Substance Abuse Treatment Options in Mercer County, West Virginia

Mercer County, West Virginia sits at the epicenter of the opioid crisis, with overdose rates among the highest in the nation. But treatment is available, accessible, and effective. This guide explains every treatment option in Mercer County and how to access them.

Understanding Substance Use Disorder Treatment Levels

Substance use disorder (SUD) treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines different levels of care based on severity and needs:

Level 1: Outpatient Services (1-9 hours/week)

Best for:

• Early-stage addiction
• Strong family/social support
• Stable housing and employment
• Motivated for recovery

Services:

• Individual counseling (1-2 hours/week)
• Group therapy
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
• Drug testing
• Recovery planning

Available in Mercer County:

• SHCMHC SUD Services Center, Princeton
• SHCMHC Mullens Clinic
• Private counselors (limited)

Level 2: Intensive Outpatient (IOP) (9-19 hours/week)

Best for:

• Moderate addiction severity
• Need more structure than weekly counseling
• Can maintain work/family responsibilities
• Recent relapse from outpatient

Services:

• Group therapy 3-5 days/week (3-4 hours/session)
• Individual counseling
• MAT
• Life skills training
• Relapse prevention

Available in Mercer County:

• SHCMHC IOP Program, Princeton

Level 3: Residential Treatment (24/7 care)

Best for:

• Severe addiction
• Multiple failed outpatient attempts
• Unsafe home environment
• Co-occurring mental health crisis
• Need medical detox

Services:

• 24/7 supervised care
• Daily group and individual therapy
• MAT
• Medical monitoring
• Life skills training
• Aftercare planning

Available in Mercer County:

• SHCMHC Residential Programs (Rockview, Community Access)
• Bluestone Regional Center (state-run, limited beds)

Level 4: Medically Managed Intensive Inpatient (Hospital-based)

Best for:

• Severe withdrawal risk (alcohol, benzodiazepines)
• Medical complications
• Suicidal ideation
• Severe mental health crisis

Available near Mercer County:

• Princeton Community Hospital (medical detox referrals)
• Beckley ARH Hospital (60 miles)
• Charleston Area Medical Center (90 miles)

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Mercer County

MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling to treat opioid use disorder. It’s the most effective treatment for opioid addiction, reducing overdose deaths by 50%+.

Where to Get MAT in Mercer County

SHCMHC SUD Services Center (Princeton)

• Address: 200 12th Street Extension, Princeton, WV 24740
• Phone: 304-425-9541
• Walk-in hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM
• Medications: Suboxone (daily film), Sublocade (monthly injection), Vivitrol (monthly injection)
• Insurance: Medicaid (no copay), Medicare, private insurance, sliding scale for uninsured
• Same-day induction: Often available for Suboxone

SHCMHC Mullens Clinic

• Address: Mullens, WV
• Phone: 304-425-9541
• Medications: Suboxone
• Services: MAT + counseling

Private MAT Prescribers:

• Limited availability in Mercer County
• Check SAMHSA Buprenorphine Practitioner Locator: samhsa.gov/buprenorphine-practitioner-locator

MAT Medications Explained

Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone)

• How it works: Reduces cravings and withdrawal, blocks other opioids
• Form: Daily film placed under tongue
• Pros: Can be prescribed in outpatient settings, lower overdose risk than methadone
• Cons: Must be in mild withdrawal before first dose (12-24 hours since last use)

Sublocade (Buprenorphine Injection)

• How it works: Same as Suboxone but monthly injection
• Pros: No daily medication, can’t be diverted or misused
• Cons: More expensive, requires prior authorization from some insurers

Vivitrol (Naltrexone Injection)

• How it works: Blocks opioid receptors completely
• Form: Monthly injection
• Pros: Non-addictive, also treats alcohol use disorder
• Cons: Must be opioid-free for 7-10 days before starting (very difficult)

Methadone

• Availability: NOT available in Mercer County
• Nearest methadone clinic: Beckley Comprehensive Treatment Center (45 miles)
• Requirements: Daily clinic visits initially

What to Expect: MAT Appointment Process

Initial Assessment (90-120 minutes):

1. Substance use history
2. Medical history and physical exam
3. Mental health screening
4. Assessment of withdrawal symptoms
5. Treatment planning

Medication Induction (Suboxone):

• Must be in mild withdrawal (12-24 hours since last opioid use)
• First dose given in clinic under supervision
• Wait 60-90 minutes to assess response
• Take-home prescription provided
• Follow-up in 1 week

Ongoing Treatment:

• Weekly visits first month
• Bi-weekly or monthly after stabilization
• Individual counseling required
• Group therapy recommended
• Urine drug screens
• Dose adjustments as needed

Insurance Coverage:

• WV Medicaid: Fully covered, no copay, no prior authorization
• Medicare: Covered with small copay
• Private insurance: Usually covered, may require prior authorization
• Uninsured: Sliding scale fees ($0-$100/month depending on income)

Residential Treatment in Mercer County

SHCMHC Residential Programs

Rockview Residential Treatment

• Location: Princeton area
• Capacity: 16 beds
• Length of stay: 30-90 days (average 60 days)
• Services:
  • Daily group therapy
  • Individual counseling (2x/week)
  • MAT (Suboxone, Vivitrol)
  • Life skills training
  • Employment readiness
  • Aftercare planning
  • Family therapy (optional)
• Eligibility: Adults 18+, Mercer County residents prioritized
• Cost: Medicaid covered, sliding scale for uninsured

Community Access Residential

• Location: Princeton area
• Capacity: 12 beds
• Length of stay: 30-90 days
• Services: Similar to Rockview
• Eligibility: Adults 18+

How to Apply:

1. Call SHCMHC at 304-425-9541
2. Complete intake assessment
3. Placement based on bed availability (may have waitlist)
4. Average wait time: 1-4 weeks

Bluestone Regional Center (State-Run)

• Location: Princeton, WV
• Capacity: Limited beds for SUD treatment
• Services: Long-term residential for individuals with co-occurring intellectual disabilities
• Referral: Through WV DHHR

Outpatient Counseling in Mercer County

SHCMHC Outpatient SUD Services

Individual Counseling:

• Licensed addiction counselors (CADC, LPC, LICSW)
• 1-hour sessions, weekly or bi-weekly
• Evidence-based approaches: Motivational Interviewing, CBT, Relapse Prevention
• Addresses underlying trauma, mental health, life stressors

Group Therapy:

• Process groups (explore feelings, triggers, relationships)
• Skills groups (coping strategies, communication, anger management)
• Gender-specific groups
• Dual diagnosis groups (mental health + addiction)
• 90-minute sessions, 1-3x/week

Family Therapy:

• Repair relationships damaged by addiction
• Educate family on addiction and recovery
• Develop healthy boundaries
• Support family members’ healing

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP):

• 3-5 days/week, 3-4 hours/session
• Group therapy, individual counseling, life skills
• Step-down from residential or step-up from weekly outpatient
• Medicaid covered, no copay

Private Counselors

• Limited availability in Mercer County
• Check Psychology Today provider directory or WV Certification Board

Peer Recovery Support in Mercer County

Peer Recovery Specialists are people in long-term recovery who provide support, hope, and practical guidance to others.

SHCMHC Peer Recovery Services

What Peer Specialists Do:

• Share lived experience in recovery
• Provide hope and inspiration
• Help navigate treatment system
• Connect to community resources
• Accompany to appointments
• Facilitate support groups
• Recovery coaching

How to Access:

• Available at all SHCMHC locations
• No appointment needed
• Free service (Medicaid covered)
• Can access peer support without being in formal treatment

Community Support Groups

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA):

• Multiple meetings weekly in Princeton, Bluefield, Athens
• Free, no insurance needed
• Find meetings: aa.org or call 304-425-9541

Narcotics Anonymous (NA):

• Meetings in Princeton, Bluefield
• Free, no insurance needed
• Find meetings: na.org

SMART Recovery:

• Science-based alternative to 12-step
• Check online meetings: smartrecovery.org

Celebrate Recovery:

• Faith-based recovery program
• Multiple churches in Mercer County

Treatment for Specific Substances

Opioid Use Disorder (Heroin, Fentanyl, Prescription Painkillers)

Recommended treatment:

1. MAT (Suboxone or Vivitrol) - Most effective, reduces overdose risk by 50%+
2. Counseling - Individual and group therapy
3. Peer support - Recovery coaching and support groups
4. Case management - Address housing, employment, legal issues

Where to start: SHCMHC SUD Services Center for same-day MAT assessment

Alcohol Use Disorder

Recommended treatment:

1. Medical detox (if heavy daily use) - Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening
2. Counseling - Individual and group therapy
3. Medication (if appropriate) - Naltrexone (Vivitrol), Acamprosate, Disulfiram
4. Support groups - AA, SMART Recovery

Where to start: SHCMHC for assessment; may refer to hospital for medical detox if needed

Methamphetamine Use Disorder

Recommended treatment:

1. Intensive counseling - No FDA-approved medications yet
2. Contingency management - Rewards for negative drug tests
3. Residential treatment (if severe) - Structured environment
4. Dual diagnosis treatment - Meth often co-occurs with mental health conditions

Where to start: SHCMHC for assessment and IOP or residential placement

Benzodiazepine Use Disorder (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin)

Recommended treatment:

1. Medical detox - Benzodiazepine withdrawal can cause seizures (life-threatening)
2. Slow taper - Gradual dose reduction under medical supervision
3. Counseling - Address underlying anxiety or trauma
4. Alternative anxiety treatments - Therapy, non-addictive medications

Where to start: SHCMHC for assessment; may coordinate with primary care for taper

How to Choose the Right Treatment

Factors to Consider

Severity of addiction:

• Mild: Outpatient counseling + MAT
• Moderate: IOP + MAT
• Severe: Residential + MAT

Previous treatment attempts:

• First time: Start with outpatient
• Multiple relapses from outpatient: Consider IOP or residential

Home environment:

• Supportive, drug-free: Outpatient may work
• Active drug use at home: Residential recommended

Mental health:

• Co-occurring depression, anxiety, PTSD: Need integrated treatment (SHCMHC provides this)
• Suicidal ideation: Crisis stabilization first, then residential

Work/family responsibilities:

• Can’t leave job/family: Outpatient or IOP
• Can take leave: Residential may be best option

Substance type:

• Opioids: MAT is essential
• Alcohol: May need medical detox
• Meth: Intensive counseling, consider residential

Questions to Ask Treatment Providers

1. “Do you offer MAT for opioid use disorder?”

   • If treating opioid addiction, MAT is essential

2. “Do you treat co-occurring mental health conditions?”

   • 60% of people with addiction have mental health conditions

3. “What is your approach to treatment?”

   • Look for evidence-based practices: CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care

4. “Do you offer family therapy or support?”

   • Family involvement improves outcomes

5. “What happens if I relapse?”

   • Relapse is common; good programs don’t discharge you for relapse

6. “Do you help with housing, employment, legal issues?”

   • Case management addresses barriers to recovery

7. “What insurance do you accept?”

   • Verify coverage before starting

Insurance and Payment in Mercer County

WV Medicaid (Mountain Health Trust)

• ✅ Fully covers all SUD treatment (outpatient, IOP, residential, MAT)
• ✅ No copay for CCBHC services
• ✅ No prior authorization for MAT or outpatient counseling
• ✅ Residential treatment covered with prior authorization (usually approved)

Medicare Part B

• ✅ Covers outpatient counseling and MAT
• ✅ Small copay may apply
• ⚠️ Residential treatment coverage limited

Private Insurance

• Most plans cover SUD treatment
• Prior authorization often required
• Copays vary by plan
• Check with insurance before starting

Uninsured/Underinsured

• SHCMHC sliding scale fees based on income
• Payment plans available
• As a CCBHC, SHCMHC will not turn you away due to inability to pay

Overcoming Barriers to Treatment in Mercer County

Barrier 1: Transportation

Solutions:

• Medicaid transportation: Call LogistiCare at 1-844-549-8353 (schedule 3 days ahead)
• Residential treatment: No transportation needed once admitted
• Telehealth counseling: Available for ongoing therapy (not for MAT induction)

Barrier 2: Childcare

Solutions:

• Family support: Ask family to watch children during appointments
• Residential treatment: Some programs allow children (ask SHCMHC)
• WV DHHR childcare assistance: May cover childcare during treatment

Barrier 3: Employment

Solutions:

• FMLA leave: If you’ve worked 1+ year, you may qualify for job-protected leave
• Outpatient/IOP: Schedule around work (evening groups available)
• Disability: If addiction is severe, may qualify for temporary disability

Barrier 4: Stigma

Solutions:

• Confidentiality: HIPAA protects your privacy
• Peer support: Connect with others in recovery who understand
• Reframe: Treatment is healthcare, not moral failure

Barrier 5: Fear of Withdrawal

Solutions:

• MAT: Eliminates withdrawal symptoms within 30-60 minutes
• Medical detox: For alcohol or benzodiazepines, medically supervised withdrawal
• Comfort medications: For non-opioid withdrawal, medications ease symptoms

What to Expect in Recovery

First 30 Days: Stabilization

• Physical: Withdrawal symptoms subside, sleep and appetite improve
• Emotional: Mood swings, anxiety, cravings (normal and temporary)
• Treatment: Frequent appointments, medication adjustments, building support system

30-90 Days: Early Recovery

• Physical: Energy returns, brain fog lifts
• Emotional: Emotions surface (may feel worse before better), learning to cope without substances
• Treatment: Continued counseling, addressing underlying issues, developing life skills

90+ Days: Sustained Recovery

• Physical: Most physical symptoms resolved
• Emotional: Emotional regulation improves, confidence grows
• Treatment: Less frequent appointments, focus on life rebuilding (employment, relationships, hobbies)

Long-Term Recovery (1+ Years)

• Physical: Health restored
• Emotional: Genuine happiness, purpose, self-worth
• Life: Stable housing, employment, healthy relationships, giving back

Recovery is possible. Thousands of people in Mercer County are living proof.

Getting Started Today

If You’re in Crisis or Withdrawal

Call SHCMHC 24/7 Crisis Line: 1-800-615-0122

If You’re Ready to Start Treatment

Call SHCMHC SUD Services: 304-425-9541
Walk-in for assessment: Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM
What to bring: ID, insurance card (if you have it)

If You’re Not Sure You’re Ready

Call anyway. You don’t have to commit to treatment to get information. Our team can:

• Answer questions
• Explain options
• Connect you to resources
• Be there when you’re ready

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Addiction is a chronic disease, not a moral failing. Treatment works. Recovery is possible. Mercer County has resources specifically designed to help you succeed.

The hardest step is asking for help. Everything gets easier from there.

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For substance abuse treatment in Mercer County, call SHCMHC at 304-425-9541. For 24/7 crisis support, call 1-800-615-0122.