First Step Services
Overview
First Step Services offers professional alcohol and drug treatment services to adults and adolescents in Raleigh, North Carolina. First Step Services provides a thorough approach to recovery with an emphasis on outpatient treatment for drug misuse. Individual and family therapy are offered as part of their programs, guaranteeing that patients get care that is specific to their needs.
Participants in First Step Services' Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) must attend three sessions each week for a duration of 10 to 12 weeks. The program is structured to keep groups small—roughly six to eight people per counselor—in order to facilitate effective therapeutic involvement and individualized attention.
First Step Services puts the requirements of its clients first. The facility takes great satisfaction in providing prompt, discreet, and competent services. Because assessments are usually finished 24 to 48 hours after the first contact, treatment may be obtained quickly and effectively. In keeping with its dedication to helping people through a range of life situations, First Step Services also has close relationships with the local community, including EAPs, lawyers, and medical institutions.
At First Step Services, accessibility and affordability are also fundamental values. There are no registration or upfront costs, guaranteeing that clients may get the treatment they need regardless of their ability to pay. In order to reduce the cost burden of treatment, the center works directly with insurance companies to streamline authorizations and define benefits.
First Step Services at a Glance
Payment Options
- Cash or self-payment
- State-financed health insurance plan other than Medicaid
- Private health insurance
- Sliding fee scale (fee is based on income and other factors)
- Medicaid
Assessments
- Screening for tobacco use
- Comprehensive mental health assessment
- Comprehensive substance use assessment
- Interim services for clients
- Outreach to persons in the community
Age Groups
- Children/adolescents
- Adults
- Adolescents
Ancillary Services
- Case management service
- Specially designed program for DUI/DWI clients
- Domestic violence services, including family or partner
- Mental health services
- Social skills development
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:
State Licenses, issued by government agencies, authorize rehabilitation organizations to legally operate within designated geographical areas. The specific licenses required for operation are typically determined by both the nature of the rehabilitation program provided by the facility and its physical location.
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 First Step Services
Conditions Treated
Alcoholism:
Alcohol addiction is a health problem where drinking takes control over a person's life. It affects how their brain thinks and acts, leading to strong desires to drink, bad feelings, sudden actions, and discomfort when not drinking. To help someone with this problem, there are treatments like detox, counseling, group support, and learning coping methods. While treatment can't completely cure the urge to drink, it helps people regain control of their lives and feel better overall.
Mental health treatment:
Mental health treatment provides a safe and structured environment where individuals can receive professional care and support for their mental health challenges. Within the facility, trained therapists, counselors, and medical staff work together to create personalized treatment plans tailored to each person's needs. Patients might participate in a variety of therapies, including individual counseling, group therapy, and possibly medication management. The goal is to equip individuals with the tools and strategies they need to cope with their conditions and lead fulfilling lives.
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 often offer the most suitable approach for addressing concurrent mental health and substance abuse issues. These facilities typically employ a team of medical and behavioral specialists who utilize a variety of interventions and create a conducive healing environment to support your journey toward lasting recovery. Their comprehensive treatment approach typically encompasses evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, recovery support meetings, 12-step facilitation, psychoeducation, skills training, and group therapy to help you achieve and maintain long-term wellness.
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 in a rehab center offers flexible therapy sessions, typically ranging from 1-3 hours per week, allowing individuals to continue daily activities while receiving care. In contrast, intensive outpatient programs demand a more rigorous commitment, often involving 9-15 hours weekly, providing a more immersive therapeutic environment without the need for inpatient stays.
Outpatient methadone/buprenorphine or naltrexone treatment:
Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is a comprehensive treatment program for individuals with opioid use disorder. It involves the long-term prescribing of methadone, a synthetic opioid, to patients in an effort to reduce or eliminate their use of illicit opioids, such as heroin. When provided at an appropriate dose and in conjunction with counseling and other support services, MMT can help to stabilize patients' lives, reduce illicit drug use, and lower the risks of drug-related harm, such as overdose and transmission of infectious diseases.
Intensive outpatient treatment:
IOP, or Intensive Outpatient, is a structured level of care for addiction, mental health, or other conditions. Unlike inpatient care, it allows individuals live at home and maintain daily responsibilities. They attend multiple weekly sessions totaling 9-20 hours, including individual and group therapy, family counseling, and skill-building classes for symptom management and relapse prevention.
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 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.
Detoxification:
Drug and alcohol addiction often takes a heavy toll on one's body. Over time, a physical dependence can develop, meaning the body physiologically needs the substance to function. Detox is the process of removing drugs and/or alcohol from the body, a process that can be lethal if mismanaged. Medical detox is done by licensed medical professionals who monitor vital signs and keep you safe, healthy, and as comfortable as possible as you go through detox and withdrawal. The length of stay at the detoxification program is determined according to the specific needs of the patient.
Outpatient detoxification:
Outpatient Detoxification denotes a medical procedure wherein individuals grappling with substance dependence undergo a systematic and secure withdrawal from these substances while receiving medical oversight without the need for hospitalization or admission to an inpatient facility. This method empowers patients to detoxify from drugs or alcohol within a less confining setting, often permitting them to uphold important daily obligations like work or familiar responsibilities, in addition to being more cost-effective compared to inpatient detox.
Hospital inpatient detoxification:
Detox in a hospital means clinically managing the detoxification process. When someone decides to quit substance use, they must go through substance detoxification. What makes the detox from a hospital setting different is that the hospital setting is sterile and efficient at providing you with the medication you need to detox safely.
Hospital inpatient treatment:
Inpatient treatment includes an all-encompassing residential therapeutic regimen, during which patients reside on-site for a period usually spanning 30 to 90 days. Within this immersive setting, individuals receive structured assistance, prioritizing their safety and fostering a dedication to recovery. The treatment modalities offered may include individual and group counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, holistic interventions, family therapy sessions, as well as experiential therapies. The overarching objective is to comprehensively address the physical, emotional, and psychological dimensions of addiction or mental health disorders, establishing a resilient groundwork for long-term healing.
Hospital inpatient/24-hour hospital inpatient:
The 24-Hour Hospital Inpatient for Addiction Treatment program provides continuous medical care and support for those battling substance use and addiction. Located within a hospital setting, this focused inpatient program caters to both immediate and ongoing patient needs, guaranteeing their safety, stability, and thorough rehabilitation.
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 remote care option that allows individuals to access mental health services via digital technology, such as secure video conferencing. This mode enables patients to engage with therapists from their homes, offering flexibility and overcoming geographical limitations. Ideal for those in rural areas, with mobility issues, or tight schedules, Telehealth Therapy ensures quality mental health support is always within reach.
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.
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 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.
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.
Motivational interviewing:
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centered counseling approach designed to enhance an individual's intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. Through empathetic engagement and evoking personal reasons for change, MI helps individuals recognize the negative consequences of their substance use and empowers them to take steps toward recovery.
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:
In individual therapy, a person engages in a one-on-one session with a qualified therapist or counselor. This therapeutic approach is crucial in successful substance abuse treatment because it delves into the underlying causes of addiction, addressing issues the individual may encounter in their familial, social, and professional or academic environments.
Life Skills:
Life Skills is a crucial component of rehabilitation that focuses on equipping individuals with the practical abilities necessary to maintain sobriety and lead fulfilling lives. These skills encompass a wide range of capabilities, including but not limited to time management, communication, problem-solving, stress management, and financial literacy. By acquiring and honing these essential life skills, individuals in addiction treatment gain the tools and confidence needed to navigate the challenges of daily life, reduce the risk of relapse, and ultimately achieve lasting recovery.
Ancillary Services
Additional Services
- Pharmacotherapies administered during treatment
- Mentoring/peer support
- Breathalyzer or blood alcohol testing
Special Programs
- Criminal justice (other than DUI/DWI)/Forensic clients
- Clients who have experienced trauma
Contact Information
DISCLAIMER: The facility name, logo and brand are the property and registered trademarks of First Step Services, 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 First Step Services.
