VA Boston Healthcare System - Lowell Community Based Outpatient Clinic
Overview
VA Boston Healthcare System - Lowell Community Based Outpatient Clinic is a substance abuse treatment center for people seeking treatment near Middlesex County. As part of their treatment modalities for recovery, VA Boston Healthcare System - Lowell Community Based Outpatient Clinic provides 12-step facilitation, family counseling, and individual psychotherapy during treatment. VA Boston Healthcare System - Lowell Community Based Outpatient Clinic is located in Lowell, Massachusetts, accepting u.s. department of va funds for treatment.
VA Boston Healthcare System - Lowell Community Based Outpatient Clinic at a Glance
Payment Options
- U.S. Department of VA funds
- Federal military insurance (e.g., TRICARE)
- Private health insurance
- Medicaid
- Medicare
Assessments
- Comprehensive mental health assessment
- Comprehensive substance use assessment
Age Groups
- Adults
- Young adults
Operation
- State government
Accreditations
Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF):
CARF accreditation is a prestigious recognition for rehabilitation and human service organizations. It signifies that an organization meets high-quality standards and is committed to providing top-level care. CARF conducts rigorous evaluations to ensure compliance, enhancing an organization's credibility and reassuring clients and funders of exceptional service quality. This accreditation promotes excellence and continual improvement in the rehabilitation and human services field.
The Joint Commission:
The Joint Commission accreditation for addiction and behavioral health signifies that a facility has met rigorous standards in patient care, treatment, and safety. This recognition assures patients and professionals of the facility's commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based care in the fields of addiction and behavioral health, fostering trust and confidence in their services.
Registration: 302978
Treatment At VA Boston Healthcare System - Lowell Community Based Outpatient Clinic
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 a person's brain gets used to having alcohol, making it hard for them to control their drinking. This can lead to feeling down, acting without thinking, wanting alcohol strongly, and feeling sick if they don't drink. To help with this, treatment programs are available. These usually include a guided process to safely stop drinking, talking with professionals to work through problems, and joining support groups with others facing similar issues. While these treatments can't fully cure the addiction, they provide tools and support to help individuals live a better life and keep their drinking under control.
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 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.
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
Intensive outpatient treatment:
Intensive outpatient (IOP) supports clients in maintaining their sobriety by providing tailored, high-quality care that adapts to their changing requirements. Clients participate in numerous weekly treatment sessions, generally receiving between nine to twenty hours of outpatient care. As clients achieve stability, the treatment frequency and intensity gradually diminish. Many intensive outpatient rehabilitation centers offer a range of services, including addiction counseling, training in life skills essential for recovery, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Additionally, evidence-based complementary therapies are frequently integrated into the program.
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.
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.
Halfway house:
A sober living home provides a supportive environment for individuals recovering from substance abuse. Distinct from inpatient rehab centers, it prioritizes a drug-free living without continuous medical oversight. Residents follow specific rules, including curfews and required group sessions, and may undergo random drug screenings. This setting merges autonomy with responsibility, aiding residents in their return to society, fostering coping mechanisms, and upholding sobriety alongside peers facing comparable recovery journeys.
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.
Treatment Modalities
12-step facilitation:
Recovery models grounded in 12-step programs prominently incorporate peer coaching, strongly emphasizing personal growth as the pathway to enduring sobriety. Regular participation in 12-step meetings, known for their anonymity, cost-free access, and daily availability, is encouraged. The 12 steps of recovery, anchored in spiritual principles, guide participants in unraveling the core issues of their addiction, taking accountability for their decisions, and coming to terms with aspects beyond their control. Chosen by the individuals themselves, sponsors offer personalized one-on-one mentorship, aiding in navigating through the recovery journey.
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.
Individual psychotherapy:
Individual therapy is a one-on-one therapeutic interaction between a therapist and a client to address personal challenges, foster self-awareness, and promote mental, emotional, and behavioral growth. This setting provides a confidential and supportive environment for individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, identify goals, and develop coping strategies. Individual therapy can be beneficial for a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress management, relationship issues, and life transitions.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes the interconnectedness of thoughts, emotions, and actions. It promotes healthy reactions to thoughts and emotions, steering individuals away from harmful responses such as substance abuse. Proven effective for various addiction recoveries, CBT enhances an individual's self-awareness and self-control. Through CBT, individuals learn to better gauge their emotional well-being, communicate more effectively, and handle stress without resorting to drugs or alcohol.
Electroconvulsive Therapy:
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical intervention primarily employed for patients with severe major depression or treatment-resistant bipolar disorder. During ECT, a brief electrical stimulation is applied to the brain while the patient is under anesthesia. This treatment is administered by a specialized medical team, typically consisting of a psychiatrist, an anesthesiologist, and a nurse or physician assistant.
Nicotine replacement:
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a medically-approved approach designed to help individuals quit smoking by providing a controlled dose of nicotine without the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. Available in various forms, such as patches, gums, lozenges, and inhalers, NRT reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making the transition to a smoke-free life more manageable.
Group counseling:
Group Counseling is a therapeutic approach where individuals come together under the guidance of a trained counselor to share experiences, provide mutual support, and gain insights. It fosters a sense of community, promotes understanding through diverse perspectives, and offers personal growth and problem-solving strategies.
Experiential Therapy:
Experiential therapy is a therapeutic approach that encourages patients to identify and address hidden or subconscious issues through activities, interactions, and role-playing. Instead of focusing solely on talking, therapists use experiential techniques to help clients relive past traumas, express emotions, and gain insights into their behaviors. The aim is to foster personal growth and enhance self-awareness by immersing individuals in experiences that can lead to a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships.
Nutrition Therapy:
Nutrition therapy, often referred to as medical nutrition therapy (MNT), harnesses the power of diet to address physical, emotional, and medical challenges. Expert nutritionists or registered dietitians craft specialized dietary strategies for individuals, guiding them to enhance both their physical and psychological well-being through food choices.
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.
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.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. Originated by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR involves a structured eight-phase approach where the patient recalls distressing images while receiving bilateral sensory input, typically in the form of guided eye movements. This process allows the brain to reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge and helping individuals integrate these memories more adaptively. EMDR is widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related psychological disorders.
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.
Eating Disorder Treatment:
Eating disorders encompass conditions like anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and unhealthy eating habits. Some mental health experts view these disorders as akin to food addiction, where food is used compulsively, much like substances in drug or alcohol addiction. Consequently, specific substance abuse treatment programs may include support for eating disorders. Furthermore, eating disorders can co-occur or be diagnosed alongside drug and alcohol addiction.
Life Skills:
Life skills training encompasses essential skills for individuals to navigate daily challenges successfully. This training includes time management, career guidance, money management, and effective communication, which are crucial for holistic addiction recovery. By mastering these skills, individuals are not only able to live substance-free but also thrive. Life skills training thus provides the practical tools for functional living in society, setting clients on a path toward lasting sobriety and success in life.
Creative Arts Therapy:
Creative Arts Therapy is a therapeutic approach that integrates various forms of artistic expression—including visual arts, music, dance, drama, and poetry—to promote emotional, mental, and physical well-being. By engaging in the creative process, individuals are given an outlet to communicate, process, and resolve complex emotions, traumas, and challenges in a non-verbal and transformative manner. Therapists in this field are trained professionals who facilitate healing and personal growth through the power of artistic mediums.
Holistic Treatment:
Holistic Treatment refers to an integrative approach to addiction recovery and rehabilitation that addresses the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of an individual's well-being. Beyond just focusing on the addiction itself, this approach emphasizes whole-person healing and often incorporates alternative therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and nutritional counseling. By treating the entire person and not just the symptoms of addiction, holistic treatment aims to ensure a more balanced and sustainable recovery.
Ancillary Services
Languages
- Sign language services for the deaf and hard of hearing
Special Programs
- Clients with HIV or AIDS
- Active duty military
- Persons with eating disorders
- Clients who have experienced trauma
- Persons with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Contact Information
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