With so many options out there, choosing the right treatment program for yourself or a loved can be overwhelming. Given the unfortunate rise of unaccredited and/or otherwise disreputable treatment centres in the last decade, it is especially important to be a savvy consumer when selecting the right facility for you or your loved one.
Are you a CARF accredited treatment centre?
Yes, Orchard Recovery Center is CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) accredited. CARF is internationally recognized as the gold standard for treatment centre accreditation. CARF accredited treatment centres must adhere to the highest standards of care.
How many clients do you accept at a time?
Orchard Recovery Center only accepts a maximum of 33 clients at a time in our primary care. This is a relatively small number when compared with other treatment centers. We believe it is much easier to foster connections within small, intimate groups. Daily counselor facilitated process groups typically range from 7 to 11 people per group.
Are your clinicians licensed?
Orchard Recovery Center currently employs 9 licenced clinicians who specialize in substance use disorder. Each client is assigned a qualified and licensed individual counsellor who provides individual and group therapy.
Are components of your program led by peers or is all of your programming facilitated by trained and qualified staff?
All of our programming is facilitated by trained staff. While we certainly value many of the aspects of the peer-to-peer model of recovery, at Orchard Recovery Center we strongly believe that while clients are in treatment, mentorship should only be provided by trained and qualified staff who have demonstrated long-term recovery. At Orchard Recovery Center, every client is assigned a Recovery Coach, in addition to a personal counsellor, who they will meet with to complete recovery related assignments. All of our Recovery Coaches are staff members and many of them are also licensed counsellors. Recovery Coaches employed at Orchard Recovery Center have a minimum of 2 years in recovery (some have 30+ years).
Is your program a 12-Step program?
Yes and No. Most treatment centers, including Orchard Recovery Center, use some form of 12-Step facilitation which is based on the philosophy of Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous. While 12-Step Facilitation is a key component of our program, Orchard Recovery Center combines this model with the most effective, evidence-based models for the treatment of substance use disorder. Our daily psychoeducational seminars and skills-based learning modules are grounded in contemporary research on neuroscience and its practical applications. Our clinicians are trained in a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP).
Is your program religious?
The 12-Step method does have a spiritual component but it is not a religious program and is entirely suitable for agnostics and atheists. The 12-Step method is a set of guiding principles outlining a practical course of action for recovery from addiction, compulsion, or other behavioural problems. Since 1935, the 12-Step method has demonstrated unparalleled efficacy in treating a wide range of addiction and compulsive behavioural issues. Both randomized clinical trials and longitudinal studies have consistently supported the efficacy of the 12-Step Method. In 2016, the Surgeon General of the United States Report on Alcohol, Drugs and Health stated, “Well supported scientific evidence demonstrates the effectiveness of 12-Step mutual aid groups focused on alcohol and 12-Step facilitation interventions.”
Do you have a program for families? Can you please describe what it entails? Is it included in the price?
Every Saturday, Orchard Recovery Center offers a complete day of programming (psychoeducational seminar, lunch and process group) for family and clients. Every 6 weeks we offer a two day intensive workshop for families and clients. Healing from addiction does not happen instantly, the process takes time for both the addicted person and their family. Our integrated Saturday family program is designed to give clients and their families time to heal, together, over the weeks while their loved one is in treatment. Family programming attendance is encouraged however, we understand some families may not feel they are ready to participate. Our family program is included in the price of treatment and a is available for the duration of their stay.
Do you have an on-site psychiatrist?
Dr. Adam Chodkiewicz MD, FRCP (C), DABAM (Diplomate of the American Board of Addiction Medicine), or “Dr. C”, has over 20 years experience working in the field of addiction medicine. In addition to his work at Orchard Recovery Center, he is currently the Physician Program Director and Assistant Head of Psychiatry at St. Paul’s hospital in downtown Vancouver. Please see our staff page for more details about Dr. C and other members of our highly qualified medical team.
Will I be assessed and followed by physicians with specific training and credentials in addiction medicine?
Yes. Our world-class team of physicians are ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) or ISAM (International Society of Addiction Medicine) certified, meaning they are specifically trained in addiction medicine. In addition to our highly qualified medical team, you will also have access to our dynamic and multidisciplinary allied health team of addiction specialists, including psychiatric nurses, MA level counselors and social workers.
Is this an exclusively private treatment center or do you also have low income public/government pay beds?
Orchard Recovery Center is an exclusively private pay treatment center. We do not currently have any low income public/government pay beds. Please call 811 info line for information on government funded supportive recovery houses/centers.
Do you have an outpatient aftercare program?
We offer both a residential aftercare program with 5 days of programming, or an intensive out-patient program with 2 full days of programming in West Vancouver. These options are available to clients who have completed 42 days of residential care in our primary care facility or an equivalent facility.
Do you offer medical detox and medication-assisted therapies?
Our medical team are experts in alleviating the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms. We use evidence-based medication-assisted therapies for detox and stabilization. Ongoing medically assisted treatment for longer term stabilization and managing cravings are decided based on consultations with our medical team and based on each client’s unique circumstances.
Do you provide overnight nursing staff?
Yes. Our nursing staff is onsite for both day and night shifts. Orchard Recovery Center has been licensed by Vancouver Coastal Health as a residential Mental Health and Substance Use Care facility. Do you have set number of days in your program? Our full primary care program is 42 days, however, we also offer a 10 day introduction to treatment, a 28 day program and a 90 day program which includes 48 days of residential sober living with a focus on transitioning into life and work. At Orchard Recovery Center, we understand leave from work and/or family life requires planning. For this reason, we offer clearly defined treatment stays (42, 28, 10 days). Many people decide to extend their stay once they begin to experience the benefits of the Orchard Recovery Center program and we will work with you and your employer/EAP provider to arrange the right fit for your needs.
Do you provide mental health services?
Our clinicians are trained to work with concurrent disorders such as anxiety, disordered eating, trauma, depression as well as personality disorders however, prospective clients must have a primary substance use disorder to be eligible for our program.
Do you have access to nature and other holistic wellness?
Yes, Orchard Recovery Center is located on beautiful Bowen Island, a 20 minute ferry ride from Horseshoe bay in West Vancouver. Both our residence and administration buildings are nestled in the serene Pacific Northwest rainforest.
Some other features include:
- Seasonal swimming pool
- State of the art fitness center/private gym located onsite
- Daily yoga practice
- Access to acupuncture, physiotherapy and other wellness options
- Our facilities and residence are surrounded by nature and we enjoy regular visits from eagles, deer and other wildlife
- Incredible meals and plentiful options. Our meals are not pre-plated; we provide a variety of healthy options to choose from which includes seasonal home-grown organic produce our onsite garden.
Are there any hidden costs?
Savvy consumers should be aware of hidden costs. The following are included in the price of Orchard Recovery Center’s primary care program:
- GST (Primary Care)
- Meals as well as specialty coffee/teas/, juice, snacks including fresh fruit, cheese and baked goods platters
- Onsite fitness facility/yoga practice
- Individual and group counselling
- Family programming.
Will my insurance provider cover the cost of treatment?
Orchard Recovery Center is a licensed and accredited treatment center and your treatment costs may be covered or partially covered depending on your Employee Assistance Plan or comprehensive Extended Health Plan.