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SACO — Health Affiliates Maine, a mental health and substance abuse treatment agency, has been licensed by the state of Maine to offer its first Intensive Outpatient Program in the area.

Located at the Saco Falls Counseling Center, 110 Main St. in Saco, the program will be led by two Health Affiliates Maine therapists. It opened Monday and is a six-week program with rolling admissions.

Referrals and self-referrals are welcome. MaineCare and self-pay will be accepted and future ability to accept private insurance is planned.

Facilitated by licensed counselors Barbara Erkson and Kate Meredith of Health Affiliates Maine, the program will treat all substance addictions (drugs and alcohol) and follow the SAMHSA model: three hours of group therapy per day, four days a week, for six weeks. Clients will attend a combination of individual and group therapies including early recovery skills, relapse prevention, and family education classes.

“We believe in the resilience of all people and developed our new IOP to support those who struggle with substance use as they begin their journey of recovery and wellness by seeking a new day and life,” said Andrea Krebs, Executive Director of Health Affiliates Maine.

Clients will receive a certification upon completion of the program recognizing their achievement. Once a client successfully completes the program, they will continue to receive supportive treatment for one year in the form of individual and group therapy sessions with a Health Affiliates Maine counselor.

Intensive Outpatient Programs are ideal for those who are transitioning from detox, residential rehabilitation, or those who need a more intensive level of support to gain recovery skills and to learn to prevent relapse.

The IOP at Saco Falls Counseling will offer evidence-based therapy, including medication assisted treatment (if needed), in a small and supportive group setting. Referral intake forms are accepted by phone at 877-888-4304, by email at referral@healthaffiliatesmaine.com and online at the Health Affiliates Maine website at www.healthaffiliatesmaine.com.

A statewide agency, Health Affiliates Maine provides services and support to Mainers affected by mental health and substance abuse issues.

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