Individuals seeking services at Champlain Valley Family Center (CVFC) can expect the highest level of professional care. Treatment for substance use disorders is personalized, respectful, confidential and is designed to implement the best practices in treatment. The staff at Champlain Valley Family Center is dedicated to accompanying, assisting and earning the trust of individuals who seek to take A Step Forward to Recovery. Continuous satisfaction, personal contact, and follow-up are hallmarks of substance use disorder treatment at Champlain Valley Family Center.
We recognize that individuals take their first Step Forward to Recovery when they make the initial call or contact with Champlain Valley Family Center. The intake process begins immediately. Those who are in imminent danger and crisis are given priority and can expect to begin the treatment process within 24 to 48 hours of the first contact. Individualized treatment goals are developed as the result of a dialogue between the individual and their primary counselor. Individuals are encouraged to sign releases of confidential information in order to involve family members, referral sources and others involved in the treatment process. Treatment at the CVFC Outpatient Clinic typically consists of individual, family and group counseling sessions. In addition, individuals that meet criteria have access to Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT), psychiatric evaluation and medication management.
Groups currently offered as part of the treatment program include:
The Champlain Valley Family Center treatment team's professional counseling staff works under the supervision of these Treatment Team Leaders.
Jacob has worked in the addictions field since 2012 and began his employment at CVFC in 2013. He earned his Associates in Applied Science, with a concentration in Chemical Dependency Counseling from North Country Community college. He moved on to SUNY Plattsburgh and Empire State College and earned his Bachelors in Psychology with a concentration in Human Development and is a Certified Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC). He was senior counselor from May of 2016 to March of 2018 at which time he became Clinic Director of Outpatient services. In 2017, Northern Tier Providers Coalition presented Jacob with the “Above and Beyond” award for exceeding the highest standards. Jacob has been a member of Clinton County Family Treatment court since 2015. He has represented CVFC in various community events, including talking about current substance use trends, family education, reversing the stigma and access to treatment for substance use disorders.
Karen McCarthy has worked in the addictions field since 2011. She began employment with CVFC in 2005. She coordinated the “A Step Ahead” program and the “Learn and Serve America” program in the Plattsburgh City School prior to joining the CVFC clinic staff. Karen attained her BA in 2005 through SUNY Plattsburgh. Karen is a Certified Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor and Sr. Counselor at CVFC. Karen is also a member of both Clinton County Treatment Court team and Plattsburgh City Treatment Court team.
