Substance Use Disorder Program Supports Recovery Through Compassionate, Evidence-Based Care 

Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic launched its Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Program in the late 1980s to offer a safe, non-judgmental place for people of all ages. The SUD Program is an outpatient service offering assessments, individual counseling, group therapy, and intensive outpatient treatment.

The program is grounded in the evidence-based understanding that substance use disorder is a chronic, no-fault medical condition, not a moral failing. Addiction affects the brain’s reward and survival systems, often prioritizing substance use over basic needs, relationships, and responsibilities.

“The addiction takes priority over everything else,” said Michael Clement, Clinical Supervisor for the SUD Program. “It's not that people with addiction love their kids less. What happens is the drugs [or alcohol] become more of a priority than the kids at the time that they're using.”

SUD treatment focuses on helping patients understand how addiction works, develop coping and relapse-prevention skills, manage stress, and rebuild balance in their lives. Central to this is group therapy, which allows patients to learn from and support one another in a structured, guided setting. In addition, Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic takes an integrated approach to care by combining counseling with medication when appropriate, which can lead to better outcomes.

“The evidence shows that combining both approaches is most effective for patients,” said Beck-Coon.

While the SUD Program itself does not prescribe medications, patients may be referred to outpatient psychiatry services or medication-assisted treatment at a Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic medical clinic.

One unique feature of the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic program is its youth-only treatment groups. These programs ensure that children and teens receive care alongside peers, separate from adult groups.

“Most organizations providing SUD treatment combine, to a certain extent, kids and adults,” said Benjamin Beck-Coon, Director of Behavioral Health, who went on to state that keeping youth and adults separate benefits treatment and gives youth their own space for recovery.

Currently, the SUD Program is only available in the Yakima area, but the goal is to expand services in the future using telehealth to address a state-wide need.

The SUD Program supports patients and families. Services are available in both English and Spanish and serve both Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic patients and members of the broader community. If you or a loved one is seeking help, then compassionate, effective care is available by calling 509-575-8457 or through a referral from a primary care or mental health provider.