ABOUT EAST ALABAMA MENTAL HEALTH CENTER
Headquartered in Opelika, Alabama, East Alabama Mental Health Center delivers a comprehensive range of behavioral health services to adults, adolescents, and children. The center offers an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for adults struggling with substance abuse and specialized outpatient counseling for adolescents with substance use problems. Court-ordered programming is also available.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
The IOP for substance abuse treatment serves adults and their families. It is designed to equip clients with tools and coping skills for dealing with stress in a healthy, sober manner. The IOP curriculum emphasizes the importance of familial support and encourages loved ones to participate in treatment. Pregnant women are given priority for admission into the IOP.
The center runs a separate outpatient substance abuse treatment program for adolescents ages 13 to 17. Prior to admission, all youth undergo an assessment to determine their suitability for outpatient treatment. Clients who are admitted spend 12 weeks participating in individual, group, and family counseling, as well as process groups, and life skills education. Case managers work closely with each client and their family members, offering home visits and other services. Clients who complete the program are eligible for three months of continuing care, which includes case management, support groups, and youth activities.
The organization also operates a Court Referral Program for the Lee and Chambers County courts, serving individuals who have been convicted of drug and alcohol offenses. Additionally, it runs a Youth Empowerment Program (YEP), providing substance abuse prevention education for adolescents referred by schools or Juvenile Court.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
According to its website, East Alabama Mental Health Center employs a team of qualified professionals including psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, nurses, therapists, and case managers. The treatment staff primarily consists of master’s level professionals, including the director of the substance abuse services program.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
The IOP for adult substance abuse treatment is conducted at the Opelika Addictions Center located at 2300 Center Hills Dr., Building 1. The Court Referral Program takes place at the same location, while the adolescent substance abuse treatment program is housed in Building II.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
An anonymous alum, who was polled by Best-rehabs.com, offered positive feedback about East Alabama Mental Health Center. The former client highly recommended the facility to others and provided five out of five stars in various evaluated metrics, including treatment effectiveness, counseling options, the staff’s level of training and experience, family participation, connectivity, and affordability. The alum also awarded four out of five stars for accommodations/amenities, meals/nutrition, holistic offerings, exercise and leisure activities, and the facility’s cleanliness. The reviewer commented, “Very caring. No complaints at this time. Just do what they say.”
WHAT STAFF SAY
Employees who submitted reviews about East Alabama Mental Health Center on Indeed generally expressed positive opinions. The Opelika facility received an average rating of 3.8 out of five stars from 13 staff members. Of these, eight reviews were five and four stars, while the remaining five reviews were three and two stars. Several respondents praised the environment and the experience of working with clients. One reviewer wrote, “The most enjoyable part of my job was learning from the clients and teaching them.” Another staff member highlighted the “great atmosphere the consumers, employees, and staff members” enjoyed. Negative feedback primarily concerned low pay rates, management self-interest, and interpersonal issues with colleagues.
FINANCING
According to East Alabama Mental Health Center’s website, treatment fees are based on individual income. The center accepts both public and private insurance.