The Oaks at La Paloma is licensed to treat both addictions and mental health, making it the first FRN residential facility to offer Mental Health Primary treatment.
In developing a model for integrated care, The Oaks’ clinical team recognized a need for comprehensive treatment for patients who have both addictions and intertwined mental health symptoms. Over time, the need arose for even more focused mental health treatment, so we added a Mental Health Primary track to meet the need for a longer-term option, which helps lead to improved treatment outcomes.
The Oaks is unique in that is the only facility in FRN currently licensed to treat individuals with mental illnesses that do not include a substance use disorder. To qualify for this program, individuals should not have not previously been diagnosed with a substance use disorder or their substance use disorder has been in remission for a minimum of six months. This track allows us to further our commitment to treating the whole patient no matter where they fall on the behavioral health spectrum.
Mental Health Primary Programming Options
Upon admission, patients are assessed to determine a course of treatment. If it is determined that they are appropriate for the Mental Health Primary/Only track, the patients are given a specific schedule that highlights treatment expectations.
During programming times that address substance abuse only, alternative options are provided for individuals on this track. Patients in this track are not completely separate from Addiction Primary patients, but they benefit from programming options tailored to their specific needs.
The track was implemented to accommodate the distinct needs of individuals that do not fit in the traditional co-occurring disorders model. The track includes aspects of the Dual Diagnosis/substance abuse curriculum with the addition of unique breakouts sessions.
Connecting With Our Mental Health Treatment
Continuity of care is sustained throughout treatment to ensure effective and individualized treatment within the framework of our comprehensive and evidence-based system of care. While most patients at The Oaks have a need for care that includes both the addiction and mental health components, we are proud to offer this Mental Health Primary/Only option.
By Becca Owens