UnityPoint Health Meriter Hospital New Start

UnityPoint Health Meriter NewStart is a hospital-affiliated program in Madison, Wisconsin for adults with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.

Located on Madison's west side near the beltline, NewStart provides patient-centered care that follows a harm-reduction approach and combines therapy, medical support, psychiatry and care coordination under one roof.

Direct Access Care

Care typically begins with an assessment or through the Direct Access Walk-In Clinic, available twice weekly for fast entry into therapy, medication-assisted treatment and medical services.

NewStart does not provide detox, but offers a full outpatient continuum including individual therapy, psychiatric care and continuing care groups.

The medications offered are FDA-approved and help lessen withdrawal symptoms and reduce drug cravings allowing guests to remain more comfortable during recovery.

Intensive Treatment Schedule

The Intensive Outpatient Program runs 8 weeks with four 3-hour sessions per week, available mornings or evenings for more accessibility.

Clients can expect CBT, DBT, trauma-informed therapy, mindfulness practices, anti-craving medications and long-acting medications for opioid use disorder, alongside peer support and recovery coaching referrals.

Guests may learn to recognize substance use triggers to avoid after treatment while developing healthier coping skills for continued sobriety.