Anixter Center Review
Anixter Center is a nonprofit organization offering a wide range of services and programs for individuals with disabilities. Located in Chicago, Illinois, Anixter offers community support, education, employment assistance and health care as well as an outpatient substance abuse treatment program designed specifically for individuals with disabilities.
Over 20 years ago, the Anixter clinical staff developed a modified substance abuse treatment model to assist individuals with disabilities. Programming is also offered in American Sign Language for clients who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Treatment and Staff
All potential clients undergo a bio-psycho-social assessment with an intake coordinator. An individualized treatment treatment program is developed, taking into consideration any specific requirements to meet their unique challenges. All clients are also seen by their primary care provider and a psychiatrist to address the need for dual diagnosis support. While there are no detox services through Anixter, clients are offered referrals if such services are needed.
As most clients are unemployed due to their disabilities, Anixter turns no one away for their inability to pay, and as such, all treatment is funded by the Chicago Department of Public Health Office of Substance Abuse Programs and the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Alcoholism.
Treatment combines CBT and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Counselors also utilize “contingency”—or offering incentives to clients. By focusing on the positive rewards of remaining clean and sober, this concept makes the nuances of recovery accessible for clients with severe mental disabilities. Counselors also introduce 12-step concepts and encourage clients to attend AA/NA meetings outside of the program.
At a minimum, all clinical staff are CADCs and a majority of counselors also have their Mental Illness and Substance Abuse (MISA) certification, qualifying them to work with individuals suffering from co-occurring severe mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders.
Anixter has no minimum or maximum length of treatment, some clients participate for 30 days and others for a year or more. Each client’s specific needs and their progression in recovery program determine duration.
Treatment is primarily group therapy, and sessions are co-ed. Individual therapy is also available but must be scheduled independently. Typically clients attend in the morning hours three to four days a week for three hours each session. Groups use psychoeducation and discuss independent living skills, disability awareness and relapse prevention. Counselors also provide HIV and STD education to help clients remain healthy and mindful during treatment.
Extras
Anixter organizes regular outings allowing clients to connect with each other and to practice recovery techniques in a social setting. Activities may include trips to the zoo, picnics in the park, barbecues and baseball games. Creating a recovery community for clients is an essential component of care.
Aftercare groups and individual sessions are available for clients who have completed treatment.
In Summary
The Anixter Center offers a unique treatment approach for individuals with disabilities. Outpatient programming is available in American Sign Language and in modified formats for men and women who require care tailored to meet their specific needs. All treatment is free, as most clients are unemployed, and efforts are made to create a community of frequently under-served individuals sharing the road to recovery. The Anixter Center utilizes state and specialized program funding to provide special-needs clients with an accessible treatment experience.
Anixter Center Location
Anixter Center
2001 N. Clybourn Ave, 3rd Fl
Chicago, IL 60614
Anixter Center Cost
Free. Reach Anixter Center by phone at (773) 549-0208 or by email at AskAnixter@anixter.org. Find Anixter Center on Facebook, YouTube, Google+ and LinkedIn
Do you have a complaint or review of Anixter Center to add? Use the comments area below to add your Anixter Center review.
Photo courtesy of GoogleMaps
Sponsored DISCLAIMER: This is a paid advertisement for California Behavioral Health, LLC, a CA licensed substance abuse treatment provider and not a service provided by The Fix. Calls to this number are answered by CBH, free and without obligation to the consumer. No one who answers the call receives a fee based upon the consumer’s choice to enter treatment. For additional info on other treatment providers and options visit www.samhsa.gov.
