The current global health crisis has affected how residential and outpatient services treatment centers operate. If you or someone you care about is battling addiction, understanding how things have changed as we move forward in this pandemic will be helpful. Even with the delivery of safe, effective vaccines, residential treatment and outpatient services, whether in the San Francisco Bay Area or across the country, will not look the same as before any time soon. In some cases, these unavoidable changes are inconvenient or even barriers to ideal treatment environments. In others — as in the case of expanded telehealth platforms — these changes are a good thing.
If you are interested in learning more about substance use disorders, residential treatment, and outpatient services and how it has changed since the onset of COVID-19, New Bridge Foundation® is an excellent place to start.
How Has COVID-19 Affected Residential Treatment and Outpatient Services for Addiction?
At New Bridge Foundation®, we know that addiction does not go away during a pandemic. Indeed, the enforced isolation and social distancing, as well as worries about finances, personal health, and the future, can lead to increased substance use issues.
Among the primary many ways that residential treatment and outpatient services have changed are:
Access to Residential Treatment
At New Bridge Foundation®, we have always prioritized the safety of our clients and our team. However, since March 2020, we have had to make specific changes to the residential treatment admissions process and treatment environment. Several protocols have been put into place that ensure the safety of those entering as well as the current client population. Some but not all of these changes include:
- A COVID-19 health questionnaire is processed during the initial screening.
- Individuals are administered a rapid antigen COVID-19 test prior to being admitted after which they enter our residential treatment or detox program, depending upon individual need.
- Temperature and possible COVID-19 health ailments are monitored.
- Enhanced cleaning and hygiene protocols are in place.
- Staff health and temperature are monitored daily.
- PPE is provided.
These changes in policy and procedure have enabled us to continue serving clients who require residential treatment to get the help they need in a controlled, safe, and comfortable environment.
Telehealth and Remote Care
Another fundamental change we experienced resides in the launch and expansion of our telehealth outpatient services platforms. New Bridge Foundation® now offers virtual day treatment and outpatient services. Our Telehealth program provides clients with high quality, evidence-based services that can be accessed from the comfort of ones own home. This means that one-on-one counseling sessions with addiction specialists as well as group work can take place remotely via telephone, internet, or app.
Some clients need and require the structure and security provided by residential treatment, while others benefit from taking advantage of the flexibility that our outpatient telehealth rehab options provide.
Contact New Bridge Foundation® Today
These are trying times, particularly for those struggling with addiction issues. If you or someone close to you is seeking treatment in the San Francisco Bay Area, New Bridge Foundation® is here to help. Reach out to our addiction specialists today using our convenient online form or call us at 866.772.8491 to learn more.
