Recovery Navigator Program

Pend Oreille County Counseling Services (POCCS) has been the primary substance use disorder and mental health provider in Pend Oreille County for over 50 years. POCCS has been providing services such as outpatient treatment and behavioral health services, crisis services case management, and individual counseling.

Most recently, in January 2022, POCCS established the Recovery Navigator Program (RNP), contracted with Spokane County Regional Behavioral Health Administrative Organizations (SCRBH-ASOs). The purpose and intent of the RNP is to provide outreach and engagement services for those who have frequent contact with Law Enforcement or other First Responders. This program offers support and referral to treatment services to avoid further interaction with the criminal justice system. These services are available to individuals with co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health conditions. This includes persons at risk of arrest, experiencing homelessness, poverty, and people who are not well served by office-based, appointment-based, time-limited care.

The Recovery Navigator Program is voluntary and noncoercive, with individuals referred to the RNP retaining the right to decline participation without fear of penalties or future repercussions. In addition, abstinence from substance use is not a requirement to receive services through the RNP.

There are three (3) types of referrals into the Recovery Navigator Program: 1) point of contact referrals by Law Enforcement; 2) social contact referral, these referrals can come from community service providers, community members and/ or friends/family and 3) Self-Referral, an individual can contact the RNP on their own behalf for services.

Pend Oreille county Counseling Services has several staff with lived experience of recovery from mental health, substance use, and/or traumatic conditions, and who have specialized training and supervision to guide and support people experiencing similar conditions. Services are provided through a Harm Reduction Framework Model;

• Meeting participants where they are at, regardless of the severity of their disorder.

• Participants are not penalized or denied services if they do not achieve or aim for abstinence from substances; and,

• Individuals continue to receive support even when they continue to struggle or engage in unlawful activities.

The Recovery Navigator Program meets people where they are physically, mentally, and emotionally, and works with participants to address and understand their needs and goals to create an individualized intervention plan.

All services provided through the Pend Oreille County Recovery Navigator Program are confidential and available to men, women, and youth. Services include but are not limited to;

• Peer to peer support.

• Referrals to medical or behavioral health providers, and community partners.

• Provide emotional and social support in making positive life changes and developing skills to facilitate recovery.

• Help develop a wellness plan.

• Provide support in accessing treatment and community resources.

• Explore treatment recovery options.

• Help clarify goals and strategies.

• Provide education and awareness.

Pend Oreille County Counseling Services mission is to support the health, resiliency, and recovery of the residents of Pend Oreille County through quality and effective prevention and behavioral healthcare treatment.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about these services, please contact Pend Oreille County Counseling Services during business hours (Monday-Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm) at 509-447-5651 or 800-404-5151 (TTY 800-833-6388).