Behavioral and Mental Health Services: Transforming Lives and Communities
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There is a greater than ever before demand for quality behavioral and mental health treatment as the annual global cost of substance addiction approaches $400 billion. When this happens, individuals, families, and communities all suffer in ways that money can’t fix. Thankfully, innovative organizations like Volunteers of America are making significant strides toward their goals of eliminating stigma and expanding access to quality treatment for those who suffer from substance misuse.
The field of Behavioral and Mental Health research has provided invaluable insights into prevention and treatment strategies. At Volunteers of America, this gap is nonexistent. This organization stands as a trailblazer, offering a wide spectrum of supportive services and residential treatment options. Their mission is crystal clear: empowering adolescents, adults, and families to break free from addiction and actively contribute to their communities.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
An essential pillar of effective substance use disorder treatment lies in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). This approach combines medications with counseling and various therapeutic techniques to create a holistic, patient-centered strategy. MAT has shown remarkable success, especially in addressing opioid use disorders, providing a ray of hope for those battling these challenging addictions.
Intensive Outpatient Services
Recognizing the diverse nature of addictions, Volunteers of America offers intensive outpatient treatment as an alternative approach. This personalized treatment model allows individuals to engage in treatment programs that align with their unique needs. With the flexibility to access treatment up to five days a week while remaining within their community, this approach empowers individuals on their path to recovery.
Residential Treatment
Volunteers of America has a long-standing commitment to serving populations with co-occurring substance use disorders and mental illness. They provide high-quality inpatient drug and alcohol treatment services for both adults and youths, often referred through the criminal justice system. By addressing both substance use and mental health simultaneously, they are creating a pathway to lasting recovery.
Family-Focused Treatment
The impact of substance use disorders extends beyond the individual to their families, especially children. Volunteers of America recognizes the necessity of gender-specific treatment models for women parenting children. By offering specialized programs, they address the trauma and chaos that often accompany parental substance use. As statistics reveal a concerning rise in opioid use among women giving birth, these programs play a vital role in safeguarding the future of both mothers and children.
Saving Lives
Residential treatment that allows mothers and fathers to stay with their children during the recovery process not only maintains the familial bond but also promotes children’s well-being. This innovative approach not only transforms lives but also saves valuable resources by reducing neonatal intensive care days, curbing drug overdose costs, and minimizing the burden on the child welfare system.
The National Directory
With the demand for residential treatment programs for parents and children rapidly growing, Volunteers of America, with the support of the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Wilder Research, has produced a national directory of family-based residential treatment programs. This valuable resource is available for free download, ensuring that individuals seeking help can access the support they need.
Volunteers of America’s coordinated care model collaborates closely with community provider-partners to address the diverse needs of each individual. This compassionate, integrated approach has proven to be the most effective way to transform lives permanently. It enables the organization to reach even the most challenging cases and make a lasting impact. Beyond substance use disorders, Volunteers of America extends its promise of brighter futures to individuals dealing with persistent serious mental illnesses and non-chronic psychiatric issues. Through outpatient settings and specialized programs, they offer support and hope to those in need.
Conclusion
Volunteers of America’s behavioral and mental health services help solve substance use disorders’ complex problems. These services change lives and strengthen communities, bringing hope, healing, and a better future. Comprehensive, empathetic care is a lighthouse for people seeking addiction and mental health freedom.