Denver CARES

Denver, Colorado

1155 Cherokee Street
Denver, CO 80204

About Denver CARES

Denver CARES, located in Denver, Colorado is a public alcohol and drug rehab that offers treatment for a variety of substance abuse addictions including alcoholism, co-occurring mental health disorders, and opiate addiction. They offer supervised medical treatment to safely manage withdrawal symptoms during detoxification, residential care providing long term support for addiction recovery, as well as flexible outpatient addiction therapy allowing patients to live at home while receiving regular treatment. Additional levels of care offered include partial hospitalization, relapse prevention, and recovery housing.

Specialty rehab programs at Denver CARES include tailored care focusing on women's specific needs and experiences, gender-specific addiction treatment addressing unique challenges faced by men, and age-appropriate treatment for teens addressing adolescent-specific issues.

Patients at Denver CARES will find the private transportation allows for discreet and convenient travel to appointments and the residential setting creates an immersive environment promoting full engagement in recovery away from daily triggers. For recreation, patients can express themselves creatively with art activities, use the acupuncture room to support holistic recovery, or foster creativity and jam with other patients in the music room.

Denver CARES has received accreditations from SAMHSA and the state of Colorado.

Payment Options

Self-pay options
Financial aid
Sliding scale payment assistance
Medicare
Medicaid
Medicare

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.

Inpatient

Residential treatment programs are those that offer housing and meals in addition to substance abuse treatment. Rehab facilities that offer residential treatment allow patients to focus solely on recovery, in an environment totally separate from their lives. Some rehab centers specialize in short-term residential treatment (a few days to a week or two), while others solely provide treatment on a long-term basis (several weeks to months). Some offer both, and tailor treatment to the patient's individual requirements.

Aftercare Support

12-Step

12-step programs are addiction recovery models based on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). A number of substance abuse programs (including some drug and alcohol rehab centers) use the 12 steps as a basis for treatment. Beginning steps involve admitting powerlessness over the addiction and creating a spiritual basis for recovery. Middle steps including making direct amends to those who've been hurt by the addiction, and the final step is to assist others in addiction recovery in the same way. 12-Step offshoots including Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA), Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) and Gamblers Anonymous (GA).

Sober Living Homes

Sober Living Houses (SLHs), aka sober homes or halfway houses, are safe, substance-free, supportive living facilities for those recovering from substance abuse. Ideal for those who've just been through inpatient or outpatient treatment, SLHs are supervised environments with rules that support sobriety, such as curfews, shared chores, and therapeutic meetings. Residents are also often trained on life skills and coping skills to make it easier to transition into society. SLHs also provide a strong sense of community that can lead to the kind of deep and lasting connections with other sober individuals that supports a new, healthy lifestyle.

Intervention Services

A drug intervention in Colorado is necessary when someone needs help with substance abuse but is unwilling to stop using despite multiple negative consequences. Intervention services are available to walk family and friends through a step-by-step process of planning and executing the intervention. A successful intervention requires careful planning and set-up as well as appropriate follow-up. Intervention services can be crucial to carrying out each of these steps.

Partial Hospitalization Program

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a short-term form of intensive rehab, usually for those with acute symptoms that are hard to manage but don’t require 24-hour care. PHPs have structured programming (i.e. individual and/or group therapy), and usually meet 3-5 days a week for around 6 hours (i.e. 9am-3m). Some PHPs are residential (patients sleep on site) and some are not, so patients sleep at home. PHPs can last from 1-6 months, and some offer transportation and meals.

24-Hour Clinical Care

Detox can be dangerous if not properly supervised, making 24-hour clinical care in Colorado an essential tool in the recovery process. The constant monitoring by medical professionals helps individuals through critical stages of recovery. Medical professionals and addiction specialists are available 24/7 to provide medications that ease withdrawal symptoms and to treat any other issues that arise.

Medically Assisted Detox

Drug and alcohol addiction often takes a heavy toll on one's body. Over time, a physical dependence can develop, meaning the body physiologically needs the substance to function. Detox is the process of removing drugs and/or alcohol from the body, a process that can be lethal if mismanaged. Medical detox is done by licensed medical professionals who monitor vital signs and keep you safe, healthy, and as comfortable as possible as you go through detox and withdrawal.

Programs

Teen Program

Adult Program

Program For Men

Program For Women

Young Adult Program

Seniors Program

Hearing Impaired Program

HIV/AIDS Program

LGBTQ Program

Military Program

Postpartum Program

Settings & Amenities

Private Transportation
Art Activities
Acupuncture Room
Residential Setting
Private Rooms
Music Room

Treatment

Alcoholism

The goal of treatment for alcoholism is abstinence. Those with poor social support, poor motivation, or psychiatric disorders tend to relapse within a few years of treatment. For these people, success is measured by longer periods of abstinence, reduced use of alcohol, better health, and improved social functioning. Recovery and Maintenance are usually based on 12 step programs and AA meetings.

Drug Addiction

Professional services are often necessary to recover from addiction. Drug rehab in Colorado provides the expert services needed to address the complex issues of addiction and help individuals start their recovery journey.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse

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.

Opioid Addiction

Opioid rehabs specialize in supporting those recovering from opioid addiction. They treat those suffering from addiction to illegal opioids like heroin, as well as prescription drugs like oxycodone. These centers typically combine both physical as well as mental and emotional support to help stop addiction. Physical support often includes medical detox and subsequent medical support (including medication), and mental support includes in-depth therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction.

Clinical Services

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapy modality that focuses on the relationship between one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is used to establish and allow for healthy responses to thoughts and feelings (instead of unhealthy responses, like using drugs or alcohol). CBT has been proven effective for recovering addicts of all kinds, and is used to strengthen a patient's own self-awareness and ability to self-regulate. CBT allows individuals to monitor their own emotional state, become more adept at communicating with others, and manage stress without needing to engage in substance abuse.

Group Therapy

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.

Individual Therapy

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a clinical approach to helping people with substance abuse issues and other conditions shift behavior in positive ways. It is more goal-oriented than traditional psychotherapy, as MI counselors directly attempt to get clients to consider making behavioral change (rather than wait for them to come to conclusions themselves). Its primary purpose is to resolve ambivalence and help clients become able to make healthy choices freely.

Trauma Therapy

Trauma therapy addresses traumatic incidents from a client's past that are likely affecting their present-day experience. Trauma is often one of the primary triggers and potential causes of addiction, and can stem from child sexual abuse, domestic violence, having a parent with a mental illness, losing one or both parents at a young age, teenage or adult sexual assault, or any number of other factors. The purpose of trauma therapy is to allow a patient to process trauma and move through and past it, with the help of trained and compassionate mental health professionals.

Family Therapy

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.

Life Skills

Life skills are traits you need to be successful during recovery, such as managing stress and interpersonal relationships. During rehab treatment in Colorado, you and your therapist will identify any skills that need to be developed and work on methods to strengthen them.

Recreational Therapy

Recreational therapy (aka therapeutic recreation) uses creative and fun activities to help with addiction recovery. Recreational therapists lead patients in entertaining and engaging activities like sports or games; art (drawing, painting, sculpture); drama, music, and dance; and/or community outings (field trips) to improve patients' physical, social, and emotional well-being.

Creative Arts Therapy

Creativity is inherently healing, and can help those in recovery express thoughts or feelings they might not otherwise be able to. Creative arts therapy can include music, poetry/writing, painting, sculpting, dance, theater, sandplay, and more. Unlike traditional art, the final product matters far less than the experience of creation and expression itself.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a way of getting nicotine into the bloodstream without smoking. It uses products that supply low doses of nicotine to help people stop smoking. The goal of therapy is to cut down on cravings for nicotine and ease the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

Accreditations

SAMHSA

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1992 by congress, SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on American's communities.

SAMHSA Listed: Yes

State License

State Licenses are permits issued by government agencies that allow rehab organizations to conduct business legally within a certain geographical area. Typically, the kind of program a rehab facility offers, along with its physical location, determines which licenses are required to operate legally.

State License: Colorado

Contact

(303) 436-3500

Website

1155 Cherokee Street
Denver, CO 80204

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Reviews

2.41 (98 reviews)

Rehab.com (1)

Google (97)

Google Rating

2.4 (97 reviews)

Jodi Perkins

2 months ago

The worst most incompassionate caregivers I have ever seen. People go to them seeking help and they treat you like a piece of garbage. I wish I would have never gone in.

Response from the owner2 months ago

We strive to provide a high-quality, compassionate care to all of our patient and are sorry to hear that wasn't your experience. If you'd like to share more details about your visit so that we can know what needs to be improved upon, please reach out to our Patient Advocate Office at 303-602-2915 or email patient_advocates@dhha.org.

Kathryn Coogan

3 months ago

Response from the owner3 months ago

Thanks for the 5-stars! We appreciate your time in letting us know how we did!

Double D

Updated Review 2024: This place has gone downhill quite a bit. My first two experiences with the facility were extremely positive, as you can see from my old post below. However they have struggled to cope in a post-covid environment. Due to the increased population of both homeless locals and the flood of migrants, they often find themselves being used as a homeless shelter by people who have no real interest in recovery. This and tightening administrative policies has resulted in an imbalance in their execution of withdrawal management, every trip to cares has become a roll of the dice. If you get an attentive nurse, you'll probably be well taken care of, if not, unfortunately not even medical orders from the Denver Health hospital will be followed. ANY withdrawal management is 100% at the nurse's discretion, and some exercise this discretion in cruel ways. Last year they botched my withdrawal management so badly that by the time they finally attempted to get it under control it was so bad that I couldn't orally take the medications that they provide there, I had to be transferred to the emergency room, but not before the shift change, when the new more experienced nurse saw the condition I was in she immediately called for an ambulance, this means that the first nurse intentionally let me suffer for unknown reasons, if she had agreed to administer the medication in proper time I could have avoided a trip to the hospital.Something similar happened this year, I arrived at their facility with a medication order from the Denver health hospital to begin me on withdrawal protocol. The nurse that did my intake checked the paperwork and said it looked in order and she also remarked that she had received a call from my doctor and that everything was squared away. She did not inform me that they no longer accept medication orders from the Denver health hospital, so I went into the detox and waited. Has the hours passed I became increasingly concerned, the nausea, clamminess, and racing thoughts were returning, and I was experiencing a overstimulated sensation in my head that I had previously experienced before a seizure. I explained all this to the nurse, but she remained adamant that she could not start the with the protocol until my symptoms of withdrawal were so severe that it would prevent me from taking oral medication. I started this particular withdrawal session in a pretty positive way over at Denver health, I had thus far avoided the initial wave of exorcist level vomiting. The nurse changed that, I returned to the hospital, vomiting the whole way, if you see the younger nurse who is short and wears her hair in a bun, run.Old Review 2021: This is an excellent facility. with knowledgeable and compassionate staff. It's not the most comfortable place I've ever stayed, but it wasn't meant to be. The facilities are a bit bare, probably because they are low cost and accept Medicaid, which makes this understandable. It is, however a clean and safe environment staffed by medical professionals that treated me with kindness and respect. They do receive many individuals who are in an extremely agitated state when they arrive, so I can see why the reviews skew negative, many people who are there simply want to leave as soon as possible and do not understand that process has required steps that need to be done for legal reasons. Yes it's often crowded and hectic, earplugs and a eye mask for sleep are recommended for detox patients, the lights are on 24/7 for safety reasons, depending on when you're there the noise will vary from non existent to game day loud. The care and resources they provided me personally were invaluable, and I can't thank them enough.

Response from the owner2 years ago

Hi Ed. It's thoughtful feedback like yours that helps motivate us to continue striving to provide the best in patient care and improve our services. We take our mission to serve all in the community very seriously and are so glad to hear of your positive experience with the Denver CARES team! Thank you again for your kind words. Take care!

Austin Malone

Better than jail. I felt like the counselors were putting out a lot of effort in a very difficult environment. The detox unit should get some books and magazines donated to them, especially AA books. There is a television in the detox facility. The food was surprisingly good, especially the breakfasts. I was miserable there but glad I stayed for 5 days. One counselor named Annabelle was especially helpful and kind to me when I was essentially a broken soul. I will remember her kindness.

We appreciate the review. It seems that you had a good overall experience, but we hope you'll be fully satisfied on your next visit. If you'd like to share more about your experience, please reach out to our Patient Advocate Office at patient_advocates@dhha.org or by calling 303-602-2915.

Richard Perry

I entered Denver CARES Transitional Residential Treatment (TRT) and made a clear assessment of my goals with my counsellor at the beginning of treatment. One of these goals was to have enough savings in order to get my own living situation. I was told that even though the normal length of treatment was 90 some allowances were made for individuals who were compliant. If fact, while I was there I witnessed a handful of clients have there stay extended. When I reached the 90 day threshold I was told that I could no longer stay; despite only having reached 60% of my financial goal. I had to get a room at a weekly hotel, which quickly depleted my savings. My only option after a few weeks was to move back in with my wife - a relationship I was hoping to move past to become self sufficient and independent.The motivations of the staff is unclear and contradictory. I know of some staff who have little concern for the clients and are more interested in paying their mortgages and bills than to help people make real changes in their lives.I had high hopes when entering the program, only to have them dashed.If you are given options for treatment, put this towards the bottom of the list

This is unacceptable. We always want you to have a hassle-free experience when reaching out to us. We will investigate these concerns with the clinic right away. If you would like to share more about your experience, please call our Patient Advocate Office at 303-602-2915 or email patient_advocates@dhha.

Ronald Metz

4 months ago

I went there for help and They locked into an isolated cell. Prison would be better than this place. They were rude and had no medical ethics with alcohol withwrawal.

Response from the owner4 months ago

Thank you for sharing your concerns with us and we are sorry to hear about your experience. We are proud of the care we provide and committed to building a culture of safety, respect, and equity for all. Every review we receive is addressed following best practices set by state and federal bodies. In order to better understand and resolve your concerns, please contact our Patient Advocate Office at 303-602-2915 or by email at patient_advocates@dhha.org.

Caitlin Ferrell

If I could leave less than one star I would. My 12 hours in this hell were the worse hours of my life and that s saying a lot. They make you feel less than zero, just because you have a medical condition called addiction (which is obviously not a choice). As others have said they literally enjoy watching you not only go crazy but experience the most pain imaginable. They will hurt you beyond belief, and I m filing a lawsuit against them for falsifying their claim of helping those in need. If you need to detox, it is literally worth doing at home and even potentially dying from that than coming to this place. They have zero medical staff with zero training and have collectively decided to get off on watching patients literally to through hell. They inflict pain. They inflict trauma. They are true sadists. They are evil in the full embodiment of the word. If you take someone here after reading this review, you deserve the worst pain imaginable because that is what will happen to the loved one or person you re taking. There is no God at Denver Cares and there never will be. This facility if you can even call it that should 100% be shut down. Let s start a lawsuit, just message me.

Thank you for sharing your concerns with us and we are sorry to hear about your experience. We are proud of the care we provide and committed to building a culture of safety, respect and equity for all. Every review we receive is addressed following best practices set by state and federal bodies. We will look into this matter and make any necessary improvements or take appropriate action when warranted. If you would like to share more about your experience, please call our Patient Advocate Office at 303-602-2915 or email patient_advocates@dhha.org.

Melanie McClanahan

Patient, hardworking staff. They try their best to work with individual client needs. They are committed to safety, rest and getting clients better.

We appreciate the kind words! Our team is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care for our patients. Thank you!

Colin Payne

6 months ago

The staff was unhelpful, lacked empathy, and seemed to enjoy the unhappiness they inflicted upon the patients. It didn't feel as though "Denver Cares".

Response from the owner6 months ago

Elizabeth Christine

8 months ago

I was detained at Denver cares for 35 days against my will. I literally had to strangle myself with a cord to get transferred out of there. It's worse than jail because you can't bond out.

David Miller

False imprisonment, kidnapping, violation of the US Constitution. Held here against my will when I was not under arrest. Illegally coerced me to sign documents to be released from this fake jail. An absolute disgrace. The legal loopholes this place operates on is a violation of basic human rights. Class action lawsuit and immediate shutdown needs to happen. Disgrace. Employees are absolute human trash to work for this establishment. Super shady. Stay clear from this absolute nightmare. Charges need to be filed against all involved. An abomination that a place that runs like this exists in 2024 Denver, CO.

JK92

10 months ago

I have unfortunately struggled with substance abuse for many years. I've been unfortunate enough to have been admitted to this facility 2 times and both times an absolute nightmare. The last time I was here I was locked in the back of a ambulance for what felt like hours. No one told me anything that was happening or what to expect next. I practiced deep breathing techniques to keep myself calm because I am claustrophobic but even the large amount of effort I practiced alone in that box was barely enough to keep me calm. Absolutely terrifying. It is also my belief that a large number of staff that work here participate in the local Gangstalking community who practice psyclogical warfare tactics on the homeless in the city. It is a pandemic and this place is dangerous if you are a targeted individual. Steer clear of it. Needs to be investigated.

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