for informational and educational purposes. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Neither the owners or employees of brainphysics.com nor the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading this site. Always speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Click here to read our complete Terms of Use.