Spectrum Health Systems, Inc.

210 Bear Hill Rd
Waltham, MA 02451

Spectrum Health Systems

About Spectrum Health Systems, Inc.

Opened in 2013, Spectrum’s Outpatient Treatment Center in Waltham is located in a four-story professional building with easy access to routes 95, 128, 2 and the Mass Pike. We offer Massachusetts Impaired Driver programming in addition to medication-assisted treatment services at this location.

Founded in 1969, Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals impacted by addiction and/or mental health disorders. Over the past 50 years, Spectrum has become known as an industry leader, helping thousands of individuals overcome addiction and reclaim their lives.

Today, we offer a continuum of addiction treatment services across Massachusetts, including inpatient detoxification, residential rehabilitation, medication-assisted treatment, outpatient counseling and peer recovery support. Spectrum also operates a number of residential programs for the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services. And, we have state contracts throughout the country to provide specialized programming for criminal offenders with histories of substance abuse.

Latest Reviews

Steve G
Reviewed on 08/13/2024
1
If you have a full-time job and work for a living, do not go to Spectrum they will make you choose between getting dosed or going to work seek out other alternatives. If I could do it all over again I would not go to Spectrum. I told them my only two days off are Sunday and Wednesday other than that I work five to one well that’s too bad is what I get out of them so now I need to decide do I want to lose my job or walk off this medication because they don’t wanna work with you can easily let me get my takeoff on Wednesday. They just choose not to just feel like they have some sort of power over you. It’s their way or the highway that’s why 90% of the reviews are negative if most people are saying something negative about the place, obviously there’s a problem.
Ernesto Rodriguez
6 months ago on Google
5
excellent experience
Response from the owner5 months ago
Thank you for your review. We re glad to hear that you had a great experience with Spectrum!
Stacey D
7 months ago on Google
1
I drove all the way to this Waltham location from Lynn, a 30 minute ride. Their Google website says they close at 10am (check google s info on your available times). I get there at 9:05am and I call the nurse, she said they close at 9:00am, and that she already locked the bottles up. I guess it was partially my fault for not calling ahead of time, but it was last minute dosing at a new location for me this morning. Regardless, the Dispensing Hours on GOOGLE S website should be updated to prevent this from happening again would be a great idea. It s accurate on Spectrums website but not on Google, which I didn t notice until it was too late.
Response from the owner5 months ago
The hours provided on the Google listings are the hours of operation. For dispensing hours, please refer to the locations listed on our website at www.spectrumhealthsystems.org

Location

Accepted Insurance

Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. works with several private insurance providers and also accepts private payments when possible, please contact to verify your specific insurance provider.

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.

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.

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 iconOutpatient
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.
intensive-outpatient iconIntensive Outpatient
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) facilitate clients' sustained sobriety through high-level care aligned with their evolving needs. Clients engage in multiple treatment sessions per week, typically receiving between nine and 20 hours of outpatient care weekly. The frequency and intensity of treatment gradually decreases as clients stabilize. Many intensive outpatient rehabs offer a variety of services, including addiction counseling, recovery-focused life skills training, and medication assisted treatment (MAT). Evidence-based complementary therapies are also common.
aftercare iconAftercare Support
Rehab aftercare programs offer customized, wraparound support for clients in the maintenance phase of recovery. Many clients enroll in drug rehab immediately after completing intensive inpatient or residential care. Services encompass outpatient treatment but often extend long beyond the completion of a formal recovery program and typically include a variety of medical, mental health, and social service programs. Peer coaching, relapse prevention, 12 step program induction, and related services are commonly available.
12-step icon12-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).
heart-hands iconIntervention Services
A drug intervention in Massachusetts provides friends and family the opportunity to share how a person's substance use has caused problems in their lives. The goal of the intervention is to encourage the person to get the treatment they need. Most rehab facilities offer intervention services that can help families prepare for the intervention and facilitate entry into treatment if the person agrees to get help.
medically-assisted-detox iconMedically 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.

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.

Addiction is a highly complex problem, and drug rehab in Massachusetts is often necessary to address it. These programs treat physical, mental, and relational issues that are involved. Treatment empowers individuals to manage these issues without the use of drugs.

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.

Substance rehabs focus on helping individuals recover from substance abuse, including alcohol and drug addiction (both illegal and prescription drugs). They often include the opportunity to engage in both individual as well as group therapy.

Programs

teen-program thumbnail image
Teen Program
Teen programs are designed to address the unique pressures teens face, pressures that can drive them to experiment with dangerous, addictive substances. They need programs that meet them exactly where they are and give them tools for long-term recovery. Therapy can help teenagers understand and work through underlying issues so they can reclaim the life ahead of them.
adult-program thumbnail image
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.
program-for-men thumbnail image
Program For Men
Men face specific challenges and concerns when seeking addiction treatment. Gender-specific recovery programs help them tackle these issues head-on in an environment that's focused, targeted, and distraction-free. It also gives them the opportunity to connect with and learn from other men who have been through a similar journey and can offer support for the next step.
program-for-women thumbnail image
Program For Women
Rehabs for women provide a safe, nurturing space for female clients to heal. These treatment programs consider the specific obstacles that women can face during recovery and place a special emphasis on mental, social, physical, and reproductive health. They explore how each woman's experience has shaped the trajectory of their substance use, addressing issues such as sexual abuse and past trauma.
young-adult-program thumbnail image
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

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 modified form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a treatment designed to help people understand and ultimately affect the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. DBT is often used for individuals who struggle with self-harm behaviors, such as self-mutilation (cutting) and suicidal thoughts, urges, or attempts. It has been proven clinically effective for those who struggle with out-of-control emotions and mental health illnesses like Borderline Personality Disorder.

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 helps you as you recover from drug and alcohol addiction in Massachusetts by giving you structured activities to improve your physical and mental health. By participating in sports, creative arts, or nature activities, you have a positive outlet for emotions and stress that may have otherwise triggered alcohol or drug use. This helps to foster a healthy sober lifestyle.

During experiential therapy, clients process their emotions and situations from the inside out. This is different than the outside in approach of talk therapies. Experiential methods include art, music, equine therapy, and drama, which allow creative expression and personal interaction.

Amenities

  • private iconPrivate Setting

Accreditations

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) is a non-profit organization that specifically accredits rehab organizations. Founded in 1966, CARF's, mission is to help service providers like rehab facilities maintain high standards of care.

CARF Accreditation: Yes
Accreditation Number: 253423

The Joint Commission, formerly known as JCAHO, is a nonprofit organization that accredits rehab organizations and programs. Founded in 1951, the Joint Commision's mission is to improve the quality of patient care and demonstrating the quality of patient care.

Joint Commission Accreditation: Yes

Contact Information

Phone icon (781) 290-4970
Building icon

210 Bear Hill Rd
Waltham, MA 02451

Reviews of Spectrum Health Systems, Inc.

3.15/5 (16 reviews)
1
Staff
1
Amenities
1
Meals
2
Value
3
Cleanliness
5
6
4
2
3
0
2
4
1
4

Reviews

1
Don’t go there for help

If you have a full-time job and work for a living, do not go to Spectrum they will make you choose between getting dosed or going to work seek out other alternatives. If I could do it all over again I would not go to Spectrum. I told them my only two days off are Sunday and ... Read More

Steve G.
Reviewed on 8/12/2024
2

I have a loved one that has been going there for quite some time now. I am blown away by how many times there is no nurse on site for these patients who show up to recieve help but Spectrum cant be there for them on a 365 day basis. This is a continuous occurrence that leav ... Read More

Reviewed on 4/21/2019
4.5

Helped me a lot, I hope this place can save other lives because it saved mine. I'm happy that I've found a place where I can express myself.

Reviewed on 12/26/2018
Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer

Google Reviews

3.3 (13 reviews)
Ernesto Rodriguez
6 months ago
5

excellent experience

Response from the owner6 months ago
Thank you for your review. We re glad to hear that you had a great experience with Spectrum!
Stacey D
7 months ago
1

I drove all the way to this Waltham location from Lynn, a 30 minute ride. Their Google website says they close at 10am (check google s info on your available times). I get there at 9:05am and I call the nurse, she said they close at 9:00am, and that she already locked the bottles up. I guess it was partially my fault for not calling ahead of time, but it was last minute dosing at a new location for me this morning. Regardless, the Dispensing Hours on GOOGLE S website should be updated to prevent this from happening again would be a great idea. It s accurate on Spectrums website but not on Google, which I didn t notice until it was too late.

Response from the owner6 months ago
The hours provided on the Google listings are the hours of operation. For dispensing hours, please refer to the locations listed on our website at www.spectrumhealthsystems.org
Shawn
1 year ago
2

I have been going here for just about 7 yrs and for the past yr and a half it has been so ridiculous with the staff and how they portray themselves as the power in the world of dosing to the clients that go there so they started with the workers line again after 2 people complained about it and now they are up to maybe 4 workers and once they are gone they still make u stand out there until 615 am they all play games when they should not I would not recommend this place to anyone

Response from the owner1 year ago
We have informed our leadership who will be reaching out to you to discuss your concerns.
A C
1 year ago
2

Horrible staff in Waltham. Except for the few who have been there for years. The rest of the counselors are a week out of college or using spectrum as a stepping stone to go somewhere else or a resume bullet. It s impossible to build a relationship or to even want to try because you know that counselor will be gone in 8-12 weeks. They are NEVER on the same page as far as rules and contradict each other even though their offices share a wall! They care more about you missing a group than missing your medication. They dangle it in front of your face like it s a privilege to be medicated. There are some serious power trip issues going on in that building. One person says yes and the other says no authority is exaggerated by some of those who have it and they seem more interested in punishing you than taking the time to listen and understand your situation. I have been a client at spectrum for a LOOOONG time and have NEVER had a complaint. Until now. Melissa should not be dealing with clients, she is rude and mean and doesn t care. Loves to be on her high horse. Least caring employee spectrum has.

Response from the owner1 year ago
Thank you for passing along your feedback. We have reached out to leadership to ensure your concerns are addressed.
Cristian
3 years ago
1

This was the WORST detox ever. My first call to them to ask them about their rules and regulations, especially my concern about smoke brakes and transportation to and from the facility. They eagerly said oh yes we have lots of smoke brakes and oh yes we will uber you here and back home.Well they failed to say that smoke brakes are taken away if you dont go to all 5 to 7 group meetings per day, each being 1 hour. When your detoxing no one wants to be running around from group to group all day long, you just want to sleep and usually you dont have much energy at all.After 5 days of the bed springs killing my back i asked to leave, Wanting an uber home. They refused to pay for my uber home. Saying that i had 2 or 3 more days left. So i had to pay my own uber home, 70 miles $87.

Response from the owner3 years ago
Dear Mr. Napolitano: Spectrum s Waltham location is an outpatient facility that provides counseling services and medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders. Our detoxification programs are located in Weymouth and Westborough. Clients are allowed up to seven smoke breaks a day and typically attend four groups each day. We do expect that all clients participate in our treatment groups, unless they are not feeling well and medically excused. We d be happy to discuss your concerns and answer any questions should you wish to contact us directly. Sincerely, Spectrum Management
Alex Montanaro
5 years ago
1

Even if you do everything they want you to groups therapy EKG S etc. then you ask for a increase because your still dope sick and all you want is to feel ok for one day then they say no ok so take all my insurance money but won t give an increase they don t even know how to get in touch with there own doctor here how do you have a medical practice and can t get in touch with there doctor so to respond to mr Salvas response yes you said it correct they do not care about helping you all they want is $$People come here who have drug problems they come here to get help and not put needles into there arms anymore not the other way around

Response from the owner5 years ago
Dear Mr. Montanaro, Spectrum Health Systems is a private non-profit provider. We work hard to follow best practices in medication assisted treatment. We provide MAT in 14 outpatient centers across Massachusetts with doctor coverage daily. We would be happy to discuss your concerns with you at any time. Please consider calling Tracy at 774-670-4873 to discuss the details of your treatment. Sincerely, Spectrum Management Team
Johnathan Salvas
6 years ago
2

They don't care about you

Response from the owner5 years ago
Dear Mr. Salvas, I am sorry that you feel that we at Spectrum do not care about your treatment. We care about every client who walks through our doors. Our treatment programs are built on evidence based practices that can be challenging including participation in individual and group therapy along with our medication assisted treatment. I am sorry for the delay in responding to your post but we have just completed the process necessary to access all websites where reviews are posted and be able to respond to specific posts. We would be happy to speak with you about your needs and concerns if you would like to email us at contactus@spectrumhealthsystems.org. - The Spectrum Management Team
Shawn Sturtevant
6 years ago
5

Lisa Salvucci-Sturtevant
6 years ago
5

It goes fast no waiting

Nora Ferrante
6 years ago
5

Great clinic very clean

Karen Sarsfield
7 years ago
5

Jaydine Lee
8 years ago
4

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