IAFF Center of Excellence

About IAFF Center of Excellence

IAFF Center of Excellence is located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland just 30 minutes outside of Washington, D.C. This specialized recovery center was created through a partnership between Advanced Recovery Systems and the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF). You can access integrated behavioral health treatment including addiction care.

Their Joint Commission accredited facility offers a full continuum of care for dispatchers, first responders and firefighters. You can participate in whole person approaches like recreational therapy, medical support and mental health counseling. You’ll benefit from diving deep into the contributing factors of mental health and substance use disorders. Their dedicated team is there to offer unwavering support and help you build essential skills to sustain recovery.

What stands out most to me is their impressive campus. With 15 acres of nature and open space, you’ll have the ideal environment to hone in on recovery. In your downtime, you can enjoy nutritious meals, walking trails, a fitness center, a pool, pickleball, volleyball, video games and much more. They offer a secure space to relax and reflect while healing your mind, body and soul.

Another great feature that caught my eye was their holistic approach. They provide experiential therapies, like yoga and equine therapy to help you reduce stress and connect with others and your inner self. You’ll also benefit from traditional approaches to gain coping skills. That way, you’ll leave treatment with a clear path for healing and growth.

Lastly, their alumni aftercare services also stood out. Throughout your stay you’ll connect with others on similar paths who understand your unique experiences. They ensure you can keep in touch with your recovery network. You can remain in contact with one of their research assistants for up to 18 months after treatment.

Latest Reviews

jeff good

2 months ago on Google

Smartest decision of my life. 100/10

Mark Holmes

2 months ago on Google

This place is amazing. I am in disbelief that a place like this exists and that it was available to me. Coming here was the best thing I ve ever done for myself. The staff from housekeeping, maintenance, kitchen, and clinical/ medical are not just employees. They care and are passionate about you and your journey.When I got here I was broken, ashamed, exhausted. My life was falling apart and I couldn t get out of my own way. They take you apart and help you examine yourself piece by piece. They are very good at what they do.I will forever be grateful for the ways that the CoE helped me, and grateful to myself for making the very difficult decision to come here.If you have questions, please reach out.

Clint Sanchez

3 months ago on Google

Where do I begin? When I came through the gate, I was broken (or as I've learned -- bruised). I was immediately let out of my car and met by two of my peers who whooshed me to admissions. From that point on, all I felt was acceptance, belonging, and that I was in a judgement-free zone.In my mind, I was broken, unrepairable, and had issues that no one could fix. Boy was I wrong. Whether it was in individual sessions with Remi (My Clinician), or group therapy with Dan, Pat, Ashley, Tiffany, Alanna, Kourtney, Kimberly, and others -- I was given the tools, grace, and ability to begin to fix myself.Plus, the clinicians aren't here to just get a paycheck. They genuinely CARE about the patients, you can literally feel that in the sessions.At my clinician's suggestion, I underwent EMDR treatment and literally felt chains being removed, and childhood trauma no longer had the power that it did on me before coming here.Insofar as the facilities, the station houses are comfy, the supporting staff are incredible, and the Fire every evening is the perfect place to unwind, and listen to your peers share their journey to what led them here to the COE.I could go on and on about how magical this place is, but Google doesn't have the bandwidth for me to sing my praises. I feel like every single person in the fire service would benefit from coming here.ONWARD!

Rehab Score

Our Methodology

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 Methodology

8.9 / 10

Gallery

The facilities at IAFF Center of Excellence in Upper Marlboro, MD 1

The facilities at IAFF Center of Excellence in Upper Marlboro, MD 2

Location

Accepted Insurance

IAFF Center of Excellence works with several private insurance providers and also accepts private payments when possible, please contact to verify your specific insurance provider.

Aetna

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Other Forms of Payment

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.

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

Clients who are exiting detox or intensive inpatient treatment often enroll in outpatient rehab programs to ensure a robust continuity of care. Outpatient programs allow clients to remain in or return to their homes and workplaces while continuing to receive treatment, which typically includes addiction counseling and recovery-focused life skills training. Clients in opioid and/or alcohol recovery may also receive medication assisted treatment (MAT), including medication induction and maintenance, at an outpatient facility.

Inpatient

Inpatient rehab enables clients to focus exclusively on their recovery while living in a highly structured and supportive environment. Inpatient treatment is typically designed for clients who have just completed detox, are in early recovery, and/or are at an elevated risk of relapse. Their treatment generally involves intensive addiction counseling, including individual, group, and family counseling. Many inpatient rehabs also offer recovery-focused life skills training and/or holistic therapies, such as yoga, massage, and meditation.

Intensive Outpatient

Clients who are leaving inpatient rehab often choose to transition into an intensive outpatient program (IOP) to receive high-level support as they reintegrate into their home, workplace, and community. Intensive outpatient rehab also benefits those at risk of relapse. Clients typically participate in nine to 20 hours of treatment weekly, with modalities ranging from psychotherapy to addiction and recovery education. Many programs also provide medication assisted treatment (MAT) and complementary care, such as nutrition counseling, and acupuncture.

Aftercare Support

Clients receiving support in a rehab aftercare program typically partner with their case manager and care team to identify and access the services that best align with their recovery needs and goals. Rehab aftercare services are designed to evolve with clients' changing needs to promote their long-term sobriety. Care modalities are highly customized and may include a range of medical, mental health, and social service resources, including peer coaching, career counseling, and 12 step program induction.

Partial Hospitalization Program

Commonly known as "day treatment," a partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a short-term intensive rehab option designed to provide treatment during the day and you're able to return home at night. PHP treatment offers structured programming, including individual and group therapy, typically meeting 3-5 days a week for 6-8 hours per day. PHP duration averages around 90 days, with some programs offering amenities like transportation and meals.

Medically Assisted Detox

Quitting drugs and alcohol on your own can cause uncomfortable and even dangerous side effects caused by the withdrawal process. In medically assisted detox, a team of licensed medical professionals will monitor your health, provide medication for potential withdrawal symptoms, and work to keep you safe and comfortable. Most people transition to an inpatient program or a maintenance program that uses medication assisted treatment (MAT).

Treatments

Alcohol use disorder (AUD), commonly referred to as alcoholism, can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Each category involves unhealthy patterns of alcohol consumption and can cause harmful effects. To treat alcohol addiction at any level, alcohol rehab in Maryland is often necessary. These treatment programs provide psychological, social, and medical supports that help individuals overcome alcohol addiction and maintain long-term recovery.

Once a person has become addicted to a substance, drug rehab in Maryland is often necessary to overcome that addiction. These programs provide the tools individuals need to manage the physical, mental, and emotional issues involved and begin a successful recovery journey.

Opioid Addiction

Maryland dual-diagnosis rehabs typically offer comprehensive care to individuals with mental health and substance abuse diagnoses. You can usually find inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs tailored to your specific needs. These specialized addiction treatment facilities combine evidence-based therapies — such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) — with experiential therapies like mindfulness, with the goal of treating both mental health disorders and providing you with the tools to stay sober.

In Maryland, substance abuse treatment programs support individuals struggling with drugs or alcohol, and those who also have mental health conditions. These rehab programs vary, depending on the level of care you need. That might include inpatient rehab, or an outpatient program. Typically, substance abuse treatment includes evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), recovery support meetings, and skills groups to equip you with new coping strategies when you leave rehab.

Treatment for drug and alcohol addiction often centers on improving mental health. Inpatient care is ideal for people who need closer monitoring while receiving therapeutic and mental health services. Standard therapies include group and individual counseling, relapse prevention education, coping skills training, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing and family support groups. With all critical therapies combined, there is a greater chance for improving mental health and achieving sustained recovery.

Programs

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

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.

Military Program

Serving in the military is both mentally and physically challenging, and can result in trauma that persists even after combat ends. Military programs are tailored to the specific and often complex needs of active duty personnel, veterans, and military families. Clients often access these programs through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Clinical Services

Cognitive behavioral therapy in Maryland emphasizes your current life rather than what has happened in the past. Your therapist will help you develop methods to deal with current and future challenges so you can cope in healthy ways that don't involve substances.

During dialectical behavior therapy sessions, you'll review the challenges you faced the previous week and the feelings you experienced during those times. You and your therapist will engage in problem solving, discussing how you can handle those situations in the future for a better outcome. This involves keeping a diary throughout the week to track your emotions.

Individualized one on one therapy allows the therapist to focus on your specific challenges and strengths. Using a personalized approach enables the therapist to help you develop effective coping mechanisms and build a more stable and fulfilling substance free life.

Four key principles guide motivational interviewing. These are empathy, self efficacy, rolling with resistance, and developing discrepancy. These techniques allow the client to examine their motivations for change, identify discrepancies in their current situation and future goals, and feel empowered to make changes to reach their goals.

Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing

Cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing techniques are often part of group therapy sessions. These are evidence based techniques that address thinking and behavioral patterns that trigger addictive behavior. Learning how to address these thought patterns can help create lasting change.

Amenities

Staff & Accreditations

Staff

Dr.Mitchell Eisenberg, MD

CEO

Dr.Lewis Gold, MD

Chairman of ther Board

Josh Gold

Co-COO

Brian Geraghty

CFO

Anthony Katz

VP of Human Resources

Hunter Mefford

Co-COO

Nanci Stockwell

Senior VP of Operations

Dr.Kevin Wandler, MD

Chief Medical Officer

Nicole Cosra

Chief Clinical Officer

Samuel Winikoff

Chief Legal Officer

Mandy Seymour

Chief Nursing Officer

Marta Nelson

Chief Compliance Officer

Accreditations

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1992 by congress, SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on American's communities.

SAMHSA Listed: Yes

LegitScript has reviewed IAFF Center of Excellence as part of their certification program, and has determined that it meets the LegitScript standards for legality, safety and transparency.

LegitScript verified in

The Joint Commission, formerly known as JCAHO, is a nonprofit organization that accredits rehab organizations and programs. Founded in 1951, the Joint Commision's mission is to improve the quality of patient care and demonstrating the quality of patient care.

Joint Commission Accreditation: Yes

Contact Information

(855) 900-8437

Website

13400 Edgemeade Rd
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Get Help Now - 443-376-8434

Rehab in Cities Near Upper Marlboro

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Reviews of IAFF Center of Excellence

4.9/5 (100 reviews)

795

Google Reviews

4.9 (100 reviews)

Nadia Pechacek

3 weeks ago

This place saved my life, I truly don't know where I would be without it. If you're on the fence and think you need help, just go. You will be glad you did!

Paul Rice

Only one word I can think of to describe the COE..."Magical". The entire staff was top notch. They take exceptional care of every patient. Nothing to worry about except healing. The camaraderie amongst the firefighters was incredible. This place saved my life. To be honest, I didnt want to leave.

Blair Lockwood

It was truly a life saving experience. It not only saved my marriage, but also the relationships around me. I left there feeling like a new man with newly found friends that will last a lifetime. I can’t say how much I appreciate the entire staff. Thank you.

Alan

1 month ago

This facility, the staff members and the brothers and sisters here saved my life and I will be forever grateful. If you think you need it don’t resist, pick up the phone and make that call. I won’t say it will be easy but it will be worth it!!

Stephen Luciano

The C.o.E. saved my life. I can't explain it any better than that. Get down here and do the work, you won't be sorry and your family will thank you.

Stephen Logan

This therapy and facility was exactly what I needed. All of the staff were very supportive and helpful on my recovery journey. Thank You very much COE!

Pat Brassil

If any Brother or Sister is in need of help. This is an amazing place. You will find the help you're looking for, and probably have fun while you're there.

Jason Kennedy

2 months ago

I came here as a broken human who had forgotten who I was and how to live in this world long ago. War trauma, 20 years of work trauma, on top of some nasty childhood trauma had me with no self esteem and the worst trainwreck of negative thoughts. I was already diagnosed with PTSD, depression, anxiety and using any substance put in front of me to make it all go away. 10+ years of therapy and this was not my 1st go round with intensive residential treatment. This place was everything I needed all along. It took me 60 days to deal with it and I don't regret the time at all. It certainly wasn't lost time even though I left a lot behind to come here. It's worth it and you're worth it to take the step to come here. The clinicians are great and between them and the classes, it will help you look at all the parts that you tried to hide away, learn from them and help yourself change to be who you want to be. The rules you see online aren't really how it goes. You're respected as being a professional with a bunch of other professionals. You won't be hanging out with "your patients" that you might be imagining. Youre not locked down in a building all day, you'll spend more time doing what you want on campus then you do in programming. You do have limited cell phone access but you have everyday phone access from their landlines. You may become an Amazon preferred client if so desired. Books, cards, games, Legos, etc are all welcome to be had here. The food is decent to good by Army standards, with meals made but also a good salad bar selection and assortment of snacks. You'll be able to order groceries as well to get what you want. I'd say the average stay is around 30 days if you need a graduation certificate. 45-60 for significant trauma needing EMDR with designated trauma groups. Not a soul leaves at 2 weeks "done", so don't listen to what the ARS guys say. This place is run significantly different from the other ARS for a reason.

This place is amazing. I am in disbelief that a place like this exists and that it was available to me. Coming here was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. The staff from housekeeping, maintenance, kitchen, and clinical/ medical are not just employees. They care and are passionate about you and your journey. When I got here I was broken, ashamed, exhausted. My life was falling apart and I couldn’t get out of my own way. They take you apart and help you examine yourself piece by piece. They are very good at what they do. I will forever be grateful for the ways that the CoE helped me, and grateful to myself for making the very difficult decision to come here. If you have questions, please reach out.

3 months ago

Jamie Richards

There is little chance I would have got the help I needed anywhere else. The firefighter environment and being with my brothers and sisters were the key to my treatment. The staff here are a very experienced and professional team. I would encourage any firefighter who might be struggling to come to the COE ASAP.

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