ABOUT GAGE HOUSE DUAL DIAGNOSIS
One of several programs run by Stairways Behavioral Health, Gage House Dual Diagnosis in Erie, Pa. provides residential treatment for adults seeking treatment for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. The facility is one of the 401 facilities licensed by the state. The facility offers options for both short-term and long-term care, from 21 to 30 days and 31 to 90 days, respectively. Gage House also offers medication-assisted treatment (MAT), such as Vivitrol, to alleviate withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid dependency. However, medically-monitored detox services are not offered on-site. Gage House accepts only voluntary admissions.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
All prospective clients are evaluated prior to admission to ensure they meet the criteria for dual diagnosis and help clinicians form an individualized treatment plan. Throughout treatment, whether short-term or long-term, clients receive weekly psychiatric evaluations for ongoing medication management and monitoring. To help clients acquire and maintain sobriety and mental stability, Gage House combines evidence-based treatment approaches, education, and 12-step involvement.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is used to reduce the symptoms of withdrawal. Vivitrol is used in 21% of U.S. treatment facilities. MAT treatments are overseen by qualified nursing staff members to ensure the safety of all clients.
Residential treatment consists of a structured schedule of individual, group, and family therapy, as well as education on addiction and mental health. Through these counseling sessions and educational classes, clients develop trigger avoidance and practical coping skills aimed at preventing future relapse.
Involvement in 12-Step may include attending meetings, fellowship literature, and performing associated “step-work.” The 12-Step program is a significant part of the treatment process and is used in nearly 48% of facilities across the country.
In addition to core programming, the long-term program assists clients in achieving an attainable level of self-sufficiency upon discharge. Clinicians help clients secure housing, obtain employment, and connect to educational opportunities. Only 32.8% of Pennsylvania facilities offer employment assistance to clients. Clients also receive life skills training like budgeting.
Aftercare planning is provided throughout residential treatment. By continually identifying individual client needs, clinicians help ensure “ongoing stability, growth and recovery after discharge.” Aftercare plans include blended case management services and referrals to peer support groups, outside agencies, and community-based psychiatric services.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
Gage House’s treatment team is comprised of psychiatrists, registered nurses, master’s and bachelor’s level therapists, and clinicians specially trained in the field of addiction.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Residents live in simple, single or double bedrooms with private bathrooms, and meals are served cafeteria-style on-site. Additional amenities include on-site laundry facilities, a sunroom, and outdoor recreational spaces.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The single former program participant polled by Best-rehabs.com as of this writing provided positive feedback for Gage House. The alum gave the program five out of five star ratings for the effectiveness of group and individual counseling, as well as for the staff’s level of training and experience. She also gave five stars for the respect shown to clients and four stars for the facility’s exercise and leisure provisions. “Helped me out,” the alum wrote.
FINANCING
Gage House accepts private insurance plans, and is one of the 418 facilities in Pennsylvania that accepts Medicaid. Individuals unable to pay for treatment and those without insurance may be eligible for county-assisted funding. Treatment is also supported by donations from the community.
CONCLUSION
Gage House is a part of the Stairways Behavioral Health network of programs. The BLOOM Collaborative, part of Gage House’s offerings, was recently added to a grant program that will provide funding for the program’s focus on developing the arts in the U.S. The program will work toward collaborating with other groups to provide support for arts development as well as recovery options in the community.