Spectrum Health Systems - Outpatient Services 105 Merrick Street
Overview
Serving more than 6,000 patients every day, Spectrum Health Systems is a top provider of mental health and drug abuse treatment services in New England. It has many facilities. The facility in Worcester, Massachusetts provides a wide variety of services, including as aftercare groups for second-time offenders, medication-assisted therapy, outpatient counseling, and impaired driving programs. Spectrum Health Systems' CARF certification is proof positive of their commitment to provide top-notch treatment.
Spectrum Health Systems treats opioid addiction at its Worcester site using methadone and naltrexone. It has been shown that these drugs are safe and efficient in lowering cravings and the likelihood of relapse. In addition to medicine, clients get comprehensive clinical examination, medical monitoring, educational courses, and counseling. The focus on evidence-based therapy guarantees that clients get the best resources possible to assist them on their road to recovery.
Same-day services are one of Spectrum Health Systems' best qualities. With this method, patients may finish the toxicological test, physical examination, and intake procedure on the same day. A client who meets the eligibility requirements for treatment will get their first medicine dosage the same day, which streamlines and supports the procedure. This expedited procedure ensures that people may start their road to recovery as soon as possible, taking around 3–4 hours.
Additionally, Spectrum Health Systems provides a second offender aftercare program that is intended especially for those who have been convicted of DUI more than once. This program, which is mandated by the court, must be completed within a minimum of 12 months. Participants in the program must refrain from drug use and attend weekly and monthly therapy sessions. The restoration of a person's driver's license upon successful program completion offers a strong incentive for compliance and involvement.
Apart from its emphasis on drug abuse treatment, Spectrum Health Systems is dedicated to providing therapy to everyone, irrespective of their financial situation. There is a tiered pricing schedule that takes into account family size and income to make sure that no one is unable to get the treatment they need.
Since its founding in 1969, Spectrum Health Systems has developed into one of New England's leading providers of treatment for drug use disorders. Offering a continuum of CARF-accredited addiction and mental health treatment programs throughout Massachusetts, the organization enables clients to access more advanced therapy as needed or to shift to less intense modalities as their recovery advances.
Inpatient detoxification, clinical stabilization, residential treatment, outpatient counseling, medication for drug use disorders, mobile therapy for opioid use disorders, and peer recovery support are just a few of the many services offered by Spectrum Health Systems. Along with running residential programs for youth and adolescents committed to the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services, the organization also has contracts with county and state correctional authorities to provide specialized programming to those engaged in the criminal system.
The foundation of every program offered by Spectrum Health Systems is education. To include patients in therapy and promote active engagement, the organization uses enhancement methods and motivational interviewing. Client education about drug use disorders, treatment alternatives, overdose prevention, and recovery skills is the main goal of both individual and group sessions. Spectrum use evidence-based curriculum to educate clients on how to control cravings and impulses, recognize internal and environmental triggers, learn coping mechanisms, control anger, build positive relationships with others, be a better parent, and avoid relapses. Another essential element is continuing care planning, which gets clients ready for the following phases of their rehabilitation.
Spectrum Health Systems - Outpatient Services 105 Merrick Street 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
- Interim services for clients
- Screening for mental disorders
Age Groups
- Seniors or older adults
- Adolescents
- Young adults
- Children/adolescents
Ancillary Services
- Case management service
- Suicide prevention services
- Specially designed program for DUI/DWI clients
- Domestic violence services, including family or partner
- Early intervention for HIV
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.
State department of health:
Government agencies issue State Licenses, which grant rehabilitation organizations permission to conduct their operations lawfully within specific geographic regions. Licenses needed to operate are typically determined by the type of rehabilitation program offered by the facility and its physical location.
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.
SAMHSA certification for opioid treatment program (OTP):
SAMHSA's Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) accreditation is a rigorous recognition process that signifies an OTP's commitment to providing high-quality care for individuals dealing with opioid use disorders. It assures patients, families, and the community that the program adheres to evidence-based practices, employs qualified staff, and maintains a safe treatment environment. This accreditation is a symbol of quality and accountability, offering confidence in the program's ability to support individuals on their path to recovery from opioid addiction.
Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA):
DEA accreditation refers to the process by which a law enforcement agency is recognized by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) as having met specific training, operational, and resource requirements necessary to participate in DEA-led drug enforcement efforts. This accreditation allows the agency to perform DEA-related tasks such as conducting investigations, executing federal search warrants, and participating in joint task forces.
Treatment At Spectrum Health Systems - Outpatient Services 105 Merrick Street
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.
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 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.
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.
Outpatient methadone/buprenorphine or naltrexone treatment:
Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) offers an alternative to those battling opioid addiction. This regimen centers on the prolonged administration of methadone, an artificial opioid, aiming to decrease or halt the intake of unauthorized opioids like heroin. Coupled with the right dosage, counseling, and supplementary services, MMT can play a pivotal role in anchoring patients' lives, curtailing illicit substance consumption, and minimizing hazards associated with drug misuse, including overdoses and the spread of infections.
Intensive outpatient treatment:
Intensive Outpatient (IOP) is a form of structured therapy designed to support individuals in recovery from addiction, mental health disorders, or other medical conditions. Unlike inpatient or residential treatment, where patients live at the facility, IOP allows individuals to receive high-level care while still living at home and maintaining specific day-to-day responsibilities. Typically, patients in IOP programs attend sessions multiple times per week, often totaling 9-20 hours or more. These sessions can include individual therapy, group therapy, family counseling, and educational classes focused on skills and strategies for managing symptoms and preventing relapse.
Regular outpatient treatment:
Regular Outpatient Treatment involves scheduled therapy sessions typically held on an outpatient basis, allowing individuals to receive essential support while maintaining their daily routines. These sessions usually range from one to three times per week, providing a flexible approach to recovery that accommodates the individual's needs and progress. It offers a structured environment for therapy and counseling, enabling individuals to address addiction or mental health issues while continuing to engage in their daily responsibilities.
Aftercare:
Aftercare is 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.
Detoxification:
Detoxification, often just called "detox", is like giving the body a deep clean from harmful substances like drugs or alcohol. When someone decides to stop using these substances, their body might react with tough symptoms. Detox helps to handle these reactions safely. Think of it as helping the body reset after too much exposure to harmful stuff.
Outpatient detoxification:
Ambulatory Detoxification, also known as outpatient detox, is a treatment approach for individuals seeking to overcome substance dependencies, such as drugs or alcohol. Under this model, patients receive medically supervised detoxification services from experienced healthcare professionals, frequently in environments such as clinics, healthcare facilities, or even the comfort of their own homes. This approach is often characterized by greater flexibility and cost-efficiency when contrasted with inpatient detoxification programs.
Treatment Modalities
Cognitive behavioral therapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the critical role of thinking in how we feel and what we do. It aims to identify and challenge distorted or negative thought patterns and behaviors, teaching individuals to replace them with more constructive and rational beliefs. CBT is evidence-based and has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of psychological disorders, including depression, anxiety, and phobias, among others.
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 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 is a dialogue with a counselor about your tobacco or vaping habits, examining its place in your daily life to strategize quitting. It offers interventions for individuals keen on quitting, encompassing behavioral guidance and group or one-on-one counseling. These sessions can range from short encounters (under 5 minutes) to in-depth discussions (over 10 minutes) and might require multiple meetings.
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:
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.
Intervention Services:
"Intervention" refers to a deliberate action or set of actions taken to directly address and alter a specific situation or behavior. Often used in contexts like medicine, psychology, and social work, interventions are designed to prompt positive change, whether it's to prevent harm, improve health, or enhance the quality of life. They can range from medical procedures to address health issues, to structured meetings aimed at helping individuals combat addiction or destructive behaviors.
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 style aimed at promoting behavior change by helping clients explore and resolve ambivalence. Through empathetic engagement and evoking change talk, MI empowers individuals to harness their own motivation to overcome addiction, leading to a self-directed path to recovery. This approach respects individual autonomy while supporting positive change in a compassionate, non-confrontational manner.
Anger management:
Anger Management is a therapeutic approach aimed at helping individuals recognize the triggers and signs of their anger and teaching them effective ways to calm down and deal with the situations in a positive manner. Through a blend of counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and practical skill development, individuals learn to reduce aggressive responses, improve communication, and enhance interpersonal relationships, contributing to a better quality of life.
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.
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.
Ancillary Services
Additional Services
- Pharmacotherapies administered during treatment
- Mentoring/peer support
- Breathalyzer or blood alcohol testing
Special Programs
- Clients with co-occurring mental and substance use disorders
- Veterans
- Active duty military
- Members of military families
- Criminal justice (other than DUI/DWI)/Forensic clients
Contact Information
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