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Community Healthlink – Counseling Center

275 Nichols Road Fitchburg, MA 01420
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Community Healthlink - Counseling Center MA 1420

About Community Healthlink – Counseling Center

Community Healthlink, operated by Umass Memorial Health, is a behavioral health facility in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. They specialize in providing treatment for individuals with a substance use disorder or a serious mental illness. The services clients can receive include adult counseling and the BUDD Day Program.

Comprehensive Care From a Trained Team

The behavioral health team that will be working to help you overcome addiction include psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, and therapists. You can receive a psychiatric consultation to determine if medication can be a helpful treatment option for mental illnesses causing your addiction. Medication management services will be provided to ensure you’re taking your medication correctly.

The types of talk therapy that will be available to you are individual, group, couples and family therapy. In couples and family counseling, your counselor can help improve your relationships so that you can have a stronger bond and a more effective support system. Your loved ones can receive guidance on how they can best help with your recovery.

Transitioning Back to the Community

The BUDD Day Program helps individuals begin to live and work independently within the community again. The staff will work with you on building your skills and helping you to reach your individual goals. Being able to function independently within the community can improve your self esteem and help you feel more confident in your ability to heal from addiction.

The facility is not far from outdoor areas where you can relax in between your treatment sessions. Some places where you can walk and enjoy nature include Mass Audubon’s Flat Rock Wildlife Sanctuary and Crocker Conservation Area.

Latest Reviews

LynnP.
3 months ago on Google
2
I am deeply concerned about the care provided at this facility. How can the Nurse Practitioner prescribe antidepressants without also offering counseling? It s clear that the individual in need requires more than just medication counseling should be part of the treatment plan. Additionally, the care they provide to elderly patients does not seem to be tailored to the unique needs of aging individuals. From what I ve observed with my elderly relative, their approach lacks the comprehensive, compassionate care that seniors truly deserve. This is disappointing and raises serious concerns about the quality of care here.
Response from the owner2 months ago
Lynn, Thank you for your feedback. We'd appreciate the opportunity to learn more, and our Behavioral Health Manager would like to address your concerns directly and answer questions you may have. Please feel free to email us with your best contact information, so that we may reach out to you. communications@chcfhc.org
Jake Daws
3 months ago on Google
5
Always kind, friendly and helpful! Thank you for all of the help!
Response from the owner2 months ago
Jake, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We will pass along your praise to our Fitchburg staff! Sincerely, CHC
Jason Reynolds
4 months ago on Google
1
Avoid Community Health Connections at all costs. I went in for a PCP appointment, only to be told my insurance wasn t active, despite it being fully active all month. They claimed they d called me twice to resolve the issue, but I never received any calls or voicemails. When I called my insurance company after leaving my canceled appointment, they confirmed my coverage was active. Horrible customer service, disorganization, and complete lack of accountability. Highly dissatisfied with CHC Fitchburg. When leaving they asked if I d like to make an appointment in MAY, I laughed and walked out. Look elsewhere.
Response from the owner1 week ago
Jason, Thank you for your feedback. We're sorry to hear about your experience, as it is not the level of service we strive to provide. We'd appreciate the opportunity to learn more, and our Primary Care Manager would like to address your concerns directly. Please feel free to email us with your best contact information, so that we may reach out to you. communications@chcfhc.org
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Rehab Score

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Scoring is assigned by a proprietary system which helps surface key metrics that determine quality. The 10-point scale factors in categories such as operations, customer satisfaction, and trust metrics. Read Full MethodologyCaret icon
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5.8 / 10

Location

Other Forms of Payment

Medicaid is a state based program that helps lower-income individuals and families pay for healthcare. Medicaid covers addiction treatment so those enrolled can use their coverage to pay for rehab. When a program accepts Medicaid the client often pays very little or nothing out of their own pocket.

Private insurance refers to any kind of healthcare coverage that isn't from the state or federal government. This includes individual and family plans offered by an employer or purchased from the Insurance Marketplace. Every plan will have different requirements and out of pocket costs so be sure to get the full details before you start treatment.

Self-pay involves paying for treatment out of your own pocket. You can use savings or credit, get a personal loan, or receive help from family and friends to fund your treatment. If you don't have insurance or your insurance plan doesn't cover a specific program, self-pay can help ensure you still get the care you need.

Financial aid can take many forms. Centers may have grants or scholarships available to clients who meet eligibility requirements. Programs that receive SAMHSA grants may have financial aid available for those who need treatment as well. Grants and scholarships can help you pai for treatment without having to repay.

Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance for those 65 and older. It also serves people under 65 with chronic and disabling health challenges. To use Medicare for addiction treatment you need to find a program that accepts Medicare and is in network with your plan. Out of pocket costs and preauthorization requirements vary, so always check with your provider.

Military members, veterans, and eligible dependents have access to specific insurance programs that help them get the care they need. TRICARE and VA insurance can help you access low cost or no cost addiction and mental health treatment. Programs that accept military insurance often have targeted treatment focused on the unique challenges military members, veterans, and their families face.

Addiction Treatments

Levels of Care

outpatient iconOutpatient
Outpatient Programs (OP) are for those seeking mental rehab or drug rehab, but who also stay at home every night. The main difference between outpatient treatment (OP) and intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) lies in the amount of hours the patient spends at the facility. Most of the time an outpatient program is designed for someone who has completed an inpatient stay and is looking to continue their growth in recovery. Outpatient is not meant to be the starting point, it is commonly referred to as aftercare.

Treatments

Many of those suffering from addiction also suffer from mental or emotional illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorders. Rehab and other substance abuse facilities treating those with a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder administer psychiatric treatment to address the person's mental health issue in addition to drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

Mental health rehabs focus on helping individuals recover from mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, clinical depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and more. Mental health professionals at these facilities are trained to understand and treat mental health issues, both in individual and group settings.

Programs

adult-program thumbnail image
Adult Program
Adult rehab programs include therapies tailored to each client's specific needs, goals, and recovery progress. They are tailored to the specific challenges adult clients may face, including family and work pressures and commitments. From inpatient and residential treatment to various levels of outpatient services, there are many options available. Some facilities also help adults work through co-occurring conditions, like anxiety, that can accompany addiction.
young-adult-program thumbnail image
Young Adult Program
Young adulthood can be an exciting, yet difficult, time of transition. Individuals in their late teens to mid-20s face unique stressors related to school, jobs, families, and social circles, which can lead to a rise in substance use. Rehab centers with dedicated young adult programs will include activities and amenities that cater to this age group, with an emphasis on specialized counseling, peer socialization, and ongoing aftercare.

Clinical Services

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapy modality that focuses on the relationship between one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is used to establish and allow for healthy responses to thoughts and feelings (instead of unhealthy responses, like using drugs or alcohol). CBT has been proven effective for recovering addicts of all kinds, and is used to strengthen a patient's own self-awareness and ability to self-regulate. CBT allows individuals to monitor their own emotional state, become more adept at communicating with others, and manage stress without needing to engage in substance abuse.

Whether a marriage or other committed relationship, an intimate partnership is one of the most important aspects of a person's life. Drug and alcohol addiction affects both members of a couple in deep and meaningful ways, as does rehab and recovery. Couples therapy and other couples-focused treatment programs are significant parts of exploring triggers of addiction, as well as learning how to build healthy patterns to support ongoing sobriety.

Experiential therapy is a form of therapy in which clients are encouraged to surface and work through subconscious issues by engaging in real-time experiences. Experiential therapy departs from traditional talk therapy by involving the body, and having clients engage in activities, movements, and physical and emotional expression. This can involve role-play or using props (which can include other people). Experiential therapy can help people process trauma, memories, and emotion quickly, deeply, and in a lasting fashion, leading to substantial and impactful healing.

Research clearly demonstrates that recovery is far more successful and sustainable when loved ones like family members participate in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic factors may be at play when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health issues. Family dynamics often play a critical role in addiction triggers, and if properly educated, family members can be a strong source of support when it comes to rehabilitation.

Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a way of getting nicotine into the bloodstream without smoking. It uses products that supply low doses of nicotine to help people stop smoking. The goal of therapy is to cut down on cravings for nicotine and ease the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

Nutrition therapy, aka medical nutrition therapy (MNT), is a way of treating physical, emotional, and medical conditions through diet. Specific dietary plans are designed by professional nutritionists or registered dietitians, and patients follow them in order to positively affect their physical and mental health.

Trauma therapy addresses traumatic incidents from a client's past that are likely affecting their present-day experience. Trauma is often one of the primary triggers and potential causes of addiction, and can stem from child sexual abuse, domestic violence, having a parent with a mental illness, losing one or both parents at a young age, teenage or adult sexual assault, or any number of other factors. The purpose of trauma therapy is to allow a patient to process trauma and move through and past it, with the help of trained and compassionate mental health professionals.

Staff

Gordon Benson

President

Brian Daly, MD

Chief Medical Officer

Lori Simkowitz-Lavigne, MA, LMHC

Chief Clinical Officer

Donald Smith

Chief Compliance Officer

Nicole Szretter

Director of Nursing

Contact Information

Phone icon (978) 401-3970
Building icon

275 Nichols Road
Fitchburg, MA 01420

Fact checked and written by:
Eric Owens
Edited by:
Courtney Myers, MS

Rehab in Cities Near Fitchburg

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Reviews of Community Healthlink – Counseling Center

3/5 (100 reviews)
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Reviews

Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer

Google Reviews

T L
1 week ago
5

Kristen left my teeth sparkling clean as always!

Portia Gibson
2 weeks ago
1

I would give less if I could. To be honest, I’m not sure where the blame lies in this clinic. What I do know is how inadequate the job is performed there. Constantly chasing really straight forward referrals, for it always to be messed up one way or another. I was so excited for a civilian doctor for my family and myself. After this place though, I would prefer to deal with the idiocy of the military. At least they can do a referral correctly. I do want to note, this rating is pretty much for the 3 clinics I have gone too. Leominster and Fitchburg are the ones we generally go to. Went to Gardner and it was painfully obvious the doctor had not updated his training or old fashioned thinking. Generally really unhelpful and potentially destructive advice. The front desk at Gardner was sweet though.

Response from the ownerInvalid relative date format:
Portia, we're sorry to hear about your patient experience. We strive to provide the best care possible. Please reach out to us, so that we can address your concerns with you directly. Email us at communications@chcfhc.org
Renee Ryan
3 weeks ago
1

Every time!!! you come in on time for your appointment (10/15early) you end up waiting an hour just to be brought back to one of the rooms. It took 2hours just to pick up dentures!!!!! Very unprofessional!!!!! Never again

Response from the ownerInvalid relative date format:
Renee, we're sorry to hear about your experience. We strive to provide the best care possible. Please reach out to us, so that we can address your concerns with you directly. Email us at communications@chcfhc.org
Kamilla Andrade
1 month ago
5

Excelente

Response from the ownerInvalid relative date format:
Kamille, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We will pass along your praise to our Fitchburg CHC Team! Sincerely, CHC
Joao Neto
1 month ago
5

Experiência muito agradável com a Dr Olerik e sua auxiliar. Profissionais muito competentes. Acredito que logo estarão supervisionado em virtude da competência. Atendente Recepção Mara sempre muito eficiente e profissional. Enfim, somente elogios a equipe citada. A todos Brasileiros que queiram um bom atendimento procure as pessoas acima. Elas não falam português mas se empenham e muito para fazer o melhor. Elas falam Espanhol. Hoje em retorno descobri que existe doutora e atendente que falam português. Incrível isso. Enfim, super indico.

Response from the ownerInvalid relative date format:
Joao, Thank you for the review. We have shared your accolades with Estuardo Osorio, DDS and our dental staff! Sincerely, CHC
Gary Morin
1 month ago
5

Great Dental experience! Teeth cleanings have gone well and a pain-free filling. Thank you 😊

Response from the ownerInvalid relative date format:
Thank you, Gary! We have shared your review of Fitchburg Dental with the team!
Crystal T
2 months ago
1

The manager of this place…. 😬

Response from the ownerInvalid relative date format:
Crystal, we're sorry to hear about your experience. We strive to provide the best care possible. Please reach out to us, so that we can address your concerns with you directly. Email us at communications@chcfhc.org
LynnP.
3 months ago
2

I am deeply concerned about the care provided at this facility. How can the Nurse Practitioner prescribe antidepressants without also offering counseling? It’s clear that the individual in need requires more than just medication—counseling should be part of the treatment plan. Additionally, the care they provide to elderly patients does not seem to be tailored to the unique needs of aging individuals. From what I’ve observed with my elderly relative, their approach lacks the comprehensive, compassionate care that seniors truly deserve. This is disappointing and raises serious concerns about the quality of care here.

Response from the ownerInvalid relative date format:
Lynn, Thank you for your feedback. We'd appreciate the opportunity to learn more, and our Behavioral Health Manager would like to address your concerns directly and answer questions you may have. Please feel free to email us with your best contact information, so that we may reach out to you. communications@chcfhc.org
Jake Daws
4 months ago
5

Always kind, friendly and helpful! Thank you for all of the help!

Response from the ownerInvalid relative date format:
Jake, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We will pass along your praise to our Fitchburg staff! Sincerely, CHC
Jason Reynolds
4 months ago
1

Avoid Community Health Connections at all costs. I went in for a PCP appointment, only to be told my insurance wasn’t active, despite it being fully active all month. They claimed they’d called me twice to resolve the issue, but I never received any calls or voicemails. When I called my insurance company after leaving my canceled appointment, they confirmed my coverage was active. Horrible customer service, disorganization, and complete lack of accountability. Highly dissatisfied with CHC Fitchburg. When leaving they asked if I’d like to make an appointment in MAY, I laughed and walked out. Look elsewhere.

Response from the ownerInvalid relative date format:
Jason, Thank you for your feedback. We're sorry to hear about your experience, as it is not the level of service we strive to provide. We'd appreciate the opportunity to learn more, and our Primary Care Manager would like to address your concerns directly. Please feel free to email us with your best contact information, so that we may reach out to you. communications@chcfhc.org
Jonathan Cabrera
4 months ago
5

Very helpful

Response from the ownerInvalid relative date format:
Jonathan, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We will pass along your praise to our staff! Sincerely, CHC
James
5 months ago
2

I've been a patient at CHC for about 7 years. Nearly every time I go, I am introduced to a "new doctor", usually just an LPN, who will pretend to be my new primary care. I have developed 0 report with any of them. They also failed to diagnose a herniated disc in my neck until 2 years while I was asking for help. Same with their dentistry, which is archaic and painful. It's like seeing a dentist in the 80's with just picks and out-of-date xray tech. Only went because I was disabled and on Masshealth for a while. I changed the second I could, and you will, too

Response from the ownerInvalid relative date format:
James, thank you for your feedback. We're sorry to hear about your experience and overall dissatisfaction. Unfortunately, a healthcare trend is that there is increased provider mobility happening. CHC is not alone and doing everything we can to improve provider retention. We value you as a patient and would like to have the opportunity to speak with you directly. Please email us with your best contact information, so that our Medical and Dental Manager may reach out to you. communications@chcfhc.org
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