Therapeutic Approach

Portage offers a psychologically and physically safe residential program based on individual case management, in a positive peer culture environment. The program's focus is building on strengths through a process of social learning based competency acquisition. The program's duration is determined by each individual's needs, motivation and readiness for treatment. Treatment planning is participatory, with the clients setting priorities. It is also inclusive; encouraging participation from both significant others as well as the network of services providers involved. Portage believes in a systems approach, best described as a continuum of care; linking relevant resources in order to best serve its clients' needs.

If the reader considers following best practices, it will become evident that they are all present in the Portage treatment regimen. The fact that they are presented in the context of a safe and facilitated residential milieu, increases the effectiveness of these interventions.

CURRENT BEST PRACTICES

• Individualized client-centered, treatment planning, supported by motivational interviewing;
• Harm reduction is most effective in maintaining client in treatment;
• Systems approach, viewing clients in context of their community and family;
• Treatment should be caring, respectful, safe and open;
• Mental, spiritual, emotional and physical self-needs should be considered;
• Learning should be experiential;
• Positive psychology approach;
• Using skill development to enhance self-esteem;
• The system must be client-centered and culturally competent where the client and their families are actively involved in treatment planning and treatment decisions;
• Access should be through a low threshold, no wrong door approach, and be available where ever and whenever a client enters the treatment continuum;
• Treatment should be comprehensive with duration dictated by the client's changing needs and motivation.

EVIDENCE-BASED TREATMENT TECHNIQUES

• Skill development exercises, including role-playing, active rehearsal and repetitive practice;
• Cognitive-behavioural relapse prevention training;
• High risk identification training;
• Problem-solving skills training;
• Coping skills training;
• Coping skills training (e.g., dealing with "cravings" and "urges"
• Motivational interviewing / motivational enhancement techniques;
• Employment skills training;
• Behavioural marital counselling;
• Stress management training;
• Maintenance, "booster" sessions, monitoring and after care;
• Community reinforcement and support services;

Portage facilities are staffed by highly trained and experienced professionals and paraprofessionals, all of whom acquired or are in the process of acquiring International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol (IC&RC) certification through Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF). Portage is also in the process of accrediting all of its facilities through Accreditation Canada, and has already received primary accreditation at all its sites.

Over the past 40 years, Portage has prided itself in the cost effective excellence of its service delivery. A number of outcome studies over the years have consistently affirmed the Portage process. In a recent longitudinal study conducted with both adults and adolescents, Portage has achieved exciting and remarkable results.