Overview
Nicasa is a distinguished non-profit organization based in Waukegan, Illinois, committed to assisting individuals grappling with substance abuse and gambling disorders.
Since 1966, Nicasa has been a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals struggling with substance abuse and gambling disorders. Located in Waukegan, Illinois, Nicasa provides client-focused and evidence-based services based on the Matrix model. They also offer DUI services, adhering to Illinois laws that require individuals arrested for DUI to obtain an alcohol/drug evaluation. This evaluation may lead to recommendations for additional education or treatment services.
Nicasa's services include:
- Adult Services
- Individual and Group Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Residential Halfway House Services
- Therapy for Depression
- Telehealth Services
One of their notable offerings is the Residential Halfway House Services through Bridge House, which opened in 1972. This community residence supports men and women with an average stay of four months, requiring residents to attend six sessions per week.
All services at Nicasa are provided in both English and Spanish.
Adult outpatient (9 hours per week) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) (9 or more hours per week) at Nicasa are based on the Matrix Model. This evidence-based program has been rigorously evaluated and found to be effective for adults with various chemical dependencies. The overarching goal of substance abuse treatment is to guide each client through a process of change to achieve substance-free identities and improved health, wellness, and quality of life. Each client receives an individualized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.
All services at Nicasa are provided in both English and Spanish and also provides services in Polish and Russian. If other languages are needed, an interpreter can be requested.
Nicasa maintains accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), reflecting its commitment to maintaining high standards of care and treatment excellence.
Nicasa NFP - Behavioral Health at a Glance
Payment Options
- Cash or self-payment
- Medicaid
- State-financed health insurance plan other than Medicaid
- Private health insurance
- Federal, or any government funding for substance use treatment programs
Assessments
- Comprehensive mental health assessment
- Comprehensive substance use assessment
- Interim services for clients
- Outreach to persons in the community
- Screening for mental disorders
Age Groups
- Adolescents
- Children/adolescents
Ancillary Services
- Case management service
- Specially designed program for DUI/DWI clients
- 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.
Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF):
Established in 1966, the non-profit organization known as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) has a dedicated focus on accrediting rehabilitation organizations. CARF's primary mission is to assist service providers, particularly rehabilitation facilities, in upholding and promoting the highest standards of care.
Treatment At Nicasa NFP - Behavioral Health
Conditions Treated
Alcoholism:
Alcohol addiction is when a person becomes physically and mentally dependent on alcohol, leading to mood swings, impulsive actions, intense cravings, and withdrawal symptoms. Treatment includes supervised detox, therapy, and support groups. It's important to note that rehabilitation doesn't "cure" alcoholism, but it helps individuals better manage their addiction, regain their ability to function in daily life, and improve their overall well-being.
Substance use treatment:
Substance use rehabilitation is a structured program aimed at assisting individuals in overcoming their dependencies on drugs or alcohol. Through a combination of medical detoxification, counseling, and various therapeutic approaches, these programs strive to address the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. The goal is to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to attain lasting sobriety, while also working to identify and address the underlying issues contributing to substance misuse. By fostering a supportive environment, substance use rehabilitation centers provide a pathway towards a healthier, substance-free life.
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 treatment at rehab centers provides adaptable therapy schedules, usually spanning 1-3 hours weekly, enabling participants to maintain their everyday routines while undergoing treatment. On the other hand, intensive outpatient programs require a more dedicated time investment, frequently around 9-15 hours a week, delivering a deeper therapeutic experience without the commitment of inpatient residency.
Intensive outpatient treatment:
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) support clients in maintaining long-term sobriety by providing tailored, high-quality care that adapts to their changing requirements. Clients participate in several treatment sessions each week, typically receiving between nine to 20 hours of outpatient care weekly. As clients achieve stability, the treatment frequency and intensity gradually diminish. Many intensive outpatient rehabilitation centers provide a diverse range of services, such as addiction counseling, training in life skills geared towards recovery, and the option for medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Additionally, evidence-based complementary therapies are frequently integrated into the program.
Regular outpatient treatment:
Regular Outpatient Treatment is a flexible and accessible option for individuals seeking recovery from addiction or substance abuse. This program typically involves attending therapy and counseling sessions on a part-time basis, often ranging from one to three sessions per week. These sessions are designed to provide essential support, guidance, and tools for individuals to overcome addiction, manage cravings, and work towards a healthier, sober lifestyle. Regular Outpatient Treatment offers the advantage of maintaining daily routines and responsibilities while receiving the necessary therapeutic interventions to foster lasting recovery.
Aftercare:
Finishing a drug or alcohol rehab program is just the beginning of the recovery journey. Aftercare focuses on establishing a long-term recovery plan, which encompasses continuous support. This might involve options such as residing in sober living homes or halfway houses, receiving career guidance, and connecting the individual with community support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
Treatment Modalities
Cognitive behavioral therapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a evidence-based psychotherapeutic approach that aims to address dysfunctional emotions, behaviors, and cognitions through a goal-oriented, systematic process. It involves identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and beliefs and replacing them with more constructive ways of thinking and behaving. CBT is commonly used to treat a variety of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and phobias.
Telemedicine/telehealth therapy:
Telehealth Therapy is a level of care that offers psychological counseling and therapeutic services to individuals via digital platforms, such as video conferencing, phone calls, or messaging apps. This approach allows clients to connect with qualified therapists remotely, providing increased accessibility, flexibility, and convenience, especially for those who may have mobility issues, live in remote areas, or prefer the comfort of their own environment. By leveraging technology, Telehealth Therapy bridges the gap between patients and mental health professionals, ensuring continuity of care irrespective of physical distances.
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 addresses the underlying emotional and psychological wounds that may contribute to an individual's substance abuse. Through a combination of psychotherapy and coping strategies, individuals are aided in processing past traumatic experiences, understanding the impact of trauma on their current behavior, and developing healthier coping mechanisms. This holistic approach fosters resilience, aids in the resolution of trauma, and is fundamental in supporting individuals on their path toward sustained recovery from addiction.
Treatment for gambling disorder:
Gambling Disorder, also known as compulsive gambling, is a recognized behavioral addiction characterized by an uncontrollable urge to gamble despite detrimental personal and financial consequences. Treatment for this disorder typically involves a combination of therapeutic approaches. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy to address underlying triggers and patterns of thought, group support sessions such as Gamblers Anonymous, and sometimes medications to address co-existing mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
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.
Family counseling:
Studies consistently show that the likelihood of sustainable recovery increases when family members are involved in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic elements might influence susceptibility to drug and alcohol dependence and mental health challenges. Family interactions frequently contribute to addiction triggers. However, with the right education, family members can become pivotal support pillars during rehabilitation.
Intervention Services:
Intervention refers to organized efforts designed to guide individuals away from potentially harmful behaviors or decisions and towards healthier alternatives. Often used in the context of substance abuse or addiction, these services employ a structured approach where professionals, loved ones, and peers come together to confront the individual in a supportive manner, emphasizing the need for change and providing pathways for treatment or assistance. The goal is to break through denial, facilitate recognition of the problem, and initiate positive change.
Contingency management/motivational incentives:
Contingency management and motivational incentives are evidence-based treatment modalities used in addiction and behavioral health programs. Contingency management involves the use of rewards to reinforce positive behaviors and change negative behaviors, while motivational incentives provide incentives to engage in treatment and sustain recovery. Both approaches are designed to increase motivation and engagement in treatment and have been shown to be effective in promoting positive outcomes.
Motivational interviewing:
Motivational Interviewing (MI) in addiction treatment is a client-centered counseling approach designed to enhance an individual's intrinsic motivation to change. By addressing ambivalence and tapping into personal values, MI fosters meaningful conversations about substance use and promotes commitment to recovery-focused goals.
Matrix Model:
The Matrix Model involves clients in group and individual counseling, psychoeducation, and skill-building exercises to boost self-awareness, coping skills, and overall well-being. It prioritizes creating a supportive and collaborative therapeutic environment, motivating active client participation in addressing addiction's physical, emotional, and social dimensions. This model integrates evidence-based treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy, 12-step facilitation, family education, and relapse prevention into a comprehensive program.
Community reinforcement plus vouchers:
Community Reinforcement + Vouchers is an evidence-based intervention strategy designed to treat substance use disorders. It combines behavioral therapy with a voucher-based system that rewards individuals for substance-free urine tests. This approach encourages individuals to reduce or abstain from drug use by emphasizing positive reinforcement, skill-building, and tangible incentives, fostering healthier life choices and improved community relations.
Relapse prevention:
The Relapse Prevention Model is a cognitive-behavioral approach aimed at minimizing or preventing relapses in individuals recovering from addictive behaviors. It incorporates strategies for recognizing and managing high-risk situations and triggers, enhancing self-efficacy, and developing coping skills. Through education, awareness, and self-monitoring, individuals are empowered to maintain their progress and avoid reverting to unhealthy behaviors. This model is essential in promoting long-term recovery and supporting individuals on their journey towards a substance-free life.
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.
Life Skills:
Life skills training equips individuals with essential competencies, such as time management, career planning, financial literacy, and effective communication, to navigate the challenges of daily life. These skills are foundational to achieving not just sobriety but a thriving, fulfilling life post-addiction. Such training lays the groundwork for sustainable success and long-term recovery.
Ancillary Services
Languages
- Sign language services for the deaf and hard of hearing
- Spanish
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 Nicasa NFP - Behavioral Health, 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 Nicasa NFP - Behavioral Health.