Thomas F* came to Freedom Institute for substance use treatment following several years of participation in other programs. Thomas arrived supported by his family, his psychiatrist, and his therapist.  Everyone was dedicated to his long-term health and progress. There were just two issues — they disagreed on the best approach and Thomas’ goals. 

Thomas’ family thought sobriety and abstinence were best; Thomas didn’t agree.  Upon coming to Freedom Institute, Thomas, his external team, and his Freedom team joined forces. They were united by mutual care and respect for Thomas, and a shared goal to help him gain agency over his life. Together, they determined to shift his goals from abstinence to moderation.  With this adjustment, Thomas felt ready to engage. Instead of ‘failing’ at abstinence, he began succeeding at moderation.  And with the ongoing and coordinated support of his family, providers, and his Freedom team, Thomas’ work continues, with consistent steps toward positive change. 

*real person, but the name has been changed. 

Thomas’ story perfectly demonstrates Freedom Institute’s commitment to including families and providers as part of our clients’ treatment team and represents the strength and support that the collective group brings to treatment.  Collaboration is at the core of the Freedom Institute model. 

Following are questions we often hear from our referring providers: 

As a provider referring my client to Freedom Institute, what can I expect regarding my involvement with your treatment? 

Freedom Institute wants to work and collaborate with referring providers to provide the best and most informed care for all our clients. We want to complement and support the work that you are doing, and our goal is to collaborate as soon as we have consent from the client. At Freedom, we work to maintain open lines of communication, inviting providers in as important members of the team, and often as team leads.  

How does it work logistically? 

Every client situation is a little different, but here is our standard practice: when our clinicians receive consent from the client, they contact the client’s current provider(s) —before the client assessment, ideally — to understand the history and current situation.  Following the client assessment, the clinician connects with the outside provider(s) again to discuss treatment recommendations and coordinate care. Throughout treatment, our clinicians arrange periodic check-ins to discuss progress, roadblocks if they occur, and next steps. Once treatment at Freedom is complete, or if the client will be stepping down to another phase of treatment, the clinician has a transition/discharge call with the outside provider(s) to ensure all are on the same page and that those transitions happen smoothly.  

I think it would be appropriate for my client and me to ‘take a break’ during their treatment at Freedom.  Will this work? 

At Freedom Institute, we understand that supporting a client's positive change journey can sometimes present challenges. That's why we're committed to fostering a collaborative environment where both clinicians and clients receive the support they need.

When a referring clinician and client encounter an obstacle in their work together, Freedom Institute steps in to bridge the gap. We work diligently to understand both perspectives and develop a comprehensive plan tailored to the client's specific needs.

We believe in the power of collaboration. We work closely with referring clinicians and clients, fostering open communication and building a strong support network. This collaborative approach ensures everyone involved is equipped to guide the client towards achieving their goals.

Upon completion of our program, clients gain valuable new resources. This empowers them to confidently continue working with their primary clinician, leveraging the tools and strategies learned at Freedom Institute.

Together, we create a stronger support system for lasting healing, growth, and positive change.