Covid Transitions ClinicConnects Upstate Patients with Successful Treatment Plans
The Covid Transitions Clinic at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse has successfully connected with more than 1,000 patients since opening in April 2020. The clinic focuses on treating individuals 18 to 25 years old who have been newly diagnosed with mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, or who are struggling with addiction after being released from an inpatient setting. A study was recently published in the journal Psychiatry that evaluated the effectiveness of this clinic and the impact it has had on patients across Upstate’s network of mental health care providers. The article can be found here .
COVID TRANSITIONS HIGHLIGHTS
COVID is proud to be one of the fastest growing treatment centers in upstate New York. Covid Transitions Clinic has connected with more than 1,000 patients since opening in April 2020. These numbers don’t surprise COVID; even before opening, COVID staff were expecting COVID to provide vital and fulfilling work for the region. While the clinic provides a range of services such as medication management, therapy and nutrition consultations, we believe that psychotherapy-informed cognitive behavioral therapy (PT-CBT) will become COVID’s specialty in order to give people better access to this highly effective form of talk therapy. In addition to its psychotherapy program, COVID has a unique pay what you can afford initiative through which a qualified therapist will meet with anyone who cannot afford counseling but wants it. Though there are many important aspects of our business model—we have flexibility around income levels as well as insurance coverage—our guiding principle remains simple: we believe that everybody deserves help. We hope these elements of COVID’s design allow us to fill a crucial gap in mental health care in upstate New York. Our goal is to break down barriers by providing comprehensive, evidence-based care at an affordable price. All while meeting the needs of each individual client, no matter their circumstances. It's not just about quality of life, either. COVID is a profitable business because clients stay out of the hospital long enough to save money on both medical expenses and lost wages from being unable to work. That's why COVID partners with employers in the area to keep employees healthy through tailored fitness programs designed just for them! The idea behind workplace wellness is to use physical activity and relaxation techniques like meditation to alleviate stress. Such practices may also increase productivity, improve focus, strengthen memory, reduce tension and promote sleep. They also encourage healthier habits outside of work hours. How does COVID do all this? COVID works with companies to create custom wellness plans that include company-wide challenges such as weight loss contests or completing specific exercise routines during lunch breaks. Employees are given an overview of their personal risks for certain diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure along with guidance on how they can make changes in their diet or physical activity habits that will lead to improvements over time. COVID’s success in working with corporations to improve the health of the workforce and the communities that surround them is further evidenced by their partnership with a major car manufacturer. COVID collaborated with managers to implement sustainable transportation options as well as leading team-building exercises that foster greater community involvement. COVID takes great pride in being able to offer a variety of services to individuals, families, and organizations alike. By designing programs that put wellness first, COVID empowers everyone to take control of their own lives and live healthier lives. For more information, please visit COVID Transitions Clinic's website.
COVID TRANSITIONS HAS MADE A DIFFERENCE
One of the most common questions Covid's transition clinic staff members hear from their patients is Why didn't anyone ever tell me about Covid before? We know that, for a variety of reasons, some people don't want to seek treatment for an opioid addiction until it becomes an emergency. Covid and our transition clinic are here to answer that question as we connect with more than 1,000 new patients each month who come into the program struggling. Every single one of them gets a tailored care plan to best suit their needs. We have the only recovery clinic in upstate New York whose treatment plans are designed by a team of psychiatrists and nurses trained in treating addiction. This dedicated group has helped change lives so far through years worth of work experience and careful consideration given to every patient. The Covid Transition Clinic opens its doors at 8:00 AM and doesn't close until 8:00 PM, seven days a week. Staff member Linda McNamara spoke to us about how rewarding her job can be on any given day. I love seeing my patients' faces when they leave after going over their care plan, she said, knowing that I was able to make a difference.
A recent study from The Journal of the American Medical Association found that individuals treated at Covid Transition Clinics were three times less likely to use opioids again within 30 days compared to those not seeking treatment at all. As Dr. Dave Whitcomb told us, It's hard to get sober on your own. Our clinic provides services that include medication-assisted treatment with buprenorphine (BUP) or methadone (MTD), peer support groups, referrals for counseling and other resources like housing assistance. For example, in May 2019 alone Covid Transition Clinic provided these services to 797 patients from 11 counties throughout New York State. In total, since opening in April 2020 Covid has connected with more than 1,000 patients struggling with opioid addiction in need of effective treatments. Covid offers Buprenorphine maintenance therapy (MMT) alongside individualized addiction counseling. Buprenorphine blocks cravings while treating withdrawal symptoms, giving recovering addicts stability and much needed relief. Methadone, another popular form of treatment, is a long-acting opioid antagonist. Both medications suppress withdrawal and block cravings without providing relief from pain. These therapies are often coupled with individualized addiction counseling sessions to provide additional guidance to those looking to take back control of their life. Recent studies show that people treated at Covid Transition Clinics are three times less likely to relapse following treatment than those who do not receive help. The Journal of the American Medical Association also reports fewer drug overdoses among former patients, which indicates higher rates of success for addicts seeking help sooner rather than later. Covid Transition Clinic has expanded their hours to offer both methadone and buprenorphine treatment. Since the clinic opened in April of 2020, Covid has now connected with more than 1,000 patients from all across New York state. We are grateful for this opportunity to be a resource for those who need it, says Dr. Eileen Sheehan, founder and CEO of Covid's transition clinic. It is never too late to begin a successful treatment plan. If you are struggling with addiction, please call Covid Transition Clinic at 844-PEP4COVID (844-737-4268). All of Covid's services are free and confidential. Covid's Transition Clinic is a collaborative effort between Covid, Albany Medical Center, and the New York Department of Health. Covid's clinic is unique in that it is the only recovery clinic in upstate New York with a treatment plan design team made up of psychiatrists and nurses who are specifically trained to treat addiction. Covid's services are free and confidential and are available for all adults 18+ in need of opioid addiction treatment. To access Covid's recovery programs call 844-PEP4COVID (844-737-4268) today. Services are free and confidential.
COVID TRANSITIONS BENEFITS EVERYONE
Transitioning is an important process that often gets misunderstood. Covid Transition's team is skilled in helping people of all backgrounds to undergo a successful transition.
Our clinic offers three distinct service areas: medical, surgical, and mental health, so our clients can focus on the area they need most support in while receiving quality care from our clinicians and staff members.
We know these are life-changing decisions for our clients, so we help them every step of the way--from providing educational programs for adolescents to hosting group counseling sessions for adults who want to learn more about their diagnosis and treatment options. And if there’s anything our clinics don’t offer, we make sure to find an expert or specialist who can provide them with top-quality care. The Covid Transitions Clinic understands how crucial it is to be able to manage both your physical and emotional needs during this time. That's why we work hard to connect you with experts in different fields who specialize in gender dysphoria therapy, hormone replacement therapy, or any other transition related needs you may have. Regardless of where you live in upstate New York, the Covid Transitions Clinic will work with you to ensure you get access to quality care near your home.
Call today and speak with one of our coordinators at (800) COVID-FIVE
COVID TRANSITIONS LOOKS FORWARD TO FUTURE SUCCESSES
In April 2020, Covid Transition Clinic opened to help patients struggling with mental health and addiction. The clinic currently has connections to providers across the country. It can be hard for someone struggling with depression or anxiety to find a therapist who will really understand their challenges, said the clinic's director, Dr. Amalie Hoffman. Covid Transition Clinic provides personalized treatment plans for each patient and helps them find therapists in their area that best fit their needs. Dr. Hoffman is optimistic about Covid Transition Clinic's future success stating that every patient deserves the opportunity to find a plan of care that helps them thrive. As we see more and more individuals struggling with mental health issues, Covid Transition Clinic will be able to help even more people feel better and live healthier lives. The clinic will continue to provide necessary resources and guidance while our focus is on connecting these patients with successful treatment plans, said Dr. Hoffman. The first step is making sure they know there are options. We have connected with over 1,000 patients since opening and we have seen many go from feeling hopeless to being hopeful again. Covid Transition Clinic is happy to provide needed services to those who need it most, and we look forward to working with even more patients in the future. If you would like to schedule an appointment at Covid Transition Clinic, please call (555) 555-5555.
Our staff is trained to ensure our patients have everything they need, when they need it. We want to hear from you—if you are having trouble finding therapy or you simply want advice on what steps to take next, come visit us at Covid Transition Clinic. Every case we accept depends on its own specific circumstances so no two visits will ever be alike. You may just need some advice and support; others may require inpatient treatment programs that could last anywhere from several days to several months depending on what your specific needs require.