Chesapeake Counseling Associates, PC, in Gloucester recently partnered with the Farley Center to offer an Intensive Outpatient Therapy Program for those struggling with substance abuse disorders. The program fills a gap for those who may not necessarily need in-patient treatment, but need something more than regular one-on-one counseling.

Stephen Simmers, the program coordinator for the Gloucester IOP, said patients meet for 12 hours of group therapy per week. The meetings occur four evenings a week for three hours each. 

“Patients are still able to work, take care of their families and their other responsibilities and obligations, while receiving a higher level of care,” Simmers said. A patient typically stays in the program for a period of six weeks and sometimes continues one-on-one therapy thereafter.

The program is done in a group therapy setting. According to Simmers, patients’ families are encouraged to participate to help aid in the healing process. “We have a family night once a week,” he said.

Simmers said he looks forward to the partnership with Chesapeake Counseling. “I’m excited to come here to work collaboratively with a true outpatient facility,” he said. “My wife and I also live here in Gloucester.”

Jenny Pritchett, owner of Chesapeake Counseling, said this is a step in her business trying to customize programs to help reach more people in need. “Not everyone is the same,” she said. 

Prior to starting the IOP in Gloucester, Simmers worked for the Farley Center’s Williamsburg location.

According to Simmers, a patient can join the IOP in one of three ways. They can either call Chesapeake Counseling at 804-695-2557; the Farley Center’s main office at 800-443-9346 or by contacting him directly at 804-322-9066. No referral is necessary.

“We take people who have been court ordered into treatment to those seeking treatment and everything in between,” Simmers added.