September 10, 2020
Partner program Spotlight: MaineGeneral Counseling
The following account is from MaineGeneral Counseling, a United Way partner. Your contributions to United Way of Kennebec Valley made this story possible.
H, a 35-year-old woman who grew up locally, first came to our Outpatient Plus Program in October 2018. She was stepping down from a nine-day detox/ mental health stay on the MaineGeneral psychiatric unit and beginning medication assisted treatment for opiate use disorder, and psychiatric care. Two of her siblings had previously passed away from opiate overdoses. Initially H lived with her mother, isolated in a rural setting, with no social contacts other than to get in to see service providers. This home life was not very supportive, and H was asked to leave on more than one occasion.
Since starting with us, H has attended group and individual counseling sessions regularly, usually at least once a week. At time of hospitalization she lost custody of her 3 young children to her mother, which led to her losing her MaineCare insurance. We were able to reconnect H to MaineCare, as well as provide referrals to housing, benefits, and employment assistance.
Many of her case management needs have largely shifted from our patient navigator to a private case management agency. H has utilized the Bread of Life shelter and has looked at apartments and other housing options, though currently has been in a sober living home. She has applied for and held some jobs short-term, though currently is doing volunteer work.
We have connected her to a primary care practice to address basic medical needs. While she has had some initial relapses while in our program, we were able to provide her with extra support at this critical time to keep her involved and the relapse short. H now maintains sobriety (about six months) and has custody of two of her children. She is looking forward to full time work, staying sober, and getting an apartment of her own.
Categories: News | Tags: | Posted by: Mboyer
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