St. Elizabeth's Comprehensive Addiction Program (SECAP)

ABOUT ST. ELIZABETH’S COMPREHENSIVE ADDICTION PROGRAM (SECAP)

Founded in 1976, St. Elizabeth's Comprehensive Addiction Program, commonly known as SECAP, is Boston’s longest-running, hospital-based addiction treatment program along with being one of the only 25 (7.1 percent) in the state. Located in the urban neighborhood of Brighton, SECAP offers both outpatient and short-term residential services to adults. If necessary, this is one of Massachusetts' 34 (9.7 percent) facilities that offers medically monitored detoxification as a Level 4 certified inpatient detox program. SECAP also offers medication assisted treatment.

TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT

Like many hospital-based residential facilities, SECAP’s residential services are designed to stabilize clients and transition them into the outpatient program. Components of the short-term program (one to four days) include group therapy, meditation, individual therapy, and discharge planning. Treatment is evidence based.

For medications, the facility utilizes symptom-triggered protocols. This is where clients only take medications when symptoms are present, as opposed to a regular schedule.

Outpatient treatment is individualized and structured to serve the specific needs of young adults, women, and older adults. Programs are tailored to fit different stages of recovery — the intensive day program, which lasts one to two weeks, is designed to assist those in early recovery, while the evening program focuses on relapse prevention and psychoeducation. Components of the outpatient program include individual therapy and group counseling.

Outpatient medication assisted therapy is led by physicians. Clients participate in therapy and are prescribed medications such as Suboxone, naltrexone, and antabuse.

SECAP strongly encourages the involvement of families, offering family education programs and referrals to halfway houses and community-based programs such as Al-Anon.

Once a client completes an outpatient program, they may choose to attend SECAP’s specialized aftercare groups and services for ongoing support. Aftercare services and groups include one-on-one addiction counseling, gender-specific groups and peer counseling dedicated to opiate recovery, early motherhood, relapse prevention, and trauma.

STAFF CREDENTIALS

SECAP’s treatment team includes medical doctors and nurses trained in substance abuse.

ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES

Nurses provide 24/7 care and supervision for the in-patient program. The program takes places at a hospital, so a clinical setting should be expected.

WHAT ALUMNI SAY

Five alumni to date reported positive experiences with this facility to Rehabs.com. The alumni polled on treatment effectiveness gave it four- and maximum five-star ratings.

One reviewer noted a lack of holistic activities, however, and mentioned feeling restricted by the hospital’s religious approach: “It was a Catholic hospital my counselor was a priest and I am a humanist,” the alum wrote. This individual gave just one star out of five for exercise and leisure opportunities, but did provide a perfect five-star rating for the level of staff support.

Another former client, M.A.F., agreed with the other alumni that accommodations were high-quality and praised the staff. “They call you out on your stuff so don't think you're going to pull the wool over their eyes - they are experienced and focused,” the alum wrote.

The two most recent reviews submitted by former clients to Rehabs.com both referred to this facility as a "very good program.**

The hospital as a whole earned three out of five stars based on 132 Google reviews to date.^[1] None of the comments touched specifically on addiction services, but feedback for the entire hospital frequently noted difficulties with the billing department but pleasant experiences with the staff and services.

WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY

To date, SECAP received moderate ratings from the three loved ones surveyed by Rehabs.com, who reported excellent accommodations, quality meals, and immaculate facilities.

Loved ones gave three out of five stars or higher for staff experience. Staffers were described as “awesome” and “attentive.” One anonymous reviewer, who liked the program overall and said it was worth the cost, noted that it could improve in family participation. Indeed, the three family members to rate this metric gave a five-, a two-, and a one-star rating.

In citing facility weaknesses, another loved one commented, "Lack of aftercare options." This individual indicated that they would not recommend treatment at this facility, though the other other survey respondents indicated that they would.

FINANCING

According to the hospital’s website, most private insurance plans are accepted.

CONCLUSION

In addition to the services offered by the hospital itself, St. Elizabeth's is affiliated with the Allston-Brighton Substance Abuse Task Force, which offers support groups, educational sessions, and annual fundraiser benefits.

^[1] GoogleReviews