ABOUT THE BRIEN CENTER
For more than 90 years, The Brien Center for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, a community-based behavioral health agency headquartered in Pittsfield, Mass., has provided a wide array of services for children, adolescents, and adults. With over 27 locations across Berkshire County in western Massachusetts, the agency offers residential, outpatient (OP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and sober living programs for those struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
The Brien Center incorporates recovery, resiliency, and rehabilitation principles and adheres to the chronic disease model of addiction. Respecting clients’ voices and involving them and their support networks in treatment planning is a priority.
The organization offers an integrated model of care that offers evidence-based programming in residential and outpatient settings. In addition to the Keenan House early recovery home, residential services include sober living facilities for a minimum 90-day stay, and the Safe Harbor housing and reunification program for families affected by substance abuse.
Outpatient offerings include the day treatment/Structured Outpatient Addiction Program (SOAP) for early recovery, an enhanced outpatient program that generally follows SOAP attendance, as well as men’s and women’s relapse prevention groups.
Treatment utilizes dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in the form of individual, family, and group therapy. Specialized groups focus on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Seeking Safety, mindfulness, and anger management.
Clients with co-occurring mental health disorders can receive comprehensive psychiatric services, such as psychopharmacology evaluations and medication management. The facility also uses medication-assisted therapy (MAT), prescribing buprenorphine (Suboxone and Subutex) and Vivitrol for opioid dependency.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The Brien Center is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of behavioral health and medical professionals, including board-certified psychiatrists, psychologists, master’s level and licensed clinicians, and certified substance abuse counselors. Clinical nurse specialists, registered nurses, medical assistants, and a physician assistant also are on staff.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Currently, The Brien Center offers no information on accommodations or related offerings at its residential facilities.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Although review coverage for the rehab currently is limited, what is available is generally positive. On The Brien Center’s Facebook page, which the organization has the ability to manage, 14 reviewers gave an average rating of 4.3 out of five stars. “When I walked in I was treated with courtesy and respect,” Christopher, a five-star reviewer, wrote.
In addition, four reviews on Google for Keenan House, the residential facility, mainly are positive and average four out of five stars. Two of the three five-star reviews included comments, such as Brandy’s — “Miricals happen here” and Sallie’s — “If you want your life to change for the better. Call today!”
.WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
A loved one polled by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing offered positive feedback about The Brien Center. This anonymous reviewer awarded perfect five stars and high four out of five stars for most categories, including family participation, counseling options, staff experience, cleanliness, connectivity, and affordability. Holistic offerings and treatment effectiveness received mediocre three-star ratings. “Well trained and caring staff works well with families,” the loved one wrote. But they added that the facility seemed understaffed: “The staff is over burdened with case loads The intentions of this facility are well meaning, however more staff needs to be brought onboard if their mission is to be successful.”
WHAT STAFF SAY
On Indeed, 11 former and current staff members rated The Brien Center an average of 3.8 out of five stars. Reviewers, who provided feedback on all of the organization’s locations, reported a team-like culture with co-workers. “The staff at Brien is great, friendly and very helpful,” an employee wrote. However, many staffers cited low pay and several complained about management.
FINANCING
According to The Brien Center’s website, care is provided regardless of a client’s ability to pay. To help cover the cost of treatment, the facility accepts most public and private insurance plans, including Medicaid. A sliding fee scale is available for self-pay clients.
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