Substance Use Disorder(s) Services

General Program Information

The county can assist people with a chemical health assessment and treatment, if they:

  • Are a current county resident
  • Don’t have health insurance that covers chemical dependency treatment or the insurance plan has denied coverage
  • Meet the Minnesota State guidelines for income and household size

A chemical health assessment consists of:

  • A chemical dependency/drug evaluation
  • A determination if there is a need for chemical dependency/drug treatment and if so, the level of care needed

Direct Access

You can now go directly to the professional treatment agency of your choice to have an assessment done.

The agency should be able to work with you to fill out the proper forms and send them to the county to determine your eligibility. Then they should be able to provide your assessment. Once eligibility is determined and your assessment is done you should be able to start treatment of your choosing.

Please note: If your assessment is a result of some court proceedings, probation, or child protection processes, they might be able to dictate some of your treatment options, so you may want to check with your assigned worker.

Direct Access Provider Packet

To make the process as efficient as possible please make sure to fill out the forms in the Direct Access Provider packet to the best of your ability. We may also need proof of income which typically includes bank statement(s), two check stubs, and/or tax returns. 

The forms can be submitted via email (cwcss@crowwing.us) or fax (218-824-1305) or they can be dropped off at our building.

Missing information or incomplete information will slow the eligibility determination.


Applying for Behavioral Health Funds(BHF) for Treatment Coverage

To Apply

  • Visit Community Services Customer Service desk during our business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.to 4:30 p.m.):
    204 Laurel Street
    Brainerd, MN 56401
  • Download and complete a BHF Eligibility Application. Fax it to Chemical Health Intake at 218-824-1305 or email Nathan Bertram.
  • Complete a BHF online application.

Documents Needed to Apply

After You Apply
Once Crow Wing County receives the application, it will be reviewed. If approved, the person will be given an approval of funding letter to take to the provider of choice and a list of Assessment and Treatment Providers. He/she can call the provider of their choice to set up an assessment.

Treatment Care Coordination

Besides determining eligibility for BHF, Crow Wing County is able to provide Treatment Care Coordination for those who feel they could benefit from having the additional support, guidance and assistance in accessing the full range of treatment services including initial assessment, referral, placement, and after care planning along with other supports and services that address the full range of biological, psychological, social, economic and spiritual needs unique to each individual.

Prescreening

The chemical dependency unit also does prescreening for judicial commitment when they receive an examiner’s statement in support of a commitment from a medical doctor or psychiatrist who believes the person is a danger to himself or others due to his or her chemical use.

Additional Information

For more information call 218-824-1140 and ask for chemical dependency intake. You may also email Supervisor Nathan Bertram.

Vendor Information