I was previously seeing a psychiatrist for 5 years with a treatment plan that was working great. He recently retired and I have had a hard time finding another psychiatrist. I decided to visit Serenity BHS in Augusta, Georgia. This was my first mistake. Upon entering, I was ...
About Serenity Behavioral Health Systems
Serenity Behavioral Health Systems is located in east central Georgia in Augusta, Georgia. They offer outpatient treatment for substance use and addictions as well as child, adolescent and adult behavioral healthcare. The center is CARF accredited.
The center won’t deny anyone access to treatment based on their inability to pay. They do accept insurance, and you’ll be expected to pay any copayment due at the time of service. If you don’t have insurance, you may qualify for state assistance, including Medicaid or Medicare.
The substance use program assists you in achieving abstinence from all substances. They’ll work on improving your quality of life by addressing any mental health or dual diagnosis issues. They use many different therapeutic modalities. These include 12 Step programs, motivational interviewing and the Matrix Model. The Matrix Model is a specific group therapy treatment that is highly structured and usually takes about 16 weeks.
You may also have cognitive behavioral therapy and solution focused therapies. If appropriate, you can also get medication assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction. MAT and the accompanying therapies are sometimes free of charge depending on your eligibility.
In the outpatient behavioral health treatment program, the staff helps you address underlying problems contributing to your substance use. You’ll have an individualized treatment plan according to your specific needs. The group programs help you deal with issues such as grief, substance use and trauma.
Children, adolescents and the intellectually developmentally disabled can also get help for mental health issues at the center in Augusta. This also includes treatment for substance use, suicidal ideation and depression.
They also have a crisis stabilization unit that has 16 beds and offers inpatient stays. The stays are usually about 7-10 days and include medical monitoring. They offer detox and psychiatric stabilization.
Facility Overview
16 Number of Available Beds
8 - 14 Avg Length of Stay in Days
Latest Reviews
I have to say that this place is a miracle for me. I used to go to New Seasons Metro Treatment Center on Tabacco Rd. I was paying 20$ per day for 3 years because i had no insurance and i always struggled to get my medication because that is alot of money for anyone to pay per day. I was denied medicaid so i didnt know what to do. And i had told the counselors there about my struggles financially and the director Christina who does nothing but try and suck money out of people . So last week i could not pay for my meds and they would not help at all i was going to have to go sick. I have been clean for over 7 years from pain pills . And now i was going to have to be sick becuase i could not pay them and i always do what im supposed like have clean drug tests and go to meetings. So i met with the director Christina and she all of a sudden tells me about Serenity Behavioral health. I went straight over there and got an assesment and a doctors appointment for the next day. That place did more for me in 2 days then the othere did for me in almost 4 years treatment. I paid only 20 bucks for all my medications and they helped me with antidepressants as well. The whole team over there was very supportive for me and was on the ball to help get me setup so i did not get sick. Thank you Serenity Behavioral healthfor everything. And if you are reading this Never i Repeat Never got to New Seasons Metro Treatment Center on Tabacco Rd. That place should be ashamed of what they do. Only a couple good counselors over there that really care and i appreciate them but all the others are horrible
Mrs. Javon in Building E has went above and beyond to help me get housing. I ve tried for years, but got nowhere with any resources. I was suffering with depression and other health issues. Due to Mrs. Javon s help I ve gone from homeless to being able to have my own home. I m can t explain the appreciation that I have for all the work Mrs. Javon did for me. I m am truly grateful, and blessed that God allowed for us to meet at Building E. Mrs. Javon is the best at what she does. I have nothing, but love for her. Without Mrs. Javon I would still be homeless. Thank you with all my heart, Mrs. Javon.
I was skeptical about this place at first because of the ratings, but all the workers here were so genuine & kind. One of the workers who seriously made an impact was Mrs Carolyn and Mr David. Mrs Carolyn gave me a hug when i first got here as she knew i was in a bad mental spot. Will forever remember her.
Response from the owner4 months ago
Kaylee thank you so much for your kind words and taking the time to share your experience! We are thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience with us. Mrs. Carolyn does give amazing hugs and always tries to make everyone feel comfortable and loved - even in some of the most difficult times. Your feedback motivates our team to continue providing the best service possible. If there's anything else we can do for you or if you have any further feedback, please don't hesitate to reach out. We look forward to seeing you again soon! 
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Accepted Insurance
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.
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.
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.
Addiction Treatments
Levels of Care
Outpatient 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.
Inpatient Inpatient rehabs feature intensive clinical supervision and a highly structured and supportive environment, meaning they are especially well suited for clients in early recovery and those at risk of relapse. Clients reside at the treatment facility and engage in various therapeutic sessions throughout the day, including addiction counseling and recovery-focused life skills training. Many programs also offer evidence-based complementary therapies, such as meditation and massage.
Partial Hospitalization Program Designed for individuals who don't require round-the-clock care, a partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a form of outpatient care with a higher level of support. PHP treatment can be an alternative to inpatient hospitalization or a step-down option. With daily sessions lasting 6 to 8 hours, up to 5 days a week, a partial hospitalization program may offer medication management, relapse prevention techniques, and behavioral therapy interventions. PHP treatment can be fully or partially covered by insurance.
Treatments
The goal of treatment for alcoholism is abstinence. Those with poor social support, poor motivation, or psychiatric disorders tend to relapse within a few years of treatment. For these people, success is measured by longer periods of abstinence, reduced use of alcohol, better health, and improved social functioning. Recovery and Maintenance are usually based on 12 step programs and AA meetings.
A quality drug rehab in Georgia can help you overcome addiction. This environment is designed to help you address the complex issues contributing to drug dependence. The goal of treatment is to give you the tools you need to make a full recovery.
A combined mental health and substance abuse rehab has the staff and resources available to handle individuals with both mental health and substance abuse issues. It can be challenging to determine where a specific symptom stems from (a mental health issue or an issue related to substance abuse), so mental health and substance abuse professionals are helpful in detangling symptoms and keeping treatment on track.
Opioid rehabs specialize in supporting those recovering from opioid addiction. They treat those suffering from addiction to illegal opioids like heroin, as well as prescription drugs like oxycodone. These centers typically combine both physical as well as mental and emotional support to help stop addiction. Physical support often includes medical detox and subsequent medical support (including medication), and mental support includes in-depth therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction.
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.
Clinical Services
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is a structured way of helping those with major mental illnesses and/or substance abuse by bringing services directly to the patient in home. Instead of hospitalization or an outpatient program, staff members like social workers, psychiatrists, and counselors come directly to the patient’s house for treatment. ACT is used primarily for those with severe and persistent mental illness like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, some of whom also contend with substance abuse. ACT can be short- or long-term (months to years), and provides the same multidisciplinary, 24/7 staffing of a psychiatric unit, but in the comfort of the patient's own home and/or community.
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.
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.
Life skills trainings involve all the skills a person must have in order to function successfully in the world. These include time management, career guidance, money management, and effective communication. Truly successful addiction recovery is based on the ability to not only live substance-free, but to thrive. Life skills teaches the practical necessities of functioning in society, which sets clients up for success in life, and therefore sobriety.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a clinical approach to helping people with substance abuse issues and other conditions shift behavior in positive ways. It is more goal-oriented than traditional psychotherapy, as MI counselors directly attempt to get clients to consider making behavioral change (rather than wait for them to come to conclusions themselves). Its primary purpose is to resolve ambivalence and help clients become able to make healthy choices freely.
Amenities
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Residential Setting -
Private Setting
Staff & Accreditations
Staff
Chuck Williamson
CEO
Todd Deal
CFO
John Moore
Clinical Director
Cyndi Taylor
Program Director Addictive Disease Services
Accreditations
The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) is a non-profit organization that specifically accredits rehab organizations. Founded in 1966, CARF's, mission is to help service providers like rehab facilities maintain high standards of care.
CARF Accreditation: Yes
Accreditation Number: 201739
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
Contact Information
(706) 432-4800 
3421 Mike Padgett Highway
Augusta GA, 30906
Get Help Now - 912-456-1071
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Fact checked and written by:
Susan Bertram, BA
Edited by:
Kerry Nenn, BSW
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