Overview

Bridgeport Hospital’s REACH Program is an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for youth, adults and seniors. The REACH Program provides intake assessments, medication management, group therapy, case management and after care planning.

Adult Services

Bridgeport Hospital’s Adult REACH Program offers intensive outpatient treatment for adults with psychiatric and/or substance abuse problems. The intensive services may prevent the need for hospitalization or provide a transition from an inpatient setting.

Intensive-Outpatient (IOP) Programs

In the Intensive-Outpatient Program (IOP), patients are seen three to four times per week from 10 am - 1:30 pm. Patients are placed in one of four different tracks designed specifically for their individual needs.

Acute Track

• Brief period of treatment (four to six weeks) or a transition from inpatient hospitalization to prevent hospitalization
• Education provided regarding diagnosis and medication to ensure compliance and stabilization
• Insight-oriented group therapy
• Psychopharmacological management of illness with initial and ongoing medical evaluations throughout treatment
• Skill-building groups – cognitive behavioral therapy to improve management of symptoms and stressors

Dual Track

For patients with co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders.

• Addiction education
• Coping skills focusing on relaxation and mindfulness
• Daily toxicology screening
• Development of outside supporters (sponsors)
• Relapse prevention
• Supportive group therapy
• Weekly Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) groups

Focus Track

Supportive group therapy for the chronically mentally ill.

• Connects clients with community agencies that assist with vocational, educational and housing needs
• Education about diagnosis, symptoms and importance of medication compliance
• Groups related to relapse prevention, social skills, stress reduction and symptom management

Older Adult Track

This track is for those facing the mental health issues that often come as we grow older. Treatments include group and family therapy.

• Education provided regarding diagnosis and medication to ensure compliance and stabilization
• Empowerment and self-esteem building skills
• Skill building programs to manage depression and anxiety
• Skills to adapt to change-of-life issues and bereavement

Our Staff

Treatment is provided by a team that includes a board-certified psychiatrist, psychiatric nurses, social workers, activity therapists, substance abuse counselors and support staff. Additionally, as part of Bridgeport Hospital the REACH Program has ready access to a range of specialists.

How to Access the Adult Program

Patients may be referred to the Adult Program by physicians or other healthcare professionals or programs. Self-referrals and family referrals are also encouraged.

For more information, please call 203-384-3377, 8:30 am - 5 pm and ask for the Adult Program Coordinator.  

Youth Services

The emotional, behavioral, and psychiatric needs of children and their families are unique, and are best cared for in a specially designed treatment program.

The REACH Youth Program includes an intensive outpatient service for children between 5 and 17 years who are experiencing emotional and behavioral difficulties. The Program meets 3 hours a day, 5 days a week, and includes a multifamily group on Thursdays. REACH is designed to reduce the need for hospitalization, decrease residential placement and assist in keeping families intact. We offer the following services: assessment; group therapy; multi-family group work; recreational, art and pet therapy; medication management and case management.

Who May Need Our Help?

Children who exhibit the following symptoms may benefit from treatment:

• Aggressive, threatening behavior
• Depression or social isolation
• Extreme mood swings
• Hyperactivity
• Oppositional behavior
• School avoidance or refusal
• Suicidal thoughts or passive death wish

Youth Program Hours

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm; Thursday (multi-family group): 9:45 am - 2:15 pm
Families are required to attend the weekly multi-family support group.

Our Staff

The REACH Youth Program is staffed by a multidisciplinary team that includes a child and adolescent psychiatrist, advance practice registered nurse, clinical coordinator, registered nurse, clinical social workers, recreational therapist, art therapist, psychiatric technician and support staff. Staff also consult with other medical and rehabilitation specialists and nutritionists as needed.

How to Access the Youth Program

Patients may be referred by schools, clinics, physicians, the Department of Children and Families (DCF), hospital and urgent care centers, inpatient facilities and other healthcare providers. Parents may also make direct referrals to the program. Please call 203-384-3377, 8:30 am - 5 pm and ask for an evaluation appointment. Courtesy transportation may be available. Contact us for more information.

Medication Management

For those who need ongoing medication monitoring. These are typically 15-minute visits with a focus on psychopharmacology. Clients are encouraged to have additional support in place as these are not individual therapy appointments.

Insurance

REACH Program is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and by most commercial insurance plans.