Answers to Common Questions

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What should I bring when I come for residential treatment?

When coming for residential treatment here is a list of suggested items to bring.

Are personal electronic devices such as laptops allowed?

Patients are not allowed to have person electronic devices such as laptops while in residential treatment.

What is the Medications to Treat Addiction program?

This program is a focused medical service offering medications for substance use such as buprenorphine and naltrexone. Initial consultation is open to any person wanting the help of medications to change their relationship to substances. After an initial consultation we can continue to see patients and prescribe medications.

Who is eligible for medications for substance use?

Anyone who wants to receive medications and treatment at our Hillsboro site is eligible for the program. They must enroll in treatment to receive medications by completing an assessment with an alcohol and drug counselor. After the initial visits the patient, with support from the medical provider and counselor, will determine the best level of care to help them reach their goals.

What insurance plans cover this service?

Most insurance companies that Fora Health contracts with cover the office visits and medications. There are some medications that insurance doesn’t cover. If you have specific questions about your coverage talk with the program coordinator before starting services.

What medications can I receive through the program?

Buprenorphine (most common brand names Suboxone and Subutex) for opioid use disorder
Injectable form of buprenorphine, called Sublocade, not available at this time.
Naltrexone pills for opioid and alcohol use disorder
Injectable form of naltrexone, called Vivitrol, may be available: talk with the coordinator.
Acamprosate (Campral) for alcohol use disorder
Disulfuram (Antabuse) for alcohol use disorder
Naloxone (Narcan), the medication that reverses an opioid overdose

Can Fora Health prescribe me methadone?

We currently are not legally allowed to prescribe methadone. However, we can often work with opioid treatment programs (methadone clinics) to allow patients to continue to dose while in our residential treatment.

I live in Portland and want to get on medications for substance use. Can I be seen at the Cherry Blossom Fora site?

Not yet, but very soon! We will be expanding this service to our Cherry Blossom site in fall/winter, 2021.

Do you prescribe Subutex or buprenorphine alone?

We do. We assess the patient’s needs and can prescribe Subutex if it is indicated.

Do you prescribe buprenorphine (Suboxone or Subutex) for pain management?

We offer services to people with a substance use disorder. If you worried that your use of opioids for pain is getting out of control, we are happy to talk about that and see what could help. If you are interested in buprenorphine for pain management ONLY we are not able to offer this service. A primary care provider may be able to refer you to a pain management clinic or another provider who can offer more pain management options.

I use meth or cocaine. Are there any medications that can help?

There are no FDA approved medications for meth and cocaine use at this time. We are planning to build a program that would include behavioral health therapy and medications for people who use meth and cocaine soon.

Can I get my mental health meds through the program?

Our program prescribes medications for substance use. We are not able to prescribe medications for mental health.

My parole/probation officer wants me on this medication. Can you help?

We’d love to have an appointment to discuss your options for medications for substance use, as well as treatment.

If I get medications from you will my PCP/parole officer/family member know?

We only communicate about your medical treatment when we have a Release of Information permitting us to discuss this care with specific people, except in the case of immediate threat to life (suicidal or homicidal thoughts). We would love to collaborate with your PCP and others on your care team, but do not require this communication to receive care.

How do I get an appointment to talk more about medications to help with my substance use?

Contact our Hillsboro coordinator at 503-535-1151 ext. 1375

What if I miss an appointment, lose my medication or it is stolen?

We want to keep you on this medication! Please call the program coordinator to get an appointment with a medical provider to discuss options.

I want to work with a Black care team – are any of your care team members Black or African American?

At this time we do not have any Black counselors, providers or peer mentors. We would be happy to refer you to programs where you can work with Black or African American team members.

I want to work with a Latinx care team – are any of your care team members Latinx?

Our Hillsboro program focuses on care for Latinx patients. We have Latinx staff there including front desk staff and our peer mentor and are working to recruit additional Latinx team members. Our medical providers speak Spanish.

How are my belongings processed?

All clothing items are washed in cold water and dried on high heat. Items such as formed hats (fedoras, brimmed hats), leather jackets, belts, shoes, will be sprayed with bed bug spray. Processing may vary 24-48 hours.

How does someone get admitted to residential treatment?

There are several pathways to being enrolled in residential treatment. Patients may self-refer or be referred by a community partner or outside agency such as a parole officer, the Department of Human Services, Drug Court, a primary care doctor or another referral agency. The first step is a brief intake survey followed by a scheduled in-depth assessment to determine if residential care is right level of care for you. The first step is calling Fora Health at (503) 535-1151.

How long does it take to complete residential treatment?

In general, patients remain in residential treatment for approximately 90 days. The length of stay may be longer for some individuals as the duration of treatment is individualized. Key determining factors include a person’s individual treatment plan goals, progress towards their goals, overall participation in treatment sessions and activities, and personal readiness to transition to a lower level of care and return to living in a community setting.

What is residential treatment like?

Patients receive comprehensive and compassionate care in a 24/7 supported environment. Patients enrolled in residential care spend approximately 20 hours a week in group counselling and education classes. Each patient is assigned a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and/or a Dual-Diagnosis Counselor who meets with them one-on-one for at least one hour a week during residential treatment. In addition, each patient is assigned to a “Core Group”. The Core Groups are cohorts of 8 to 10 patients who meet regularly with the support of a counselor to share stories of recovery, build skills and find strength in community.

Through the residential program, patients learn about substance use patterns and how to prevent a return to use, including pain management, behavior modification, meditation and detailed aftercare plans.

Can family visit?

Family support and involvement is strongly encouraged as part of treatment. Families are encouraged to participate in family therapy services through Fora Health which actively engage family members in the treatment process.

Patients with children 17 and under can visit with their children at Fora Health on the weekends during scheduled visitation hours.

Is smoking or chewing tobacco allowed in residential treatment?

Fora Health is a tobacco-free facility. Smoking, chewing tobacco, vaping and other tobacco and nicotine products are not permitted. Smoking cessation services and Nicotine Replacement Therapy are available.

Are cell phones allowed?

Patients will have limited access to cell phones while residential treatment. Patients are not allowed to record, take photos or use WiFi.

How many people are in Residence at Fora Health?

Fora Health’s residential facility has 70 beds, for male and female identifying patients.

What are the rooms like?

Rooms are double occupancy with shared bathrooms in each wing. Residential rooms are intentionally minimalist to encourage spending time in community. There are two residential wings at Fora Health where people enroll in treatment based on their gender identity.

Do residential patients leave the facility?

Yes, there are frequent opportunities for outings and off-site activities. Activities often include walks, running, park outings and community events.

Can residential patients make phone calls?

Yes, patients are allowed to make daily phone calls beginning on the fifth day of treatment.

Is Fora Health a 12-step program?

Fora Health frequently works with our local 12-step community and AA and NA meetings are held onsite every day. Community is a big part of many people’s recovery an while in residential care patients are encouraged to attend these meetings. However, our primary goal is to support the individual and help everyone find what works for them. We also encourage patients to attend Refuge Recovery, Wellbriety, SMART Recovery and other fellowship programs. Residential patients can request passes to attend recovery meetings at other locations in Portland during their stay at Fora Health.

How much does residential treatment cost?

The Oregon Health Plan, as well as most private and public insurance plans, cover some or all the cost of residential treatment. Fora Health also offers discounted sliding scale fees based on income level and can help connect prospective patients to financial assistance when available. 30-day packages are available for those who need to pay for treatment out of pocket.

Do all residential patients need withdrawal management?

A patient may need withdrawal management services (commonly called detox) prior to entering residential treatment. The need for withdrawal management depends on a person’s use history and type of substance being used, including alcohol and opiates. To determine the need for withdrawal management, Fora Health will conduct an initial intake survey in-person or by phone prior to conducting a full assessment. Fora Health can refer prospective patients to other providers of managed withdrawal services in the community if our program is full. To be assessed for residential treatment call (503) 535-1153.

What if someone changes their mind about receiving residential treatment?

People enrolled in services at Fora Health are welcome to reevaluate their treatment plan in consultation with their counselor at any time. If it is decided that residential treatment is not the right fit, counselors and patient will work together to refer the patient to another organization or Fora Health’s outpatient services where they can find comprehensive care, including medically assisted treatment and other specialty services, while living independently.

How long does it take to complete the Outpatient program?

Typical duration is anywhere from 3 to 6 months, but it varies from person to person and is based on each person’s progress in meeting their individual treatment goals.

How often do patients meet with a counselor?

On average, patients receiving Outpatient Services meet with their primary counselor once or twice a month. Each patient’s treatment plans are highly individualized, so the frequency of counseling sessions varies from person to person. Patients may also reduce or increase the frequency of sessions as their needs change during treatment. All patients are encouraged to engage in at least one group therapy session per week, and Fora Health offers a wide array of group types to meet the diverse needs of our community.

Does Fora Health conduct urine analysis?

Yes, we do. The frequency of random drug and alcohol testing depends on a patient’s program and completion requirements. Fora Health has labs on site to conveniently facilitate urine testing. Testing requirements can vary from one to four times per month.

Can friends and family also get support?

Yes. Family and loved ones are encouraged to participate in substance use treatment at Fora Health through our Family Therapy Program. Family Therapy is a specialty service offered to people actively enrolled in substance use treatment at Fora Health. Family Therapy is one of the many evidence-based services offered by Fora Health that contribute to successful recovery and program completion rates well above the national average.

What if I don’t have any insurance?

Fora Health’s Intake Specialists can help prospective patients enroll in the Oregon Health Plan as well as discuss reduced sliding scale fees and options for financial assistance. A full list of insurance accepted at Fora Health can be found on our Payment Options page. To learn more, call us at (503) 535-1151 or request contact.

Is Family Therapy covered by insurance?

Family Therapy Services are covered by many insurance plans. Fora Health works with patients to verify insurance benefits prior to the start of family counseling. Our trained staff can help determine the cost of service if someone opts to self-pay for family counseling. To verify insurance benefits, call us at (503) 535-1151.

What will Family Therapy look like?

Family Therapy looks different for each patient and their identified family. Family Therapy services are personalized based on the individual patient’s need, their loved one’s needs and the collective goals. Because of this, the frequency and duration of family counseling sessions will differ. Fora Health believes in open channels of communication, and the assigned Family Therapist will make ongoing treatment recommendations to ensure everyone is on the same page, is being heard and is actively working towards progress.

How is “family” defined at Fora Health?

Fora Health recognizes the importance of social support networks for a person’s total well-being, which is one of the reasons we define “family” broadly. We acknowledge that anyone who plays a significant role in a person’s life may be thought of as part of one’s family, whether they are members of the family of origin or chosen family. Family Therapists are skilled at helping people identify the best people to include as part of a comprehensive care plan.

How does someone enroll in Family Therapy?

Family Therapy is a specialty service for current Fora Health patients. People who are interested in family therapy will be referred to the Family Therapy team by their Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. After the referral, patients meet one-on-one with a Family Therapist to determine their level of interest, fit and to begin identifying who to invite to treatment. The family counselor will also meet one-on-one with the invited family member before beginning treatment together.

Who should participate in Family Therapy?

Anyone who is considered part of the patient’s close support network is welcome to participate in family therapy, i.e., partners, friends, parents, siblings and children when appropriate. Fora Health’s Family Therapy department views treatment through a family systems lens, meaning that the whole family is the “patient.” This can be either family of origin or chosen family and support person(s).

How much does the DUII Program cost?

Costs vary depending on a person’s program needs and type of insurance. Call Fora Health’s Access Team at (503) 535-1151 to explore your options and learn more about our sliding scale discounted fees. As a non-profit treatment center, Fora Health is dedicated to affordable, accessible, comprehensive and compassionate care for everyone. To complete the program successfully, the law requires payment in full by the last day of service. Fora Health reserves the right to withhold completion certificates until full payment is received.

How long does the DUII Program take?

The exact length of a program depends upon several factors, including the patient’s clinical needs as identified during the initial assessment, as well as their attendance, progress made toward treatment plan goals and successive negative urine screenings. Additionally, there are state-mandated minimum requirements that must be met. Patients can reduce their program duration by fully engaging, keeping appointments, completing required urine screenings and working steadily on treatment plan goals.

Are DUII patients screened for substance use during the program?

Yes, random alcohol and drug urine screens are required as part of all state approved DUII compliance programs. Patients will be periodically screened for the duration of the treatment program, and all screens conducted in the final 90 days of treatment must be negative to complete a DUII program. Patients need to provide their counselor with documentation for any prescription medications that could result in a positive urine screen result.

Can someone enroll in Fora Health’s DUII program if they have an Oregon Medical Marijuana Program Card?

Yes, Fora Health can support patients in the DUII program who have an Oregon Medical Marijuana Program card. To ensure adherence to Oregon Health Authority guidelines, the patient must provide the following at enrollment:

A referral sent from the Alcohol and Drug Evaluation Services Specialist (ADSS) in the county where the DUII took place.
A copy of the patient’s medical marijuana card.
A Court-Authorized Use of Medical Marijuana and DUII Service Completion order that is signed by a judge.

The patient will then be responsible for taking their letter of successful DUII treatment completion to the courts where a judge will make the final determination as to whether the court’s treatment requirements have been met.

Can someone fulfill their DUII compliance at Fora Health if the DUII occurred out of state?

Yes, Fora Health can help patients satisfy the treatment requirements of their DUII no matter which state it occurred in. Patients will need to provide court documentation detailing the legal charges of the DUII and the treatment requirements of the other jurisdiction. It will also be the patient’s responsibility to provide contact information for the individual or agency that monthly progress reports will need to be sent to. For states that give broad discretion, Fora Health will apply Oregon state DUII requirements.

We have two primary locations where DUII services are available, SE Portland and Hillsboro, Oregon. Call (503) 535-1151 to schedule an appointment.

What are the requirements for successful DUII completion?

A DUII treatment and compliance program begins by calling Fora Health at (503) 535-1151 and answering some brief questions. Following this, the patient will be scheduled for a one-on-one assessment to be conducted in-person or virtually. The assessment is the first step in developing an individualized treatment plan and DUII program participants work one-on-one with a counselor to determine their specific treatment goals. Because every situation is unique, every treatment plan is different. Substantial progress towards a patient’s treatment goals must be made before a counselor can graduate a patient and sign off on any state mandated requirements. The following are the minimum requirements for most DUIIs, including Oregon:

Complete a minimum of one individual counseling session per month.
Conclude your program with a minimum of 90 days of abstinence from drugs and alcohol as evidenced by consecutive negative urinalysis screenings.
Have a referral sent from the Alcohol and Drug Evaluation Services Specialist (ADSS) in the county where the DUII took place.
Pay any service fees in full.

How does someone get started?

Getting started is easy, just call Fora Health at (503) 535-1151 to schedule an appointment at either one of our convenient locations in SE Portland or Hillsboro.

What is Withdrawal Management?

The sustained use of some substances, including alcohol, cause changes within the body. Once the use of those substances is discontinued, those changes can result in discomfort, pain and sometimes life-threatening complications. These are known as acute withdrawal symptoms and may include anxiety, restlessness, joint pain, stomach cramps, nausea, insomnia and others. The goal of withdrawal management is to alleviate these symptoms and help patients safely and effectively cease their use of drugs or alcohol.

What medications are dispensed during withdrawal management?

Several prescription medications are used during the withdrawal process to help alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal. The medications used are FDA approved and help prevent seizures, lower anxiety, reduce muscle and body aches, counteract sleeplessness, and reduce abdominal discomfort. We also offer a variety of over-the-counter medications for common ailments including headache, diarrhea, upset stomach, allergies, heartburn, and constipation. We encourage patients to notify their nurse when experiencing any discomfort.

Does Fora Health offer withdrawal management for opioid use disorder?

Yes. Fora Health has a medical team well-versed in managing and supporting people withdrawing from opioid use.

What is withdrawal management treatment like?

Our withdrawal management facility is co-ed. Beds are set-up dormitory style to ensure effective and safe care for a maximum of 16 people at a time. A nurse is assigned to patients at each shift, and everyone receives 24/7 support during treatment. Often patients enrolled in withdrawal management are not feeling that great, so the environment is calm, quiet, and lacks stimulation. However, games, puzzles, television and reading materials are available. Personal electronic devices are not accessible during treatment. Patients are expected to engage in addiction, health and education groups near the completion of withdrawal management to help prepare them for successful transition to another level of care.

How long does withdrawal take?

In general, a person can expect to be in withdrawal management for an average of 3-5 days. The length of stay varies from person to person and depends on use history and type of substance. One of the benefits of withdrawal management is 24/7 care and regular assessments by clinical staff. Patients no longer require withdrawal management when the severity of withdrawal symptoms has decreased enough to allow a person to be comfortable without medication and/or medical monitoring.

Can patients make phone calls or receive visitors while in Withdrawal Management?

Phone calls, messages and family visits do not take place during withdrawal management. In most cases, calls are restricted to those made on the final day of managed care to facilitate transportation, aftercare arrangements and other issues related to the transition out of the withdrawal management program. These calls are made with a nurse or case manager present for support. Withdrawal Management last between 3-5 days and these communication restrictions help people stay focused on the program.

What is the Withdrawal Management admission process?

Admission for Withdrawal Management (commonly called detox) is conducted in person at Fora Health’s SE Portland facility located at 10230 SE Cherry Blossom Dr, Portland, OR 97216. Individuals should arrive at the side entrance of the building(look for tent) at Cherry Blossom Drive by 7:30 a.m. Monday–Saturday. Walk-in patients are assessed and admitted based on the results of their screening interview combined with their place in line. Admittance also depends on the availability of open beds. Space is not guaranteed and cannot be reserved.

If you are seeking withdrawal management and are privately insured or live outside the Clackamas, Multnomah or Washington County areas, please call us at (503) 535-1151 Monday–Friday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm before arriving at the facility for withdrawal management walk-in hours

Is insurance required?

We accept most private and public insurance including Medicaid and the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). Additionally, there are sliding scale fee options for individuals in need of treatment for whom co-pays and deductibles represent a financial hardship. Fora Health can also help prospective patients eligible for OHP navigate the enrollment process for public insurance. Call us at (503) 535-1151 to verify your insurance, get questions answered and learn more about funding available for special circumstances. Visit Payment Options for a full list of accepted insurance.

Is smoking allowed?

Fora Health is a tobacco-free facility, including outdoor areas. Patients may not have cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, vape pens, or other tobacco products in treatment. Smoking cessation services and Nicotine Replacement Therapy are available.

What happens once someone completes withdrawal management?

Upon completion of withdrawal management, patients meet one-one-one with a Case Manager or Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor to determine next steps. Fora Health offers the full continuum of care for substance use treatment, and in many cases, patients move on to residential or outpatient care with us. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and a residential bed is not always immediately available for people transitioning out of withdrawal management.

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Answers to Common Questions

A new life awaits.Take the first step

A new life awaits.
Take the first step