Many folks have reached out to me about information related to finding help for themselves or someone they care about.
The conversation usually sounds like, “I need to get Jane some help” or “I need to check Bill into rehab.” I usually take those opportunities to explain what I understand about treatment to these well-meaning friends and family members.
Full disclosure, I am not a therapist or an attorney, nor do I wish to be, but I am offering insight into navigating the system in order to find help based on my experiences working within these systems. Next, please know you cannot force your loved one into treatment. A court can, but you cannot. Finally, there are many options for treatment in our rural areas if your person wants to go:
Outpatient care is usually an easily accessible level of care in rural areas, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made going to group via telehealth or virtual services much more widely available. Outpatient care usually consists of group therapy, education, and individual counseling. These services can be enhanced by medication assisted treatment modalities, mental health medications, family supports, and case management services.
Residential treatment may be an option if criteria are met. Many local outpatient clinics can screen for level of care and refer clients to the level of care they need to get well. Residential treatment is not so much like checking in and out of a motel like many think. Many must wait on a list until a bed becomes available. Residential treatment offers a structured living environment, counseling, group therapy, and education as well as some of the above-mentioned enhancement services like medication, MAT, case management, and family counseling.
The above two options are usually accredited facilities that are certified through the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS). Their webpage has a search function that allows you to find help near you at https://oklahoma.gov/ odmhsas.html and from what I understand, each of those facilities rates are based on each client’s income and ability to pay.
Private treatment options include licensed private practice professionals such as psychologists, counselors, family therapists, and social workers. Faith-based recovery centers, half-way houses, and privately owned treatment centers are also an option; however, those treatment centers do not go through the same accreditation as the other providers I have mentioned and may be quite costly.
Lastly, there are self-help support groups available in person in almost every town and city, and many are also available online. Self-help meetings are not treatment but they do offer support and accountability and are free. Self-help meetings and support groups include Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Smart Recovery, and other groups that support a plethora of needs: codependency, over-eating, gambling, sex addiction, and grief to name a few. A short internet search can link you to local meetings, or look in your local paper or shopper page to find meetings.
I hope information helps my readers navigate treatment options. We know that COVID-19 has increased substance use, suicidal ideation, and mental health symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Reach out to get the help you or your loved ones need; you are not alone and help is available.
Sarah Mears-Ivy brings 13 years of experience in the field of human sciences and advocacy.