Levels of Care

Clinically Managed Detox

During this level of care, clients work through withdrawal symptoms under the supervision of medical professionals.

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Residential Treatment

Also known as inpatient treatment, residential treatment is the most intensive level of care after medical detox, with continued monitoring while living at the facility full-time.

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Partial Hospitalization Programming

Partial hospitalization is a step down from intensive rehab like detox and inpatient care.

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Intensive Outpatient Programming

During intensive outpatient treatment, clients usually live off-site at a facility but are dedicated to preparing for life after rehab.

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Outpatient Programming

In outpatient programming, clients live at home or in a sober living home and commute to rehab during the week.

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Aftercare Planning

Outline each client’s next steps after their treatment ends, including follow-up appointments and recommendations for nearby support groups.

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Important Notice Regarding COVID-19:

We are closely monitoring all developments associated with Coronavirus (COVID-19) and are taking proactive steps to ensure the health and safety of all patients, employees and the communities we serve. This means some off-site activities or other programming have been postponed or moved to telehealth offerings. Your cooperation during this time is greatly appreciated.

What to Expect

It’s our goal to provide each IAFF member with a safe environment, free from familiar triggers, distractions and stress. Knowing what to expect during rehab can help inform clients about what to bring along and prepare them for a positive treatment experience.

We recommend that clients bring:

  • A form of identification, along with insurance and pharmacy cards
  • One weeks worth of seasonally appropriate clothing
  • Prepaid credit card or cash, which will be retained by staff when not in use
  • Sealed (unopened) alcohol-free toiletries, including shampoo and conditioner, sunscreen, face wash and feminine products
  • Any tobacco product you wish to use during the length of your stay if you’re under the age of 21.

Items that are not permitted at our center include:

  • Drugs or alcohol, drug-related paraphernalia and clothing depicting drugs
  • Products that contain alcohol as an ingredient, including hand sanitizer and mouthwash
  • Vaporizers (vaping devices, vapes)
  • Weapons

What Treatment Looks Like

The IAFF Center of Excellence is licensed to offer evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders and mental health conditions, whether or not the issues co-occur. Specialists at the center formulate treatment plans to address one or both conditions for each client, depending on their needs.

Rehab at the IAFF Center of Excellence is tailored to each IAFF member’s unique needs. However, regardless of a client’s specific treatment plan, rehab usually follows an outlined process, beginning with an evaluation and ending with aftercare planning.

Intake Assessment

Upon arriving at our facility, IAFF members participate in a comprehensive intake evaluation that includes a mandatory search, assessment of their mental and physical health, and medical exam. Our team uses the results of this assessment to create a personalized treatment plan for each client.

Clinically Managed Detox, If Applicable

If an IAFF member needs treatment for drug or alcohol abuse, clinically managed detoxification is the first step of rehab. This essential level of care prepares people to transition to further rehab programming, like inpatient treatment.

Substance Abuse Treatment

After participating in detox, clients who struggle with drug or alcohol abuse can enroll in further programming for substance abuse, including inpatient, partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient care. In addition to medical support, mental health counseling is included in each level of care. Once it’s deemed medically appropriate, clients can also transition to outpatient programming in preparation for returning to daily life after rehab.

Mental Health Treatment

For clients who do not need substance abuse treatment, we offer a variety of programs (inpatient through outpatient) to address behavioral health concerns like PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief and other conditions.

Aftercare

All clients leave rehab with a solid aftercare plan that outlines necessary follow-up appointments with doctors and therapists. Our case managers work with each client to set up aftercare plans with recommendations specific to a client’s hometown.

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Find A Location Near You

Virtual Tour & Amenities

Depending on the level of care, indoor and outdoor amenities at the IAFF Center of Excellence may include:

Fully equipped gym
Basketball court
Volleyball court
Wood-lined walking trails

Swimming pool

Recreation room with foosball and pool tables

Computer Lab

Yoga and mindfulness therapy

Designated smoking areas

Off-site activities

What Our Clients Say

Kyle P.
1710440613
This is a great facility that is geared specifically for those in the fire service. I highly recommend it and will spread the word!
Tim K
1710341210
Words can’t do justice to the level of respect and healing I experienced at the COE, if you are a firefighter who is going through it, do yourself and your family a favor and head to MD. You’ll be glad you did. You’re still worthy of love and respect and these folks will help you remember that. 10/10
Erin S.
1710262159
The COE saved my life!! This place is magical to say the least. I surpassed the person I used to be and became even better. They helped me turn my pain into purpose!! I have brand new goals and a brand new life!
Tim K
1710262122
I had what one might call a unique experience at the Center of Excellence. Even after all of the ups and downs in my life during my stay, I can certainly say that the COE is a life changing place. This facility helps so many down and out members of the fire service who feel as though they have run out of options. The people here truly care about your well being, and they want nothing more than you to succeed. If you're reading this, make that call! You and your life are worth it!
Scott I.
1710261846
Absolutely amazing place! It change my life and save my life! Thank you!
Joe G.
1709825879
I came into the center of excellence broken and struggling to keep my head above water. The COE helped rebuild my confidence and self worth. I was given so many tools to be able to move forward with my life in a healthy manor. I am so thankful for the opportunity and finally am looking forward to the rest of my life! If you even think you may need the help .... MAKE THE CALL! You are worth it!
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Alumni Testimonials

Angela and Jeff both struggled with substance use and the pressures that come along with their jobs as firefighters. With the help of the IAFF Center of Excellence, both Angela and Jeff are on their path to life long recovery. You are not alone in your recovery journey with mental health, substance abuse, and PTSD. The IAFF Center Of Excellence is here to help.

Our Staff

Our full-time medical and clinical staff at the IAFF Center of Excellence empower people to get back to the careers they love with renewed health and vitality.

We are always looking for dedicated clinical staff to join our Center of Excellence team.

Executive Director
Marc Rattigan Executive Director
Medical Director
Dr. Abby Morris, MD Medical Director
Director of Nursing
Marisa Hall, RN Director of Nursing
See Open Positions

Now Offering Online Counseling Services

Getting treatment for substance abuse and mental health issues with online rehab and counseling just got easier. The IAFF Center of Excellence now offers teletherapy treatment for fire fighters and first responders who are struggling from substance abuse and mental health issues.

At Advanced Recovery Systems, patient safety is our top priority. We remain open and committed to providing critical addiction treatment. We are closely monitoring all developments associated with Coronavirus (COVID-19) and are taking proactive steps to ensure the health and safety of all patients, employees and the communities we serve.

To ensure you have full access to our rehab and therapy services, know that our staff is experienced and trained in telehealth and online counseling services for mental health, addiction, and overall drug and alcohol rehab support.

We’re still here for you during the coronavirus pandemic, because we’re in this together.

Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that you may have questions about rehab. We’re always willing to answer frequently asked questions about rehab, including:

Is rehab confidential?

Yes, rehab at the IAFF Center of Excellence is always confidential, and your presence here will only be disclosed to the people you choose. Your union leaders, fellow fire fighters, friends and family members will not be informed of your treatment without your consent.

Is cell phone use allowed during treatment?

Cell phones will be securely stored upon arrival and returned at discharge. Following an initial adjustment period upon arrival, clients may use our facility’s phones three times a week.

Will the IAFF Center of Excellence pay for traveling to rehab?

No, our facility does not pay for transportation to or from the center, but representatives can help clients coordinate travel arrangements, if necessary.

Read About Traveling to Rehab

How long does rehab last at the IAFF Center of Excellence?

Treatment program lengths at the IAFF Center of Excellence vary depending on each client’s needs. We understand that many fire fighters and first responders may be concerned about time spent away from their jobs, but typically, the longer a person stays in treatment, the better equipped they are to handle life after rehab.