About Columbia University Irving Medical Center Smithers Center
Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York, New York, is one of the largest academic multispecialty practices in the country. Physicians, surgeons, dentists and advanced practice nurses provide treatment and services for 230 specialties.
Stabilization and Treatment Referral
If you need substance use treatment, the center can refer you to the Smithers Center. This center is part of Columbia’s Department of Psychiatry and is partnered with the Smithers Fund for Alcoholism Prevention and Recovery, Inc. If you are in crisis, the center can provide crisis stabilization before referral.
Smithers Center treats substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders. Treatment begins with an evaluation to determine your diagnosis. You can come to the center to request a second opinion on diagnoses from other treatment facilities.
Substance Use Therapies and Services
Psychotherapies utilized by the center include relapse prevention therapy, motivational interviewing, motivational enhancement therapy, CBT, DBT and teen intervention. The center can collaborate and coordinate your care with your other providers.
Medication is often prescribed for substance use disorders and diagnosed co-occurring mental health disorders. Opioid users may be prescribed buprenorphine, Sublocade and vivitrol.
Family Involvement in an Addict’s Treatment
It’s important to be patient and involved in a loved one’s treatment. You can participate in your loved one’s therapy through family therapy, the CRAFT program and opioid overdose prevention training. The center will give you a free naloxone kit.
Treatment for Children and Youth
Treatment provided for children and youth includes psychiatry and psychotherapy services for substance use and co-occurring disorders. Services include prevention, early intervention and training for parents.
