Frequently Asked Questions

• Substance Use Disorder Evaluations

  A face-to-face pre-admission service to determine the nature and extent of his/her abuse, misuse and/or addiction to alcohol and/or other substances. Information collected as well as a toxicology screening is reviewed by the multi-disciplinary team to determine recommendations. Evaluations are scheduled for 90 minutes. Treatment recommendations are reviewed in person at a follow up appointment.

• Maternal Wrapround Program (M-WRAP)

  M-WRAP provides comprehensive care coordination, and recovery support services to pregnant and postpartum (up to six months after the birth event) parents with a substance use disorder. Watch a short video to get a glimpse inside the Maternal Wraparound Program, or view the brochure for more information.      

• Impaired Driver Screening, Assessment, and Treatment

  Canton Potsdam Hospital is authorized by OASAS to provide screening, assessment and treatment for the impaired driver offender. Driver ID and violation documents are needed for the assessment. Brief Intervention: 1-3 face-to-face sessions between a person in recovery and a clinical staff member when at risk behavior is identified, however the person in recovery does not meet criteria for admission. This consists of education and motivational interviewing.

• Individual Counseling

  One-on-one counseling provides a safe therapeutic environment to process addiction and build a life in recovery. These sessions aim to assist an individual in achieving treatment objectives relating to substance problems, ramifications, attitudes, feelings, and alternative solutions. Each person in recovery is assigned a primary counselor who provides this service. Typically 1:1 sessions are scheduled as 60 minute weekly appointments. Gambling Counseling: We have a staff member certified in counseling for gambling addiction.

• Aftercare Planning

  The potential options for discharge and aftercare planning are based on individual need. One may be discharged from IOP to non-intensive Outpatient services, a higher level of care rehab, residential, or an alternative referral source (mental health). 

• Continuing Care

  This is a voluntary program for Persons in Recovery who have met their treatment goals and are being discharged successfully from active Outpatient treatment. The goal of the program is to maintain treatment gains and empower Persons in Recovery in early recovery or through transitions. Persons in Recovery in this program will have access to counseling and group services as needed and requested maximum of once per month. Participation in continuing care is confidential. If a person in recovery relapses, they will be removed from continuing care, re-evaluated and recommended to the appropriate level of care.

• Family Counseling

  The service involves the utilization of special sessions under the guidance of a counselor with individuals and their chosen family members and/or significant others/ support delegate(s)  to address family and relationship issues related to substance use for the purpose of promoting recovery from addiction.

• Animal Assisted Therapy

  Employee-owned canines will be available on a voluntary and therapeutic basis for those who wish to participate in the program.

  Sessions can be enhanced through visual, physical, tactile, emotional and social stimulation. Restrictions: allergies, fear of animals, aggressive behavior, open sores, or exposed areas of skin, infection, or immunoglobulin deficiencies.

  Watch a short video to see one of our Animal Assisted Therapy Canine Good Citizens at work. 

• Medication Assisted Treatment

  This clinic can evaluate for and refer to a prescriber when appropriate. Medicated assisted treatment is the use of certain medications to assist with cravings, withdrawal symptoms and recovery from addiction. There are specific admission and retention requirements for this program.

• Group Counseling

  Group therapy provides an opportunity to receive genuine support, honest feedback, and useful alternative from peers. This clinic offers a variety of 1 hour themed groups that supplement 1:1 counseling. Regular topics include: Emotional Management, Roots of Addiction, Wellness in Recovery, Relapse Prevention, Coping skills and Family Life.

  Review the current list of group counseling services under the Group Therapy heading.

  Other groups may emerge to meet a person in recovery needs. Group counseling utilizes evidence-based materials to provide psychoeducation, skill-building, and support. Additional Information: You may also be interested in Canton-Potsdam Hospital's other behavioral health and substance use disorder services, including inpatient detoxification, which is now offered at Gouverneur Hospital.