ABOUT RUSSELL E. BLAISDELL ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTER
Russell E. Blaisdell Addiction Treatment Center is a residential substance abuse treatment facility for adult men operated by New York State’s Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. Located in a wooded area in the small town of Orangeburg, N.Y., the center welcomes indigent individuals, registered sex offenders, and those in the criminal justice system. The program treats gambling addiction as well as chemical dependency. Treatment at this facility is available only to those who reside in a 10-county catchment area in New York State.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Russell E. Blaisdell Addiction Treatment Center subscribes to the disease model of addiction, and the program aims to be multidisciplinary and take account of cultural factors, special needs, and minority status. Treatment provided is determined by an individual assessment of each patient.
The program incorporates 12-step fellowship — including attendance at on- and off-site Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings — alongside individual therapy, small-group therapy, lectures, seminars, audio-visual workshops, and stress management and relaxation training. Families may attend a family education program on weekends, and Blaisdell can also provide referrals for families that require additional clinical support.
The center also offers a specialized program for clients who have suffered traumatic brain injuries. For clients in the criminal justice system, programming focuses on changing “criminal thinking” and understanding ways in which addiction influences criminal behavior.
Blaisdell does not enroll clients on new methadone plans, but will maintain a client’s existing methadone program. All clients are discharged with an aftercare plan developed in consultation with clients and refined as they progress through the discharge plan.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
There is currently no information provided by Blaisdell regarding its treatment staff; however, individuals polled by Best-rehabs.com on the matter praised the staff’s level of training and experience.
Staff Experience and Training: 4.75/5
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
The non-smoking facility offers 52 beds. The four individuals polled to date on the center’s cleanliness generally approved of the facility. Blaisdell is one of 34 percent of facilities nationwide to service clients from the criminal justice system (page 23).
Facility Cleanliness and Upkeep: 4.25/5
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Both the alumni polled by Best-rehabs.com to date would strongly recommend treatment at Blaisdell. One alum rated the center five out of five stars in all 15 of the evaluated treatment metrics, including its overall effectiveness, holistic and counseling options, and treatment for co-occurring disorders. The other reviewer rated it four stars in most categories. Alum Kenneth wrote: “Great staff both clinical and nursing… 1st rehab that I felt the majority really cared about the patients.”
On CiteHealth to date, one anonymous reviewer rated the center three out of five stars, writing: “I am please to have gone through their patient program and have been the better for it.”[1] On Google reviewer Brian rated the center four out of five stars, leaving no comment.[2]
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Of two loved ones polled by Best-rehabs.com to date, one rated the center three out of five stars and the other four stars in most of the 15 evaluated treatment metrics, including its family program, counseling options, and treatment for co-occurring disorders. The anonymous loved ones praised the physical facility, the counselors, and the strength of the program. “If you are looking for a somewhat ‘no frills’ rehab with a strong program… than this is a great place,” one loved one wrote.
However, both loved ones rated the center just two out of five stars for its holistic options and connectivity to the outside world. In their comments, both cited insufficient contact with families as a weakness.
WHAT STAFF SAY
The single staffer polled by Best-rehabs.com to date rated the center four or five out of five stars in all the evaluated treatment metrics, including its honesty, its willingness to put patients’ interests first, and the overall quality of its leadership. The employee praised the “excellent psychiatrist” and wrote: “I was always impressed by the high degree of professionalism with staff.”
FINANCING
According to the facility’s website, the center accepts private insurance and Medicaid. Fees are determined on a sliding scale, and no client is denied services because of their inability to pay. The four individuals polled on the matter by Best-rehabs.com approved of the facility’s cost.
Affordability: 4.25/5
[1] http://citehealth.com/reviews/14485
[2] GoogleReviews