The Basics
With a 35 year history, the New Choices Recovery Center, formerly known as the Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Council of Schenectady County, offers residential and outpatient care at several locations in Schenectady, New York.
Accommodations and Food
New Choices has three residential locations in Schenectady, Purcell and Smith House for men and the Perrin House for women. Each of the facilities keeps a limited number of residents; the two men’s houses have room for 16 clients at a time while the women’s home has room for 21. Clients start off sharing a room with one to two roommates, though over time they can graduate to their own room if space permits.
Each of the houses have four communal bathrooms as well as a media room for social time, a dining room and a kitchen. Clients prepare all the meals themselves taking turns as part of their house duties each week. Groceries and shopping are handled by the staff and included in the monthly cost.
Treatment and Staff
Residential programs at New Choices typically last four to six months. New Choices does not offer a detox, so those in need are advised to take care of this step before they arrive. Both group and individual therapy are offered, with clients meeting their individual counselors once a week. The group sessions cover topics such as relapse prevention, anger management and domestic violence issues. There is an aftercare program as well, which consists of one group session a week at the nearby outpatient facility.
There is no 12-step focus at New Choices, though clients are permitted to attend off-site meetings twice a week. Still, this is only an option once they’ve earned this privilege, typically after a few weeks in the program. A client’s ability to attend these meetings without supervision is dependent on their legal status, as being on parole can sometimes complicate this process.
Dual diagnosis support is available and clients have the opportunity to meet with a staff psychiatrist at least once a week. The staff at the residential houses also offer basic medication management services. Staff can help clients find permanent housing once the program concludes. Clients are also aided in finding long term employment as they prepare for discharge.
The Staff at New Choices consists of between 60 to 70 dedicated part time and full time employees in a variety of positions. Clinicians who hold CADC and LCSW credentials conduct group and individual counseling sessions and write treatment plans.
Extras
New Choices also offers a Drinking and Driving Program, which is comprised of 16 hours of classroom activities, lectures, films, group discussions and self evaluation over a seven week period. Those who participate in this program may be able to minimize sentences as a result of DWI offenses.
In Summary
With a long history of service in the Schenectady area, New Choices Recovery Center offers a standard program with both residential and outpatient options. While the program may not have many frills, potential clients can still expect the necessities for long term recovery with small group and individual sessions and support for co-occurring disorders.
New Choices Recovery Center
302 State St
Schenectady, NY 12305
New Choices Recovery Center Cost: $1,128 (30 days). Reach New Choices Recovery Center by phone at (518) 346-4436 or by email. Find New Choices Recovery Center on Facebook and YouTube
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