C48. Peaks and Valleys: Integrating Recovery Coaching in an MAT(R) setting

C48. Peaks and Valleys: Integrating Recovery Coaching in an MAT(R) setting

C48. Peaks and Valleys: Integrating Recovery Coaching in an MAT(R) setting

Learner category:

• Beginning Level
• Novice Level
• Intermediate Level

Learning objectives:

• Participant will be able to identify possible challenges and benefits integrating Recovery Coaching inside an MAT setting Recognize the need for adequate supportive supervision of peers/Recovery Coaches working inside an MAT setting

Abstract

As Recovery Coach Services continue to be included in agencies, we encounter new opportunities and challenges surrounding support and supervision of the individuals in these roles. The purpose of this presentation is to provide knowledge from our experiences addressing the benefits and challenges in the process of including recovery coach services inside an MAT setting. Benefits ranged from having peers to relate with clients and serve as motivation for recovery through the power of lived experience; breaching the gap in transportation in Western Mass area (where transportation is a main barrier to accessing recovery services); case management, meeting peers in the community and navigating barriers to access detox and other services. In the process, certain needs were identified such as direct and consistent one on one supervision and support around documentation on medical records, planning of Recovery Wellness Plans, management of interpersonal skills in professional setting, managing triggering events in the work with recoverees and on-going support in managing ethic and boundary issues. Implementation of consistent support and supervision, added structure that allowed for Recovery Coaches (RCs) to continue to develop their potential and skills and provide recoverees with quality support in their recovery. As we worked these aspects with the RCs, we got insight into gaps of practical skills needed for the general staff inside our program. This included RNs, Medical assistants and medical providers. Next steps are focused on providing staff hands on training and supervision on Motivational Interviewing to better engage in recovery conversations with clients.

Authors

Ruth Y. Haddock

Ph.D. Holyoke Health Center

Ruth Haddock, Ph.D., currently acts as the Recovery Coach Program Manager at Holyoke Health Center in Massachusetts. She has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Ponce Health Sciences University in Puerto Rico. Her work for the past 5 years has focused on social determinants of health and breaching gaps between medical and behavioral health. For the past 2 years she has focused on decreasing the stigma surrounding substance misuse within a large Latinx and Hispanic population. Her current role has allowed her to provide Recovery Coaches with supportive, person centered supervision and support that further promotes compassionate care for those seeking recovery.