Adult Services

Behavioral health services provided by the Ernest E. Kennedy Center are available to individuals suffering from a substance use disorder, addiction, or any problems associated with substance use. The center has a team of caring, compassionate, and dedicated professionals specializing in addiction treatment and education. 

The services provided by Ernest E. Kennedy Center are informed by current science and research for best practices related to the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders. These services include Biopsychosocial Assessment, Treatment Planning, Psychoeducation topics, Individual, Family, and Group Counseling. These services are provided in an outpatient setting which may also include Intensive Outpatient treatment groups. A counselor will begin with screening and an assessment to identify your specific needs and recommendations for which service(s) may benefit you. 

The Biological, Psychological, Social, Spiritual, and Experiential Model (BPSSEM)

The Biological, Psychological, Social, Spiritual, and Experiential Model (BPSSEM) is a science-based model of addiction. This model guides prevention and treatment efforts by understanding the complexity of addiction to include the brain adaptation to substances and the individual vulnerabilities increasing the potential for the development of addictive disorders. Treatment interventions informed by this model are craving management techniques, mindfulness practices, creative counseling techniques, recreational therapy, and treatment interventions that support healing and healthy brain functioning. Psychoeducation topics such as spirituality, family dynamics, nutrition, exercise, and healthy support are common topics integrated into the outpatient and intensive outpatient curriculum. Additional treatment interventions and topics, such as understanding and coping with trauma and co-occurring symptoms, may also be included as individual recommendations. These approaches prevent the progression of addictive illness or help an individual initiate recovery from moderate to severe substance use disorders.  

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is designed to support lifestyle changes and psychosocial health. The program helps persons served to change their behaviors by targeting thinking patterns that may contribute to problem-causing behaviors. 

Family counseling

Family counseling – Family members are often the source of support for individuals entering treatment and often lack the understanding of substance use disorders. This lack of understanding often leads to unintentional shaming for the client. In an effort to increase knowledge about addiction, develop effective communication, and build family support, the Ernest Kennedy Center recommends comprehensive family counseling for all parties involved. Persons served will discuss with their primary counselor their willingness to include family members in the treatment process and whom they identify as family. Please note that certain circumstances may prevent family members from attending sessions periodically.