This presentation highlights how Goldbridge has implemented a flexible treatment pathway whilst maintaining core Therapeutic Community (TC) principles to support the complex nature and mental health needs of our cohort. As the complexity of our client’s mental health and other issues increased, we found that the traditional pathway was becoming less effective.
In 2010, Goldbridge undertook a four-year Dual Diagnosis Capability in Addiction Treatment (DDCAT) project. We went back to basics, upskilled staff and reviewed the program. By focusing on strengths and behaviour change we were able to support residents to try out new behaviours, new activities and ways of experiencing life without shame, in a positive, fun and exciting way. We found that when everyone had this attitude, there was a dynamic culture of change within the whole TC.
In 2011, Goldbridge implemented the Clinically Assisted Recovery and Engagement (CARE) project to improve the identification of complex co-morbid mental health to provide integrated care and effective referrals as required.
Introducing a new pathway was a rocky road as it attracted: jealously from residents, perceived unfairness, time away from the core program and hesitance from staff. Therefore, Goldbridge reviewed the organisational culture and change management process to mitigate these concerns.
In 2015, Goldbridge introduced a special ‘Silver’ program - we will be highlighting two Case Studies through this presentation.
In 2018, Goldbridge evaluated the program uitlising the Trauma-Informed Self-Assessment Tool (TIPPS) to identify ways for programs to be trauma-informed. This tool confirmed that we were working within a Trauma Informed Care framework.
Goldbridge now incorporates various flexible Dual Diagnosis pathways for people with complex presentations into the TC program. The initial stage took a seven-year commitment – we are proud to say that it is now is a general and accepted treatment modality within our TC for staff and residents.