Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What services does La Frontera provide?

A. La Frontera provides services to children, adolescents, and their families; to adults with mental health and/or substance use disorders; and to adults with a serious mental illness. Services vary in type and level of intensity, depending on the person's needs. Education and prevention services are also available.
For a detailed list of services provided, click on the Services link.

Q. How much do services cost at La Frontera?

A. The cost of services at La Frontera is affected by several factors, including the type of service requested, the individual's income and number of dependents, insurance coverage, and eligibility for governmental assistance, among others. Relying on numerous funding sources, La Frontera makes every effort to provide affordable services to its clientele. The agency accepts individuals enrolled in the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and some other insurance plans. Co-pays, when applicable, are based on a sliding-fee scale. Service eligibility is determined by the funding source. Not every individual is eligible for every service.

Q. How does someone obtain services at La Frontera?

A. La Frontera has several facilities located throughout Tucson and surrounding areas of Pima County, with agency headquarters in South Tucson. To obtain services at La Frontera, call one of the following clinics:

* People who live in central Tucson or on Tucson's west or south sides should call La Frontera Center, Inc./South Tucson at 838-3804.

* People ages 16 and older who live in Tucson's east side or in eastern Pima County should call La Frontera Center, Inc./East at 296-3296.

* Children and their families who live on Tucson's south side may also call La Frontera Center, Inc./South at 807-6040.

Appointments can also be arranged in person or by writing to the Intake Department at La Frontera Center, 502 W. 29th St., Tucson, AZ 85713. Appointments are available Monday through Friday at both of the outpatient clinics.

Q.  What should I bring to the intake appointment?

Individuals who are enrolled with AHCCCS need to bring personal identification in the form of a State I.D., birth certificate, or a piece or mail received at the person's address.  Official proof of guardianship must also be provided for adults who accompany non-biological or non-adoptive children.

Individuals who are not enrolled with AHCCCS need to bring the above documents as well as proof of any third-party insurance, proof of household income (current month and previous month), and proof of medical bills or child support payments.

Q. How are specific services identified and accessed by an individual?

A. The individual meets with his or her clinical liaison to discuss available service options and to determine which services are appropriate to meet the client's needs.

Q. I've heard that La Frontera Center provides culturally competent care. What does that mean?

A. La Frontera Center is committed to providing services that respect the client's cultural background, including his or her race and ethnicity, family composition, religious beliefs, age, and sexual orientation, among other factors. Whenever possible, services are provided in the client's preferred language.

American Sign Language (ASL) and oral interpreter services are available upon request and at no charge to the client. Please request this service, if needed, when scheduling an appointment.

Vital documents are available in Spanish; additional documents will be translated upon request. Documents can also be translated into Braille as needed.

Q. Will my family be involved in my services?

A. La Frontera believes that support in the form of "family" (as defined by the client) and significant others is extremely beneficial to the recovery from and prevention of mental health and substance abuse problems. The client's support system will be encouraged to participate in services if the client so chooses. The client will meet with his or her clinical liaison to determine who is to be included.

Q. Are La Frontera's services confidential?

A. All services and written information at La Frontera are confidential as mandated by federal and state laws, rules, and regulations. Charts will not be released without the client's written consent, except under the following circumstances:

* Information from charts is requested through a valid court order or subpoena naming a specific individual

* Child abuse or adult abuse is identified or suspected

* The client is in a state of medical emergency that necessitates disclosure of information to medical personnel

* The client threatens to harm someone, in which case the intended victim and the police will be notified

Please be aware that clinical staff may listen to information about you volunteered by an outside source; however, information will not be shared with that source unless you have signed a release.

Q. How do I know if I have a problem with drug use?

A. If your use of alcohol or other drugs creates tension within your family, or interferes with your ability to drive or go to your job, you may want to consider getting a professional assessment. If you use your drug of choice daily this could be another sign that you may need help for your use.

Q. How do I know if I have a mental health problem?

A. We all experience daily life stressors and at times feel sad, depressed, or anxious. If you feel so sad or depressed that you cannot stop crying or spend several days at a time in bed, you should consider getting a professional assessment. If you feel that your life is not worth living or have suicidal thoughts, or thoughts of harming someone else, you are strongly encouraged to seek professional help. If you have periods of anxiety where your heart is racing, your palms are sweating, or you feel as if you are going to pass out, you could possibly benefit from talking with a professional. For more specific information, go to

http://www.mentalhelp.net


Q. Where do clients receive general mental health, substance abuse, or children's outpatient services?

A. La Frontera Center, Inc./South Tucson
502 W. 29th St.
Tucson, AZ 85713-3394
(520) 884-9920

La Frontera Center, Inc./East
2222 N. Craycroft, Suite 120
Tucson, AZ 85712-2898
(520) 296-3296

La Frontera Center, Inc./South*
6401 S. Country Club, Suite 157
Tucson, AZ  85706
(520) 807-6040

*Child and family services only.  Intakes are performed at the South Tucson facility.

Q. Where do clients with serious mental illness receive outpatient services?

A. La Frontera Center, Inc./East
2222 N. Craycroft, Suites 112 & 116
Tucson, AZ 85712-2898
(520) 296-1612

La Frontera Center, Inc./Mountain
3620 N. Mountain Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85719
(520) 882-5145

La Frontera Center, Inc./Southwest
1210 E. Pennsylvania
Tucson, AZ 85714
(520) 741-2351