This morning, Family Counseling Services began offering Same Day Access for individuals seeking chemical dependency treatment. And despite the blustery weather, four people came in to the Cortland clinic and received evaluations….today.
“Our team is really excited to be able to offer this service to our community,” said Amanda Stout, Program Director for Chemical Dependency Services at Family Counseling Services. “Our hope is to be able to start the treatment process for individuals in the moment that they are ready to make positive change. This is usually a process that presents as scary for people, change can be scary,” said Stout.
Previously, clients had to schedule an evaluation appointment which typically required them to return on a different day. Same Day Access resolves that issue. “If we don’t accommodate people during this vulnerable moment in their lives we may never see that person again,” said Stout. “Same Day Access allows us to meet that person where he or she is at, which research has shown to be most effective in supporting someone to make positive change.”
Family Counseling Services relies upon research-based treatment practices for heroin and opioid addiction. “Same Day Access, in addition to our medically assisted addiction treatment options with both Vivitrol and Suboxone, really helps ensure that we can meet the needs of all individuals seeking addiction services,” said FCS Executive Director Lisa Hoeschele.
Following evaluation, intensive outpatient services are available in a group setting along with an option for individualized services. FCS staff are licensed and certified in their respective fields, including staff who are qualified to provide both mental health and chemical dependency services for individuals with a dual diagnosis.
A variety of Same Day Access evaluation time slots will now be available throughout each week at various times of day. This approach helps support each individual’s needs for scheduling. Individuals seeking services can call the FCS clinic at (607) 753-0234 to learn about the appointments that are available that day.
Last year, over 2,200 people received outpatient services at the agency’s chemical dependency clinic. FCS continues to expand addiction services in Cortland and Madison counties to meet the growing epidemic.