Healing from addiction, together

Alcohol or substance dependency can keep you from living the life you want. Its destructive cycle drains your precious time, health, money and relationships. But you’re capable of breaking the chain – and we can help.

At HealthPartners and Park Nicollet, we’re working to remove the stigma around addiction and make room for honest conversations. No matter where you are on the journey to recovery, our therapists are ready to meet you there and connect you with the right support. Working together, we’ll help you heal from addiction, build resilient habits for long-term recovery, and step forward into a healthier life.

If you or someone you know is looking for help, you’re in the right place. Together we can break free from the cycle and reclaim the life you intended.

Millions of people across the country who were once struggling with the destructive problems of alcohol or substance dependence, now live happy and fulfilling lives.

Before breaking free, they all had one thing in common: they were convinced their drinking or substance use was not out of control. They felt they didn’t need help, and they were determined to find a way to avoid the consequences that followed them.

Wrapped up in this cycle, it can be difficult to clearly identify the effects of alcohol or substance use. In the beginning, no one thinks their drinking or substance use will become a serious problem. But the truth is it can become an issue that affects many areas of life, including harming close relationships, impeding productivity or achievement, interfering with your health, compounding stress and anxiety, or causing financial or legal problems.

Programs for Change is an alcohol and substance use recovery program that’s been trusted in the St. Croix Valley community for over 30 years. We’re the only intensive outpatient primary treatment service in the region, and we’re known for providing compassionate care and evidence-based treatment that transforms lives.

We provide discreet, non-judgmental rehabilitation services and support. Here you’ll work with an experienced team who treats you with dignity and respect from day one. We’ll listen and understand your goals before working together to create a personalized treatment plan that puts you in control of your recovery.

At Programs for Change, our careful assessment process looks at the whole person and identifies when alcohol or substance use has become a dependency. Your unique treatment plan will focus on breaking free of destructive cycles, restoring your mental and physical health, and building resilient habits for long-term recovery.

If additional care or services are necessary along the way, we have access to a wide range of specialty medical care for those needs. We also offer opportunities for your family and supportive others to be involved in your recovery. After you complete the primary phase of your treatment, you also have access to our Continuing Care program for ongoing support.

Participants must complete an assessment session with a Programs for Change counselor before attending a chemical addiction treatment program. Determining an individual’s needs is a complex process. Information from a variety of sources is gathered and reviewed by a counselor. It may include input from family members and friends, medical providers, counselors or others.

The comprehensive assessment process can take up to two hours and includes a thorough mental health evaluation, as well as a life history and chemical use history to help identify a range of needs. The assessment will provide recommendations and referrals for improved living and treatment options, such as additional mental health support, medical resources and Programs for Change when appropriate.

Outpatient treatment is a therapeutic, educational and supportive program that meets several times a week. It consists of weekly group sessions using a variety of techniques and approaches to help give individuals an understanding of the impact their chemical use has on their lives, and how to make positive life changes.

The treatment goal is for the individual to maintain sobriety and improve their quality of life. One of the weekly group sessions includes a weekly lecture series. Family members are welcome and encouraged to attend the lecture. Lecture topics include family systems, relapse prevention, disease process, stress management, 12 steps, as well as cognitive, communication, and spirituality/life enhancements.

The outpatient program also includes two multi-family group sessions where individuals and their family members explore recovery together.

The Continuing Care program focuses on deepening the individual’s commitment to recovery and learning to manage their disease for long-term success. Groups are designed to strengthen the individual’s sober support network.

Topics addressed in Continuing Care include guilt, shame, forgiveness, cross addictions, codependence, spirituality, anger management, coping skills, financial recovery, healthy relationships, family recovery, relapse process, daily inventory and goal setting.

In addition to this program, participants are encouraged to attend community support groups.