Citizen Advocates – Saranac Lake Behavioral Health Clinic

70 Edgewood Rd Saranac Lake, NY 12983

Detox

Outpatient

About Citizen Advocates – Saranac Lake Behavioral Health Clinic

A hub for outdoor recreation, Saranac Lake, New York features Citizen Advocates – Saranac Lake Behavioral Health Clinic. Since 1975, they’ve provided addiction, mental health and developmental and intellectual disability services for adults, youth and families. You can access comprehensive outpatient care with multiple specialized programs to meet you where you are in recovery.

Outpatient care gives you the flexibility to live at home and attend treatment. Their programs provide the added convenience of transportation and virtual services. You’ll benefit from a personalized treatment plan to reach your recovery goals. Mental health and substance abuse therapy, peer support, medication assisted treatment (MAT), family services, 24/7 crisis care and more are available.

What stands out most to me is their skill building services. They recognize that sobriety is just one factor in sustained recovery. You can access life skills, job training and other career development services to secure employment after treatment. That way you can improve essential life aspects to become self-sufficient and advance in your journey.

I also think their impaired driving program is great. You can participate in screenings, assessments and treatment to reinstate your driving privileges. You’ll benefit from understanding whether you have a substance use disorder and receiving the support to work through your challenges.

Another standout feature that caught my eye was their smoking cessation services. They provide counseling and nicotine replacement therapy to quit smoking. You can access an integrated approach with proven interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. Their facility is also tobacco-free so you won’t be surrounded by triggers when you attend treatment.

Other notable features include gambling addiction treatment, physical health programs and peer community clubs.

Latest Reviews

JD_Kreeper

2 months ago on Google

Very good place. Lizzie Finlayson and Eddie Lawrence are great.

Response from the owner1 month ago

Thank you for the sharing your feedback, JD!

Becky White

2 months ago on Google

Do something about your god awful bus driver that goes between tupper and saranac lake in the mornings. Going 10-15 under the speed limit is a safety risk for so many on the road. If they're going to hold up over 10+ cars every morning they should really pull over on the shoulder for the people behind them. Very inconsiderate especially considering what this company is supposed to stand for.

Vee (Lucifer)

3 months ago on Google

I legit can not get them to call me back for the scheduling of my 3rd appointment, which I need so I can get my insurance to cover my medicine! It's like they hear Telehealth and throw my inquiry into the trash! I should not have to call ten billion times for a simple appointment! Avoid this place if you can.

Response from the owner2 months ago

Thank you for sharing the feedback, Vee. We take all input seriously and are committed to continuously improving the experience for everyone we serve. We will look into this.

Rehab Score

Our Methodology

Scoring is assigned by a proprietary system which helps surface key metrics that determine quality. The 10-point scale factors in categories such as operations, customer satisfaction, and trust metrics. Read Full Methodology

7.1 / 10

Gallery

Citizen Advocates - Behavioral Health Clinic NY 12983

The facilities at Citizen Advocates - Behavioral Health Clinic in Saranac Lake, NY 1

Location

Other Forms of Payment

Medicaid is a state based program that helps lower-income individuals and families pay for healthcare. Medicaid covers addiction treatment so those enrolled can use their coverage to pay for rehab. When a program accepts Medicaid the client often pays very little or nothing out of their own pocket.

Private insurance refers to any kind of healthcare coverage that isn't from the state or federal government. This includes individual and family plans offered by an employer or purchased from the Insurance Marketplace. Every plan will have different requirements and out of pocket costs so be sure to get the full details before you start treatment.

Self-pay involves paying for treatment out of your own pocket. You can use savings or credit, get a personal loan, or receive help from family and friends to fund your treatment. If you don't have insurance or your insurance plan doesn't cover a specific program, self-pay can help ensure you still get the care you need.

Financial aid can take many forms. Centers may have grants or scholarships available to clients who meet eligibility requirements. Programs that receive SAMHSA grants may have financial aid available for those who need treatment as well. Grants and scholarships can help you pai for treatment without having to repay.

Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance for those 65 and older. It also serves people under 65 with chronic and disabling health challenges. To use Medicare for addiction treatment you need to find a program that accepts Medicare and is in network with your plan. Out of pocket costs and preauthorization requirements vary, so always check with your provider.

Military members, veterans, and eligible dependents have access to specific insurance programs that help them get the care they need. TRICARE and VA insurance can help you access low cost or no cost addiction and mental health treatment. Programs that accept military insurance often have targeted treatment focused on the unique challenges military members, veterans, and their families face.

Addiction Treatments

Levels of Care

Outpatient

Outpatient Programs (OP) are for those seeking mental rehab or drug rehab, but who also stay at home every night. The main difference between outpatient treatment (OP) and intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) lies in the amount of hours the patient spends at the facility. Most of the time an outpatient program is designed for someone who has completed an inpatient stay and is looking to continue their growth in recovery. Outpatient is not meant to be the starting point, it is commonly referred to as aftercare.

Medically Assisted Detox

Medical detox involves weaning your body off of addictive substances in a medically supervised environment. If you've become dependent on alcohol and/or drugs, quitting on your own can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. In medically assisted detox, a team of licensed medical professionals will help manage potential withdrawal symptoms, ensuring that you're as safe and comfortable as possible. This process typically takes about 5-7 days, although the length will depend on your individual needs.

Treatments

Many of those suffering from addiction also suffer from mental or emotional illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorders. Rehab and other substance abuse facilities treating those with a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder administer psychiatric treatment to address the person's mental health issue in addition to drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

A combined mental health and substance abuse rehab has the staff and resources available to handle individuals with both mental health and substance abuse issues. It can be challenging to determine where a specific symptom stems from (a mental health issue or an issue related to substance abuse), so mental health and substance abuse professionals are helpful in detangling symptoms and keeping treatment on track.

Programs

Adult Program

Adult rehab programs include therapies tailored to each client's specific needs, goals, and recovery progress. They are tailored to the specific challenges adult clients may face, including family and work pressures and commitments. From inpatient and residential treatment to various levels of outpatient services, there are many options available. Some facilities also help adults work through co-occurring conditions, like anxiety, that can accompany addiction.

Young Adult Program

Young adulthood can be an exciting, yet difficult, time of transition. Individuals in their late teens to mid-20s face unique stressors related to school, jobs, families, and social circles, which can lead to a rise in substance use. Rehab centers with dedicated young adult programs will include activities and amenities that cater to this age group, with an emphasis on specialized counseling, peer socialization, and ongoing aftercare.

Clinical Services

Research clearly demonstrates that recovery is far more successful and sustainable when loved ones like family members participate in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic factors may be at play when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health issues. Family dynamics often play a critical role in addiction triggers, and if properly educated, family members can be a strong source of support when it comes to rehabilitation.

Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.

Staff

James Button, MSW

President & CEO

Kati Jock

VP of Operations & Finance

Jennifer Dishaw

Chief of Staff

Courtney Frank

Associate VP of Finance

Jennifer DiTullio

Network Associate VP of Operations

Heather Wenzel

Associate VP of People

Zachary Randolph

Associate VP of Clinical Care

Contact Information

(518) 891-5535

Website

70 Edgewood Rd
Saranac Lake, NY 12983

Get Help Now - 518-875-3316

Who Answers?

Fact checked and written by:

Mariah Bourne, M.A.

Edited by:

Peter Lee, PhD

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Reviews of Citizen Advocates – Saranac Lake Behavioral Health Clinic

2.9/5 (17 reviews)

Google Reviews

2.9 (17 reviews)

2 months ago

3 months ago

Response from the owner3 months ago

Stephen Aardsma

6 months ago

Dr Maxwell is the best!!! Joanna is an excellent therapist. I've been seeing her for almost 3 years

Sarah Brophy

11 months ago

This place is a JOKE. They have canceled almost every single appointment I've made. I received addiction treatment there 5 years ago.. started going back recently for mental health as I was struggling with severe depression. I have been clean for FIVE YEARS but am still treated with mistrust and condescending comments. I'm trying to get treatment for SEVERE depression and suicidal thoughts yet they cancel appointments over, and over, and over, and over. I haven't seen a counselor in MONTHS because of this. Unacceptable treatment. Go anywhere else!

Response from the owner11 months ago

Thank you for sharing, Sarah. We listen carefully to all feedback and strive to provide a better experience for everyone we serve. Thank you.

Kaitlyn Brier

1 year ago

Only reason it deserves two stars instead of one is because of two amazing people who work there, one being a psychosocial rehabilitation worker, and one being a counselor. Otherwise if I could, I would rate it negative stars.I have had three different counselors within almost 3 years that would be approximately Jan 2021 start date I have had three different psychiatrists Starting July 2021 as I was afraid to take medication. This was a logical fear, considering they never fill medication, & I am on daily benzo.They don t do crisis refills on the weekends because their nurses and psychiatrists don t know how to fill out a form, that is literally a life or death form for this medication when they re supposed to and called about filling it.When John was working, I never had issues I was getting my medication on time. I was getting my doses to the correct amount. He was phenomenal now he s in Malone.I was told to go to the hospital because of their mistake to get medication for my panic attack or possibly a death from withdrawal from being on a benzo for almost 3 years, Every single day!I was blaming the pharmacy for many months until I called them today when my medicine should ve been in already they said it wasn t signed. I asked if there was a way around it because I don t want to go out especially that way that s very painful. The Pharmacist had more empathy than the on-call people today.If you have to get medication, I definitely recommend a different office!Clearly, there s a reason to go through so many Employees.They are supposed to be a mental health clinic, but yet in a crisis of potentially not being around because they don t fill prescriptions when they re supposed to clearly It s not a very good mental health clinic.I had extreme health anxiety, Extreme physical anxiety to the point where I would cripple up and my organs would feel like they were falling out that I finally decided to go on a medication, now I have to deal with medications never being filled.I am clearly going to have to request getting three month supplies because that seems more secure than the people putting in the order for the prescription.I definitely do not recommend this office unless you re only getting counseling and lucky shot if you get more than one appointment a month, with that being said, you should probably just go somewhere else.Update: I called 5 days before medication needed to be sent in and said where it goes, I was told it was sent to the wrong pharmacy, I was also told it s because I change my pharmacy ALL the time.So let s get this straight- at first it was Walmart, I changed it to kinneys because the people at the office were annoyed that they had to request a prior authorization from Walmart all the time, kinneys does same day refill every month so I wanted to switch back to Walmart as 31 days doesn t equal 30 pills- Walmart wanted a bunch of things so I said cross that just keep it kinneys, therefore it wasn t changed, they didn t approve it and it stayed at kinneys.My fault YOU didn t listen to the voicemail on where to send it. This nurse I stg.Definitely go somewhere else the nurses don t know how to take accountability. We re the ones getting therapy yet the workers don t even know how to self reflect on their wrong doings .

Carrie Griffo

I ve gone through multiple therapy options including better help, this has been the first place that has been able to actually help. The online calls work great and the people really care. They give reminder messages for appointments and have always been there during crisis moments. Jade is absolutely wonderful.

Response from the owner1 year ago

Thank you so much for the kind words - we are grateful for the feedback, and fortunate to have such an amazing team. Thanks for sharing!

Felicia Martinez

They used to push to get what the client needs. I used to love this establishment and trust them. Now I barely have appointments and the ones I do get to have, are either shorter than normal or canceled last minute or I m the only party that shows up/ waits on my phone. I had a phoen appointment recently and it was stated that they called me but my boyfriend and I watched my phone laying down, playing on said phone for a whole hour before and after before calling the clinic a 3rd time. Only using till I can find a different clinic. I do however recommend Dr.wild. I ve been in mental health services since I was 5 every other pyschatrist I ve met in my years which is quite a few, has made me feel small, unheard, and ignorant. He did not make me feel any negative way about myself. He s much more open minded then your standard run of the mill.

Jessica Finn

I have been trying for over a week to get ahold of someone. No reply from anyone. Absolutely terrible communication. I will be looking for a new provider.

Richard H�lster

2 years ago

The intake paperwork stack is overly complicated and extremely thick, contains many illegibly copied copies of copies, and most of it is immediately tossed into the (let's hope) recycling as soon as you've finished providing your information. This cold open, the utter wastefulness, and the manner in which you're treated as disposable sets the stage for the experience and continues from session to session. Eventually the sessions take less time than the drive to get there. One might as well have simply used TikTok and helped save the planet in the process.

kelsey anne

I absolutely LOVE North Star Life changing ! Seriously!

Kelly Smith

3 years ago

U know the fact that they DON'T want the client to know the therapist last name is very sketchy. This is the only mental health provider of this kind. We should have better quality care in our community.

Overall Experience

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