The following is a republished press release from Family Counseling Services and not an article written by The Cortland Voice...to submit a press release, community announcement or information about an upcoming event, email Editor Peter Blanchard at [email protected].
CORTLAND, N.Y. — Beginning Monday, November 21, 2016, Family Counseling Services (FCS) is offering Same Day Access for individuals seeking chemical dependency treatment.
“Our team is really excited to be able to offer this service to our community,” said Amanda Stout, Program Director for Chemical Dependency Services at Family Counseling Services. “Our hope is to be able to start the treatment process for individuals in the moment that they are ready to make positive change. This is usually a process that presents as scary for people, change can be scary,” said Stout.
Previously, clients had to schedule an evaluation appointment which typically required them to return on a different day. Same Day Access resolves that issue. “If we don’t accommodate people during this vulnerable moment in their lives we may never see that person again,” said Stout. “Same Day Access allows us to meet that person where he or she is at, which research has shown to be most effective in supporting someone to make positive change.”
Family Counseling Services relies upon research-based treatment practices for heroin and opioid addiction. "Same Day Access, in addition to our medically assisted addiction treatment options with both Vivitrol and Suboxone, really helps ensure that we can meet the needs of all individuals seeking addiction services,” said FCS Executive Director Lisa Hoeschele.
Following evaluation, intensive outpatient services are available in a group setting along with an option for individualized services. FCS staff are licensed and certified in their respective fields, including staff who are qualified to provide both mental health and chemical dependency services for individuals with a dual diagnosis.
A variety of Same Day Access evaluation time slots will now be available throughout each week at various times of day. This approach helps support each individual’s needs for scheduling. Individuals seeking services can call the FCS clinic at (607) 753-0234 to learn about the appointments that are available that day.
Last year, over 2,200 people received outpatient services at the agency’s chemical dependency clinic. FCS continues to expand addiction services both within and outside of Cortland County to meet the growing epidemic.
Family Counseling Services is a non-profit organization serving both Cortland and Madison Counties. FCS was established in 1970 as a volunteer family counseling service based in Cortland, NY. It has since evolved into a professional organization that offers mental health, chemical dependency, and school-based counseling, as well as prevention services through its prevention division, Cortland Prevention Resources. Last year, over 6,000 children, teens and adults received services from the organization. Family Counseling Services has an annual budget over $6 million and employs 85 staff.
