"There is a need in the treatment community, and Department of Public Health data shows that," said Kristin Nolan, Spectrum's director of outpatient services. "Local residents will no longer have to travel round trip as far away as Springfield and Holyoke on a daily basis to get treatment. That travel time is certainly a hindrance to an individual trying to integrate back into being a productive member of the community."

Ironically, the opening of the new clinic will come on the same day the Pittsfield City Council will discuss a new petition calling for a vote of no confidence in City Solicitor Kathleen Degnan with respect to the attorney's handling of the lawsuit between the Worcester-based nonprofit and the City of Pittsfield. 

Spectrum's outpatient counseling program will serve adults with chronic substance abuse and/or mental health issues, "targeting the dynamic risk factors commonly associated with addiction and mental illness. Counselors begin by engaging the individual in order to build trust, acceptance and mutual respect. Active treatment is used to build the skills needed for recovery. Relapse prevention training, comprehensive after-care planning and linkages to community resources help facilitate sustained recovery following discharge."

According to the nonprofit, "Spectrum's medication-assisted treatment program addresses the varied aspects of each client's personal well-being. Methadone is available for longer-term maintenance. Active treatment planning and support services are designed to help ensure sustained recovery. The core of Spectrum's treatment approach is a cognitive-behavioral group therapy curriculum that fully supports client involvement in community self-help recovery groups."
 

 Spectrum is the largest substance abuse treatment facility in New England.  Spectrum says it's services "offer individuals with mental health and substance abuse disorders the opportunity to transition to less intensive treatment modalities as their recovery progresses."

In total, Spectrum's Behavioral Health Division serves nearly 3,000 individuals each day.