
At a Glance
Primary Focus
Treatment Settings
Treatment Approaches
Special Programs
About Appalachian Community Services
Appalachian Community Services provides outpatient addiction treatment and mental health services across rural western North Carolina since 2012. The recovery center serves adults, adolescents, and children through their comprehensive substance abuse treatment program and co-occurring disorders care.
Appalachian Community Services operates as a community-based addiction treatment center serving the remote mountain counties of western North Carolina since 2012. Located in Murphy, this substance abuse treatment facility extends its outpatient program across Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Macon, Swain, and Haywood counties, bringing recovery resources to underserved rural communities. The center also maintains 24-hour behavioral health urgent care services to support individuals in crisis.
The facility's outpatient program addresses substance use disorders alongside co-occurring mental health conditions through structured treatment sessions. Their recovery center utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a core therapeutic approach, helping clients develop practical skills for sustained recovery. Telehealth services expand access for those in remote mountain locations, ensuring continuity of care regardless of geographic barriers.
Under the clinical leadership of Medical Director Benjamin Crawford, DO, a board-certified psychiatrist, and Clinical Director Betty Aldecoa, Psy.D., M.Ed., the treatment team brings specialized expertise in dual diagnosis care. The program integrates substance abuse treatment with mental health services, recognizing the interconnected nature of these conditions in the recovery process.
This recovery center serves adults, children, and adolescents, making it a comprehensive family-oriented treatment resource for mountain communities. Operating on a sliding scale payment structure, Appalachian Community Services removes financial barriers that often prevent rural residents from accessing quality addiction treatment. Their commitment to serving remote Appalachian communities fills a critical gap in regional recovery infrastructure.
Outpatient Addiction Treatment for Mountain Communities
Appalachian Community Services addresses the unique recovery needs of rural western North Carolina through their comprehensive outpatient program. Since 2012, this addiction treatment center has served Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Macon, Swain, and Haywood counties, bringing professional substance abuse treatment to communities with limited access to recovery resources.
The outpatient program combines substance use disorder treatment with mental health services, recognizing that many clients face co-occurring conditions requiring integrated care. Telehealth options ensure consistent participation even for those living in the most remote mountain locations, while the sliding scale payment structure makes treatment accessible regardless of economic circumstances.
Recovery Center Leadership and Clinical Approach
Medical Director Benjamin Crawford, DO, brings board-certified psychiatric expertise to the treatment team, while Clinical Director Betty Aldecoa, Psy.D., M.Ed., oversees program delivery. This dual leadership structure ensures both medical and therapeutic aspects of recovery receive expert attention throughout the treatment process.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy serves as the foundation of their therapeutic approach, helping clients identify triggers, develop coping strategies, and build skills for long-term recovery. The integration of substance abuse treatment with mental health care creates a comprehensive framework addressing the full spectrum of client needs.
24-Hour Crisis Support and Emergency Services
Beyond scheduled outpatient programming, Appalachian Community Services operates 24-hour behavioral health urgent care to support individuals experiencing mental health or substance use crises. This around-the-clock availability fills a critical gap in rural emergency mental health services, providing immediate intervention when traditional outpatient scheduling cannot meet urgent needs.
The combination of regular outpatient treatment with emergency crisis support creates a safety net for recovery community members, ensuring professional help remains accessible during challenging moments in the recovery journey.
Why Choose Appalachian Community Services
- Serves six remote mountain counties across western North Carolina with limited treatment options
- 24-hour behavioral health urgent care available alongside outpatient programming
- Sliding scale payment structure removes financial barriers for rural communities
- Telehealth capabilities extend recovery services to isolated mountain locations
- Comprehensive age range from children through adults in family-centered approach
Frequently Asked Questions
What counties does Appalachian Community Services serve for outpatient treatment?
The recovery center serves Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Macon, Swain, and Haywood counties across western North Carolina. Telehealth services help extend their reach to remote mountain communities within this six-county service area.
Does the facility offer treatment for both addiction and mental health conditions?
Yes, Appalachian Community Services treats substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and co-occurring disorders through their integrated outpatient program. This dual diagnosis approach addresses the interconnected nature of these conditions in recovery.
What age groups can receive treatment at this recovery center?
The facility serves adults, adolescents, and children, making it a comprehensive treatment resource for entire families. This broad age range allows families to coordinate care and support each other's recovery within the same treatment system.
How does the sliding scale payment system work?
Appalachian Community Services offers sliding scale payment options to make addiction treatment accessible regardless of financial circumstances. This payment structure removes economic barriers that often prevent rural residents from accessing professional substance abuse treatment.
Is telehealth available for outpatient sessions?
Yes, the recovery center provides telehealth services to extend access across their rural service area. This technology ensures clients in remote mountain locations can maintain consistent participation in their outpatient program.
What therapeutic approaches are used in the outpatient program?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy serves as a core therapeutic method in their substance abuse treatment program. CBT helps clients develop practical skills for identifying triggers, managing cravings, and maintaining long-term recovery.
Does the facility offer crisis intervention services?
Appalachian Community Services operates 24-hour behavioral health urgent care for mental health and substance use crises. This emergency support complements their regular outpatient programming with around-the-clock crisis intervention.
What makes this recovery center different from other addiction treatment options?
The facility specifically serves underserved mountain communities across six rural counties with limited treatment resources. Their combination of outpatient programming, 24-hour crisis care, telehealth access, and sliding scale payments addresses the unique barriers faced by rural recovery communities.
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