Berrien County Health Department Review
The Berrien County Health Department was established in 1964 as a local health department for residents throughout Berrien County in Michigan. The substance abuse department started in 2013 and is CARF accredited and licensed by the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services Bureau of Health Systems. BCHD offers several programs including outpatient treatment, drug and alcohol education and prevention, smoking cessation and a range of community services.
Treatment and Staff
Prior to enrollment, all clients must schedule an appointment with the intake coordinator. A bio-psycho-social assessment is conducted in order to have an accurate description of the client’s needs. Based on the assessment, an individualized treatment plan is developed between the client and their assigned counselor. Clients are either enrolled in the basic outpatient program or the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). All clients are regularly drug tested to ensure abstinence for the duration of treatment. In order to be eligible for treatment and payment assistance, a client must be a resident of Berrien county.
Clients enrolled in the outpatient program typically come to a facility a minimum of once per week to attend one three-hour group session. All groups are co-ed and facilitated by a CADC. Once per month, clients receive an individual session with their primary counselor. BCHD also employs Master’s-level counselors and MFTs to facilitate family therapy for clients who require additional assistance. The basic outpatient track may last as little as two weeks or for up to a year depending on a client’s needs.
The IOP track meets three times per week for three-hour group sessions with clinical staff. Individual therapy is offered every other week or more often depending on a client’s needs. IOP treatment typically lasts for four weeks but may last as long as six months depending on the client’s assessment and progress.
BCHD also offers dual diagnosis support for clients with co-occurring disorders. All counselors have experience treating psychiatric disorders that commonly accompany substance abuse.
BCHD does not offer any detox services, but counselors provide references for recommended programs in the surrounding area.
In addition to treatment, all clients are strongly encouraged to attend 12-step meetings for additional peer support. All therapy is facilitated using a combination of CBT and other evidence based techniques deemed suitable for a client’s needs.
Extras
BCHD does not have an official aftercare program, but graduates are welcome to schedule individual therapy or drop into group sessions at any time.
In Summary
Berrien County Health Department offers substance abuse treatment with both basic outpatient and IOP options and are encouraged to attend 12-step meetings for additional support. Clients participate in a combination of group and individual therapy as well as family therapy if the family and client are willing. Clients with co-occurring disorders are welcome and BCHD offers highly individualized treatment that is tailored to each client that walks through their doors. For individuals seeking flexible treatment allowing them to live at home and maintain their work and life obligations, BCHD is likely a good fit.
Berrien County Health Department Locations
Berrien County Health Department
2149 E. Napier
Benton Harbor, MI 40922
1205 N. Front St
Niles, MI 49120
21 N. Elm St
Three Oaks, MI 49128
Berrien County Health Department Cost
$25 to $36 (per hour group counseling) and $80 to $100 (per hour individual counseling). Reach Berrien County Health Department by phone at (269) 926-7135 or by email at bchd@bchdmi.org. Find Berrien County Health Department on Facebook
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