Saint Josephs ATRC - Inpatient Program

Extended-Stay Residential Care in a Nature-Based Setting

The co-ed inpatient program in Saranac Lake serves young adults and adults with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Set in a quiet, lakeside, mountain community, it offers residential care with stays of up to 90 days, giving clients more time to stabilize, practice new skills, and prepare for life after treatment. Care is grounded in trauma-informed, sanctuary-based practices that emphasize safety, respect, and personal empowerment.

Medications for Addiction Treatment and Mental Health Treatment

The program treats alcohol and other substance use disorders alongside conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress, schizophrenia, and other mental health concerns. Medications for addiction treatment (MAT) are available for alcohol and opioid use disorders, and medications for mental health conditions can be administered as needed. Onsite testing can help address health issues that may have been neglected. Nicotine replacement and smoking cessation counseling support clients who want to address tobacco use during treatment.

Daily Structure, Skills Building, and Community Connection

Each client participates in individual, group, and family counseling that uses approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, anger management, relapse prevention, and trauma-focused care. Gender-specific groups, women’s wellness education, and programming for veterans and justice-involved clients are available. GED preparation, academic assistance, vocational training, social-skills development, and life-skills workshops give clients practical tools to return to school or work and rebuild day-to-day routines. A relaxation lounge, reading room, games, and a ping pong table offer ways to unwind, while walking paths, hiking, offsite outings, optional spiritual services, and volunteer opportunities connect clients with the surrounding community.

Accessible Care and Support Beyond Discharge

The center serves men and women, including pregnant and postpartum women and people who have experienced sexual abuse, intimate partner violence, or other trauma. Case management, housing and social services support, employment counseling, and transportation assistance help reduce barriers that might otherwise keep clients from entering or staying in treatment. The organization accepts multiple public funding sources and offers a sliding fee scale and enrollment help for low-cost or free coverage, with a commitment not to turn people away due to financial hardship. Discharge planning, naloxone and overdose education, self-help groups, and structured aftercare and outcome follow-up are designed to help clients maintain safety, recovery, and stability once they leave residential care.