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Reviewed by Lake Whatcom Center – Agate Heights ALF – Bellingham, Washington in Bellingham Overview
Hope Without Commitment
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Most private insurances accepted
Treatment Options
The facility offers multiple levels of care, such as:
- Mentoring/peer support
The center treats the following addictions and co-occurring disorders:
- 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
- Clients with HIV or AIDS
- Clients who have experienced trauma
- Clients who have experienced intimate partner violence, domestic violence
- Persons 18 and older with serious mental illness (SMI)
- Persons with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Persons with eating disorders
- Persons experiencing first-episode psychosis
- Screening for tobacco use
- Comprehensive mental health assessment
- Comprehensive substance use assessment
Treatment Modalities
Group Counseling is a therapeutic approach where individuals come together under the guidance of a trained counselor to share experiences, offer support, and gain insights. This collective format promotes mutual understanding and growth, allowing participants to learn from one another’s perspectives and challenges.
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.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a cognitive-behavioral therapeutic approach primarily to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder. It combines standard cognitive-behavioral techniques with distress tolerance, acceptance, and mindfulness concepts. DBT emphasizes the balance between accepting and changing behaviors, aiming to help patients build life skills, regulate emotions, and improve interpersonal relationships. It has since been adapted for and shown effectiveness in treating a variety of other mental health conditions.
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.
Activity Therapy refers to a therapeutic approach utilized in rehab centers to promote physical, emotional, cognitive, and social healing. Through structured and guided activities, patients are encouraged to engage in tasks that stimulate the mind, enhance motor skills, foster interpersonal relationships, and bolster self-esteem. By participating in diverse activities, from arts and crafts to group games, patients not only distract from negative thoughts or behaviors but also develop coping mechanisms, resilience, and a sense of purpose. It’s a holistic way of enhancing an individual’s overall well-being while in the recovery process.
Telehealth Therapy enables individuals to access mental health services remotely through digital technology. Utilizing secure video conferencing, individuals can engage with qualified therapists from the comfort of their home, overcoming geographical barriers and often reducing waiting times. This level of care offers a flexible and accessible approach to mental health support, especially beneficial for those with mobility issues, busy schedules, or residing in rural or underserved areas.
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.
EMDR is a therapy method initially designed to address trauma. During an EMDR session, patients engage in eye movements reminiscent of REM sleep, either by following a therapist’s moving finger or tracking a light bar. These repetitive eye movements aim to aid the brain in reprocessing memories, potentially diminishing the severity of traumatic recollections. As a result, related memories may also heal, leading patients to feel notably more at ease, balanced, and emotionally composed.
The AIMS is a 12-point evaluation instrument that clinicians employ to assess the severity of dyskinesias, notably in the face, limbs, and torso, for patients on neuroleptic medications. It gauges the overall effect, the level of impairment, and the patient’s awareness and distress about these involuntary movements. Frequently used in research on antipsychotic drugs to detect tardive dyskinesia, the AIMS is prized for its clear format and swift assessment, making it suitable for routine clinical examinations by trained professionals.
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 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 abuse treatment programs can help to address addiction and, if relevant, any co-occurring mental health conditions. Programs include outpatient, inpatient, dual-diagnosis, and partial hospitalization. The addict will receive therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, or dialectical behavioral therapy, and sometimes complementary therapies like acupuncture and mindfulness-based therapy. By attending skills training and recovery groups you’ll build a strong foundation for your recovery and strengthen your support network, increasing your chances of long-term recovery success.
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
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.
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.
Payment Options
- Cash or self-payment
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- State-financed health insurance plan other than Medicaid
- Federal military insurance (e.g., TRICARE)
- State mental health agency (or equivalent) funds
- State corrections or juvenile justice funds
- Other State funds
- County or local government funds
- Community Service Block Grants
- Community Mental Health Block Grants
License and Accreditation
Ancillary Services
- Case management service
- Chronic disease/illness management
- Court-ordered outpatient treatment
- Diet and exercise counseling
- Education services
- Family psychoeducation
- Illness management and recovery
- Integrated primary care services
- Legal advocacy
- Psychosocial rehabilitation services
- Suicide prevention services
- Supported employment
- Vocational rehabilitation services
