Primary Care Program
Morningside Recovery succeeds when other attempts at sobriety have failed. Our treatment is based on clinical necessity and the client’s best interests rather than the arbitrary codes of an insurance company. In the first week of Phase I the client undergoes a psychiatric evaluation to address any co-occurring or substance-induced mood disorders. A big part of keeping clients on track is their primary therapist. One of the differences at Morningside that leads to clients successfully completing Phase I is the therapeutic alliances that develop. These alliances include relationships with peers, counselors, staff, and therapists. The overall culture at Morningside promotes relationships that are honest and open. In primary care, emphasis is placed on educational seminars and individual and group therapy sessions. Phase I/primary care is a comprehensive program customized to cover the physical, psychological and socio-cultural needs of the client.
Clients in primary care engage in their treatment process by working with the staff to define realistic treatment goals. Key to the process is the client’s case manager, who is in charge of developing a program tailored to support the client’s recovery. This means assisting in identifying and understanding the defense mechanisms that support addiction, and facilitating the self-exploration of the consequences of addictive behaviors. Common concerns addressed are mood swings, impulsivity, low self-esteem and delayed or distorted identity. Clients also learn how to cope with depression and anxiety.
Core treatment goals include obtaining an accurate diagnosis and helping the client accept hir or her diagnosis. Morningside emphasizes stabilizing moods with the least medication, and through improved ability to anticipate mood problems. Dedicated treatment components provided to all clients include physiological and neuropsych screening and a minimum of weekly individual psychotherapy. Clients who can benefit from one our specialized tracks begin Phase-I work within their track. These tracks include: Mood Disorders including depression, anxiety and bipolar affective disorder (types I and II); Healthy Living/Disordered Eating; Trauma and Attachment including emotional dysregulation (commonly seen in personality disorders and PTSD); Chronic Pain (including emotional pain); and Grief and Loss.
Clients continue to meet with their addiction case manager on a weekly basis to discuss treatment plans, progress and other issues. One client shared, “When I went to treatment before it was like all pain and no gain. At Morningside, I got in touch with a lot good memories, too. Treatment wasn’t all about bashing my family.” Phase I can be a rollercoaster ride of confusing yet encouraging developments. This is a perfectly normal aspect of successful recovery. Clients learn to deal with emotions and understand that temporary separation from family supports treatment, and helps family members escape the traps that can contribute to cycles of relapse and illness. Once a client is ready to move on from primary care, healing is well under way.
Testimonials
