Program for Mentally Ill Chemical Abusers (MICA)
In 1995, Portage introduced an innovative residential program in Montréal in order to meet the needs of addicts who are also coping with mental illness, primarily schizophrenia.
The product of close cooperation with mental health professionals, this program is based on the therapeutic community approach and respects each individual’s limitations in terms of concentration and learning capacity, as well as their progress.
The combined work of a psychiatrist, treating medical personnel, family members, and Portage staff enable users to learn skills and abilities with a view to:
- becoming more independent and functional in society, and
- improving their quality of life.
This program aims to develop functional skills through therapeutic activities. The objective is not only to improve the user’s quality of life, but also to substantially reduce recurring crises and relapses.
Poster - Portage Program for Mentally Ill Chemical Abusers
Brochure - Portage Program for Mentally Ill Chemical Abusers
Who is the program for?
This program is intended for persons over the age of 18 who fall into one of the following categories:
- Drug or alcohol abuse,
- In a stable phase of mental illness,
- The treating psychiatrist continues to monitor them throughout the therapy.
Characteristics
Length of the program
The residential program lasts for approximately one year, followed by six (6) to twenty-four (24) months of aftercare in supervised apartments.
Language and location
The program is offered in both languages in Montréal.
Cost
Users pay only for the cost of housing.
Thanks to Québec government subsidies and private-sector funding, Portage can offer this program for adults at a minimum cost.
Admission
Admission to the program is voluntary.
Resident's Manual
For more information, contact:
Mentally Ill Chemical Abusers (MICA)
Residential Centre
2455 Lionel-Groulx Avenue
Montréal QC H3J 1J6
Tel.: 514 935-3431
Fax: 514 932-0597
info_tstm@portage.ca
RELATED PROGRAMS
- Postcure social re-entry
This program provides users with support as they are reintegrated into society by helping them to retain what they acquired in therapy, particularly in terms of social and cognitive skills.
- Family services
Meetings with family and friends during therapy in an effort to support them so that they can help the user and discuss and understand the combined problem of addiction and mental illness.