Bridge Chemical Dependency Treatment Program for Co-Occurring Mental Illness & Substance Abuse

The Bridge Chemical Dependency Treatment Program for co-occurring mental illness & substance abuse is another part of our integrated approach to mental health. In 2001, The Bridge obtained a license from the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) to provide outpatient treatment to a special population: adults with co-occurring serious mental illness and substance abuse. While statistics indicate that more than 50% of people who have serious mental illness have a co-occurring substance abuse disorder, there have been few programs developed to provide integrated treatment for both conditions. The problem is compounded by the fact that two separate state agencies regulate and fund mental health and substance abuse services.  

The evidence-based integrated program at The Bridge, which offers a supportive, mutual-aid community, addresses both conditions simultaneously. The stage-wise approach initially engages clients around the concept of recovery (going beyond relapse prevention to include wellness and achieving life goals) and helps motivate them to move forward in the treatment process.

A significant benefit of The Bridge Chemical Dependency Treatment Program, in which 100 men and women are currently enrolled, is its integrated approach. In addition to integrated mental health/substance abuse treatment, the program provides on-site medical care, vocational services and mental health medication. Program outcomes are outstanding with more than half of enrollees achieving substance sobriety within a 6-month period. The spirit of the program is best evidenced in the moving graduation ceremonies that celebrate those who have achieved so much and who are taking the next significant steps in their recovery.

Services for Special Populations

The Bridge offers many innovative services for special populations. Special populations are made up of people with specific needs for treatment. They are the most vulnerable in the community and have physical or mental impairments that interfere with performing everyday activities.

The services for special populations The Bridge offers are the following:

• The homeless - We offer outreach, support services and housing. 
• Those with psychiatric and substance abuse disorders - We offer a licensed medically supervised integrated mental health and substance abuse treatment problem, support groups with intensive relapse prevention, and housing. 
• Persons with mental health diagnoses and HIV/AIDS - We offer intensive case management, treatment services and housing. 
• People who have been in the criminal justice system - We offer specialized treatment and housing.  

It is our whole approach to treatment that enables clients to get the support they need, where many can lead more independent lives.

September is Recovery Month

National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month (Recovery Month) is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Center for Substance Abuse (CSAT), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This year marks the 21st annual celebration of Recovery Month, which honors people in recovery from substance abuse disorders, as well as those who provide treatment and recovery services, and promotes the need for treatment access and long-term recovery.

In addition to providing mental health programs and services, The Bridge has a state-licensed outpatient substance abuse program for men and women who have substance abuse disorders (members may also be diagnosed with mental illness) which is under the direction of Susan Kaskowitz, Director of Special Populations.

Susan describes the program:

Recovery Oriented Services at The Bridge offers members the opportunity to rediscover the meaning of living a productive life. Members allow us the privilege of sharing their hopes , aspirations and visions of who they can be. They form a bond with their fellow peers and program staff that support their process of self-discovery where much of what has been lost or destroyed can be rebuilt. Working in a community that supports recovery provides all of us with a blueprint of how to live. It is up to each individual to use it.

For Recovery Month, The Bridge would like to honor all of those individuals who are fighting the good fight and winning. You are our inspiration. We would like to send our heartfelt affection and best wishes for those who are still suffering. We are here when you are ready. All are welcomed."

Below are quotes from members of The Bridge's outpatient substance abuse program.