What does START stand for?
START stands for ST. Anthony Recovery and Treatment.
What services do you offer?
We offer a complete range of services tailored to meet the individual needs of our clients. This continuum includes detoxification, residential treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and evening programs. DOT (Department of Transportation) assessments are also available. We have added a 21 day or 28 day treatment component. Call our mental health admissions department to see which level of care is appropriate for you.
How do I get the admission process started?
Contact Mental Health Admissions at 405-272-6216, and select option 1 at the prompt. Speak to an admissions counselor to schedule an appointment.
What happens during the assessment?
The initial assessment consists of an interview with a licensed mental health professional. The assessment includes the patient’s use history, current withdrawal symptoms, vitals, medical history, motivation and a psychosocial history. If there are any medical concerns the patient may have to be medically cleared through the emergency department prior to admission to the program. After the assessment is complete, the counselor will recommend adequate treatment options.
How long does the assessment take?
The initial assessment is scheduled for 1 hour.
How much does the initial assessment cost?
The initial assessment if free.
How do you determine what treatment is best?
We utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Placement Criteria to determine admission, continuing stay and discharge decisions for all levels of care.
How long is the treatment program?
The treatment program is individualized to meet the needs of the patient. Length of stays for Inpatient and Outpatient care are determined through a continual assessment and evaluation process. The ASAM criteria are used in this process. The length of the program varies from patient to patient.
What is treatment like?
START is a multidimensional program that incorporates many treatment modalities. The program utilizes a team of professionals including physicians, nurses, psychiatric professionals, addiction counselors, dieticians, recreational therapists, occupational therapists and chaplains. The Twelve Steps are a foundation and guideline for living and are fully integrated into the treatment process and treatment plan. Treatment is highly structured and includes individual and group therapy, twelve step meetings, educational lectures, spiritual care groups, and family meetings.
Is the START program accredited?
The program is licensed by the State of Oklahoma. The hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JACHO).
Are START staff members licensed?
START staff is composed of experienced professionals with licenses or certifications in the professional discipline they represent, such as MDs, RNs, and Chemical Dependency counselors.
Can I take my prescribed medications while in treatment?
Narcotic medication is not allowed in the program. These medications are prohibited. You may bring your medication with you to the assessment or simply write down the name, dose and prescribing information of each medication. Any medication prescribed by a physician that is necessary for a medical condition will be provided.
What are the visiting hours?
This is a confidential unit. Visiting is by permission of the patient and may change subject to treatment scheduling as well as physician orders. Please contact the unit for specific information.
What if I have a mental health diagnosis?
The intake counselor will assess your current mental health needs and determine if you are stable to admit to the START program or if you need a mental health admission. Our program frequently works with people who have concurrent mental health and addiction issues.
Is there a phone in my room? Can I get email? Mail?
There is not a phone in your room but there is a patient phone for your use. The time is limited and for local calls. To call long distance you must have a calling card or call collect. There is no access to email, but postal mail is accepted.
What kind of medicine do I get for detox?
Your physician will medically supervise your detox from alcohol or drugs. Medication may be prescribed to keep you comfortable and treat your withdrawal symptoms. We do not use methadone for detoxification from opiates.
What is the facility like?
START is a hospital based treatment program. It is located on a newly remodeled hospital unit at St. Anthony South at 2129 SW 59th. There is a nurses’ station, counselor offices, group rooms, day room, dining area and patient rooms.
How are the days spent?
A typical day begins at 7:30 a.m. Breakfast is at 8:10 a.m., and by 9:00 a.m. everyone is in a therapy group or lecture. Lunch is at noon, and the afternoons are filled with discussions, therapy sessions and sometimes a film or literature study. Visitation is 5:30 –6:15 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 2:00 –5:00 p.m. on Sundays. Evenings usually include AA or NA meetings, and at the end of the evening, we gather for a brief daily review or focus session. Lights are out at 11:00 p.m.
Will my family be involved?
Families are encouraged to be involved in our treatment and on Saturdays they have the opportunity to attend two family lectures and a family session with a therapist.
Can I tour the unit?
No, tours of the unit are not available. It is not possible due to the confidentiality of our patients.
What can I bring to treatment?
You should bring comfortable clothing and toiletries (alcohol free) for several days. Laundry machines are available if needed. You may also bring books, magazines, journaling pads, pencils/pens, blanket and a pillow.
What can’t I bring?
Please do not bring any weapons, pornography, expensive jewelry, computers, cell phones, pagers, TV’s, CD players, radios, irons, fans, heating pads, heated blankets, medications, vitamins or herbal supplements, musical instruments, or excessive cash.
Is START a locked unit?
START is specifically designed for chemical dependency treatment and is not a locked unit. While we do work with patients with co-existing mental health issues, anyone in need of psychiatric services requiring a locked unit would be referred to the appropriate unit.
Can I leave at any time?
START is not a locked unit and you could conceivably leave at anytime. If you decide to leave before your planned discharge date, your doctor may discharge you against medical advice (AMA). If you leave AMA, your insurance company could refuse to pay claims submitted for your stay.
Can I leave for a court date/doctors appointment and come back?
Passes are allowed only in special circumstances and must be approved by your physician. Court dates are usually considered and passes granted. Most doctors’ appointments would have to be rescheduled.
Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is not allowed at St. Anthony South.
Do you have private rooms?
Some private rooms are available but are on a first come first serve basis.
Do you require private insurance?
No, you can make arrangements to private pay through our business office. Payment must be received before you can begin the treatment program.
Do you have a sliding scale?
No, we are a privately owned treatment facility and therefore must charge for our services.
Will my insurance pay for treatment?
Most insurance plans have chemical dependency benefits. You should consult your plan directory or call the plan directly for specific benefit information. We won’t be able to determine if your insurance company will pay for treatment until you have completed the initial assessment with one of our intake counselors. The intake counselor will contact your insurance company after the assessment and the insurance company will make the determination based on the information, which you provide to the counselor.
What do I do after treatment?
Your assigned counselor will assist you in discharge planning. It is essential that you follow through with a self help program and any other recommendations made by your counselor or physician.
Do you offer aftercare services?
Yes, we offer follow-up care for one year at no additional cost. This is designed to support the recovery process and is not a substitute for twelve steps or self help programs.
Can I force a family member in to treatment?
No, chemical dependency admissions are on a voluntary basis. One option you have is to work with an interventionist, a trained professional who will help you arrange a structured meeting with the chemically dependant person.
What is an intervention?
An intervention is a method to convince a reluctant chemically dependant person to seek assistance for recovery. Friends and family members present information to the chemically dependant person on their destructive behavior in a calm, rational, and loving manner.
