CLINICAL PROGRAMS

PACT
Faculty Practice Plan
Clinical Services within Research Projects

PROGRAM FOR ADDICTIONS CONSULTATION AND TREATMENT (PACT)

The Program for Addictions Consultation and Treatment (PACT) is a collaborative program of the Rutgers University Center of Alcohol Studies and the Psychological Clinic of the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology at Rutgers. PACT began in affiliation with St. Peter’s University Hospital in 1984 and moved to the Psychological Clinic in 1999. PACT services can be obtained by calling the Psychological Clinic at (732) 445-6111, ext. 4 to schedule an initial evaluation. PACT is located on the Busch Campus of Rutgers University, at 152 Frelingheysen Rd., Piscataway, NJ 08854-8085. All services are provided on a sliding scale, which ranges from $12 to $85. Direct client payment for services is required; PACT does not bill any third-party insurer carriers.

Whom do We Serve?
PACT provides outpatient services to adults and adolescents who have problems with alcohol or drugs, and to individuals concerned about the alcohol or drug use of a family member or loved one. We are happy to see clients from any background, and do not discriminate based on sex, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristics. We accept clients referred by the courts, through probation or parole officers, or by Intoxicated Driver Resource Centers (IDRCs). Clients who receive our services must be able to function outside of an institutional setting. We do not provide detoxification, inpatient, residential, or intensive outpatient services, and clients who need these kinds of services will be referred. We do not offer methadone maintenance or other medication-based treatments.

What Services do we Offer?
PACT believes that each client is unique, and that treatment should be planned for the needs of each individual. Our treatment program is not a fixed length of time, and we do not require any specific treatments or recovery activities for all clients. We provide comprehensive assessments of drinking and drug use as well as other psychological problems. We offer individual therapy, couples/family treatment, and group therapy. PACT is the host for a SMART recovery group. Space is also provided at Rutgers University for meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous.

What is our Treatment Philosophy?
We recognize that there are multiple pathways to successful change, and believe that each client needs to find just the right combination of ingredients to be successful. We conduct an individualized assessment of each client, and plan treatment based on the results of that assessment. Clients have an active role in the planning of their treatment.

Scientific research has taught us a good deal about how to assess clients and provide treatment. Whenever possible, we use approaches to assessment and treatment that are backed up by good research. We believe that successful change requires active effort on the part of the client in learning new ways of thinking, coping with emotions, and changing ingrained habits and patterns. The support of others is often an important part of the change process. We use cognitive-behavioral techniques to help clients learn these new ways of thinking, feeling, and acting, and often involve loved ones in the treatment to provide support. We encourage the use of self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or SMART, if the clinician and client believe that these programs will be a helpful source or support or inspiration.

We believe that abstinence is the safest choice if a person has developed an alcohol or drug problem. We recognize, however, that not all clients are ready to stop using completely, and we will work with clients who are not certain about their goals.

Who Provides Services?
Treatment is provided by clinical psychologists in training. All clinicians are supervised by doctoral level clinical psychologists who specialize in the assessment and treatment of alcohol and drug use problems. The program director is Barbara S. McCrady, Ph.D. Dr. McCrady is a clinical psychologist with almost 30 years of experience in the alcohol/drug field. She is the Clinical Director of the Center of Alcohol Studies and Professor II at the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology.

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FACULTY PRACTICE PLAN

Through the Faculty Practice Plan, licensed or license-eligible clinical psychologists and social workers at the Center of Alcohol Studies provide outpatient services for persons with problems with alcohol or other drugs. All services are based on current, research-based knowledge of valid and effective assessment and treatment approaches. Clinicians have particular expertise in assessment and diagnosis, cognitive-behavioral approaches, couples therapy, and the specific needs of women and older adults. Fees are set by individual practitioners. For information or appointments, call (732) 445-0906.

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CLINICAL SERVICES WITHIN RESEARCH PROJECTS

Faculty at the Center of Alcohol Studies are actively involved in research to test the effectiveness of new treatments for persons with problems related to their alcohol or drug use. Treatment services are provided free of charge for persons who participate in these studies. All studies have specific criteria for participation, and participants agree to provide information that is used for research purposes. For information on specific projects, call (732) 445-0903.

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