Articles & Trainings

How to Get the Most From Outpatient Therapy

    Use these 8 helpful tips to assure you are getting the most of Outpatient Therapy

  1.  Keep your appointments as scheduled whenever possible.calendar
  2. Reschedule if needed with 24-hour notice:  Missed appointments impact on you, your counselor, those who provider transportation and other clients who may have needed an appointment. When clients miss several appointments it is within the counselor’s discretion of whether or not to reschedule, and it is possible you might be scheduled at a different time, frequency, or discharged from services.  Your counselor will discuss this with you if it should become a concern.
  3. Often counselors will assign homework for you to build and practice new skills and to help you reach your identified goals.  As with any new skill, practice is of importance to be able to use new skills and create healthier habits.  Often it is those skills we feel the most skeptical of that can be of most benefit.
  4. Keep your counselor informed of any other providers you are working with as well as changes in your symptoms or situation.
  5. Communication is key.  Counselors may check in with parents or guardians to provide the best quality care.
  6. Communication among providers can improve your outcome; sign releases to allow this coordination of care when you feel it will be of benefit.  Your counselor may ask you to sign a release if they feel it is a benefit to you.  You have the right to accept or refuse this.
  7. Many clinicians will begin therapy weekly and then space appointments as needed and determined by the therapist and client.  If you have a specific need to do something different please discuss this with your counselor.
  8. Actively participate in the service planning progress as goals are being developed and evaluated. You are the expert in what you want to accomplish as a result of counseling.

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Posted on by Author Katie Orffin Categories Tips for Healthy Living

Rights of Recipients of Mental Health Services

The following is a summary of your rights as a recipient of outpatient (nonresidential) services under the Rights of Recipients of Mental Health Services.

1. Basic Rights. You have the same civil, human and legal rights, which all citizens are entitled.  You have the right to be treated with courtesy, respect and dignity.

2. Right to Confidentiality and Access to Records.  You have the right to have your records kept confidential; to be released only with your informed and signed consent.  (Specific circumstances where the agency can release or share information as described in the Rights book.)  You have the right to review your record at any reasonable time and to add written comments to clarify information you believe is inaccurate or imcomplete.

3. Right to an Individualized Treatment Service Plan.   You have the right to a written service plan, developed by you and your worker, based on your needs and goals. The plan must: be based on your actual needs, identify how a need will be met if the service is not available; include tasks to be completed and by whom; time frames for accomplishment of tasts and goals; and criteria to determine success. If you do not agree with the plan, you have the right to request and receive a second opinion. You have a right to a copy of the plan.

4. Right to Informed Consent.  No service or treatment can be provided to you against your will.  You have the right to be informed of possible risks and anticipated benefits of all services and treatment.  You may designate a representative who is authorized to help you understand and exercise your rights, help you make decisions, or to make decisions for you.  The guardian also has the right to be fully informed.

5. Right to File a Grievance and Appeal.  You have the right, without retribution, to grieve any violation of your rights or a questionable practice.  You have the right to a written response, including reasons for the decision.  You may appeal any decision to the Department of Behavioral & Developmental Services.  For assistance contact:  Office of Advocacy, 60 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333 (287-2205) or Disability Rights Center, P.O. Box 2007, Augusta, Maine 04330 (1-800-452-1948).

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Posted on by Author Katie Orffin Categories Tips for Healthy Living

Substance Use and Social Events

Social events can be difficult to attend for some people.  They can be even more challenging to someone who is trying to cut down or quit using alcohol or drugs.  If this applies to you or someone you know, the following may be helpful:

coffeeAlcohol Alternatives – Try a refreshing non-alcoholic drink like seltzer water or club soda.  Mix furit in with these drinks, or try a sparkling grape juice or cider.  Drink a favorite non-alcoholic mixer with a garnish.  Enjoy a decaf coffee after meals.

Cravings – When a strong craving hits, eat or drink something sweet.  Sugar satisfies that part of the brain that triggers the need for alcohol or drugs such as opiates.

Parties – Have a back-up plan.  If you are going to a function that has alcohol involved, bring along a friend who is also sober for support.  Have a list of phone numbers of people you can call that understand your situation.  Plan to stay for a limited time and park where there is no chance of getting blocked in.  Take care of yourself, even if it means having to skip the party.

Stress – Get plenty of rest and quiet time.  Exercise and eat healthy.  Treat yourself to a massage or practice self-soothing activities like yoga, deep breaking or walking.  Remember, for people with substance abuse problems, alcohol and drugs can increase your stress by making you feel more depressed and tired.  Don’t jeopardize your sobriety for a few hours of socializing with friends and family.

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Posted on by Author Katie Orffin Categories Tips for Healthy Living

HAM Sponsors MaineFocus Film Festival

HAM is a proud sponsor of this years MaineFocus Film Festival, that features videos submitted by teens across the state sharing stories of how substance abuse has changed their lives.  The festival is hosted by Bangor Daily News and Project AWARE!  Deadline for video submission is January 6th, 2014 and a public showing of the top videos will take place on February 22nd at the last day of the annual high school basketball tournament.  HAM will be there showing support by kicking off the event, presenting awards, and taking a moment to address the audience on substance abuse.

Show your support for area teens by coming out and hearing their story of how substance abuse has affected their lives or the lives of people around them.

We hope to see you there!

Click here to find out more about the MaineFocus Film Festival.

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Posted on by Author Katie Orffin Categories News

NAMI Maine Walk

Health Affiliates Maine Team- Reducing Stigma One Step at a Time with NAMI Maine.

Health Affiliates Maine is pleased to be participating in the NAMI Maine Walks “Walking for Mental Health” event to raise funds for National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Maine. Health Affiliates Maine shares NAMI’s dedication to raising awareness and reducing stigma related to mental illness. Walk proceeds will go directly to support programs such as:

  • Legislative advocacy for the mentally ill and their families
  • Helpline to provide support and help people navigate the mental health system
  • Support groups
  • Training education for professionals, family members and people living with mental illness
  • & Outreach services! 

The walk is Sunday, September 29th 2013, at the Southern Maine Community College (rain or shine). The walk begins at 11 am and is a 5K or about 3.2 miles. Registration is free. The walk is along Maine’s beautiful coast line. Please feel free to join us as we collectively work to reduce stigma and increase awareness.

To register to walk, go to www.namimaine.org and select “Click Here to Register”

If you cannot join us for the walk but are interested in supporting our efforts please see our team website http://namiwalks.nami.org/healthaffiliatesmaine Donations can be made online.

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Posted on by Author Katie Orffin Categories News

Health Affiliates Maine recognized by Inc. Magazine

Inc. magazine today ranked Health Affiliates Maine (based in Auburn, Maine) NO. 1049 on its 32nd annual Inc. 500|5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy—America’s independent entrepreneurs.

Companies such as Microsoft, Zappos, Intuit, Jamba Juice, Zipcar, Clif Bar, Vizio, Oracle, and many other well-known names gained early exposure as members of the Inc. 500|5000. “As a state-wide behavioral health agency at Health Affiliates Maine, we truly invest in the people who work for us,” said executive director Andrea Krebs.  “We provide top quality continuing educational trainings, complete quality assurance and utilization review support, and financial security. This solid foundation allows our workers to focus on what they do best, serving our clients.  By being innovative in service delivery through our new tele-therapy program, and developing Medication Management services to begin this fall, we expect continued significant growth and expansion across the state.”

The 2013 Inc. 500, unveiled in the September issue of Inc. (available on newsstands August 20 to November 20 and on Inc.com), is the most competitive crop in the list’s history. To make the cut, companies had to have achieved a staggering minimum of 918.59% in sales growth. The Inc. 500’ s aggregate revenue is $14.1 billion, with a median three-year growth of 1739 percent. The companies on this year’s Inc. 500 employ more than 52,100 people and generated over 44,912 jobs in the past three years. Complete results of the Inc. 500|5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/500. “Not all the companies in the Inc. 500 | 5000 are in glamorous industries, but in their fields they are as famous as household name companies simply by virtue of being great at what they do. They are the hidden champions of job growth and innovation, the real muscle of the American economy,” says Inc. magazine Editor Eric Schurenberg.

Methodology

The 2013 Inc. 500|5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2009 to 2012. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2009. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2012. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2009 is $100,000; the minimum for 2012 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.’s September issue. They represent the top tier of the Inc. 5000, which can be found at www.inc.com/500.

About Inc.

Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures, Inc. is the only major brand dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, with the aim to deliver real solutions for today’s innovative company builders.  Total monthly audience reach for the brand has grown significantly from 2,000,000 in 2010 to over 6,000,000 today.  For more information, visit www.inc.com.

About the Inc. 500|5000 Conference

Each year, Inc. and Inc.com celebrate the remarkable achievements of today’s entrepreneurial superstars—the privately held small businesses that drive our economy. The Inc. 500|5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony brings together members of the Inc. community, both a new class of Inc. 500|5000 honorees and the list’s alumni, for three days of powerful networking, inspired learning, and momentous celebration. Please join us October 10–12, 2013, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington, DC. For more information about the 2013 Inc. 500|5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony and to register, visit www.inc500conference.com or call 866-901-3205.

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Posted on by Author Katie Orffin Categories News

Second Annual Consortium

In celebration of our providers and Health Affiliates Maine as an agency. Health Affiliates Maine held it’s Second Annual Consortium on June 28th, 2013  All affiliates, per-diem employees, and regular employees were invited to attend this fun filled event which included: Fabulous Door Prizes, Delicious Food, Networking Opportunities, Inspiring Keynote Speaker Lydia Richards and a Choice of Two Break-out Sessions.

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Posted on by Author Randy Runnelsin Categories News

Health Affiliates Maine Adds to Leadership Team

Health Affiliates Maine (HAM) , a state-wide provider of mental health counseling announced Luanne Starr Rhoades has joined their leadership team as the new Director of Outpatient Therapy Services.  Rhoades,  a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LADC), and Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS), will be leading the new integrated substance abuse and mental health services at HAM.

Rhoades has extensive background of experience in the field including work at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center on the Detox unit and the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).  Later she entered private practice in Lewiston for 10 years, counseling individuals, couples and families coping with a wide range of mental, emotional and addictive issues.

Recently she worked with Maine’s National Guard as a Military and Family Life Consultant, providing deployment cycle support and assistance with problem solving to service members and their families.

Health Affiliates Maine, located at 306 Rodman Rd. Auburn, is a licensed mental health and substance abuse service agency with over 230 affiliated clinicians and 80 case managers throughout the state.  For more information call 1-877-888-4304 or visit www.healthaffiliatesmaine.com

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Posted on by Author Katie Orffin Categories News

Health Affiliates Maine Creates New Outpatient Program

(Auburn-Maine)  Health Affiliates Maine, a state-wide provider of mental health counseling has created a new outpatient substance abuse program designed to meet a critical need in the community.

Based in Auburn, Health Affiliates Maine (www.healthaffiliatesmaine.com) has independently licensed mental health (LCSW/LCPC/LMFT) and substance abuse counselors (LADC) providing outpatient counseling services to individuals struggling with substance abuse issues and their family members.Andrea Krebs, the Executive Director of Health Affiliates Maine says the social and economic costs associated with substance abuse in Maine are significant.  “In 2009 alone 182 people died as a direct consequence of drug abuse.  The Maine office of Substance Abuse estimates that in 2005 substance abuse cost Maine nearly $900 million.  Our new services will provide additional options for families and individuals in need”.

 

According to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health, as recently as 2009/10, Maine was among the top ten states for several drug use categories, including:  cocaine use among 18-25 year olds, marijuana use among people 12 and older, and illicit drug dependence among young adults 18-25 years old.

Heading up the new department at Health Affiliates Maine will be Luanne Rhoades (LCPC/LADC), Outpatient Therapy Director and Bryce Libby (LCSW/LADC), as team leader.

Krebs says they accept most insurance plans including Maine Care.  For more information call 1-877-888-4304 or visit www.healthaffiliatesmaine.com

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Posted on by Author Katie Orffin Categories News

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