Our Services

Oaklawn provides a full range of mental health and addiction services for children, adolescents and adults in Elkhart and St. Joseph counties. Our services include skills training and case management, individual and group therapy, psychiatric services, intensive residential programs for youth and inpatient treatment for adults.
Accessing services
To begin treatment at Oaklawn, come to an Open Access clinic during one of the days and times listed below. You do not need an appointment or to call ahead for these walk-in clinics. This initial visit will focus on new client paperwork, completing a clinical assessment with one of our therapists and creating a plan for future treatment. The process takes about 2-4 hours.
Note that while each treatment plan is customized to your unique needs, Oaklawn operates on a Group First model of treatment. This means most clients will begin services in group therapy. Groups use the same evidence-based practices as individual therapy, with the added benefit of peer support. Some clients may attend group for only a few sessions as they prepare for deeper work in individual therapy, and some clients may continue in group therapy as their primary mode of treatment.
Open Access clinics are held:
South Bend – 415 E. Madison St. & Elkhart – 2600 Oakland Ave.
- Monday – 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Tuesday – 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Wednesday – 12-6 p.m.
- Thursday – 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Friday – 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Monday – 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Tuesday – 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Wednesday – 2-6 p.m.
- Thursday – 12-4 p.m.
- Friday – 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
We speak English and Spanish and have access to interpreters for Spanish and other languages.
We encourage you to read our Frequent Asked Questions below for more details!
What should I bring with me?
- Insurance card
- Valid Photo ID such as a driver’s license or state ID
- Social Security Number of the person beginning services
- Proof of income, such a recent pay stub, so that, if you qualify, we can make a plan for payment of services with our sliding scale fee
*If client is under 18, their legal guardian must accompany them to the clinic.
If you don’t have something listed here, but are in need of mental health and/or addiction treatment, you can still come to one of our Open Access clinics and our staff can assist you.
What can I expect during my visit?
- A visit to our Open Access clinic is the first step to starting treatment at Oaklawn. We’ll ask a few questions to make sure Oaklawn is the right fit for your needs.
- Next, you’ll complete new client paperwork and questionnaires to gauge your mental health and/or substance use status.
- Afterwards, you’ll meet with a therapist who will ask questions to understand your unique situation and come up with a plan for treatment. That plan could include individual, family or group therapy, care facilitation or skills training, psychiatric services or a combination.
- The therapist you meet with may be able to schedule your next appointment before you leave. If not, we’ll follow up within seven days.
How long will my visit take?
To complete all paperwork and a full clinical assessment, you should plan on 2-4 hours.
Can I call ahead?
You do not need to call ahead; however, if you have questions or want more information before you come in, you are welcome to call 574-533-1234 and ask for the Access Center.
Do you offer services in Spanish?
Yes! Many of our providers are bilingual, and we have access to translators at all posted times.
There is one day a week at each site where you are most likely to have access to Spanish-speaking staff. Those days are:
- Mondays in Elkhart
- Tuesdays in Goshen
- Thursdays in South Bend
What if I have an urgent need outside these hours?
You can call our after-hours hotline 24/7 at 574-533-1234. Our staff can help triage your need and plan a course of action.
If you’re seeking help for someone you believe is a danger to themselves or others, call 911 or take them to your local emergency room if it is safe to do so.
What if I have been referred by someone for services?
- If the person/agency referring you gave you paperwork, please bring it with you.
- If they sent a referral directly to us, we will be able to search for it when you arrive.
What if I don’t have insurance?
Your ability to pay does not affect your ability to receive services at Oaklawn. Our Access Center specialists will work with you, and Oaklawn may even be able to help you apply for a variety of types of coverage, if eligible. We also offer an Ability to Pay Scale.
How much do services cost?
Here is a current list of services and fees. However, the amount you pay will depend on your insurance and co-pays. You may also be eligible for our sliding scale fee or other programs. Our staff can help you determine your cost.
Why does Oaklawn recommend group therapy?
Group therapy is proven to be just as effective as – and sometimes more effective than – individual treatment. Groups use the same evidence-based practices utilized in individual therapy to target the most common mental health diagnoses, with the added benefit of having support from others dealing with similar issues. Members in a group encourage each other, provide a sounding board and offer new perspectives. Many participants discover that group is a safe space to share their hurts, stories and victories on their journey to recovery.
Most clients will begin treatment at Oaklawn in group therapy. Some will use group therapy for just a few sessions to prepare for deeper work in individual therapy, and some may continue in group as their primary mode of treatment.
Can I schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist?
Not for your first appointment. At Oaklawn, we know a multi-dimensional approach to treatment is the best path to success. That’s why your first appointment is a personal initial assessment with a therapist, who will help determine what services will be most helpful. That may include seeing a psychiatrist, but will also likely include other services such as skills training, care facilitation or therapy. Each client is encouraged to give input and to actively participate in the direction of their treatment.
In addition to Oaklawn, is there other help I should seek?
If you (or your child) are experiencing a mental health problem or concern, we recommend you see your primary care physician to rule out any physical health issues. Your physician may order some routine tests, such as lab work, and depending on your concern, may prescribe medication.
If you are employed, we encourage you to contact your employer’s HR office and ask if your company has an employee assistance program. Many employers offer programs that provide mental health services, such as a limited number of free counseling sessions, to any member of an employee’s immediate family.
If you have insurance, we also encourage you to contact your insurance company and ask about your mental health treatment benefits and providers in your network. Your insurance company can provide a list of treatment providers who participate with your plan and you can then contact them directly.
Continue to develop your network of support, such as friends, family, church or other community organizations.
Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthfully and exercising. If you’re having trouble eating or sleeping, these are also areas where your primary care physician could be of help.
What if my loved one refuses services?
Unless your loved one is a danger to themselves or others, they cannot legally be compelled to receive services. We understand how frustrating this can be for friends and family members. Contacting your local NAMI chapter (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is often a good resource for friends and family to learn more information about their loved one’s mental illness, as well as maintaining your own mental health and your relationship with them.
How can I make a referral to Oaklawn?
Share information about our Open Access clinic with the person you are referring. If you send us information about your referral, we will save it until they come in for services.
To request brochures with our Open Access information to share with your patients/clients, click here.
Indiana Suicide Prevention Resources
The State of Indiana developed a Suicide Prevention Resource List so you can access the information you need and when you need it.
Contact Us
Elkhart County Access
Center 24/7
574-533-1234
South Bend Access
Center 24/7
574-283-1234
Mishawaka Campus
574-259-5666
Toll-Free
800-282-0809