Psychiatry

Substance Abuse Program

The Substance Abuse Service at Rhode Island Hospital provides substance abuse consultations to aid in assisting medical/surgical staff with the comprehensive care of patients who may present with substance related issues. This service functions as part of the consultation-liaison service.

This service will assess the presenting concerns and assist with referrals for treatment, as needed. Support, education and guidance can be provided to the patients, their families or involved community providers to help move the patient along the change process and enhance motivation to make choices for the betterment of their physical and emotional health.

The program is headed by the coordinator of program development, a Master's level clinical social worker who is licensed as a chemical dependency professional. The program coordinator also acts as a liaison to community agencies in an effort to better develop referral resources, improve the flow of communication with outside providers while offering education/trainings, as requested to staff and students at area facilities.  

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