The Gandara Mental Health Center – Outpatient Services Division is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive behavioral health services to culturally diverse populations, particularly focusing on Hispanic, African-American, and other minority communities. Located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, the facility is situated at 111 Lyman Street, making it easily accessible for those in need of mental health and substance abuse treatment.
The primary purpose of the Gandara Mental Health Center is to promote the well-being of its clients through innovative, culturally competent health, prevention, and education services. The center offers a range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of its target population, including children, adolescents, adults, and families. Unique features include its dual licenses in mental health and substance abuse treatment and its commitment to serving underserved communities.
Key Services and Programs
Adult Program
The adult program at Gandara Mental Health Center includes various levels of care such as detox, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and aftercare services. These programs are designed to address substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Adolescent and Family Services
The center provides adolescent and family services, including DCF shelter, group homes, youth resource centers, and afterschool programs. These services aim to support the development and well-being of young individuals and their families.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Gandara Mental Health Center offers specialized dual diagnosis treatment programs that address both substance use disorders and mental health conditions simultaneously. This includes comprehensive assessments, individualized treatment plans, and evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).
Behavioral Health Urgent Care
The facility has launched Behavioral Health Urgent Care services, providing faster access to mental health services with same or next-day appointments and expanded night and weekend hours.
Levels of Care
Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient programs are designed for clients who are medically stable and not at an elevated risk of relapse. These programs advance clients’ established treatment plans, offering continuing addiction counseling and recovery education.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
IOPs facilitate clients’ sustained sobriety through high-level care aligned with their evolving needs. Clients engage in multiple treatment sessions per week, typically receiving between nine and 20 hours of outpatient care weekly.
Medically Assisted Detox
Medically supervised detox is the process of removing addictive substances from the body and managing withdrawal symptoms in a medically supervised environment. This is typically the first step in the recovery process.
Aftercare Support
Aftercare involves making a sustainable plan for recovery, including ongoing support such as sober living arrangements, career counseling, and community programs like AA or NA.
Staff and Expertise
The Gandara Mental Health Center is staffed by a diverse team of professionals who are predominantly bilingual and culturally competent. The staff includes mental health professionals, substance abuse counselors, and peer recovery specialists. The center’s staff frequently have experienced similar challenges and disparities as the populations they serve, which enhances their ability to provide empathetic and effective care.
Treatment Approach
The facility’s treatment approach is centered around a recovery-oriented system of care. This includes evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and 12-step facilitation. The center also offers innovative therapies like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for depression and other mental health conditions.
Unique Features
Culturally Competent Services
Gandara Mental Health Center is uniquely positioned to serve culturally diverse populations, particularly Hispanic and African-American communities. The center’s services are designed to reflect the social, work, and familial patterns of local minority populations, ensuring culturally competent care.
Behavioral Health Urgent Care
The launch of Behavioral Health Urgent Care services sets the facility apart by providing immediate access to mental health services, including same or next-day appointments and extended hours.
Accreditations and Quality Measures
The Gandara Mental Health Center is accredited by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), ensuring that the facility meets rigorous standards for substance abuse and mental health treatment.
Admission Process and Insurance
The admission process involves an initial assessment to determine the appropriate level of care. The facility accepts various types of insurance, including Medicaid, Medicare, private health insurance, and military insurance. Self-pay options and sliding scale payment plans are also available to ensure accessibility for all clients.
For inquiries and to initiate the admission process, potential clients can contact the facility at 413-784-2614 or visit their location at 111 Lyman Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201.
