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The Basics
Based in Gainesville, Florida, Meridian Behavioral Healthcare is a private, nonprofit mental health and substance abuse treatment organization. Founded in 1972, it offers detox, residential and outpatient treatment, as well as an Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), at 10 locations. There are two residential facilities in Gainesville and eight outpatient clinics in Gainesville, Stark and Lake City. Serving both adults and adolescents, the treatment approach is highly individualized and includes dual diagnosis support.
Accommodations and Food
Meridian offers residential living for both adults and teenage boys. Located in Gainesville, the Sid Martin Bridge House is a 35-bed facility for adult men and women with serious addictive disorders. Within the house is Mothers’ Intensive Supportive Treatment (MIST), which is a separate wing for pregnant women. Basic rooms are shared between two clients at a time, featuring twin-sized beds, small dressers and natural lighting. The building also includes a dining hall, therapy rooms, offices and a lecture hall.
The Recovery Center is a 10-bed facility for teenage boys, with a similar layout to the adult residential program. The detox facility is housed down the road from the Bridge House, offering 16 beds in total. Rooms are shared between two clients at a time. Smoking is prohibited at all locations.
Treatment and Staff
Each client undergoes an initial assessment to decide which level of care is necessary. Length of stay depends solely on each client’s needs and treatment is rooted in the 12 steps, with daily meetings for inpatient residents. Dual diagnosis support is provided.
Sid Martin Bridge House specializes in severe substance abuse and serious mental illness. During their time in the program, residents participate in group, individual and family therapy. In addition, they receive psychiatric consultation and medication when necessary. Residents are able to attend on-site AA/NA meetings each day and discuss the steps during group. Before each client’s release, a post-treatment plan for sobriety is created. Complimentary aftercare, which includes a monthly support group, is offered to all who successfully complete residential care.
MIST offers a separate unit for pregnant women that includes prenatal care, parenting classes and assistance finding employment after treatment. The program also aims to facilitate prenatal health, early bonding and a smooth transition back into the community. Groups focus on trauma, self-esteem and building communication skills. Mothers are expected to stay in the program until the baby is born to ensure a safe transition.
The Recovery Center program focuses on healthy life skills, arming residents with the tools and confidence needed to lead a sober life. The schedule includes an in-house school in addition to individual, group and family therapy. Typically, this program is longer then the adult residential. Groups cover issues such as trauma, self-esteem, conflict resolution and communication.
The outpatient options at Meridian include day treatment, IOP, with group therapy, individual therapy and case management for adults and adolescents affected by mental illness, substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. These programs are available at the clinics in Gainesville, Stark and Lake City. IOP meets three times a week for three hours at a time, while the day treatment program meets five times per week, for up to six hours per day. During outpatient, clients are highly encouraged to attend 12-step meetings (though these are not required).
The staff includes LCSWs, psychologists and psychiatrists. Most of the staff has extensive experience with mental health and substance abuse issues.
Extras
A Challenges Ropes Course is offered to clients in the residential program, with the aim of helping clients to build self-confidence and have fun in sobriety.
In Summary
Meridian Behavioral Healthcare offers many services for substance abuse and co-occurring issues. Thanks to sliding scale fees, these programs are affordable, regardless of income. Through the application of life skills, the building of self-esteem and the 12 steps, clients can glide into a happy and health lifestyle.
Meridian Behavioral Healthcare
4300 SW 13th St
Gainesville, FL 32608
Meridian Behavioral Healthcare Cost: Sliding scale. Reach Meridian Behavioral Healthcare by phone at (800) 330-5615. Find Meridian Behavioral Healthcare on Facebook
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