Frequently Asked Questions

While The Nord Center has an excellent reputation for the work it does with folks who have major mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, major depression and bipolar disorder, the organization serves a far greater number of people who don’t have these conditions. Common concerns that may cause someone to begin services include anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping or problems at home or work. Typically treatment is short-term and people leave with new tools and better coping skills.

We understand that it can be challenging to seek help and we try very hard to make it as comfortable and easy as we can.

Many clients tell us that they began services at The Nord Center due to the encouragement of people who care about them. Due to the nature of the services we provide, for non-emergency mental health care for adults, it is important for the person to initiate the services as we can only treat someone with their consent.

That said, if you need help understanding a loved one’s possible options, please call us to discuss it with us at 440-204-4161 Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 5:00pm. We answer as many calls live as we can but if you have to leave a message, we will call you back as soon as we can.

If you think that the person you are concerned about may be a danger to themselves or others, please call our 24/7 hotline at 800-888-6161. The Nord Center has mobile crisis intervention services and is able to provide crisis assessments and crisis services. And even if those are not warranted, we can discuss the situation with you and help you formulate a plan of action.

The Nord Center works hard to be a welcoming place. Our agency is a SafeZone and all staff receive periodic SafeZone training. This is part of an ongoing journey of learning and continuous efforts to improve the services we provide.

All residents of Lorain County

Any Ohio resident with Medicaid

Any individual with private health insurance

The Nord Center accepts most insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare. Insurance coverage varies, so it is best to check with your insurance provider to determine eligibility for coverage. Self-pay services are also available on a sliding fee scale based on household income, however our Addiction Services program does require insurance coverage. Funds are also available for those without insurance who qualify.

You do not need to call in advance to begin services at The Nord Center.  Beginning February 1, 2022 we are offering Same Day Access for assessments, which means you may walk in for your assessment whenever is most convenient for you. No appointment is necessary and we will be available when you walk in during our Same Day Access hours. After the initial assessment, we will work with you to schedule future sessions with your service provider.

As of February 1, 2022, initial assessments are being conducted on a walk-in basis. The hours for walk-in assessment are:

  • Mondays through Thursdays anytime from 8:00AM-2:00PM
  • Fridays from 8:00AM-1:00PM

Click here to learn what to bring with you.

If you do call before your session you will speak with a trained engagement specialist. They will provide you with the following information on what to bring with you for your assessment:

  • ID, Insurance card, including Medicaid and Medicare, if insured.
  • If you do not have insurance, please bring proof of current income, including income of any spouse.  Proof of income includes pay stubs and benefit statements. We must have this information when you come in to determine the cost of your service.
    • Please be advised you may be responsible for all or a portion of the cost of the assessment and services depending on your insurance
  • If bringing a child – Please come and stay with your child, custody paperwork will be required for your child to be seen unless both parents come/ If single parent and never married, no custody paperwork needed.
  • If legal guardian of an adult, guardianship paperwork will be required.

It is important to attend regularly scheduled appointments, however we understand that there are times when you may need to cancel or reschedule. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please call our Scheduling Line at 440-204-4224. Cancellations require a minimum of 24-hour notice. A $25 administrative fee may be charged for missed appointments without 24-hour notice. Repeated missed appointments may result in termination of services.