We offer a variety of programs for individuals of all ages who want to become drug or alcohol free. While we provide many services in our offices, we also offer community based and mobile services when appropriate.
If you are new to Howard Center and are looking for services, please call our Access and Intake number at 802.488.6000.
ACT 1*
Once at ACT 1, individuals have a clean and supportive setting where they can stay while they regain their sobriety.
Following an initial screening, individuals may stay at ACT 1, be referred to the hospital for medical attention, released to a family member, or referred to protective custody.
ACT 1 follows a goal-directed approach toward intervention and treatment while recognizing that many clients are in the midst of a life crisis. ACT 1 helps the person and family through the crisis, promotes stability, and recommends an appropriate follow-up level of care and assists with referrals.
For more information about ACT I or to make a referral, call 802.488.6425.
*ACT 1 is currently offering screening only in collaboration with law enforcement.
Bridge*
The Bridge Program provides short-term stabilization, detoxification, and withdrawal management in a non-medical setting for individuals who are experiencing problematic alcohol or other drug use.
The Bridge Program is staffed 24 hours a day. Related services may be coordinated with the University of Vermont Medical Center Emergency Department and through referrals to other Howard Center services, depending on each individual’s specific needs.
Bridge offers medical oversight, coordination of services for injection drug users, clinical assessments, and referrals for individuals needing more intensive treatment. Continuing care plans are developed with each client, and ongoing support after discharge is available through free, daily community support groups.
Clients are referred by the court system, primary care providers, friends, family, clergy, or a concerned community member, and by self-referral.
For more information about Bridge or to make a referral, call 802.488.6425.
*For screening, please call 802-488-6425 between 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Street Outreach Program
The Street Outreach Team provides a range of services for adults, young adults, and families in the city of Burlington, while also holding a consistent presence in the downtown Burlington Business District. Outreach specialists work with police and service providers to coordinate support for individuals who have mental health, substance use, housing, or other social service needs. The team is also a resource for downtown businesses and service providers who make referrals when they are aware of an individual in need of social service supports. Outreach workers also make efforts to prevent and address the sometimes disruptive behaviors of individuals who demonstrate acute and chronic mental illness or substance use disorders.
Clients can self-refer to Street Outreach or they are engaged by a team member on downtown streets or in city neighborhoods. The team also receives referrals from service providers, police, family members or friends, merchants, and concerned community members.
Street Outreach Hours
Mon/Tues: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Wed/Thurs: 8 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.
Fri: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sat/Sun: 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
To contact Street Outreach, please call 802-488-7013.
Community Outreach Program
The Community Outreach Program provides a range of services for adults, young adults, and families in Colchester, Essex, Hinesburg, Milton, Richmond, Shelburne, South Burlington, Williston, and Winooski. Outreach specialists work with police and service providers to coordinate support for individuals who have mental health, substance use, housing, or other social service needs. The team is also a resource for downtown businesses and service providers who make referrals when they are aware of an individual in need of social service supports. Outreach workers also make efforts to prevent and address the sometimes disruptive behaviors of individuals who demonstrate acute and chronic mental illness or substance use disorders.
Clients can self-refer to Community Outreach or they are engaged by a team member in participating communities. The team also receives referrals from service providers, police, family members or friends, merchants, and concerned community members.
Community Outreach Hours
Mon – Fri: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Community Outreach is closed on weekends and agency holidays.
For more information about the Community Outreach Program, please call 802-488-7778.
Treatment Courts
Our Treatment Courts, on both State and Federal levels are part of a national effort that recognizes that criminal behavior is often the result of mental health and/or substance use issues. Treatment Courts bring together judiciary, prosecution, defense bar, and Howard Center to provide treatment for non-violent offenders whose crimes were a result of substance use and mental health-related issues. Unlike other courts, Treatment Courts focus on helping non-violent offenders with substance use or mental health-related issues to find restoration in recovery and become productive citizens. Our goal is to provide treatment, avoid incarceration, and help individuals develop a healthy lifestyle.
We offer assessments, including psychiatric assessments when needed, individual and group counseling, intensive outpatient treatment, and an aftercare group for graduates. Our care managers meet with each participant on an ongoing basis to help them connect to other resources for supports, such as medical needs, employment, disability determinations, housing, food, transportation, vouchers, and counseling.
To graduate from the program, individuals need to be:
- 100% free from all non-prescribed substances and/or enrolled in a program providing medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD).
- Have stable housing
- Employed, in school, or receiving SSI/DI
- Have a primary care physician
- Connected to sober community supports
- Engaged in counseling
- Free of all criminal charges
For more information about the Treatment Courts, call 802-488-6215 or 802-488-6000.
Northern Vermont Outpatient and Spoke Services
Northern Vermont Outpatient and Spoke Services provides comprehensive outpatient substance use and co-occurring mental health counseling, as well as medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) to residents of Grand Isle and Franklin County.
Specific treatment options vary according to individual needs and may include individual or group therapy, care management or intensive outpatient treatment, and a safe, supervised environment for individuals who are incapacitated by the use of alcohol or other drugs until they can regain sobriety. Addiction medicine, including medication management to address alcohol use and opioid use disorders are offered in consultation with an addiction medicine provider.
The program provides referrals to treatment and offers information on resources in the community. Clients refer themselves to the program, or they may be referred by other providers, including law enforcement. For more information about Northern Vermont Outpatient and Spoke Services, call 802-488-6265 or 802-488-6000.