Welcome to Straight Talk - Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Rehabilitative Services

Gerry House

Where Psychological And Medical Needs Combine For A Successful Transition

A clear focus on the recovery of substance abusers receiving methadone treatment, and substance abusers living with HIV—that’s what you’ll find at Gerry House in Orange County. This 12-bed facility founded in 1990, was the first State-licensed site in California uniquely designed to serve this population.

From the start, Gerry House staff has had in-depth experience with treatment and the specific psychological and medical needs of those plagued with drug and alcohol addiction. The program blends the 12 step models with numerous clinical modalities. Because Gerry combines these models the program is highly effective in working with dual diagnosed clients who make up a high percentage of those underserved. Our clinicians understand the challenges and specific needs of these populations.

Gerry House offers services to specifically assist all clients as they face their personal challenges of recovery:

Expanded ability to meet specific medical needs of clients, such as
- Hepatitis C
- HIV
- AIDS

Therapists working one-on-one to meet individual needs
- Modalities based on client’s barrier

Clinical group work
- Relapse prevention
- Cognitive restructuring
- Motivational interviewing technique

Fostering total self through supervised recreational activities

Long term aftercare
- Individual family therapy
- Group work
- Mentoring
- Goal setting

Focusing On Education And Long-Term Success.

Whether in methadone treatment and/or HIV positive, all clients go through a minimum six-month commitment designed to identify the psychological aspects of their drug addiction while teaching coping tools to live drug free and successfully reintegrate into society. Daily structure includes:

• Process and psycho-educational groups
• Journal writing
• Physical education
• Health education
• Individual counseling

Based on Cognitive-Behavioral principles, the program consists of three phases all of which last approximately two months. The duration of all phases is based on the observed behavior and written progress of each individual client.

Phase I teaches basic coping skills needed to live a drug free life, including:

• Dysfunctional thought records
• Relapse indicator charting
• Anger logs
• Assertion training
• Emotions management
• Establishing a healthy primary support system

In Phase II these skills are solidified and reinforced. Clients embark on a therapeutic project that helps them uncover patterns of drug use, depression, anxiety, relapse, and other maladaptive behavior styles. Adapting coping skills and understanding the underlying causes of addiction so that clients can solidify relapse prevention skills is the primary goal during this phase. To successfully complete Phase II, clients must master extra responsibilities and develop a strong outside support system.

Phase III begins the client’s transition back into society, and builds on the successes and skills attained in Phases I & II. The reintegration process utilizes involvement in school, vocational rehabilitation, employment, or volunteer work, establishing strong support systems including mentor or sponsor, as well as establishing a safe place of residence.

Continuum of Care

With the experience and knowledge to understand that transitioning into living a drug free life can be a mission wrought with triggers and pitfalls, Gerry House provides ongoing support that continues the sense of community gained while in residence. This continuum of care includes weekly group meetings, family counseling, weekly dinners, and assistance with medical services. In addition, clients are encouraged to become mentors and positive examples for those currently going through the program.

Straight Talk understands the importance and need for clean and sober environments for clients transitioning from Gerry House treatment out into the community. Therefore, the agency has expanded its services to include collaborative living sites that cater to the needs of those in recovery and/or living with the challenges of HIV/AIDS.

Gerry House has served over 900 clients since 1990 when the County of Orange contracted for such services. The program continues to serve 24 clients annually. For additional information on Gerry House and all of Straight Talk’s programs, visit www.straighttalkcounseling.org, or call us directly at 714-828-2000.

Click here for the Gerry House Intern Contract

Click here for the Gerry House CIV Guidelines and Duties Handbook