Minnesota Alternatives

The Basics

Just 20 minutes North of Minneapolis in Spring Lake Park, Minnesota Alternatives is an alternative outpatient program for addiction and dual diagnosis. Headed by Paula DeSanto, a Master’s level LSW, the facility approaches clients with a treatment model developed by DeSanto himself as an alternative to the more commonly used Hazelden method known as the Minnesota Model. Instead of abstinence-based philosophies, Minnesota Alternatives promotes a person-centered approach that focuses on harm reduction. 

Treatment and Staff

After an initial assessment, clients work with a counselor to develop individualized treatment plans comprised of evidence-based and holistic practices. Though the traditional 12-step approach to recovery is not part of the program, clients are welcome to attend outside AA/NA meetings if desired.

Treatment includes both group and individual therapy and uses CBT, mindfulness meditation, Reiki, Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) and EMDR. Support for a wide range of co-occurring disorders including anxiety and schizophrenia is also available.

Days begin with a 15- to 20-minute guided meditation before an open discussion designed for clients to check in about how they’re feeling. Groups average between six and eight people and topics like life skills and addiction education are covered.

Individual programs vary but clients generally attend group one to four times a week for anywhere from a month to a year. The clinic is open three to four days a week from 11 am to 4 pm and three evenings a week from 5 to 8 pm. Schedules are subject to change and clients are given the freedom to mix and match which groups they attend to better fit their own schedules.

Staff consists of about 12 counselors with a range of specialties and credentials including LADCs, LSWs and LMFTs. A nurse, nutritionist and a peer specialist are also available.

Extras

On-going aftercare as well as marriage and family therapy are also offered. Additionally, Minnesota Alternatives welcomes clients who have been ordered by the courts to seek treatment.

For general mental health treatment, both prolonged exposure therapy and somatic experiencing are offered via Alltyr Clinic, a nearby facility that practices similar treatment methods as Minnesota Alternatives. Short-term intervention services are available in 24- and 48-hour intensity levels.

In Summary

While Minnesota Alternatives takes somewhat of an unorthodox approach to treating addiction, the facility provides a solid range of evidence-based modalities and holistic practices backed by a trained and professional staff. Clients are sure to receive plenty of one-on-one attention and can expect flexibility in their care planning. As this facility has a non-traditional treatment method, research on harm reduction versus abstinence-based recovery is advised prior to enrolling in treatment.

Minnesota Alternatives
7766 NE Hwy 65
Spring Lake Park, MN 55432

Minnesota Alternatives Cost: Varies by insurance; $600-$1,200 (24 hour and 48 intervention services); $125 (private assessments). Reach Minnesota Alternatives by phone at (763) 789-4895 or by email at paula@mnalternatives.com. Find Minnesota Alternatives on Facebook and Twitter

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