UPMC Altoona - Behavioral Health Access Center
Overview
UPMC Altoona is a hospital in Altoona, Pennsylvania, that helps people who are dealing with mental health problems and drug abuse in a variety of ways. The facility provides full care to people of all ages, including adults, teens, and children, and makes services available to everyone, regardless of race, religion, gender, age, national origin, condition, or financial situation.
The center has many programs, including partial hospitalization, detoxification, case management, crisis support, family-based care, and services for people with dual diagnoses. In addition, UPMC Altoona has a Student Help Program and tests for seniors. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), activity therapy, rage management, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), and both one-on-one and group counseling are all types of treatment. Notably, UPMC Altoona has a mobile crisis team and a walk-in center so that people in Blair County can get help right away. The center meets strict standards for care and service excellence and is accredited by The Joint Commission.
UPMC Altoona - Behavioral Health Access Center at a Glance
Payment Options
- County or local government funds
- Community Mental Health Block Grants
- Medicaid
- Other State funds
- Private health insurance
Assessments
- Comprehensive mental health assessment
- Comprehensive substance use assessment
Age Groups
- Adults
- Children/adolescents
- Young adults
Operation
- Private for-profit organization
Accreditations
The Joint Commission:
The Joint Commission accreditation for addiction and behavioral health is a prestigious recognition signifying a facility's commitment to delivering high-quality care and safety for individuals dealing with substance abuse and mental health issues. It involves rigorous evaluations and assessments, ensuring patients receive evidence-based treatment and exceptional care. This accreditation demonstrates a facility's dedication to continuous improvement and ethical practices, building trust among patients and healthcare professionals seeking top-tier addiction and behavioral health services.
Effective date: 08/26/2017
Registration: 6019
SAMHSA certification for opioid treatment program (OTP):
SAMHSA's Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP) accreditation is a prestigious recognition that signifies a program's compliance with stringent standards and guidelines established by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This accreditation demonstrates an OTP's commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based care for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD). It serves as a trusted symbol of accountability and excellence, assuring patients, families, and communities that the OTP offers safe, effective, and comprehensive treatment options for OUD.
Treatment At UPMC Altoona - Behavioral Health Access Center
Conditions Treated
Mental health treatment:
Mental health treatment involves various therapies and support services provided by licensed professionals to address mental health issues. These interventions, which can include therapy, medication, and holistic approaches, aim to enhance well-being, improve coping, and empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives. It's personalized, comprehensive care for mental health challenges.
Alcoholism:
Alcohol addiction is a condition where someone feels a strong and uncontrollable urge to drink alcohol, often leading to negative effects on their health, relationships, and daily life. To assist individuals grappling with alcohol addiction, various strategies exist. Initially, supervised detoxification may be necessary to ensure a safe cessation of alcohol consumption. Following this, counseling and therapy play a crucial role in addressing the psychological facets of the addiction. Engaging in support groups can also offer a sense of camaraderie and comprehension.
Opioid Addiction:
Opioid rehabilitation centers are dedicated to assisting individuals overcoming opioid dependence. They cater to those battling addiction from illicit opioids such as heroin, as well as those addicted to prescription medications like oxycodone. These facilities may provide a holistic approach that encompasses both physical care, which often involves medical detox and ongoing medical assistance (including medications), and psychological care through comprehensive therapy to tackle the root causes of addiction.
Substance use treatment:
Substance use rehabilitation embodies a holistic treatment approach crafted to assist individuals contending with drug or alcohol addiction. This all-encompassing rehabilitation strategy encompasses two crucial components: initially addressing the physical dependency, frequently commencing with detoxification, and subsequently confronting the psychological triggers through a diverse array of therapeutic methods. The overarching objective is to empower individuals to achieve and maintain sobriety while equipping them with essential skills and coping mechanisms for a successful reintegration into society and a life free from substance abuse.
Co-occurring Disorders:
Dual-diagnosis rehabilitation centers specialize in the treatment of individuals who suffer from a co-occurring mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. This complex interplay between addiction and mental health can make recovery more challenging, as each condition may exacerbate the symptoms of the other. Dual-diagnosis rehabilitation centers offer an integrated approach that addresses both issues simultaneously and often includes a comprehensive assessment for an Integrated Treatment Approach through Holistic Therapies, including family therapy and aftercare treatment.
Levels Of Care
Partial Hospitalization Program:
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a short-term form of intensive rehab, usually for those with acute symptoms that are hard to manage but don’t require 24-hour care. PHPs have structured programming (i.e. individual and/or group therapy), and usually meet 3-5 days a week for around 6 hours (i.e. 9am-3m). Some PHPs are residential (patients sleep on site) and some are not, so patients sleep at home. PHPs can last from 1-6 months, and some offer transportation and meals.
Detoxification:
Detoxification, often called detox, is like a reset button for the body after someone has been using drugs or alcohol. Its main job is to help people who want to quit these substances by easing the discomfort they might feel when they stop. Think of it as a way to clean out the harmful stuff in the body when someone has been using drugs or alcohol too much. Detoxification aims to make the process of quitting safer and less painful for the person.
Aftercare:
Aftercare refers to the structured support and programs offered to individuals after completing an initial treatment phase for substance abuse or other disorders. Recognizing that recovery is an ongoing process, aftercare provides continued counseling, skill-building, group therapy, and resources to help individuals maintain sobriety, manage triggers, and reintegrate into daily life, reducing the risk of relapse and ensuring long-term success in recovery.
Outpatient:
Outpatient programs are designed for individuals in stable medical condition with a low risk of relapse, often those who've completed inpatient treatment. These programs extend the foundation of prior treatment approaches, offering continuous addiction guidance and resources for sustained recovery. For those transitioning straight from detox, medical and psychological assessments are typically conducted, leading to the development of individualized treatment strategies. The majority of outpatient rehab centers provide diverse care levels, customized to each client's unique requirements.
Hospital inpatient treatment:
Inpatient treatment comprises a thorough residential therapeutic program, during which patients reside on-site for a period generally lasting from 30 to 90 days. This immersive setting provides organized assistance, guaranteeing safety and a dedicated approach to recovery. The array of therapies available encompasses individual and group counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, holistic interventions, family therapy sessions, and experiential therapies. The primary goal is to address the physical, emotional, and psychological facets of addiction or mental health disorders, establishing a strong foundation for enduring healing.
Treatment Modalities
Family counseling:
Family Counseling is a therapeutic service that addresses and resolves conflicts, improves communication, and fosters better relationships within a family unit. Through guided discussions, a trained counselor helps family members gain insight into their dynamics, learn coping strategies, and work towards creating a harmonious living environment. Family Counseling can be a significant step towards improving the overall emotional health and interactions among family members, helping them navigate challenges together in a supportive and constructive manner.
Individual psychotherapy:
Individual therapy, often referred to as psychotherapy or counseling, is a one-on-one therapeutic interaction between a trained therapist and a client. It provides a confidential space for individuals to explore their feelings, beliefs, and behaviors, working through challenging memories, experiences, or emotions. The therapist facilitates self-awareness, promotes personal growth and insight, and offers coping strategies to manage specific issues like stress, anxiety, depression, and other life challenges. The ultimate goal is to improve the individual's mental well-being and enhance their overall quality of life.
Electroconvulsive Therapy:
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a medical procedure that uses controlled electrical currents to treat severe mental health conditions, like major depression and bipolar disorder. It's often considered when other treatments haven't worked, and it can provide rapid relief. ECT is conducted under anesthesia and muscle relaxants to ensure safety.
Group counseling:
Group counseling provides a supportive environment where individuals share personal experiences and insights, under the guidance of a professional counselor. It facilitates self-awareness, fosters interpersonal learning, and helps members work through personal and relational challenges. Through shared dialogue and reflection, individuals learn coping strategies, gain emotional support, and experience personal growth within a communal setting.
Marital/couples counseling:
Whether a marriage or other committed relationship, an intimate partnership is one of the most important aspects of a person's life. Drug and alcohol addiction affects both members of a couple in deep and meaningful ways, as does rehab and recovery. Couples therapy and other couples-focused treatment programs are significant parts of exploring triggers of addiction, as well as learning how to build healthy patterns to support ongoing sobriety.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a evidence-based psychological treatment that focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors. It aims to develop coping strategies and promote healthier thinking to address a variety of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and stress. CBT is typically short-term and goal-oriented, emphasizing the role of thought processes in influencing emotions and behaviors.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a form of psychotherapy that blends cognitive-behavioral approaches with mindfulness strategies. It is particularly effective in treating addiction, as it addresses the underlying emotional pain and destructive behaviors that often accompany substance misuse. Through enhancing emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness, DBT equips individuals with the coping skills necessary to maintain sobriety and improve their overall quality of life.
Trauma-related counseling:
Trauma therapy delves into past traumatic events that might be influencing a client's current life experiences. Often, trauma serves as a significant precipitant or underlying cause of addiction. Such traumas can arise from childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, growing up with a mentally ill parent, early parental loss, and experiences of sexual assault in teen or adult years, among other circumstances. Trauma therapy aims to aid the individual in processing and navigating beyond these traumas, guided by the expertise and empathy of skilled mental health specialists.
Nicotine replacement:
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) provides nicotine to the system without the need for smoking. It utilizes products that deliver minimal doses of nicotine, assisting individuals in their quest to quit smoking. The therapy aims to reduce nicotine cravings and mitigate withdrawal symptoms.
Experiential Therapy:
Experiential Therapy is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes direct experience and active client involvement to gain insight into unresolved issues and trauma. Through guided activities, role-playing, and other interactive techniques, clients are encouraged to confront and explore their emotions in the present moment, leading to a deeper understanding and resolution of their challenges. This therapy is rooted in the belief that transformative change occurs through meaningful experiences.
Nutrition Therapy:
Nutrition Therapy offers a holistic approach to recovery by addressing the body's dietary needs. Tailored to each individual, this therapy ensures optimal nutrient intake to support healing, boost immunity, and promote overall well-being, complementing other rehabilitation efforts for a comprehensive recovery journey.
Fitness Therapy:
Fitness Therapy in addiction treatment is an integrated approach that melds physical wellness with mental health recovery. By incorporating regular exercise and physical activity into the recovery process, individuals are equipped with a wholesome routine that encourages not only a healthy body but also a healthy mind. Through a structured fitness regimen, individuals learn to replace substance-abusing behaviors with positive habits that promote self-discipline, stress reduction, and a strong sense of self-efficacy. Over time, engaging in fitness therapy fosters a positive outlet for coping with triggers and cravings, rendering a robust foundation for lasting recovery.
Ancillary Services
Languages
- Sign language services for the deaf and hard of hearing
- English
Special Programs
- Children/adolescents with serious emotional disturbance (SED)
- Clients who have experienced trauma
Contact Information
DISCLAIMER: The facility name, logo and brand are the property and registered trademarks of UPMC Altoona - Behavioral Health Access Center, and are being used for identification and informational purposes only. Use of these names, logos and brands shall not imply endorsement. BetterAddictionCare.com is not affiliated with or sponsored by UPMC Altoona - Behavioral Health Access Center.
