SACO — A new Intensive Outpatient Program for those struggling with addiction and recover from substance use disorder has opened in Saco.

Health Affiliates Maine, a mental health and substance abuse agency, facilitates recovery through individual and group therapy and evidence-based treatment from licensed substance abuse counselors.  Its new office can be found in the Saco Falls Counseling Center, 110 Main St. in Saco.

Licensed counselors Barbara Erkson and Kate Meredith of Health Affiliates Maine run the Intensive Outpatient Program at the Saco Falls Counseling Center and recently hosted a ribbon cutting and open house to introduce the program to the community.

Intensive Outpatient Programs treat all substance addictions, such as drugs and alcohol, and follow the SAMHSA model including three hours of group therapy per day, four days a week, for six weeks. Clients also attend a combination of individual and group therapies including early recovery skills, relapse prevention, and family education classes. The program is ideal for those who are transitioning from detox, residential rehabilitation, or who need a more intensive level of support to gain recovery skills and prevent relapse.

“We at Saco Falls Counseling Center and Health Affiliates Maine are passionate about helping those who are dealing with or affected by substance use in our communities,” Erkson said. “We want to help as many people as we can.”

She said that the six-week program has rolling admissions and referrals and self-referrals are welcome.

Payments are accepted through MaineCare and self-pay. To make a referral, call 877-888-4304 or send an email to referral@healthaffiliatesmaine.com.

As a statewide agency, Health Affiliates Maine provides services and support to state residents affected by mental health and substance abuse issues. The organization was founded in 2010 by a united group of counselors and social workers aiming to provide affordable mental health and substance abuse treatment services and offers services from multiple clinical offices throughout the state of Maine, with a strong network of resources and professionals.

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