Saint Josephs Medical Center - Essentia Health Focus Unit

Hospital-Based Care With Access to Advanced Medical Services

Saint Josephs Medical Center - Essentia Health Focus Unit provides substance use disorder treatment within Essentia Health’s St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd. Because services are delivered in a hospital environment, clients can access broader medical support alongside addiction care, which may be especially helpful for people who need closer monitoring or have additional health concerns during treatment.

A Built-In Step-Down Path From Residential to Outpatient Support

The program combines residential services within the hospital setting with intensive outpatient (IOP) and regular outpatient care, plus aftercare. This structure can support a smoother transition from more structured treatment to ongoing care at home, while staying connected to the same health system. Outpatient services allow clients to keep living at home while continuing treatment and building recovery supports in their day-to-day environment.

Counseling and Family Involvement That Support Daily-Life Recovery

Clients can participate in individual, group, and family counseling, with the option to involve family members in treatment planning and communication support. The program also provides education and guidance designed to help clients build coping strategies and strengthen support systems, which can matter just as much after discharge as it does during treatment.

Medication Support and Co-Occurring Treatment in One Setting

The Focus Unit provides care for substance use disorders and co-occurring substance use and mental health needs. Services can include medications for addiction treatment (MAT) and medication support for mental health conditions when clinically appropriate, along with screening and ongoing clinical follow-up as part of treatment.

Recovery Planning, Community Connections, and Practical Amenities

Discharge planning and continuing care are part of the transition process, with connections that may include peer support, self-help groups, housing services, help accessing social services, and overdose education with naloxone education. The medical center setting also offers practical amenities for clients and visiting family members, including guest Wi-Fi, an onsite cafeteria, and a chapel. The campus is located near the Mississippi River, with an environment designed to support health and healing.