Southeastern Mental Health Authority
SMHA/DMHAS Initiatives
DMHAS/SMHA Opioid Crisis Initiatives
In recent years the abuse of opioids has become a national health problem of unprecedented proportion. In Connecticut, heroin-related deaths increased over 100% in the past five years, with 917 people dying from overdoses in 2016 alone. DMHAS and SMHA are responding to the opioid crisis in a number of ways:
In recent years the abuse of opioids has become a national health problem of unprecedented proportion. In Connecticut, heroin-related deaths increased over 100% in the past five years, with 917 people dying from overdoses in 2016 alone. DMHAS and SMHA are responding to the opioid crisis in a number of ways:
DMHAS Addiction Treatment 24-hour hotline: 1-800-563-4086
DMHAS Addiction Services Bed Availability: the availability of beds for detox, residential and recovery houses is now available in real time on the DMHAS website or at Connecticut Addiction Services.
DMHAS Substance Abuse Walk-in Assessment Centers: a listing on the DMHAS website of substance abuse centers which offer walk-in assessments without appointments. DMHAS: SA Walk-In Assessment Centers
Please visit the DMHAS website for more information on prescription drug and heroin prevention and treatment resources: DMHAS: Prescription Drugs/Heroin - Resources
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of medications, in combination with counseling and other supports, to provide a holistic approach to the treatment of substance use disorders. Research shows that for individuals struggling with addiction, MAT can help sustain recovery. MAT is available at SMHA to those who, in addition to their mental illness, struggle with substance use. MAT is one form of treatment for substance use disorders available at SMHA, or referrals to other appropriate treatment providers can be made.
Requirements:
Requirements:
1. Eligibility Criteria: Clients who are 18 years or older, who have a both a serious mental illness and a substance use disorder. Eligibility is determined by the clinical assessment.
2. MAT Requirements: Screening for appropriateness, random urine screening, random alcohol testing, monthly visits with the prescribing provider, and regular counseling.
Zero Suicide Initiative
SMHA is engaged in the Zero Suicide Initiative, which is a commitment to suicide prevention in our behavioral health care system. The foundational belief of the Zero Suicide initiative is that suicide deaths for individuals under care within health and behavioral health systems are preventable. This initiative recommends assessment tools and interventions to enable our agency to reach our goal of preventing ALL suicide deaths for every client in care. For more information about Zero Suicide go to
Zero Suicide | .
Zero Suicide | .
Faith Initiative
The SMHA Faith Initiative recognizes the importance of interconnectedness between individuals and the essential elements of hope and possibility. Recovery encompasses an individual’s whole life, including mind, body, spirit and community. SMHA strives to provide holistic care and support services to the individuals it serves. The Faith Initiative is involved in enhancing spiritual and cultural training and education for staff and offering consultative and training opportunities for area faith leaders with respect to mental illness and addiction recovery. Being sensitive and responsive to both the strengths and needs that individuals may have in relation to their own beliefs and spiritual journeys of healing and recovery is essential to person-centered care.
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