The Basics
Serenity Treatment Center is a holistic outpatient facility providing substance abuse treatment for adults and adolescents. Both evidence-based care and innovative therapies are used here, and the clinic aims to create an atmosphere of trust and safety in its serene setting. An example? Clients enter the lobby to be greeted by Bella, a Bichon-Poodle mix and Serenity’s mascot.
The team at Serenity focuses on the mental, physical and spiritual well being of each client. Its mission is to promote the health of individuals and families by providing accessible, effective and affordable substance abuse treatment in the quaint town of Frederick, Maryland, just 90 minutes west of the Chesapeake Bay.
Treatment and Staff
The first step in treatment is an assessment facilitated by an LADC. Based on the assessment, clients are either assigned to groups or may be referred out to a residential treatment facility. One of the first treatment options at Serenity is Vivitrol, an alcohol and opiate receptor blocker. A registered nurse injects the medication once per month. Eligible clients must be fully detoxed, have a prescription and attend either the outpatient or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) while using the medication.
IOP meets three times per week for a total of nine hours. Clients meet for three hours at a time for group therapy and educational sessions. Counselors use CBT and trauma therapy as primary modes of treatment, with group topics including trigger identification, relapse prevention, grief and loss, meditation and breathing for health and stress reduction techniques. The typical duration of IOP is 12 weeks, with a step-down to outpatient. Groups are co-ed and limited to eight people each. The facility also performs random urinalysis testing. Individual therapy is not required as part of IOP, but clients may request private sessions when necessary.
Once someone completes IOP and successfully passes all drug tests, it is recommended that they continue in the regular outpatient program which meets less frequently. While clients normally meet once or twice per week, treatment at this level is catered to each individual, which could mean individual therapy for several weeks before transitioning back to a group level. In some instances clients are assigned private therapy sessions and do not attend groups at all. In addition to IOP and outpatient, Serenity also offers a women’s group that meets weekly in perpetuity. Topics include self-esteem, drawing boundaries, trauma, communication and gender, as well as parenting skills when appropriate.
The adolescent program meets twice weekly for 90 minutes per session. Typical duration for the adolescent program is six to eight weeks. Therapists utilize CBT, process groups and family dynamics; group discussion topics include peer pressure, self-worth, dealing with stress and coping skills. While family involvement is encouraged, the facility does not have a well-defined family group. The treatment team at Serenity consists of LADCs and a registered nurse.
Extras
As far as additional treatment options go, clients can also partake in Reiki, family therapy, drumming therapy, recovery coaching, life coaching and Hepatitis C support. Clients are charged per session for these activities.
In Summary
In all, Serenity Treatment Center has a unique and gentle approach to healing and recovery. While they do provide pamphlets on 12-step meetings and other outside support services, the team recognizes that AA and NA are not for everyone and therefore does not want to distance themselves from any clients who need help. For those comfortable with forgoing this traditional route, Serenity could be an affordable choice.
Serenity Treatment Center
420 E. Patrick St. #100
Frederick, MD 21701
Serenity Treatment Center Cost: $45-$160 (per session). Reach Serenity Treatment Center by phone at (301) 898-2627. Find Serenity Treatment Center on their site
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Photo courtesy of KeyIntoFrederick
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.
