Interior Health says it is launching what it calls a ‘unique new option’ for people seeking substance use treatment in five communities including Kamloops.

These teams will also be based in Penticton, West Kelowna, Cranbrook, and the Enderby/Salmon Arm area.

“Stigma drives people to use alone and that isolation has been disastrous with the overdose crisis and the pandemic combined,” said Sheila Malcolmson, B.C.’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Embedding these new multidisciplinary teams in communities will provide a clear a path for people to access the health care they need and to be seen with dignity, compassion, and respect.”

The health authority says members of these new substance use treatment teams were hired and trained over the winter and they’re now ready to start seeing clients.

It notes the model is designed to be as flexible as possible to accommodate people who haven’t been able to be a part of traditional inpatient or outpatient treatment programs due to work schedules, lack of transportation, child-care demands, or other reasons.

“Everyone’s experience of addiction is unique, and their path to wellness is unique, as well,” Interior Health’s President and CEO Susan Brown said.

“That’s why at the foundation of Integrated Treatment Teams is the ability to meet people’s individual needs on their schedule, and to work with them towards their own personalized treatment goals.”

Lindsay Coughlin, a member of the Integrated Treatment Team in West Kelowna said this is a brand new team and a new approach.

“We provide more flexible, discreet treatment options for those who haven’t reached out before, including clients at risk of overdose or those who have significant substance use issues,” she said. “Often, when people think about addiction treatment they immediately think about inpatient facility-based treatment or ‘rehab’. However, evidence shows that accessing treatment in a community setting can have excellent outcomes.”

“We offer substance use counselling and treatment online that is self-paced, something we haven’t offered before, and really supports people with work schedules and other responsibilities.”

In addition, Interior Health says access to opioid agonist treatment is expanding as the first cohort of nurse prescribers for Suboxone have completed training. It also says the launch of the 310-MHSU phone number also expands access to community mental health.

For more information about Integrated Treatment Teams and other mental health and substance use services, go here.