Empowering people to improve their lives.
Content TOPICS 2 ABOUT US What we do / Who we serve / Services 4 OUR PHILOSOPHY Environment matters / Holistic approach Gender specific 6 ADMISSION Assessment / Referral 8 OUR STAFF Multidisciplinary Team / Mental Health Team 10 OUR FACILITIES 2318 / 2525 / Housing 12 CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS Fully integrated / Staff Medication evaluation 14 AFRICAN-AMERICAN SPECIFIC PROGRAMING Cultural Specificity / Specific Issues 16 INDIVIDUAL SCHEDULE 90 day treatment / Intensive outpatient Outpatient / Self-pay outpatient / relapse 18 HORSE-ASSISTED THERAPY EAGALA 20 INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Substance abuse Mental health 1
Serving Minnesota s less fortunate since 1979 About US Park Avenue Center provides research-based gender-specific drug and alcohol treatment in south Minneapolis, Minnesota. First established in 1979, we are a community-based program that proudly and ethically serves Minnesota s less fortunate individuals in gorgeous settings. Providing beautiful environments shows our passion and respect for clients and their recovery. Using evidence-based best practices, we have maintained a reputation for the highest quality of services and care. Clients we serve typically struggle with multiple barriers to recovery, including mental illness, homelessness, financial problems, legal issues, and an overall lack of emotional support. We provide stunning free supervised off-site housing for clients in need. Programs are issue oriented including some topics such as thought process, mental illness, trauma, anger management, relapse prevention, spirituality, relationships, self-esteem and self-image, codependency, budgeting, nutrition, education, physical movement, eating disorders, parenting, education, employment, and 12-step meetings. We take pride in the quality of our services and the magnificent environment we have created. 2
Our holistic approach addresses substance abuse, mental health, cultural issues and everyday living skills Our PHILOSOPHY We take a holistic view of recovery. We address not only substance abuse but also mental health problems, cultural issues, and everyday living skills. We believe that recovery comes when clients learn to use skills and resources that support sobriety and help them succeed in life. Our treatment is gender specific. Men and women attend treatment and live in separate buildings never sharing groups or activities together. Research has shown that men and women have different issues, views, beliefs, and learning styles, and that men and women are more willing to become open and vulnerable when they do not have to be concerned about potential relationships or gender roles. The treatment process includes lectures, groups, videos, individual counseling sessions, and aftercare planning. Clients also participate in activities such as our EAGALA equine-assisted therapy program, role playing, meditations, art therapy, and recreation including physical exercise. Assistance with reading and comprehension as well as non-verbal and alternative learning and therapy assignments are provided for clients with difficulty reading and writing. 5
Once approved, most clients can start immediately Admission For most clients, the first step in entering treatment is to have a substance abuse assessment. Often referred to as a Rule 25 assessment, the purpose of the substance abuse assessment is to evaluate a person s drug and alcohol use to determine if treatment is needed, what level of care is most appropriate, which program might best meet the client s needs, and to obtain funding. We offer assessments by appointment as well as walk-ins starting at 7:00 A.M. We are able to provide substance abuse assessments for Hennepin County residents and individuals who have Medica, HealthPartners, UCare, MHP, Blue Cross, and Blue Plus members. Substance abuse assessments are free for those who qualify for Rule 25 funding, although insurance co-pays do apply. We also offer self-pay assessments for $100 that will meet court requirements. Once the assessment has been completed, the funding authority has approved the placement, and the assessor has made a referral, the next step is to call to set up a start date. Most clients can start immediately, provided there is room in the program. 6
Our on-site Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner reviews and prescribes medications Our STAFF In addition to our fabulous facilities and outstanding programming, our staff truly separates us from other providers. Our culturally diverse multidisciplinary team is made up of Ph.D. and Psy.D Licensed Psychologists, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors, a Registered Nurse, EAGALA-certified facilitators, Resource Specialists, Case Managers, and an on-site consulting Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who reviews and prescribes medications. Under the supervision of several doctoral-level Licensed Psychologists, our mental health team is made up of numerous psychology pre-doctoral interns and master s-level psychology practicum students. Pre-doctoral interns and practicum students meet individually with clients in our Co-Occurring Disorders Programs to assess needs, establish treatment planning goals, and provide individual therapy throughout treatment and aftercare. Our Resource Specialists help clients secure stable housing, medical assistance, and help in obtaining additional needed resources. The level of professionalism, education, and experience of our staff truly sets us apart from other providers. 9
Our magnificent environments and supervised free off-site housing create a healing atmosphere Our FACILITIES We believe that the environment really does matter! Creating absolutely gorgeous surroundings influences how clients feel and behave. You really have to experience the atmosphere to fully appreciate its effect. Park Avenue Center s men s facility is located in an historic mansion in Minneapolis at 2318 Park Avenue. The property was built in 1923 by David Tenney who, in 1939, sold the mansion to John Cowles, the owner of what eventually became the StarTribune. Referred to as the Cowles Mansion, the Cowles family lived in the mansion for 44 years until it was sold in 1983. The women s facility is located just up the street at 2525 Park Avenue and was originally built in 1900 as a private home by William LaBarre, an early industrialist. Both buildings have been rehabilitated for use as outpatient treatment centers. Every effort was made to restore and preserve the beauty and uniqueness of these classic structures. Our supervised, free off-site housing is also maintained with care and attention to beauty, adhering to our philosophy that the environment really does matter. The result is a home-like, non-institutional setting that provides a comfortable and respectful atmosphere for the delivery of our treatment services. Lastly, our administrative offices are located at 2649 Park Avenue where we also provide substance abuse assessments. 10
We address addiction and mental health issues at the same time Co-Occurring DISORDERS Our Co-Occurring Disorders Program is designed for clients who suffer from both mental illness and substance abuse issues. It is a fully integrated system of mental health and addiction services that emphasizes continuity and quality while considering both co-occurring disorders as primary. Our system of care is not limited to a single model or approach, but instead meets clients where they are emotionally. In addition, we collaborate with other professionals in human services, housing, criminal justice, education, and related fields in order to meet the complex needs of our clients. Finally, empathy, respect, and belief in the individual s capacity for recovery are fundamental attitudes. Psychology graduate students regularly meet with clients individually and co-facilitate many of the process groups. Educational groups are led by Licensed Psychologists, mental health therapists and students, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors, and licensed nurses. Our on-site Nurse Practitioner meets individually with clients to assess their current medications and if necessary, prescribes new medications. 13
Because we can talk about race, we can address the issues African-American SPECIFIC PROGRAMMING Park Avenue Center defines culturally specific treatment as the creation of an environment in which the identity and experience of a specific group or culture is recognized, explored, and accepted while treating their substance addiction. What makes these programs different from non-culturally specific traditional programs is the ability to talk about race and the issues and pain that have arisen. The safe atmosphere allows African Americans to heal and build a stronger positive cultural identity. Clients are empowered to overcome their sense of victimization by acknowledging the historical context of the pain while instilling a sense of empowerment and developing new behavioral methods to cope. Specific issues addressed in these programs are historical perspectives, cultural pain, family of origin issues, the culture of poverty, spirituality, anger management, domestic violence, and trauma and victimization. In addition, clients participate in our EAGALA programming and benefit from traditional treatment topics such as relapse prevention planning, crisis intervention, and the development of a sober support network. Our African-American specific programming is available for the Men s Primary program and for the Men s and Women s Co-Occurring Disorders programs. 14
Our individualized schedule serves individual needs Individual SCHEDULE According to research-based best practices, in order to get the most out of treatment, clients need to be engaged for at least 90 days. Therefore, whenever funding allows, treatment lasts 90 days, and is then followed by 12 additional weeks of Aftercare. Our treatment schedules are completely individualized, offering intensive outpatient as well as morning, afternoon, and evening outpatient programs. Our intensive outpatient phase offers free, supervised, off-site housing to clients in need and typically lasts for 3 to 8 weeks, depending on each client s individual need. As clients in the intensive outpatient phase meet established criteria, they are transitioned into our outpatient phase. Clients with stable, supportive housing who are in need of less intensive services are referred directly to our outpatient phase. As clients progress in treatment, their level of participation is decreased, until they are eventually attending treatment one day a week. If clients struggle or display behaviors inconsistent with established criteria, their level of participation is increased to meet their changing needs. Our Self-Pay Outpatient and Relapse programs are designed to meet the Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles requirements and are followed by 12 weeks of Aftercare. 17
Our calming countryside setting and horses change lives Horse-Assisted THERAPY Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) is a non-profit organization developed to address the need for resources, education, and professionalism in the field of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP). EAP incorporates horses experientially to facilitate clients emotional growth and learning. It is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and an equine professional, working with clients and horses to address treatment goals. Activities with the horses are designed to help clients contend with real-life issues in a beautiful outdoor setting. Horses don t accept talk. It s one thing to discuss in group how you react when you are frustrated; however, your honest reactions become very clear when the horses are not doing what you want them to do. Clients quickly recognize unhealthy patterns and we help them develop new behaviors. We use EAGALA-certified professionals to work with a wide range of behavioral issues such as addiction, teamwork, anger management, stress management, coping skills, leadership, and more. The calming countryside environment allows clients to escape the busyness of the city while gaining insight into their behaviors. 18
We truly value interns Internship OPPORTUNITIES Over the years, Park Avenue Center has realized our dream of becoming a teaching institution. We offer a wide variety of experiences and opportunities for substance abuse interns, undergraduate psychology students, master s-level practicum students, advanced practicum students, and pre-doctoral interns. As an intern, you will gain understanding and experience working with clients who suffer from addiction while feeling the support of your peers and the guidance of experienced clinicians. Our addiction interns will gain a full understanding of the 12 core functions while developing and practicing all of the necessary skills to become a great counselor. Our psychology graduate students will conduct mental health screenings, educational lectures, individual sessions, and process groups with clients in our Co-Occurring Disorders Program. Finally, through collaboration with the University of St. Thomas, we have attained APPIC membership for our pre-doctoral internship program. We are proud of our internship programs and hope you will consider interviewing with us! 21
Park Avenue Center Men s PROGRAM FACILITY 2318 Park Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55404 Women s PROGRAM FACILITY 2525 Park Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55404 www.parkavenuecenter.com