ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Restart Outpatient Clinic, housed in the Catholic Family Health Center, offers rehabilitation and services to those struggling with addiction.
Each patient is seen five days a week at the North Clinton Avenue facility, where they receive both medical and mental health services.
"They're here for almost half a day for a number of those days. That's part of looking at what people need and how much contact would be valuable," said Cathy Saresky, who works at the clinic.
Directors say that outpatient therapy is often ideal for patients who have support outside of the center.
"Individuals in their family, others who can support them through the process. We do have peers here who can help them walk side-by-side," said Saresky.
The outpatient program also incorporates peer support, which can help patients to understand the difficulties of detox.
"There will be moments through that withdrawal phase where individuals might feel some struggle, some challenge," Saresky said. "Having individuals who can say 'you can do this,' and supporting them through the process is really critical."
Most patients are covered for outpatient treatment through their insurance, but for those who don't have coverage, Catholic Family Center offers a sliding fee scale.
"We make it as accessible as possible, if for some reason someone wasn't eligible for benefits," Saresky said.
When it comes to battling the opioid epidemic, it's truly all hands on deck.
Clinic Director Joanne Castrechino says they maintain close relations with other local treatment options to make any patient transfer as seamless as possible.
"We work with clients, we work with what they're able to do, what they're willing to do. We do everything we can to encourage the additional support," Castrechino said.
Catholic Family Center's Outpatient Clinic offers walk in assessments at their location on North Clinton Avenue in Rochester on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1:00-3:00 P.M.
The Open Access Clinic at 1350 University Avenue also offers immediate assessments and referrals 24/7.