Overview
The non-profit Cherokee Health Systems (CHS), with its headquarters in Newport, Tennessee, is committed to providing thorough behavioral and addiction treatment services across the state. CHS offers a comprehensive spectrum of treatments for children, adolescents, and adults at many sites, including the Hedrick Drive clinic. The organization places an emphasis on a comprehensive strategy that seamlessly combines general care with mental health. With the use of this cutting-edge approach, physicians may now treat chronic illnesses, life stresses that affect general well-being, and mental and drug use problems.
In 1960, a group of visionaries led by family physician Dr. Jack McConnell and psychiatrist Dr. Bob Spiegel created Cherokee Health Systems. They determined the urgent need for easily accessible and reasonably priced healthcare in Tennessee's underprivileged Morristown neighborhood in collaboration with local authorities. In an effort to close the gap in mental health treatment, the first CHS clinic was opened, initially providing people in need with case management, therapy, and psychiatric services. As it became clear that treating mental and physical health at the same time was necessary for comprehensive patient care, the organization gradually expanded the scope of services it offered to include primary care.
CHS went beyond Morristown as the need for their integrated healthcare services increased, adding other clinics in Knoxville and the neighboring East Tennessee counties. They implemented the then-groundbreaking "Integrated Health Care Home" approach, which included mental health, drug addiction treatment, and general care under one roof. By ensuring that patients get coordinated care that seamlessly addresses all of their health requirements, this creative approach enhances patient outcomes and care quality.
Cherokee Health Systems has a significant influence on community involvement and collaborations in addition to providing direct patient treatment. They work together with community centers, local schools, and other healthcare professionals to conduct outreach programs and preventative care. This emphasis on community-based treatment promotes early intervention and a wellness culture across East Tennessee by increasing public awareness of addiction and mental health issues.
As a Federally Qualified Health Center today, Cherokee Health Systems is pleased to serve almost 70,000 patients a year. They offer services to those with private insurance, those covered by the state via TennCare or CoverKids, and even those without insurance since they are committed to providing accessible healthcare. In addition to medical care, dentistry, optometry, and pharmacy care, the services are provided to children, adults, and seniors and include behavioral and addiction therapy.
The organization's efforts have earned it distinction on a national level, particularly for its work fusing general care with mental health. This approach has shown promise in lowering medical expenses while greatly enhancing patient outcomes. The interdisciplinary team at CHS works tirelessly to develop and improve its methods, raising the bar for all-encompassing, patient-centered care.
Cherokee Health Systems is still a reputable healthcare organization in Tennessee, and it strives to promote healthy communities by offering comprehensive medical treatment. No matter their background or financial situation, every patient will be able to get high-quality healthcare because to the dedication to providing compassionate, coordinated, and affordable care. Their history, which was established on a basis of commitment and community involvement, is still developing as they work to satisfy the clients' ever-evolving demands.
Cherokee Health Systems at a Glance
Payment Options
- Cash or self-payment
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- State-financed health insurance plan other than Medicaid
- Private health insurance
Assessments
- Screening for tobacco use
- Comprehensive mental health assessment
- Comprehensive substance use assessment
- Screening for mental disorders
- Screening for substance use
Age Groups
- Children/adolescents
- Young adults
- Adults
- Seniors
- Adolescents
Ancillary Services
- Case management service
- Chronic disease/illness management
- Integrated primary care services
- Early intervention for HIV
- Mental health services
Accreditations
State mental health department:
State mental health department accreditation refers to the process of evaluating and certifying the quality and standards of a state's mental health department, ensuring that it provides high-quality services and meets specific criteria for mental health care. The accreditation process is performed by a third-party organization and helps to improve the overall care and treatment of individuals with mental health conditions.
Federally Qualified Health Center:
Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) accreditation is a process of evaluation and recognition by the federal government for community health centers that provide comprehensive and accessible healthcare services to underserved populations. FQHC accreditation is essential for centers to receive federal funding and to ensure that they meet standards for quality, patient-centered care.
Treatment At Cherokee Health Systems
Conditions Treated
Alcoholism:
Alcohol addiction is a disease that changes the way the brain works. It causes negative emotions, impulsive behavior, cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Treatment for alcohol addiction includes supervised detox, counseling and therapy, and support group participation. Rehabilitation does not cure alcoholism. Instead, it helps the individual manage their addiction, restore their functioning, and well-being.
Mental health treatment:
Mental health facilities offer a safe space for individuals to get specialized care. Trained experts create personal plans using therapies, possibly including medication. The goal is to help individuals cope better and lead fulfilling lives, with constant support and a community feel.
Substance use treatment:
Substance use rehabilitation represents a holistic treatment strategy tailored to aid individuals grappling with drug or alcohol addiction. This comprehensive rehabilitation method encompasses two key aspects: first, addressing the physical dependency, often commencing with detoxification, and second, tackling the psychological triggers through a range of therapeutic techniques. The ultimate aim is to empower individuals to attain and sustain sobriety while providing them with the necessary skills and coping mechanisms to successfully reintegrate into society and lead a life free from substance abuse.
Co-occurring Disorders:
Dual-diagnosis rehabilitation centers focus on treating individuals with simultaneous mental health and substance use disorders. The intertwined nature of addiction and mental health issues can intensify each other's symptoms, complicating recovery. These centers provide a holistic treatment strategy addressing both conditions together, often encompassing thorough evaluations, a blend of therapeutic methods, family counseling, and post-treatment care.
Opioid Treatement:
Opioid addiction rehabilitation is a specialized treatment process tailored to address the unique challenges and complexities of opioid dependence, including drugs like heroin and prescriptions like oxycodone. The process typically begins with a medical detox to ease withdrawal symptoms, followed by therapeutic interventions to address the root causes of addiction. This holistic approach aims to provide individuals with the skills and support needed for long-term recovery from opioid use.
Levels Of Care
Outpatient:
Outpatient programs cater to individuals who are in good medical condition and are not at a heightened risk of relapse, including those who have successfully finished their inpatient treatment. These programs usually build upon clients' existing treatment strategies, providing ongoing addiction counseling and educational support for recovery. Individuals who enter outpatient care right after detoxification may also undergo medical and psychological evaluations, followed by the creation of personalized treatment plans. Most outpatient rehabilitation centers offer various levels of care tailored to meet each client's specific needs.
Outpatient methadone/buprenorphine or naltrexone treatment:
Naltrexone, an FDA-sanctioned medication, is employed to address both opioid and alcohol dependencies. It aids in curbing cravings and warding off relapses, facilitating a smoother recovery process. It's available as a daily pill (brands include ReVia and Depade) or as a monthly injection (brand name Vivitrol). Prior to commencing naltrexone, patients should be free of any illicit opioids or opioid medicines for a duration of 7-10 days, including methadone.
Regular outpatient treatment:
Regular outpatient treatment is a structured program that supports individuals in overcoming addiction while allowing them to maintain their daily lives. It includes therapy, counseling, and education, making it ideal for those with mild to moderate substance use disorders or in later recovery stages. This approach helps individuals build coping skills, manage triggers, and stay substance-free while staying connected to their communities and families.
Aftercare:
Aftercare treatment refers to the continued support and care that individuals receive following the completion of their primary treatment program for substance abuse or addiction. This phase aims to aid individuals in maintaining their sobriety, improving personal skills and coping strategies, and integrating back into society. Aftercare can include ongoing therapy, support group meetings, education, and monitoring, which are crucial for preventing relapse and promoting long-term recovery. Through a combination of community support, accountability, and personal development, aftercare provides a structured pathway for individuals to continue their recovery journey in a supportive environment.
Intensive outpatient treatment:
Intensive Outpatient (IOP) is a specialized level of care aimed at assisting those on their recovery journey from addictions or mental health disorders. Unlike the inpatient or residential treatments where attendees reside within the facility, IOP offers a robust therapeutic experience while enabling participants to stay home and continue their daily routines. Generally, individuals in IOP engage in several sessions weekly, clocking in at around 9-20 hours or even more. These sessions encompass individual counseling, group sessions, familial guidance, and instructional classes that equip attendees with the tools and methods to manage symptoms and avert relapses.
Detoxification:
Detoxification, often shortened to detox, is like giving the body a fresh start by getting rid of harmful substances like drugs or alcohol someone may have taken. When a person stops taking these substances, they might feel sick or uncomfortable as their body adjusts to the change. Detox helps ease these uncomfortable feelings while making sure the harmful substances are removed from the body in a safe way. This process helps prevent any additional harm caused by the drugs or alcohol.
Outpatient detoxification:
Outpatient Detoxification refers to a medical process where individuals with substance dependence are systematically and safely withdrawn from those substances under medical supervision, while not being admitted to a hospital or inpatient facility. This approach allows patients to detoxify from drugs or alcohol in a less restrictive environment, often enabling them to maintain certain daily responsibilities such as work or family commitments. Close monitoring, medications, counseling, and support are provided to manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications.
Treatment Modalities
Individual psychotherapy:
Individual Psychotherapy is a personalized therapeutic approach aimed at aiding individuals in overcoming addiction and its underlying psychological triggers. A licensed therapist works closely with the individual through one-on-one sessions to unearth and address personal challenges, emotional issues, and behavioral patterns contributing to their substance abuse. Individual psychotherapy lays a robust foundation for a sustainable recovery and a better quality of life by fostering self-awareness, coping strategies, and healthier behavioral responses.
Couples/family therapy:
Couples Therapy is a specialized form of counseling designed to help couples navigate and improve their relationships. In this therapeutic process, a trained therapist or counselor works with couples to address communication issues, conflicts, and emotional challenges within their partnership. Couples Therapy provides a safe and supportive environment for couples to explore their feelings, understand each other's perspectives, and develop effective strategies for building stronger, more fulfilling connections. It can be instrumental in fostering healthier relationships, enhancing intimacy, and promoting long-term relationship satisfaction.
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.
Integrated Mental and Substance Use Disorder treatment:
Integrated Mental and Substance Use Disorder treatment is a comprehensive approach to treating individuals with both mental health and substance use disorders. It aims to address both conditions simultaneously through a coordinated and integrated approach. The goal is to improve overall well-being and reduce the risk of relapse.
Telemedicine/telehealth therapy:
Telehealth provides a secure and handy way to access behavioral health care from your home. It eliminates the need for travel, time off work, or organizing childcare. A range of services, including individual therapy, group sessions, and monitoring for anxiety and depression, are available remotely. Rest assured, telehealth video sessions are not recorded, ensuring your information remains as confidential as in-person consultations.
Substance use disorder counseling:
Substance use disorder counseling treatment modalities refer to various approaches and methods used in the counseling and treatment of individuals with substance use problems. This can include individual therapy, group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, family therapy, and 12-step programs. The goal is to help the individual overcome their substance use, develop healthy coping skills, and lead a fulfilling life in recovery.
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.
Smoking/vaping/tobacco cessation counseling:
Tobacco cessation counseling encompasses discussions with a counselor regarding your tobacco or vape usage and its integration into your daily routine, with the goal of devising a strategy to quit. This service caters to individuals desiring to quit tobacco, offering interventions like behavioral support or counseling in groups or one-on-one settings. The counseling sessions may range from brief encounters (under 5 minutes) to more intensive discussions (exceeding 10 minutes) and may necessitate multiple sessions.
Group counseling:
Group Therapy is a therapeutic space where individuals battling addiction come together to share experiences, gain insights, and support one another on their journey to recovery. Facilitated by trained professionals, this setting fosters communal healing and empowers participants to overcome the challenges of addiction through collective strength and understanding.
Family counseling:
Family Counseling is a therapeutic approach that seeks to address and improve communication, understanding, and dynamics within a family unit. By addressing conflicts, emotional distress, and behavioral challenges, a trained therapist provides guidance and tools for family members to strengthen bonds, resolve issues, and foster a healthier family environment.
Marital/couples counseling:
Marital/couples counseling treatment modalities refer to various therapeutic approaches used to help couples resolve conflicts, improve communication, and strengthen their relationship. These modalities can include cognitive-behavioral therapy, emotionally focused therapy, solution-focused therapy, and integrative approaches. The goal of these treatments is to help couples identify and address underlying issues and develop healthy relationship dynamics.
Intervention Services:
Intervention is a set of structured processes or strategies designed to assist individuals in recognizing and addressing problematic behaviors, such as substance abuse, addiction, or mental health issues. These services typically involve a team of professionals or trained individuals who work collaboratively to guide and support the person in need and their loved ones, aiming to facilitate a pathway to recovery or appropriate treatment.
Motivational interviewing:
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centered therapeutic approach that fosters behavioral change by assisting individuals in exploring and resolving ambivalence. Specifically tailored for addiction treatment, MI helps clients unearth their own motivations to quit substance use and empowers them to take the lead in their recovery journey. Therapists guide clients toward their goals and self-determined pathways to sobriety through empathetic conversation and skillful questioning.
Anger management:
"Anger Management" refers to a set of techniques and strategies designed to help individuals recognize and control their anger effectively. By understanding the triggers and responses to anger, individuals can learn to express themselves calmly and non-confrontational. Proper anger management prevents potential conflicts, ensures better interpersonal relationships, and promotes mental well-being and overall health.
Relapse prevention:
The Relapse Prevention Model is a cognitive-behavioral approach designed to help individuals anticipate and effectively cope with potential challenges and high-risk situations that may lead to a return to undesired behaviors, often after a period of abstinence or behavior change. This model emphasizes the importance of recognizing early warning signs, developing coping strategies, and building self-efficacy to sustain positive change and avoid setbacks. Commonly used in addiction therapy, it can also be applied to other areas where behavior change is sought, such as weight management or anger control.
Treatment for other addiction disorder:
Treatment for other addiction disorders typically involve a combination of therapy and medication. This may include individual therapy, group therapy, and behavioral therapy. Medications may be prescribed to help manage symptoms and reduce cravings. Additionally, support groups and aftercare programs can be beneficial in maintaining recovery and preventing relapse. The treatment modality should be tailored to the individual's specific needs and circumstances.
Holistic Treatment:
Holistic treatment in a treatment center encompasses a comprehensive approach towards achieving mental, physical, and emotional wellness during addiction recovery. Unlike traditional treatments that focus solely on combating addiction, holistic treatment delves into the underlying issues contributing to substance abuse, providing individuals with the tools to achieve lasting recovery. By integrating a variety of therapeutic modalities such as yoga, meditation, nutritional counseling, and alternative therapies like acupuncture, a holistic rehab aims to nurture the individual's overall well-being, fostering a balanced path towards a drug-free life.
Dialectical behavior therapy:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evolved version of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that aims to assist individuals in recognizing and influencing the interplay among their thoughts, emotions, and actions. DBT is particularly beneficial for those grappling with self-harming behaviors, including self-inflicted injuries like cutting, as well as suicidal ideations or tendencies. Clinically, it has shown effectiveness in managing intense emotions and conditions such as Borderline Personality Disorder.
Ancillary Services
Languages
- Sign language services for the deaf and hard of hearing
Additional Services
- Pharmacotherapies administered during treatment
- Mentoring/peer support
- Drug or alcohol urine screening
Special Programs
- Clients with co-occurring mental and substance use disorders
- Clients who have experienced trauma
Contact Information
DISCLAIMER: The facility name, logo and brand are the property and registered trademarks of Cherokee Health Systems, 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 Cherokee Health Systems.
