ABOUT THE ASSISTED RECOVERY CENTERS OF AMERICA (ARCA)
Offering two locations in St, Louis, Mo., The Assisted Recovery Centers of America (ARCA) provide evidence-based, intensive outpatient programs (IOP) for individuals struggling with substance use and co-occurring disorders. ARCA also offers a specialized IOP for professionals and operates two transitional living facilities for adult men. Medical detoxification is available on an outpatient basis utilizing medication-assisted treatment (MAT). ARCA is one of only 30 facilities in Mo. that offers detox services.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
To form an individualized treatment plan, clients first participate in an initial substance abuse and psychiatric assessment. ARCA emphasizes medication-assisted treatment as an important component of treatment. To minimize withdrawal symptoms and curb cravings, ARCA utilizes a range of addiction medications such as Suboxone, Vivitrol, and Naltrexone. Typically, clients are prescribed these medications for an average of six months. In addition, clients with a dual diagnosis receive ongoing psychiatric evaluations and medication management.
ARCA’s treatment approach emphasizes evidence-based methods, such as MAT and counseling, over 12-step fellowship. Although ARCA does not incorporate 12-Step into programming, clients are not discouraged from utilizing the practice within the community if they find it helpful.
Along with MAT, clients participate in individual, group, and family therapy sessions. Groups are held in the morning, afternoon, and early evenings Monday through Saturday. The specialized program for professionals also offers testing or monitoring services to satisfy any licensure or employer requirements.
Once a client completes IOP and the six months of medication-assisted treatment, if necessary, ARCA provides ongoing relapse prevention sessions, which are available free-of-charge. ARCA also operates two sober living facilities for men. Residents must remain sober, attend weekly meetings, and perform household chores.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
According to the facility’s website, the treatment team includes a master’s level pharmacist, a program director, a registered nurse, and a licensed professional counselor.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
The transitional living facilities feature modern furnishings, a computer room, pool table, a weight room, wireless Internet access, a library, and cable TV. Other amenities include a washer/dryer, a backyard grill and fire pit, a work garage, and a library. According to the facility’s website, bedrooms accommodate no more than two residents. Each resident holds an elected position and contributes to the functioning of the home.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The three alumni polled by Best-rehabs.com gave mixed reviews of the facility. One alum, L.A.S., who gave the facility only two stars for its overall effectiveness, wrote: “There are few, if any, appointments after 5:00 which is disruptive to those working a full time job,” adding, “I wish I had selected a less expensive option.”
Another alum disagreed, giving the facility a four-star rating for its overall effectiveness. “The people were knowledgable. Activities were always planned,” the alum wrote. One recurring complaint amongst alumni was the low quality of the meals and facilities. Reviews on secondary sites were also mixed. Of the three reviews on Google, two individuals gave the facility a perfect five-star rating, while one individual gave the facility one star.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Two of the three loved ones surveyed by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this gave the facility mostly positive reviews. One anonymous loved one praised the rehab for giving their son “that extra fighting chance to suceed.” The loved one added: “Their main strenght was combining mental physical and medical treatment as a whole.” Patty, the other satisfied loved one, wrote: “I feel this rehab program really cared about the patient as a person not as addict.”
However, one loved one reported a negative experience and gave the facility a one-star rating for its overall effectiveness.“My son was worse coming away from the place than before he went in for assistance,” L.E.B. wrote.
FINANCING
No information is available regarding the facility’s cost. According to the facility’s website, ARCA accepts most private insurance plans.
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