Life Connections Newest Program: Substance Use Treatment and Evaluations Overview

Life Connections Newest Program: Substance Use Treatment and Evaluations Overview

Life Connections provides evidence-based, individualized Substance Use Evaluations and Substance Use Counseling services to individuals struggling with addiction in Bettendorf, Cedar Rapids, and Clinton. In addition, Life Connections also provides Substance Use Evaluations in Anamosa and Muscatine. Treatment is provided in clinic-based settings that provide an individualized, non-judgmental, and supportive counseling experience. 

Our agency is licensed with the State of Iowa to provide outpatient substance use treatment and evaluations for adults and adolescents. Life Connections is also approved by the Iowa Department of Transportation to provide evaluations and outpatient treatment services for individuals charged with an OWI. Life Connections’ Substance Use Program has multiple clinicians with masters-level licensure equipped to assist individuals of all ages better manage their mental health and addiction disorders. Treatment is tailored to the client’s needs and family priorities. Treatment sessions range in intensity and duration based upon the client’s assessment.

In the year 2020, the number of Iowans who died by opioid related overdose increased by 20%. Additionally, studies show that over 8 million Americans have a dual mental health and substance use disorder diagnosis. The combination of an increase in substance use, and the prolonged isolation related to the COVID-19 pandemic, greatly affected those with substance use disorders and mental health concerns. Clinicians at Life Connections are ready to meet all people where they are, currently, and encourage them to make healthy choices as they work toward recovery in both mental health and substance use. Our clinicians utilize harm reduction and mindfulness-based relapse prevention approaches along with other evidence-based methods of treating substance use and mental health disorders.

What Sets Life Connections apart… Our Approach to Care.  

Life Connections employs some of the best counselors in the area from multiple backgrounds and disciplines.  The goal is to offer substance use treatment, “The Right Way”. 

What Do We Mean By This? 

• We are dedicated to being patient-focused, not business-focused. 
• We are an encouraging force working to reframe the minds of our clients. 
• Our providers create an environment of success by removing shame and belittlement. 
• We offer a bridge that connects you to a life without addition.

Substance Use has a unique way of isolating someone from the world around them.  Life Connections is focused on reengaging the individual into life and finding solutions to each client’s unique issues, whatever they may be, because Life Connections knows… “Life Is All About Connections.”  

Groups and Individual counseling sessions are available on-site to participants in Life Connections outpatient programming. Life Connections clinicians will work with participants to schedule sessions to meet their individual scheduling needs in order to reduce barriers and improve overall success.

To get started with services, fill out our new client form here: Substance Use Program New Client Form or call Life Connections at 563-559-7090. For more information regarding our services, visit our website at https://www.life-connections.org/. Prompt appointment times are available with all clinicians. Life Connections’ Substance Use Program accepts Iowa Medicaid, Medicare, most private insurance plans, and offers fee-for-service rates.

Tracy Carstensen, CADC
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
Substance Use Counselor

Because Life is All About Connections

Life Connections provides in-home Behavioral Health Intervention services, Therapy services, autism (ABA) services and Children’s Mental Health waiver services in our 13 office locations and approved schools across Iowa. Life Connections was founded in March of 2009 with the intent to serve the children and families of Cedar Rapids and surrounding cities.

Life Connections is a highly professional and caring counseling and behavioral health provider. We offer a wide array of services to treat mental health issues including Applied Behavior Analysis Services,  Behavioral Health Intervention Services, mental health therapy, school-based therapy programs, and substance use treatment.

For more information, please call 319-409-6922. 

Resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-8255

• Crisis Text line text to 741741
• The Trevor Project – for LGBTQ+ young adult community 866-488-7386

• Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network 800-656-4673