UnityPoint Health - Meriter - NewStart

This is a 16-session group program that provides education, therapy and support to help individuals through the recovery process. Each day consists of evidence-based education and interventions for both addiction and mental health, including but not limited to:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• The Disease Model of Addiction
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
• Mindfulnes

We do not utilize the 12-step model for therapy services, though we strongly encourage you to participate in community support groups such as AA, NA, Smart Recovery or spiritual groups. We can provide information on these community support groups for those interested.

The following treatment options are designed to complement each other. A person could just be in one, or all of the services at the same time.

• Medications: Our doctors are specialized in addictions and psychiatry to support mental health and recovery. Especially in early recovery, many people benefit from Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) such as naltrexone (Vivitrol) and buprenorphine (Suboxone and Sublocade). We do not provide daily dosing or methadone at our clinic.
• Individual Therapy: Our team of individual therapists are master's level prepared and licensed mental health therapists, with specialization in addictions. They will work with you to develop goals and strategies to address the issues that are most important to you. Each therapist has their own theoretical framework and specialized training, and we hope to find someone that is the best match for you.
• Couples Therapy: For those interested, we can provide couples sessions to help the couple adjust to all the changes that come with recovery.
• Group Therapy: We offer several groups for various patient populations, all with the goal of developing a happy life in recovery. Participating in group therapy provides a unique opportunity to cope with interpersonal stressors and develop new communication skills. Many people find the connections and stories shared in group to be invaluable their recovery. These groups are typically 1.5 hours per week, and no larger than eight patients.

• Dane County Crisis (24 hour Mental Health Crisis Line): 608-280-2600
• Solstice House peer-run "warmline" in Dane County: 608-244-5077
• Dane County Behavioral Health Resource Center (helps with navigating treatment system and accessing appropriate services): 608-267-2244 

• Domestic Abuse Intervention Services - They provide emergency housing for men and women suffering from domestic abuse. You can also speak with them for support in developing an exit strategy from an abusive situation - 608-251-4445

Housing resources are very limited and typically take a long time to access. There are many community resources to help with this process though.

• Tenant Resource Center - Can help you understand your rights, advocate for yourself, and access some publicly funded programs to stabilize your housing.  
• The Beacon - Free day resource center for people struggling with homelessness. Access to professional support with finding resources, showers, washers and dryers, computers/ internet access, morning snack and lunch daily, and family play area. 
• Porchlight - Men's emergency shelter
• Salvation Army Dane County - Single women's and family emergency shelter
• Free meals
• Food Pantry
• Madison Homeless Resource Guide

If you are a current patient and need help with getting insurance or with paying your bills, please tell your NewStart provider and call the Meriter Financial Coordinators at 608-417-5035. You may be eligible for financial assistance.

• Outreach LGBTQ

• Headspace, virtual meditation training program Meditation and Sleep Made Simple.
• Insight Timer, virtual meditation app with free access to thousands of talks and practices on meditation and mindfulness.
• Heart of Recovery, meditation based 12 step group.
• Refuge Recovery, meditation based recovery program.

• Free Narcan, needle exchange and transmissible disease testing.

• Sheltering Animals of Abuse Victims - Temporary shelter for pets when trying to leave an abusive relationship. 
• Financial Assistance for veterinary care

Finding timely residential treatment is challenging. We recommend that you discuss this with your NewStart therapist, or call your insurance to find out which programs they cover.

• Smoking Cessation & Prevention Clinic
• The Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line, 1-800-QUIT-NOW

Many have virtual options with links on their websites.

• AA, Alcoholics Anonymous, Support group for people who struggle with Alcoholism MAICO – Madison Area Intergroup Central Office - 24 hour helpline 608-222-8989
• NA, Narcotic Anonymous, Support group for people struggling with any substance use Badgerland Area Narcotics Anonymous - 24 hour helpline 608-257-1747
• Al Anon, support group for loved ones of someone with a substance use disorder. Some people attend Al Anon for support around the use of their loved ones, as well as AA/NA for support around their own use. 
• Smart Recovery, support group for people struggling with any kind of addiction.
• Celebrate Recovery, a Christian based support group for "anyone struggling with hurt, pain, or addiction of any kind."