Penticton Herald

UBCO clinic offers help for alcohol, drug problems

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UBC Okanagan is offering help for people who think they need help with their use of alcohol or drugs.

Under the direction of registered psychologi­st Zach Walsh, UBCO’s psychology clinic is offering a problemati­c substance-use clinic. The clinic is a low-barrier outpatient treatment service for people seeking help to reduce harm associated with their use of alcohol or other substances, said Walsh, an associate professor of psychology and an expert in the field of addictions.

“The clinic will fill a crucial gap in the community for people who want to cut down or quit their use of alcohol and other drugs, but who don’t feel they are a good match for residentia­l treatment or inpatient detox,” said Walsh. “We will be using state-of-the-art treatments to address alcohol and drug problems from a harm-reduction perspectiv­e.”

The treatment team will develop individual­ized interventi­on plans using approaches including cognitive — behavioura­l therapy and motivation­al interviewi­ng to help clients attain their substance use goals. Walsh, a will supervise graduate students as they treat incoming clients.

People are welcome to contact the clinic by phone at 250-807-8241, or email at .

Voicemail is available for after hours, but Walsh notes the clinic is not able to offer crisis or emergency services. The clinic is designed to be accessible, with fees charged on a sliding scale based on income.

 ?? UBC Okanagan ?? Registered psychologi­st Zach Walsh is offering a problemati­c substance use clinic that is open to the public.
UBC Okanagan Registered psychologi­st Zach Walsh is offering a problemati­c substance use clinic that is open to the public.

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