ABOUT BEACON CENTER OUTPATIENT – UTICA
Beacon Center has been providing outpatient treatment to individuals struggling with substance abuse since 1990. The facility operates eight locations throughout western and central New York State, which includes a sober living house. The Utica location offers a wide range of services for adults and adolescents, including an intensive outpatient program (IOP) and separate treatment programs for men and women. Full-scale detox services are not available on-site, however, Buprenorphine treatment is provided as part of the facility’s opiate addiction treatment program.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Beacon Center’s approach is based on the disease concept of addiction, emphasizing that chemical dependency is highly treatable and that all patients should be treated with dignity and respect in order to restore their lives.
All clients receive a comprehensive evaluation upon intake to develop an individualized treatment plan. These assessments include medical examinations, toxicology tests, and thorough histories of mental, psychosocial, legal, and occupational status.
The intensive outpatient program (IOP), offered exclusively at the Utica location, aims to help clients identify relapse triggers, practice new coping skills, and build self-esteem. Clients participate in one individual counseling session and five group therapy sessions per week.
The outpatient opiate treatment program combines evidence-based counseling with medication-assisted therapy, overseen by a physician. The use of Buprenorphine allows clients to develop coping skills and sustain long-term behavioral changes without experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms.
Additional services at the Utica office include gender-specific process groups and the Compass Program, designed for individuals with co-occurring disorders. The facility also offers an adolescent and young adult program, providing weekly individual therapy, group counseling twice weekly, and a monthly family day. Family member involvement is strongly encouraged as part of this program.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
The Albert O. Nichols supportive living house, located in Herkimer, N.Y., offers clean and minimally furnished spaces. According to feedback received by Best-rehabs.com, the accommodations and amenities at Beacon Center Utica were rated five out of five stars.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The treatment team, led by a medical director, consists of certified alcohol and substance abuse counselors as well as physicians. According to feedback received by Best-rehabs.com, both respondents rated the staff’s level of experience and training five out of five stars.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Two individuals polled by Best-rehabs.com gave Beacon Center in Utica mostly positive ratings, both awarding it a perfect five stars in the categories of family participation, treatment of co-occurring disorders, and cleanliness. However, they expressed varying opinions regarding the program’s affordability and available counseling options. Nonetheless, feedback indicated that the facility’s drug testing and counselors’ attentiveness were commended. One respondent stated, “They encourage family to help and keep them informed.”
WHAT STAFF SAY
On Indeed, 10 current and former employees rated Beacon Center in Utica with an average rating of 3.5 out of five stars, while two former employees on Glassdoor rated the facility two and five out of five stars. According to employee feedback, the clinic offers a fun atmosphere, but some employees expressed feeling overworked. One former substance abuse counselor mentioned seeing 15-20 patients per day, both individually and in group settings. They acknowledged the workload but added that their co-workers were easy to collaborate with.
FINANCING
Information regarding the cost of treatment is not available on the facility’s website. However, HealthGrove and CiteHealth report that Beacon Center accepts state insurance at certain clinics.