An innovative, individualized treatment track for addiction is now available at Wheeler’s Family Health & Wellness Centers in Bristol, New Britain, and Waterbury.
Recovery Plus was designed in response to patient feedback that traditional intensive outpatient program (IOP) schedules could make it difficult to stay in treatment while working or managing other responsibilities. The new track offers a covered, reimbursable option for major insurance providers while preserving access to traditional IOPs as needed at its five community health centers, which are located in Bristol, Hartford, New Britain, Plainville, and Waterbury.
“Recovery Plus was developed to address a gap we were seeing for individuals who needed more structure and support than traditional outpatient services, but may not need an IOP,” says Heather Arduini, LMFT, senior director of behavioral health services, New Britain, who took the lead in designing the track. “We often heard that they could not attend a traditional IOP schedule of three hours a day, three days a week. The model provides a more coordinated approach by combining individual therapy, co-occurring groups, psychiatric services, primary care and referrals for addiction medicine when it’s appropriate.”
Patients taking part in Recovery Plus generally participate in two 90-minute groups and one individual session each week. The model also helps connect patients with other Wheeler services available on-site, including primary care, nutrition, chiropractic care, and more.
Kim Holyst, LCSW, senior director of behavioral health services, Waterbury, says the response has been very positive already.
“One patient told us the new schedule is much better because he works full time and would not have been able to access the treatment he wanted through a traditional IOP schedule. Another patient said that having both group and individual sessions feels more personal than meeting only in a group setting. Patients have consistently told us they appreciate the timing and length of Recovery Plus because it leaves room for work, family, and other responsibilities.”
Stephanie Carroll, LCSW, senior director of behavioral health services, Bristol, says Recovery Plus is expected to support stronger engagement and positive treatment outcomes.
“Treatment shouldn't be a burden. This approach allows for flexibility and a more personalized and intimate approach. One of the biggest predictors of positive outcomes is patient’s engagement and a positive therapeutic relationship. Recovery Plus does that by allowing patients to feel more connected to their own recovery journey.”
Patients can learn more about Recovery Plus by calling Wheeler’s Navigation Center at 860.793.3500 or walk in for an evaluation in Bristol (One Hope Street), New Britain (40 Hart Street), and Waterbury (855 Lakewood Road), Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM–3:30 PM.