Washington County Mental Health Services (WCMHS) in Vermont has recently taken a significant step in enhancing its substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services by integrating Treatment Associates into its outpatient division. This move aims to expand the range of services provided by WCMHS, particularly to clients with substance use and co-occurring disorders. The integration is expected to improve access to essential screenings, referrals, and care coordination, ultimately leading to better outcomes for individuals seeking treatment for SUD.
Alycia Post, Co-Director of the WCMHS Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, expressed her excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing the comprehensive services and improved access to care it will bring to the community. The partnership with Treatment Associates under Vermont’s Department of Substance Use Programs signifies WCMHS’s commitment to delivering compassionate and effective care for individuals with substance use and co-occurring disorders.
Pathways to Care at WCMHS
One of the pathways for individuals seeking SUD services at WCMHS is through The Lighthouse, a Public Inebriate Program that offers peer-supported emergency social detoxification services for individuals incapacitated by alcohol. Operating 24/7 year-round, The Lighthouse provides a safe alternative to incarceration and supports individuals in regaining sobriety while connecting them with treatment options for substance use and mental health.
Another entry point to access SUD services at WCMHS is through The Access Hub, which caters to individuals 18 and older without the need for a formal referral. Whether individuals are referred by mental health providers, first responders, community agencies, family members, or through self-referral, The Access Hub provides information about available SUD treatment options offered by Treatment Associates.
Continuity Amid Change
Despite the integration of Treatment Associates into WCMHS, the former’s offices in Montpelier, Morrisville, and Barre remain open, with existing leadership intact. Dr. Stone, Kate Burkholder, and John Pacheco continue to play pivotal roles in providing SUD services through Treatment Associates. Beth Sightler, CEO of WCMHS, highlighted the organization’s dedication to addressing the community’s evolving needs and the critical challenges surrounding substance use disorder.
By combining resources, expertise, and service availability, WCMHS and Treatment Associates are working together to establish a seamless continuum of care for individuals seeking treatment for substance use and co-occurring disorders. Through innovative programs like The Lighthouse and The Access Hub, as well as strong leadership, this collaboration is paving the way for a more inclusive and effective system of care, offering hope and healing to those on the journey to recovery.
For individuals seeking more information about WCMHS programs or to reach an intake navigator, visit www.wcmhs.org or call 802-229-0591. This number is answered 24/7 in case of a mental health emergency. The collaborative effort between WCMHS and Treatment Associates reflects a broader initiative by Vermont Care Partners, a network of non-profit agencies supporting individuals with mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
