Withdrawal Management Program Now Offered at Linn County Mental Health Access Center

The Linn County Mental Health Access Center now provides a withdrawal management program for adults. Withdrawal management - informally called detox - is the medical and psychological care of patients experiencing withdrawal symptoms after stopping or reducing use of their drug of dependence. The Abbe Community Mental Health Center, a partner at the Mental Health Access Center, holds the license for the withdrawal management program. The program focuses on alcohol and opioid withdrawals and works to reduce discomfort, prevent complications, and support each person in developing a patient-centered plan specific to their needs.

Assessment for the withdrawal management program is available at any time through the Access Center. Due to current staffing capacity, admissions are scheduled on Mondays and Tuesdays. Individuals can request an assessment by calling the Access Center at 319-892-5612, and walk-ins are welcome at any time for assessment and support. Unlike other Access Center services, withdrawal management admissions are not currently offered 24/7. The long-term goal is to expand staffing and offer 24/7 admissions.

The Mental Health Access Center has two beds available for the program. A typical stay in a withdrawal program is three to five days.

"Withdrawal is, at best, an unpleasant experience, and it can be life threatening," Access Center Director Erin Foster said. "Patients in the withdrawal management program will be medically managed with the medical providers on site at the Access Center, as well as have daily touch points with substance use counselors.

"Mental health conditions and substance use disorders can often occur together. What makes our withdrawal management program unique is that it's integrated into already existing and successful crisis programs," Foster continued. "Here at the Access Center, we have a strong collaboration with community partners to create next steps after discharge. Patient success is more likely because of these partnerships that occur naturally in the Access Center."

The Linn County Mental Health Access Center, located at 501 13th St. NW, Cedar Rapids, provides 24/7 crisis care for adults 18 and older experiencing a mental health or substance use disorder crisis that requires immediate attention. Patients do not have to be residents of Linn County to receive services. Use of Mental Health Access Center services is 100% voluntary.

The Access Center is under the management of Linn County Community Services, a department within Linn County government. Access Center Director Erin Foster is the only County employee at the Access Center. Services are provided by Abbe Health, Area Ambulance Service, and Foundation 2 Crisis Services.

The Mental Health Access Center cannot serve individuals in need of immediate medical care; individuals who are violent at arrival or immediately prior to arrival with a likelihood that they will seriously hurt themselves, other patients, or Access Center employees; or minors 17 years old or younger.