Denver CARES Withdrawal Management and Residential Treatment Programs

Denver Health’s Paramedic Division operates an Emergency Service Patrol (ESP) which safely transports individuals suffering from substance intoxication throughout the city of Denver directly to Denver CARES. ESP responds to police requests, community calls, and Denver Health Emergency Department requests. ESP responds to more than 10,000 calls annually.

Denver CARES is a 100-bed, non-medical, clinically managed treatment facility that provides a safe and humane environment for clients to withdrawal from alcohol and/or drugs. All clients are triaged by a registered nurse before being admitted into the dorm. Clients receive vitals checks, sleeping accommodations, medication assisted treatment (if applicable), group counseling (if applicable), and well-balanced meals throughout the duration of their stay. Licensed mental health clinicians and certified addiction counselors provide initial education, harm reduction education, and counseling regarding addiction and recovery, and treatment referrals are provided.

Denver CARES provides transitional residential treatment for individuals with substance use disorders. Male and female clients are housed separately in shared living spaces. The male dorm can accommodate up to 28 clients and the female dorm can accommodate up to 14 clients. The length of stay varies from 45 to 90 days. Services include counseling groups on a variety of topics including coping skills, seeking safety, relapse prevention, smoking cessation, mindfulness and meditation, CBT, grief and loss, yoga, anger management, art therapy, and many more. Participants will also meet with their respective counselor once per week for individualized counseling. In addition to counseling, clients are connected to case coordinators and case managers who support them with basic life skills such as obtaining gainful employment, sustainable housing, and continuation of their treatment goals to best support their recovery.

TRT Commonly Asked Question 

The Behavioral Health Services Counselor Training Program at Denver CARES offers the course work required to obtain both Certified Addiction Technician (CAT) and Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) certifications. The training program also offers continuing education requirements. Classes are taught in a small classroom or online setting by dually licensed trainers who specialize in addictions and are approved by the Behavioral Health Administration. The class subjects include Addiction Counseling Skills, Principles of Addiction Treatment, Pharmacology, Advanced Treatment Models, Trauma Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, Clinical Supervision, Anger Management, and many more.

Behavioral Health Services Counselor Training