PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Aroostook Mental Health Center has announced the opening of a medication-assisted treatment clinic in Presque Isle. The clinic will support individuals who are in detox and recovery from opiate drug use.
“[Medication-assisted treatment] clinics have become an important part of recovery for many individuals and creating access to those clinics is key to helping them,” said Lorraine Chamberlain, director of integration and behavioral health in Aroostook County.
“In addition, AMHC works with each person to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that includes group and individual substance use counseling as well as community contacts and resources,” she said. “The combination seems to offer the best long-term success.”
The center is partnering with Pines Health Services to administer treatment. Potential clients will have access to the clinic based on their motivation and willingness to participate in all aspects of the program. The center places significant focus on working with a person to develop positive natural support to promote behavioral change. Educational and clinical supports are also available to clients and their families to assist them in the recovery process.
“Our staff is very conscientious of providing clients the treatment they need from the [medication-assisted treatment] clinic,” said Chamberlain. “At the same time, they are keeping in mind that our goal is to make this a temporary part of their treatment plan.”
Individuals seeking treatment can speak with their individual counselors or call the access center at 800-244-6431 to be scheduled for a screening to determine if they are appropriate for the service.
Once clients have been screened by a substance abuse counselor and deemed appropriate for the program, they will be scheduled for induction into the clinic.
Aroostook Mental Health Center serves nearly 6,000 clients annually from 26 service sites located across Aroostook, Washington and Hancock counties, providing mental health, substance use, crisis and sexual assault services.
For more information, visit amhc.org.
