The doctor that I had first, made feel very uncomfortable to the point that I request a new psychiatrist. Here is absolutely the worst place I ever been. I wouldn't recommend this for the long term treatment at all, find a therapist because this place is not that they don't ...
About Riverbend Center
Riverbend Center is a mental health clinic in Florence, Alabama that supports adults and adolescents struggling with substance use issues. You can also receive treatment here if you’ve cooccurring disorders. They have multiple facilities serving residents of Colbert, Franklin and Lauderdale counties in Northwest Alabama. This location in Florence is home to their outpatient services.
It is near U.S. Highway 72 which runs east-west through the area. This makes it easy to access from nearby cities like Muscle Shoals and Athens. It is also within driving distance of I-65. This runs north-south and connects Florence to Birmingham and Nashville. The city of Florence has many natural features that you can explore as part of holistic care.
It sits along the Tennessee River and is home to Deibert Park. This offers a peaceful space with interpretive trails, ponds and a historical barn. The Shoals Creek Preserve nearby provides more trails through woodlands alongside views of creeks and waterfalls. Wilson Park is also a short drive away from the facility. These natural sceneries can make your recovery journey super exciting when put to good use.
The facility offers an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for adults dealing with substance use. Priority for this treatment is given to IV drug users, pregnant IV drug users and pregnant drug or alcohol users. Women who use drugs or alcohol and have dependent children are also prioritized.
The program involves 12 hours of weekly therapy sessions using the 12-step and medical treatment models. You’re required to participate in individual and family therapy alongside the traditional group sessions. Attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings is compulsory as well.
Specialized intensive therapeutic intervention is available for adolescents. This promotes a drug-free lifestyle, reducing criminal behavior and improving adaptive behavior in school. It also fosters healthier family interactions.
The facility also offers standard outpatient counseling for adults and adolescents with psychiatric, substance use and behavioral problems requiring diagnostic evaluation and treatment. This program involves individual and group sessions alongside psychoeducational groups. Treatment may involve coordination with family, schools, doctors and other relevant agencies.
Aftercare support is provided if you successfully complete their outpatient program. Clients with dual diagnosis receive psychiatric services through Riverbend’s psychiatric program.
Latest Reviews
Dr rose lied to me and insulted my wife she just try s to up your meds and send you on your way she need to go back to medical school and learn mental health this is the most ridiculous place I have been
Disappointing Facility, Exceptional TherapistAs someone who has sought support and assistance for mental health issues, my experience at Riverbend left much to be desired. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I couldn't shake the feeling of dissatisfaction.Firstly, the facility itself felt outdated and neglected. The ambiance was sterile and unwelcoming, contributing to an atmosphere of discomfort rather than healing. The waiting area lacked comfort and privacy, making it challenging to relax before appointments.Moreover, the administrative staff seemed disorganized and indifferent. Scheduling appointments was a nightmare, with long wait times both on the phone and in person. It was frustrating to navigate the bureaucracy just to get the help I needed.However, amidst this sea of disappointment, there was one shining beacon of hope: my therapist, Julie James. She was the saving grace of my experience at Riverbend.Julie James was empathetic, understanding, and truly dedicated to helping me navigate my mental health struggles. She listened attentively, offering insightful perspectives and practical coping strategies. Her professionalism and genuine concern for my well-being were evident in every session.Despite the shortcomings of the facility itself, Julie James made every effort to create a safe and supportive environment for our sessions. Her expertise and compassionate approach were invaluable to my journey towards healing.While I cannot recommend Riverbend as a whole, I wholeheartedly endorse Julie Ellis James. Although Julie James has transitioned from her practice at Riverbend, I highly recommend reaching out to her if you're seeking a therapist. I can assure you that you'll be in the compassionate and capable care of someone like her.
They have a lot of new NICE staff that actually cares.. Tiffany is one of the nurses and she really cares and goes over and beyond. My son and I go there and are very pleased
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6.5 / 10
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Accepted Insurance
Other Forms of Payment
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.
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.
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.
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.
Inpatient Inpatient rehab is designed primarily for clients exiting detox, people in early recovery, and those at an elevated risk of relapse. Participants reside at the rehab facility until they complete their treatment program. This allows them to focus solely on their recovery, away from outside distractions, stressors, and addiction triggers. Inpatient drug rehab typically involves extensive addiction counseling, recovery-focused life skills training, and complementary therapies.
Intensive Outpatient Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are for those who want or need a very structured treatment program but who also wish to live at home and continue with certain responsibilities (such as work or school). IOP substance abuse treatment programs vary in duration and intensity, and certain outpatient rehab centers will offer individualized treatment programs.
Aftercare Support Rehab aftercare programs are designed to provide support to you after completing an addiction treatment program. These programs are highly customized and evolve with your changing needs. You'll partner with staff at the treatment center to identify any specific medical, behavioral, and social services needed to support your sustained sobriety. Aftercare services may include peer coaching, career counseling, and other personalized 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).
Partial Hospitalization Program A partial hospitalization program (PHP) provides comprehensive treatment to those who do not require 24/7 monitoring and offers a higher level of care than outpatient programs. Often referred to as "day treatment" patients typically attend sessions a minimum of 20 hours weekly, allowing clients to return home each day. PHP treatment is often covered by insurance and can provide daily therapeutic sessions and services such as relapse prevention and medication management.
Treatments
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 rehab in Alabama provides medical or psychotherapeutic treatment for drug dependency. Methods of treatment often include a combination of medication, counseling, and recreational therapies.
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 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.
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.
LGBTQ Program
Recovery is most successful when clients feel accepted and validated by their peers and treatment providers. Facilities that offer LGBTQ-inclusive programming are committed to creating a safe space where everyone can grow and recover without fear of judgment or discrimination. They will have dedicated policies in place to create a safe and supportive environment that fosters free expression.
Military Program
Serving in the military is both mentally and physically challenging, and can result in trauma that persists even after combat ends. Military programs are tailored to the specific and often complex needs of active duty personnel, veterans, and military families. Clients often access these programs through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Clinical Services
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.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a form of talk therapy designed to treat individuals who are experiencing intense emotions. It is often used in Alabama for the treatment of borderline personality disorder, substance use disorder, and other mental health conditions.
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.
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 (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 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.
Whether a marriage or other committed relationship, an intimate partnership is one of the most important aspects of a person's life. Drug and alcohol addiction affects both members of a couple in deep and meaningful ways, as does rehab and recovery. Couples therapy and other couples-focused treatment programs are significant parts of exploring triggers of addiction, as well as learning how to build healthy patterns to support ongoing sobriety.
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 trainings involve all the skills a person must have in order to function successfully in the world. These include time management, career guidance, money management, and effective communication. Truly successful addiction recovery is based on the ability to not only live substance-free, but to thrive. Life skills teaches the practical necessities of functioning in society, which sets clients up for success in life, and therefore sobriety.
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.
Amenities
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Residential Setting
Staff & Accreditations
Staff
Liz James
Chief Executive Officer
Steven Berkowitz
Finance Director
Valerie Wesson
Clinical Director
Accreditations
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 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: Alabama
Contact Information
(256) 764-3431 
635 West College street
Florence AL, 35630
Get Help Now - 256-434-9461
Who Answers?
Who Answers?
Fact checked and written by:
Chika Uchendu
Edited by:
Courtney Myers, MS
