Worcester County Health Department - WACS Center

Ocean City, Maryland, 11827 Ocean Gateway, 21842

Available Programs

  • Adolescence program
  • Adult program
  • Elderly program
  • HIV/AIDS program : The health department offers counseling, testing and referral services for individuals at risk for HIV or AIDS. Testing is available at no cost to individuals who would not otherwise be able to afford testing. Anonymous testing is available for persons with confidentiality concerns that might prevent them from seeking services. Client-centered counseling designed to reduce client risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV is available, as are referrals for medical or psychological evaluation and social support. Case management services are offered for clients infected with HIV and are provided by a team of a Social Work and Registered Nurse. Case management provides assistance with access to medical care, housing, medication, and provides information on availability of benefits specifically aimed at the HIV infected persons.
  • Postpartum program : Center 4 Clean Start is an intensive program for pregnant and post-partum women who are experiencing difficulty with alcohol and/or drugs. Is a cooperative project between the Health Departments in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. Provides dual diagnosis and family education services, as well as transitional housing for some of the women. Childcare is available on-site and transportation can be provided.
  • Program for men
  • Program for women
  • Young adult program

Insurance and Financial

  • Medicaid
  • Private insurance
  • Self-pay options
  • Financial aid
  • Sliding scale payment assistance
  • Medicare
  • Military insurance
  • Per session
  • Free

About this Facility

Worcester County Health Department–WACS Center, in Ocean City, Maryland, is a drug and alcohol rehab offering dual diagnosis care, outpatient programs, intervention services, and aftercare support. Specialized programs for seniors, young adults, adolescents, women with children, and persons living with HIV/AIDS are available. Their primary treatment modalities combine psychotherapy with evidence-based complementary treatments and recovery focused life skills training.

Worcester County Health Department–WACS Center is an integrative addiction recovery program in Ocean City, Maryland. They provide intervention services, outpatient programs, and aftercare support, including dedicated programs for seniors, young adults, adolescents, women with children, persons with co-occurring mental health disorders, and persons living with HIV/AIDS.

The outpatient programs at Worcester County Health Department–WACS Center offer CBT based individual, group, and family counseling. Their personalized treatment plans also include evidence based complementary therapies, including experiential therapy and trauma resolution therapy. Levels of care are tailored to clients’ evolving needs and include intensive outpatient (IOP), standard outpatient, and aftercare services. Their programs also prioritize recovery focused life skills, including addiction education and training in coping, self care, wellness, stress, and anger management, and relapse prevention.

The WACS Center promotes long term sobriety and overall wellness through a full suite of ancillary services, including housing and employment assistance, DUI programs and related services for justice involved persons, disease prevention and management services, and family and community reintegration services.

Worcester County Health Department–WACS Center is accredited by the Joint Commission. They accept private insurance, military insurance, self pay, Medicare, and Medicaid. Sliding scale payment assistance and free services are also available based on need.

Contact us for more information: (410) 213-0202

Worcester County Health Department - WACS Center, Ocean City, Maryland, 21842

Contact Worcester County Health Department - WACS Center

Connect with Worcester County Health Department - WACS Center by calling their admissions team directly.

(410) 213-0202 Website Get Directions

Accreditations

Joint Commission

The Joint Commission, formerly known as JCAHO, is a nonprofit organization that accredits rehab organizations and programs. Founded in 1951, the Joint Commision's mission is to improve the quality of patient care and demonstrating the quality of patient care.

Joint Commission Accreditation: Yes

Treatment

Alcoholism

Alcohol use disorder (AUD), commonly referred to as alcoholism, can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Each category involves unhealthy patterns of alcohol consumption and can cause harmful effects. To treat alcohol addiction at any level, alcohol rehab in Maryland is often necessary. These treatment programs provide psychological, social, and medical supports that help individuals overcome alcohol addiction and maintain long-term recovery.

Drug Addiction

Once a person has become addicted to a substance, drug rehab in Maryland is often necessary to overcome that addiction. These programs provide the tools individuals need to manage the physical, mental, and emotional issues involved and begin a successful recovery journey.

Dual Diagnosis

Maryland's addiction experts understand the importance of dual-diagnosis addiction treatment in their inpatient and outpatient recovery programs. Dual-diagnosis means having two mental health disorders at the same time, like addiction and depression. By treating individuals with co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health conditions simultaneously, they can enhance recovery outcomes and improve overall health, reducing the risk of relapse. Programs include evidence-based therapies, family counseling, recovery support groups, and skills training. Additional services may include medically assisted detox, 12-Step facilitation, equine therapy, complementary treatments, and alumni programs.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Maryland dual-diagnosis rehabs typically offer comprehensive care to individuals with mental health and substance abuse diagnoses. You can usually find inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs tailored to your specific needs. These specialized addiction treatment facilities combine evidence-based therapies — such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) — with experiential therapies like mindfulness, with the goal of treating both mental health disorders and providing you with the tools to stay sober.

Opioid Addiction

Opioid rehabs specialize in supporting those recovering from opioid addiction. They treat those suffering from addiction to illegal opioids like heroin, as well as prescription drugs like oxycodone. These centers typically combine both physical as well as mental and emotional support to help stop addiction. Physical support often includes medical detox and subsequent medical support (including medication), and mental support includes in-depth therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction.

Level of Care

Outpatient

Clients who are exiting detox or intensive inpatient treatment often enroll in outpatient rehab programs to ensure a robust continuity of care. Outpatient programs allow clients to remain in or return to their homes and workplaces while continuing to receive treatment, which typically includes addiction counseling and recovery-focused life skills training. Clients in opioid and/or alcohol recovery may also receive medication assisted treatment (MAT), including medication induction and maintenance, at an outpatient facility.

Intensive Outpatient

Clients who are leaving inpatient rehab often choose to transition into an intensive outpatient program (IOP) to receive high-level support as they reintegrate into their home, workplace, and community. Intensive outpatient rehab also benefits those at risk of relapse. Clients typically participate in nine to 20 hours of treatment weekly, with modalities ranging from psychotherapy to addiction and recovery education. Many programs also provide medication assisted treatment (MAT) and complementary care, such as nutrition counseling, and acupuncture.

Intervention Services

Intervention services helps family or friends of addicts stage an intervention, which is a meeting in which loved ones share their concerns and attempt to get an addict into treatment. Professional intervention specialists can help loved ones organize, gather, and communicate with an addict. They can guide intervention participants in describing the damage the addict's behavior is causing and that outside help is necessary to address the addiction. The ideal outcome of an intervention is for the addict to go to rehab and get the help they need.

Clinical Services

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapy modality that focuses on the relationship between one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is used to establish and allow for healthy responses to thoughts and feelings (instead of unhealthy responses, like using drugs or alcohol). CBT has been proven effective for recovering addicts of all kinds, and is used to strengthen a patient's own self-awareness and ability to self-regulate. CBT allows individuals to monitor their own emotional state, become more adept at communicating with others, and manage stress without needing to engage in substance abuse.

Whether a marriage or other committed relationship, an intimate partnership is one of the most important aspects of a person's life. Drug and alcohol addiction affects both members of a couple in deep and meaningful ways, as does rehab and recovery. Couples therapy and other couples-focused treatment programs are significant parts of exploring triggers of addiction, as well as learning how to build healthy patterns to support ongoing sobriety.

Experiential therapy is a form of therapy in which clients are encouraged to surface and work through subconscious issues by engaging in real-time experiences. Experiential therapy departs from traditional talk therapy by involving the body, and having clients engage in activities, movements, and physical and emotional expression. This can involve role-play or using props (which can include other people). Experiential therapy can help people process trauma, memories, and emotion quickly, deeply, and in a lasting fashion, leading to substantial and impactful healing.

Research clearly demonstrates that recovery is far more successful and sustainable when loved ones like family members participate in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic factors may be at play when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health issues. Family dynamics often play a critical role in addiction triggers, and if properly educated, family members can be a strong source of support when it comes to rehabilitation.

Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

Life skills trainings involve all the skills a person must have in order to function successfully in the world. These include time management, career guidance, money management, and effective communication. Truly successful addiction recovery is based on the ability to not only live substance-free, but to thrive. Life skills teaches the practical necessities of functioning in society, which sets clients up for success in life, and therefore sobriety.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a way of getting nicotine into the bloodstream without smoking. It uses products that supply low doses of nicotine to help people stop smoking. The goal of therapy is to cut down on cravings for nicotine and ease the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

The Worcester County Health Department is currently offering Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. TF-CBT is the first treatment of its kind available in this area. TF-CBT is an evidenced-based initiative designed to improve the quality, effectiveness, provision, and availability of therapeutic services delivered to all children and adolescents experiencing traumatic events.

Couples Therapy

Whether a marriage or other committed relationship, an intimate partnership is one of the most important aspects of a person's life. Drug and alcohol addiction affects both members of a couple in deep and meaningful ways, as does rehab and recovery. Couples therapy and other couples-focused treatment programs are significant parts of exploring triggers of addiction, as well as learning how to build healthy patterns to support ongoing sobriety.

Experiential therapy is a form of therapy in which clients are encouraged to surface and work through subconscious issues by engaging in real-time experiences. Experiential therapy departs from traditional talk therapy by involving the body, and having clients engage in activities, movements, and physical and emotional expression. This can involve role-play or using props (which can include other people). Experiential therapy can help people process trauma, memories, and emotion quickly, deeply, and in a lasting fashion, leading to substantial and impactful healing.

Research clearly demonstrates that recovery is far more successful and sustainable when loved ones like family members participate in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic factors may be at play when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health issues. Family dynamics often play a critical role in addiction triggers, and if properly educated, family members can be a strong source of support when it comes to rehabilitation.

Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

Life skills trainings involve all the skills a person must have in order to function successfully in the world. These include time management, career guidance, money management, and effective communication. Truly successful addiction recovery is based on the ability to not only live substance-free, but to thrive. Life skills teaches the practical necessities of functioning in society, which sets clients up for success in life, and therefore sobriety.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a way of getting nicotine into the bloodstream without smoking. It uses products that supply low doses of nicotine to help people stop smoking. The goal of therapy is to cut down on cravings for nicotine and ease the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

The Worcester County Health Department is currently offering Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. TF-CBT is the first treatment of its kind available in this area. TF-CBT is an evidenced-based initiative designed to improve the quality, effectiveness, provision, and availability of therapeutic services delivered to all children and adolescents experiencing traumatic events.

Experiential Therapy

Experiential therapy is a form of therapy in which clients are encouraged to surface and work through subconscious issues by engaging in real-time experiences. Experiential therapy departs from traditional talk therapy by involving the body, and having clients engage in activities, movements, and physical and emotional expression. This can involve role-play or using props (which can include other people). Experiential therapy can help people process trauma, memories, and emotion quickly, deeply, and in a lasting fashion, leading to substantial and impactful healing.

Research clearly demonstrates that recovery is far more successful and sustainable when loved ones like family members participate in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic factors may be at play when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health issues. Family dynamics often play a critical role in addiction triggers, and if properly educated, family members can be a strong source of support when it comes to rehabilitation.

Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

Life skills trainings involve all the skills a person must have in order to function successfully in the world. These include time management, career guidance, money management, and effective communication. Truly successful addiction recovery is based on the ability to not only live substance-free, but to thrive. Life skills teaches the practical necessities of functioning in society, which sets clients up for success in life, and therefore sobriety.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a way of getting nicotine into the bloodstream without smoking. It uses products that supply low doses of nicotine to help people stop smoking. The goal of therapy is to cut down on cravings for nicotine and ease the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

The Worcester County Health Department is currently offering Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. TF-CBT is the first treatment of its kind available in this area. TF-CBT is an evidenced-based initiative designed to improve the quality, effectiveness, provision, and availability of therapeutic services delivered to all children and adolescents experiencing traumatic events.

Family Therapy

Research clearly demonstrates that recovery is far more successful and sustainable when loved ones like family members participate in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic factors may be at play when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health issues. Family dynamics often play a critical role in addiction triggers, and if properly educated, family members can be a strong source of support when it comes to rehabilitation.

Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

Life skills trainings involve all the skills a person must have in order to function successfully in the world. These include time management, career guidance, money management, and effective communication. Truly successful addiction recovery is based on the ability to not only live substance-free, but to thrive. Life skills teaches the practical necessities of functioning in society, which sets clients up for success in life, and therefore sobriety.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a way of getting nicotine into the bloodstream without smoking. It uses products that supply low doses of nicotine to help people stop smoking. The goal of therapy is to cut down on cravings for nicotine and ease the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

The Worcester County Health Department is currently offering Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. TF-CBT is the first treatment of its kind available in this area. TF-CBT is an evidenced-based initiative designed to improve the quality, effectiveness, provision, and availability of therapeutic services delivered to all children and adolescents experiencing traumatic events.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

Life skills trainings involve all the skills a person must have in order to function successfully in the world. These include time management, career guidance, money management, and effective communication. Truly successful addiction recovery is based on the ability to not only live substance-free, but to thrive. Life skills teaches the practical necessities of functioning in society, which sets clients up for success in life, and therefore sobriety.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a way of getting nicotine into the bloodstream without smoking. It uses products that supply low doses of nicotine to help people stop smoking. The goal of therapy is to cut down on cravings for nicotine and ease the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

The Worcester County Health Department is currently offering Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. TF-CBT is the first treatment of its kind available in this area. TF-CBT is an evidenced-based initiative designed to improve the quality, effectiveness, provision, and availability of therapeutic services delivered to all children and adolescents experiencing traumatic events.

Individual Therapy

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

Life skills trainings involve all the skills a person must have in order to function successfully in the world. These include time management, career guidance, money management, and effective communication. Truly successful addiction recovery is based on the ability to not only live substance-free, but to thrive. Life skills teaches the practical necessities of functioning in society, which sets clients up for success in life, and therefore sobriety.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a way of getting nicotine into the bloodstream without smoking. It uses products that supply low doses of nicotine to help people stop smoking. The goal of therapy is to cut down on cravings for nicotine and ease the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

The Worcester County Health Department is currently offering Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. TF-CBT is the first treatment of its kind available in this area. TF-CBT is an evidenced-based initiative designed to improve the quality, effectiveness, provision, and availability of therapeutic services delivered to all children and adolescents experiencing traumatic events.

Life Skills

Life skills trainings involve all the skills a person must have in order to function successfully in the world. These include time management, career guidance, money management, and effective communication. Truly successful addiction recovery is based on the ability to not only live substance-free, but to thrive. Life skills teaches the practical necessities of functioning in society, which sets clients up for success in life, and therefore sobriety.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a way of getting nicotine into the bloodstream without smoking. It uses products that supply low doses of nicotine to help people stop smoking. The goal of therapy is to cut down on cravings for nicotine and ease the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

The Worcester County Health Department is currently offering Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. TF-CBT is the first treatment of its kind available in this area. TF-CBT is an evidenced-based initiative designed to improve the quality, effectiveness, provision, and availability of therapeutic services delivered to all children and adolescents experiencing traumatic events.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a way of getting nicotine into the bloodstream without smoking. It uses products that supply low doses of nicotine to help people stop smoking. The goal of therapy is to cut down on cravings for nicotine and ease the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

The Worcester County Health Department is currently offering Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. TF-CBT is the first treatment of its kind available in this area. TF-CBT is an evidenced-based initiative designed to improve the quality, effectiveness, provision, and availability of therapeutic services delivered to all children and adolescents experiencing traumatic events.

Trauma Therapy

The Worcester County Health Department is currently offering Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. TF-CBT is the first treatment of its kind available in this area. TF-CBT is an evidenced-based initiative designed to improve the quality, effectiveness, provision, and availability of therapeutic services delivered to all children and adolescents experiencing traumatic events.

Settings and Amenities

Residential setting
Private setting

Nearby Featured Providers

Ocean City, MD

Atlantic Club

Atlantic Club is a non-profit rehab located in Ocean City, Maryland. Atlantic Cl...

Ocean City, MD

Sinepuxent Substance Abuse Services

Sinepuxent Substance Abuse Services is a private rehab located in Ocean City, Ma...

Berlin, MD

Worcester County Health Department

Worcester County Health Department - Healthway Drive is located in Berlin, Maryl...