Program Description

Rush Behavioral Health’s nationally recognized chemical dependency program is designed specifically for the needs of impaired physicians and other health care professionals including those with psychiatric or medical comorbidity. It is also ideal for high accountability individuals from other vocations such as the law, clergy, business and industry. The program philosophy is that professionals benefit from peer interaction and support with other professionals. Although the majority of the patients are professionals, the program design also includes non-professional patients.

Program Structure

The program is based on a day-hospital model (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Most of the patients live in nearby apartments as an independent living community. This provides an intensive 24-hour integration of the treatment program into a daily living routine that emphasizes self-responsibility for all daily living activities, as well as accountability to peers.

Program Components

• Physician involvement and leadership in daily program activities
• Interactive group psychotherapy
• Emphasis on meditation and mindfullness
• Individual therapy and case management
• Community meetings
• Physical fitness/wellness groups and activities
• Special focus groups addressing mood disorders, dual diagnosis issues and process addiction (including eating disorders and sexual compulsivity)
• Physician led recovery/re-entry groups (Caduceus)
• Extended program (Phase II) which provides transitional treatment in preparation for return to home and professional life
• Didactic workshops
• Comprehensive approach to chronic pain
• Family groups and a separate Family Week Program
• Advocacy with medical and licensing boards for patients in recovery

Length of Treatment

The treatment length is individualized according to need. Most health care professionals will be in the day hospital program a minimum of four to six weeks, followed by an extended period of less intensive treatment for at least two to four weeks. Some patients will be referred to the evening intensive outpatient program for part of the treatment stay.