PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
Gaudenzia's Together House short-term program, is a 9 bed unit, designed for a length of treatment from 30-60 days. The goals of the program is to provide residential addiction treatment services for adults who are HIV/AIDS symptomatic, may be homeless, and may also have co-existing disorders of chemical dependency and mental illness.

The program is based on Gaudenzia's Therapeutic Community model, modified to suit the target population's multiple unique needs, as well as the short-term nature of the program. This model integrates chemical dependency and mental health treatment elements coupled with HIV/AIDS education and treatment. The program emphasizes engagement, assessment of needs, stabilization and subsequent referrals to external/internal services for ongoing addiction treatment and maintenance of long-term stability.

Gaudenzia's Together House short-term program, which began in the Spring of 1999, is designed to provide services from 30-45 days. The goals of the program is to provide residential addiction treatment services for adults who are HIV/AIDS symptomatic, may be homeless, and may also have co-existing disorders of chemical dependency and mental illness.

Services are delivered by a multi-disciplinary team consisting of counselors, a staff psychiatrist, a program director, house managers, nurses and a Master's level social worker. This team collaborates with each resident on the development and implementation of a comprehensive, individualized treatment/service plan. Psychiatric and medical monitoring services are provided onsite by the psychiatrist and nurses. The composition of staff reflects the cultural diversity of the population it serves.

Within 72 hours of admission all residents receive a bio-psychosocial assessment administered by a treatment team member. This assessment identifies the varied needs of the residents in the areas of substance abuse, housing, medical services, mental health services and benefits coordination. The assessment serves as a basis by which the individualized, comprehensive treatment plan will be developed. Upon admission all prospective residents are expected to submit to a urine drug screen. Any drug screens which reflect the presence of a substance may result in the resident requiring detoxification prior to the program acceptance.

The medical component of the program has the capacity to administer virtually all prescribed medications including neuroleptics for psychiatric stabilization. Medical psychiatric emergencies are referred to Temple University Hospital where the program has a formalized agreement.

CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION:

• Adults 18 and over
• Ambulatory
• Physically/mentally able to participate in program activities.
• A medical screening is required to assess for active contagions.
• Prior to admission consideration, residents are required to receive an assessment based on the PCPC criteria to determine eligibility for short-term residential placement.

SERVICES OFFERED:
As with all Therapeutic Communities, activities are structured and goal directed and occur during the day and evening hours.

Components of the program include:

• Individual and Group Counseling
• Psychiatric Evaluation and Consultation
• Process and Support Groups
• Education Seminars
• Medical Monitoring
• Service Coordination/Planning
• Chemical Dependency Education
• Mental Health Groups & Education
• HIV/AIDS Education & Treatment
• Medication Management
• Life Skills Management
• Community-building recreation activities
• Twelve step support groups

NEEDED AT ADMISSION:
One form of identification
Previous treatment history
Court order/stipulation
Insurance card/Medical Assistance
Psychiatric/psychological evaluations completed
Medical PPD (TB Test)

STAFFING:
The Together House Short Term Program has a full complement of staff experienced in working with individuals with HIV/AIDS, chemical dependency and mental illness. The Together House program has a staff Psychiatrist, nurses, a Master's level social worker and credentialed counselors.

FUNDING:
Together House accepts referrals from a variety of sources such as detoxification units, SCA's, the Forensic Intensive Recovery (FIR) program, the Aids Activities Coordinating Office (AACO), Case Managers, Treatment Facilities, hospitals, local health centers and any CBH approved point of contact.
County D&A
Forensic Intensive Recovery
Community Behavioral Health
Medical Assistance
Aids Activities Coordinating Office

LICENSING:
Department of Health, Office of Drug and Alcohol Programs
Credentialed - Community Behavioral Health

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