Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder in Mercer, McDowell, and Wyoming counties

Understanding Substance Use Disorder in Rural West Virginia

Comprehensive addiction treatment including detox, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), counseling, and recovery support. We treat opioid addiction, alcohol use disorder, and other substance dependencies.

At Southern Highlands Community Mental Health Center, we've been providing evidence-based care for substance use disorder in Mercer, McDowell, and Wyoming counties since 1968. As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), we understand the unique challenges facing rural Appalachian communities—economic hardship, limited access to specialists, transportation barriers, and the stigma that still surrounds mental health care in small towns.

Our integrated care model means you don't need to drive hours to see a psychiatrist in Charleston or coordinate between multiple providers across different systems. Your therapist, psychiatrist, case manager, and peer support specialist work as one team, sharing information and adjusting your treatment plan together. This coordination—rare in rural healthcare—leads to better outcomes and fewer gaps in care.

Why Local, Integrated Care Matters

In Southern West Virginia, the nearest psychiatric hospital may be 90 minutes away. The nearest trauma specialist might only accept private insurance. And if you're in crisis at 10 PM on a Saturday, your options are often limited to an emergency room that isn't equipped for mental health emergencies.

We're different. Our 24/7 Crisis Stabilization Unit is staffed by local clinicians who know our community. When you call our crisis line, you're not routed to a national call center—you're speaking with someone who understands what it means to live in Princeton, Mullens, or Rockview. And because we're a CCBHC, we will not turn you away due to inability to pay. If you need help, we provide it—regardless of insurance status.

Our Treatment Approach for Substance Use Disorder

Treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation where we learn about your symptoms, medical history, current stressors, and goals. We don't use cookie-cutter treatment plans. What works for someone in a large city with robust family support may not work for someone in rural Appalachia managing chronic pain, unemployment, or caring for aging parents while working two jobs.

Your treatment plan may include individual therapy, medication management with our psychiatrists, group therapy, peer support from someone who's been through similar challenges, and case management to help with practical barriers like transportation, insurance navigation, or connecting to other community resources. If you need more intensive support, we offer residential treatment programs and can coordinate with primary care, schools, courts, or other providers.

What to Expect: Your First Visit

1. Scheduling & Walk-Ins

Call +1-304-425-9541 to schedule an appointment, or walk in during office hours at any of our six locations. If you're in crisis, call our 24/7 Crisis Line at +1-800-615-0122.

2. Initial Evaluation (60-90 minutes)

A licensed clinician will meet with you to understand what you're experiencing, how long symptoms have been present, what's helped or hasn't helped in the past, and what your goals are. We'll ask about medical history, medications, family history, and current stressors. This isn't an interrogation—it's a conversation to help us understand how to best support you.

What to bring: Photo ID, insurance card (if you have one), list of current medications, and any questions you want to ask. If you don't have insurance, we'll discuss sliding-scale fees and help you apply for coverage if eligible.

3. Treatment Planning

Together, we'll create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This might include weekly therapy sessions, a psychiatric evaluation for medication, group therapy, or connection to peer support. We'll explain what each service involves, how often you'll be seen, and what the goals are. You're part of the decision-making process—this is your treatment, and your input matters.

4. Ongoing Care & Coordination

Your care team meets regularly to discuss your progress and adjust treatment as needed. If you're also seeing a primary care doctor, we can coordinate with them (with your permission). If you need help with transportation, housing, or other practical barriers, our case managers can connect you to community resources. Recovery isn't linear, and we're here for the long haul.

Common Signs & Symptoms

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, professional help is available:

Inability to control substance use
Continued use despite negative consequences
Withdrawal symptoms when not using
Tolerance (needing more to get same effect)
Neglecting responsibilities
Relationship problems
Failed attempts to quit
Spending significant time obtaining or using substances

Need immediate help?

If you're in crisis, call our 24/7 crisis line:

+1-800-615-0122

Treatment Options

Our comprehensive approach to treating substance use disorder includes:

Medically supervised detoxification

Medication-Assisted Treatment (Suboxone, Vivitrol)

Individual and group counseling

Residential treatment programs

Outpatient therapy and support

Peer recovery support

Relapse prevention planning

Related Services

Substance Use Treatment Telehealth Options Crisis Stabilization

Treatment Approaches

Medication-Assisted Treatment Group Therapy Residential Services

Getting Started

Request Services First Visit Guide Insurance & Payment

Why Choose SHCMHC for Substance Use Disorder Treatment?

58 Years of Experience

Trusted mental health care since 1968

Expert Team

Licensed psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors

6 Convenient Locations

Serving Mercer, McDowell, and Wyoming counties

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be fully sober before I can start treatment?

No. You can begin treatment while still using. In fact, waiting until you're already sober before seeking help is one of the biggest barriers to recovery. Our intake team will meet you where you are. If you're physically dependent on a substance, medically supervised support can make the process safer and more manageable. The most important step is making the call.

What is MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) and is it just trading one drug for another?

MAT uses FDA-approved medications like Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) or Vivitrol (naltrexone) alongside counseling and support to treat opioid or alcohol use disorder. These medications reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it possible to engage in therapy and rebuild your life. MAT is not "just trading one addiction for another" — it's a medically supervised treatment with a strong evidence base. It saves lives. The goal with MAT is stability, and for many people that includes a gradual taper over time.

What if I've tried to quit before and it didn't stick?

Relapse is a part of the recovery process for many people — not a sign of failure or weakness. Addiction is a chronic condition, and like other chronic conditions, it often requires more than one course of treatment before achieving long-term stability. What matters is what happens after a relapse: getting back into treatment, adjusting the plan, and trying again. We don't judge past attempts. We focus on what's next.

Will my employer or family be notified that I'm seeking treatment?

Your treatment is confidential. Federal law (42 CFR Part 2) provides additional privacy protections specifically for substance use disorder treatment — even stronger than standard HIPAA protections. We will not share your information with an employer, family member, or anyone else without your written consent, except in very limited circumstances (such as imminent safety risk). You control who knows.

Can I get treatment if I'm pregnant?

Yes, and it's critically important. Untreated opioid use disorder during pregnancy carries serious risks for both mother and baby. Medication-Assisted Treatment with Suboxone or methadone is considered the standard of care for pregnant women with opioid use disorder and is safer than attempting withdrawal without medical supervision. We can coordinate with your OB and provide the integrated care you need. Please reach out — judgment-free care is available.