ABOUT ALLIED HEALTH SERVICES – PORTLAND
One of five facilities serving the Portland and Vancouver areas, Allied Health Services of Portland provides medication-assisted therapy (MAT) for adults (ages 18 and over) struggling with opioid and/or opiate dependency. Along with medication monitoring and management, Allied Health Services also offers outpatient counseling services. To enroll into the MAT program, clients must be opioid-dependent for at least one year and in a state of withdrawal for at least 20 to 24 hours.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Allied Health Services’ MAT program is designed to address both the physical and psychological issues associated with opioid addiction. First, the program utilizes medication-assisted therapy to treat physical dependency. Through an initial substance abuse assessment, clinicians determine the most appropriate evidence-based medication to prescribe. Allied Health Services utilizes Subutex, Suboxone, methadone, and Vivitrol to treat opioid dependency. These medications alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal, effectively curb cravings, and help to stabilize the client’s biochemistry.
In addition to a medication regimen, clients may also participate in one-on-one and group counseling sessions to identify triggers, address any underlying issues that may be contributing to addictive behavior, and learn coping techniques to handle these issues. Counseling sessions are also designed to increase self-esteem, promote self-awareness, and offer peer support.
As the individual progresses through the MAT program, clinicians monitor and adjust dosages to coincide with the individual’s ongoing needs and level of well-being. Clinicians may also slowly decrease dosages to help clients to “taper-off” the medication-assisted therapy regimen. The length of MAT is determined by the individual’s specific needs and the prescribed drug. For instance, individuals may stay on a Suboxone regimen for a few months to a few years. However, all the medications utilized by Allied Health Services are designed to provide long-term maintenance.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
CARF-accredited, Allied Health Services employs a team of physicians experienced in addiction medicine, nurses, and licensed substance abuse counselors.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The two former clients polled by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing offered polarized opinions of the facility. While one survey respondent generally approved of the facility, the other alum felt it was ineffective, citing the clinical director as a facility weakness. Out of five stars, the unsatisfied client also gave the facility’s counseling options and the staff’s level of training and experience ratings of two stars.
In contrast, the other alum gave a rating of five stars for the facility’s counseling options, as well as for the likelihood they’d recommend the facility. Although approving of the facility, the alum did give a three-star rating for the treatment staff’s level of training and experience and cited the clinic’s long lines as a weakness.
FINANCING
According to the facility’s website, “the cost of treatment will vary depending upon the type and scope of services that are provided.” The facility does accept insurance, but clients must submit invoices to their insurance provider to be reimbursed for any required up-front costs.
Updated May 2017