Entering treatment is critical for anybody struggling with a substance use disorder, but beginning the process can be intimidating. You’re not sure what to expect, and there’s a lot of misinformation out there. In our Inside Look series, we’re taking you behind the curtain of Spectrum Health Systems to prepare you for your journey to sobriety. If you haven’t already, go back and check out our posts on inpatient detoxification, clinical stabilization and residential treatment.
Typically, outpatient treatment is the next step in the process. We operate 13 different outpatient treatment facilities across Massachusetts – all centrally located to public transportation, to make them as accessible as possible. Each of these programs offers individual and group counseling, as well as medication-assisted treatment.
Outpatient treatment is highly recommended for all clients completing inpatient treatment, and is often a first point of contact for folks who do not require an inpatient program. Each and every person who enters into our care is assessed as an individual, and given an appropriate, personalized plan. For most, particularly those struggling with opioid addiction, MAT provides an opportunity to manage physical addiction symptoms and recovery side-effects while reestablishing important relationships, and reentering the workforce and society as a whole. At Spectrum, these services are coupled with individual and group therapy because we believe in treating the entire person.
Getting Started
Each of our outpatient locations offer scheduled intake, as well as one walk-in day per week. We know the many hurdles to entering treatment, and by offering walk-in intake and same-day admission and medication administration, we can eliminate the need for multiple appointments and lower the risk of relapse in the interim.
The admissions process involves three appointments – a pre-screening with vitals and a toxicology test; a medical assessment with a physician and a comprehensive evaluation with a counselor.
If you are eligible for medication-assisted treatment, you will then receive your first dose of methadone, and/or be prescribed Suboxone or Vivitrol, as appropriate.
Day-to-Day
Clients enrolled in an MAT treatment program with methadone must report to their center daily. This ensures that you receive your medication, but also establishes a healthy routine and ensures frequent check-ins with medical and clinical staff. Our outpatient centers are open by 6 a.m. or earlier. Clients can arrive at whatever time is convenient during the hours of medication administration.
Individual counseling schedules are set up with your clinician and are also held at the center. Depending upon your situation and individual needs, sessions can be held weekly, biweekly or monthly. Group counseling sessions are held multiple times a week and are a wonderful way to build a support group and remain engaged in recovery. These sessions touch on many general topics including relapse and overdose prevention, but also offer specialized tracks for clients with anxiety, or those who have experienced trauma.
Duration
There is no set rule for how long you should stay engaged in outpatient treatment. Everybody is different, and needs vary. However, research suggests that people struggling with opioid addiction should remain on MAT for at least one year, ideally two. This allows the proper amount of time for stabilization and establishing a healthy lifestyle. Some will require less time on medication, while others will require much more. One thing that is true for everybody is this: the longer you remain actively engaged in your recovery and the recovery community, the more successful you will be in recovery. The goal of the program is not only to set you up for successful recovery, but also to make connections in your community.
Below is a full list of Spectrum Health Systems’ outpatient treatment facilities and the corresponding walk-in hours. If you or a loved one needs help for an addiction, stop by or reach out to us today at (800) 464-9555.
| LOCATION | Same-Day Opiate Treatment Walk-In | Counseling & Assessment Walk-In |
| Framingham – 68 Franklin Street | Fri – 6:00am | Tues – 12:00pm |
| Haverhill – 100 Plaistow Road | Thurs – 6:00am | Call for hours |
| Leominster – 40 Spruce Street | Tues – 5:30am | Wed – 11:00am |
| Milford – 200 E. Main Street | Thurs – 6:30am | Tues – 12:00pm |
| Millbury – 50 Howe Avenue | Tues – 6:30am | Call for hours |
| North Adams – 1274 Curran Highway | Tues – 6:00am | Call for hours |
| Pittsfield – 390 Merrill Road | Wed – 6:00am | Call for hours |
| Saugus – 184 Broadway, Suites 17 & 18 | Every other Thursday – 6:00am | Call for hours |
| Southbridge – 176 Main Street | Tues – 6:00am | Call for hours |
| Waltham – 210 Bear Hill Road | Wed – 6:30am | Wed – 12:00pm |
| Weymouth – 15 Winter Court | Tues – 6am | Thurs – 11am |
| Worcester – 585 Lincoln Street | Wed & Thurs – 5:30am | Conducted at Merrick St. Worcester |
| Worcester – 105 Merrick Street | Mon & Fri – 7:00am Vivitrol & Suboxone only | Mon & Fri – 7:00am |
