Building a Better System
With the integration of Treatment Associates into its outpatient division, Washington County Mental Health Services (WCMHS) has broadened its range of services. This expansion increases its ability to serve clients with substance use and co-occurring disorders (In this context, co-occurring refers to the presence of two or more mental health diagnoses or a mental health diagnosis and a substance use disorder that occurs simultaneously in an individual), ensuring access to essential screenings, referrals, and care coordination. WCMHS has strengthened its outreach and services for underserved populations, addressing disparities in care quality and access.
According to the most recent data from the Vermont Department of Health, only 37% of individuals diagnosed with alcohol dependence began substance use disorder (SUD) treatment within two weeks1. By consolidating services across treatment providers and offering community-based recovery and evidence-based approaches, WCMHS aims to improve these outcomes and foster hope for recovery.
As part of this transformation, WCMHS has become a Preferred Provider under Vermont’s Department of Substance Use Programs. Alycia Post, Co-Director of the WCMHS Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, shared her enthusiasm:
“We are all very excited about this joining of services. Doing so will create more comprehensive services for our community and provide better access to care. We have partnered closely with each other for years and have a mutual relationship of respect and care for clients that just made sense to combine.”
This partnership marks a significant step in WCMHS’s mission to provide comprehensive, compassionate care for its community, ensuring a brighter path to recovery.
Pathways to Care
The Lighthouse
One avenue for accessing WCMHS SUD services is through The Lighthouse, a Public Inebriate Program. Operating 24/7 year-round, this peer-supported program provides emergency, nonmedical social detoxification as an alternative to incarceration for individuals incapacitated by alcohol.
The Lighthouse conserves resources for law enforcement and medical personnel while prioritizing the safety and recovery of those it serves. Once individuals regain sobriety, they are encouraged to seek treatment for substance use and mental health, with information about available resources provided.
The Access Hub
Another entry point is The Access Hub, which welcomes individuals 18 and older without requiring a formal referral. Whether referred by mental health providers, first responders, community agencies, family members, or through self-referral, individuals can access information about SUD treatment options offered by Treatment Associates.
Continuity Amid Change
The Treatment Associates offices in Montpelier, Morrisville, and Barre remain open, with leadership staying in place. Dr. Stone continues to work with WCMHS, Kate Burkholder serves as Director of Treatment Associate’s Montpelier office, and John Pacheco leads the Morrisville office.
Beth Sightler, CEO of WCMHS, emphasized the organization’s commitment to meeting community needs:
“As an organization, we pride ourselves on understanding and responding to our community. The formal acquisition of Treatment Associates and their experienced staff positions us to meet the growing and critical needs surrounding substance use disorder.”
This integration marks a milestone in WCMHS’ commitment to delivering accessible, high-quality care for individuals facing substance use and co-occurring disorders. By combining expertise, expanding service availability, and fostering a seamless continuum of care, WCMHS and Treatment Associates are strengthening the foundation for lasting recovery in the community. Through innovative programs like The Lighthouse and The Access Hub, and with dedicated leadership at the helm, this collaboration ensures that individuals receive the support they need when they need it most. Together, they are paving the way for a more inclusive and effective system of care, offering hope and healing to those on the path to recovery.
1https://www.healthvermont.gov/alcohol-drugs/substance-use-data-reports/substance-use-dashboard * Information used here was last updated June 10th, 2024.
For more information about this or other WCMHS programs, go to www.wcmhs.org or to reach an intake navigator, please call 802-229-0591*.
*This number is answered 24/7 in case of a mental health emergency. *
This article is part of a series, collaboratively produced by members of Vermont Care Partners, a statewide network of sixteen non-profit, community-based agencies providing mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental disability supports.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Washington County Mental Health enhances their substance use disorder Treatment .