Providing Culturally Responsive Care for Lasting Recovery

Guadalupe Centers (GCI) offers a bilingual Outpatient Treatment Program that delivers culturally informed, evidence-based support for individuals struggling with substance use disorders. This program is tailored to meet the unique needs of low-income, uninsured Spanish-speaking adults who often face barriers to accessing affordable behavioral health services. By combining professional counseling with proven therapeutic strategies, GCI helps participants build healthier lives and contribute to stronger, safer communities.

A Focus On Behavior Change

At the heart of GCI’s approach is a commitment to behavior change through evidence-based practices. The program integrates motivational strategies, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and the trans-theoretical model of change to support participants in recognizing the consequences of substance use and developing the motivation to achieve sobriety.

Participants are guided through a structured process that promotes personal insight, self-efficacy, and the adoption of healthier behaviors. These methods are particularly effective in outpatient settings where participants continue to live in their communities while receiving treatment.

Serving A High-Need Population

Latino communities, particularly those with low income or no insurance, face significant disparities in access to behavioral health services. National data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reveals that Latino Americans are disproportionately affected by substance use but are less likely to receive the treatment they need.

Cultural stigma, language barriers, and a historical reliance on family-based coping mechanisms have contributed to underutilization of formal treatment. Guadalupe Centers addresses these challenges directly, offering bilingual services in a setting that respects and reflects Latino culture. This approach builds trust and encourages more individuals to seek and continue treatment.

Core Program Components

GCI’s Outpatient Treatment Program is designed around structured weekly participation, requiring a minimum of three to five hours of engagement. The program’s services are rooted in a model of change that encourages individuals to take proactive steps toward wellness. The following components form the core of the participant experience:

Intake and Assessment

The program begins with a comprehensive intake process to gather demographic data and understand each participant’s history of substance use. This assessment determines the appropriate level of care and informs the development of a personalized treatment plan.

Evaluation and Treatment Planning

Each client undergoes a formal evaluation with a licensed counselor and diagnostician. Using tools like Community Care Link, the team assesses not only the clinical needs of the participant but also environmental factors such as housing, employment, and social support. These insights help create an individualized, mutually agreed-upon treatment strategy.

Therapeutic Services

Participants engage in a range of therapeutic activities that include:

• Individual Counseling: One-on-one sessions lasting 60 to 90 minutes, focusing on personal challenges and progress.

• Group Counseling: Two-hour sessions that include both structured education about substance use and group discussions facilitated by licensed professionals.

• Educational Sessions: Designed to enhance understanding of addiction and recovery, with emphasis on the impact of substance use on health, relationships, and future goals.

• Urine Analysis: Regular testing helps ensure accountability and provides an objective measure of progress.

• Case Management and Referrals: GCI connects participants to additional support services as needed, including housing assistance, job training, and mental health care.

Behavior Change: A Theoretical Foundation

The program is grounded in the belief that successful recovery stems from changing health-related behaviors. Treatment activities are designed to align with the three core elements of the Health Belief Model:

1.  Perceived Susceptibility and Seriousness

Participants explore the risks of continued substance use and how it may lead to serious health, legal, or personal consequences.

2. Perceived Threat to Well-Being

Through guided counseling, individuals confront the ways substance use has negatively impacted their lives and those around them.

3. Belief in the Benefits of Change

Participants learn that by following their treatment plan and making incremental changes, they can significantly reduce the risks and improve their quality of life.

Expected Outcomes

The ultimate goal of the Outpatient Treatment Program is to reduce substance use and empower individuals to lead healthier, more stable lives. By fostering long-term recovery, the program contributes to public safety, family reunification, and overall community well-being. Participants often leave the program with improved mental and physical health, stronger family relationships, and renewed hope for their future.

A Community-Based Solution To A Growing Need

Substance use is a growing concern in the Latino community, especially among second- and third-generation individuals who may be more exposed to risk factors such as acculturation stress, discrimination, and socioeconomic challenges. Guadalupe Centers is uniquely positioned to address these needs by offering a treatment model that honors cultural identity while promoting meaningful change.

As America’s Latino population continues to grow, access to culturally appropriate services becomes even more vital. Guadalupe Centers’ bilingual Outpatient Treatment Program helps close the treatment gap and reduce the stigma surrounding substance use within the Latino community. By making recovery accessible, affordable, and respectful of cultural values, GCI is building a healthier future—one person at a time.

Locations

Click on the window icon (upper right corner) of the map below to expand. List of all program locations is included with expanded view of map. Locations are also listed on this page below the map.