Outpatient in-house day program on Cape Cod
Outer Cape Health Services is responding to the continuing needs of people recovering from substance use disorders with an in-house day treatment program at the A.I.M. Wellness Center in Wellfleet, according to the agency.
The program delivers intensive outpatient care through in-person group counseling, individual therapy sessions and ongoing case management, according to a press release. It focuses on personalized, structured care and holistic recovery approaches.
“It’s really been helpful,” Brianne Smith, director of Behavioral Health at Outer Cape Health, said Monday. The day program was previously held online, she said, but is now held in-person at the Wellfleet office at 2700 Route 6 that opened in September. She stressed that it’s an intensive 12 hours a week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for six weeks.
“While inpatient treatment is necessary for some, many people living with substance use disorder benefit most from structured outpatient care,” she said. “One of the key advantages of outpatient care is that it allows individuals to maintain their daily lives while still receiving essential support – an important aspect of successful recovery.”
How patients can self-refer
The program has a rolling admission, so people can join at anytime. They can call to self-refer at 508-905-2892 or get in through a referral from treatment centers, behavioral health and medical providers and others, Smith said.
To emphasize the ongoing need for the services, the community health center cited 72 opioid-related overdose deaths in Barnstable County in 2023 and a needs assessment report that showed nearly 41% of respondents identified alcohol use as a significant issue.
In addition, a 2022 county report cited transportation challenges, social isolation and housing instability as obstacles preventing residents from seeking care.
Recent developments, including the threatened closure of a state-run mental health facility in Pocasset and the relocation of some inpatient services off Cape Cod, have increased concerns about access to essential care, the news release stated.
“Access to treatment in any form is essential,” Outer Cape Health Chief Executive Officer Damian Archer, said. “Our goal is to connect people with the support they need – whether through therapy, case management or recovery programs.”
What programs does Outer Cape Health Care offer
Outer Cape Health Center also offers office-based addiction treatment to help individuals manage opioid and alcohol dependence. It works with community partners to ensure patients have access to additional resources, including employment assistance, housing, education, and legal support.
The organization is a federally qualified community health center with locations in Harwich Port and Provincetown in addition to Wellfleet.
Susan Vaughn writes about transportation and other local community issues affecting Cape Cod residents and visitors. She can be reached at [email protected].
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