Outpatient Services

Intensive Outpatient programs and Outpatient programs offered by St. Lawrence Health System use similar techniques to manage substance use disorders and addictive behaviors however, the main difference between the two programs is the intensity and frequency that patients are expected to attend sessions and programs throughout each week. 

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) require a consistent schedule that may include 3+ hour therapy sessions, multiple days a week while Outpatient programs may require a 1-hour therapy session once or twice each week.

Canton-Potsdam Hospital's Outpatient Program, as well as the Outpatient services at St. Lawrence Health System's Gouverneur Hospital, are designed for individuals who are still in need of substance use disorder support but are committed to addiction management.

Our goal is to assist those who are focused on returning to work, rebuilding their family, and forming healthy environments and relationships.

An Outpatient program ensures that everyone has the opportunity to create the life they want to live, but still provides a safe place and additional guidance in their recovery.

At this stage of treatment, patients have demonstrated/proven that they are committed to their treatment plans and are motivated to live a healthier, happier life - which is not defined by addiction.

• Substance use evaluations
• Referrals
• Continuing care
• Individual counseling
• Group therapy
• Family sessions
• Continuing care
• Medical assisted evaluation and treatment
• Impaired drivers assessment treatment
• Brief interventions

A face-to-face pre-admission service to determine the nature and extent of his/her abuse, misuse and/or addiction to alcohol and/or other substances. Information collected as well as a toxicology screening is reviewed by the multi-disciplinary team to determine recommendations. Evaluations are scheduled for 90 minutes. Treatment recommendations are reviewed in person at a follow up appointment.

M-WRAP provides comprehensive care coordination, and recovery support services to pregnant and postpartum (up to six months after the birth event) women with a substance use disorder. View the M-WRAP brochure for more information.      

Canton Potsdam Hospital is authorized by OASAS to provide screening, assessment and treatment for the impaired driver offender. Driver ID and violation documents are needed for the assessment. Brief Intervention: 1-3 face-to-face sessions between a person in recovery and a clinical staff member when at risk behavior is identified, however the person in recovery does not meet criteria for admission. This consists of education and motivational interviewing.

One-on-one counseling provides a safe therapeutic environment to process addiction and build a life in recovery. These sessions aim to assist an individual in achieving treatment objectives relating to substance problems, ramifications, attitudes, feelings, and alternative solutions. Each person in recovery is assigned a primary counselor who provides this service. Typically 1:1 sessions are scheduled as 60 minute weekly appointments. Gambling Counseling: We have a staff member certified in counseling for gambling addiction.

Individuals admitted to IOP have been deemed in need of intensive treatment beyond that of traditional non-intensive Outpatient based on substantial risk of relapse as evidenced by failure to abstain from use in prior treatment settings, history, and/or moderate to severe dependence condition.

Individuals in IOP are required to attend all nine hours of treatment per week, in addition to individual counseling. At Canton Potsdam Hospital, IOP is scheduled for Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00am – 12:00. You are expected to stay for the entirety of the group. Individuals are expected to schedule and attend regular weekly appointments with their primary counselor. (This could be prior to and after group days or an additional day if needed) Specific IOP expectations will be reviewed the first group meeting.

The potential options for discharge and aftercare planning are based on individual need. One may be discharged from IOP to non-intensive Outpatient services, a higher level of care rehab, residential, or an alternative referral source (mental health). 

This is a voluntary program for Persons in Recovery who have met their treatment goals and are being discharged successfully from active Outpatient treatment. The goal of the program is to maintain treatment gains and empower Persons in Recovery in early recovery or through transitions. Persons in Recovery in this program will have access to counseling and group services as needed and requested maximum of once per month. Participation in continuing care is confidential. If a person in recovery relapses, they will be removed from continuing care, re-evaluated and recommended to the appropriate level of care.

This service utilizes special sessions with individuals and their family members and/or significant others under the guidance of a counselor to address family and relationship issues related to alcohol and other drug abuse and or dependence for the purpose of promoting recovery from addiction.

Employee-owned canines will be available on a voluntary and therapeutic basis for those who wish to participate in the program.

Sessions can be enhanced through visual, physical, tactile, emotional and social stimulation. Restrictions: allergies, fear of animals, aggressive behavior, open sores, or exposed areas of skin, infection, or immunoglobulin deficiencies.

This clinic can evaluate for and refer to a prescriber when appropriate. Medicated assisted treatment is the use of certain medications to assist with cravings, withdrawal symptoms and recovery from addiction. There are specific admission and retention requirements for this program.

Group counseling provides an opportunity to receive genuine support, honest feedback, and useful alternative from peers. This clinic offers a variety of 1 hour themed groups that supplement 1:1 counseling. Regular topics include: Emotional Management, Roots of Addiction, Wellness in Recovery, Relapse Prevention, Coping skills and Family Life.

Other groups may emerge to meet a person in recovery needs. Group counseling utilizes evidence-based materials to provide psychoeducation, skill-building, and support. Additional Information: You may also be interested in Canton-Potsdam Hospital's other behavioral health and chemical dependency services, including inpatient detoxification, which is now offered at Gouverneur Hospital.