As COVID-19 brought the world unprecedented challenges, the pandemic forced businesses, schools, and healthcare providers to think outside of the box for solutions.
Four years ago — when the shutdown began — ETHOS Treatment LLC began to offer its proven Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for people recovering from mental health issues or substance use disorders via telehealth.
“As a company, we decided to take a leap and continue to provide clinical services for those who struggle with mental health and substance use disorder despite not knowing whether or not we’d receive insurance payments at first,” explains ETHOS Co-Founder A. Michael Blanche, MSS LCSW. “Before COVID, telehealth was honored for individual outpatient sessions — but insurance didn’t cover group sessions nor IOP. We were committed to doing what was right for the patient during a challenging and complex time.”
Four years later, ETHOS’s telehealth Intensive Outpatient Program and telehealth outpatient group therapy have become invaluable as they allow individuals facing numerous barriers to treatment — including transportation issues, childcare, and challenging work schedules — to build strong relationships and get the help that they need in order to recover and thrive.
“These clients now have instant access not only to licensed clinicians with extensive clinical experience, but also to specialized small groups and our signature Intensive Outpatient Programs for mental health and substance use disorders,” explains Blanche. “We take pride in the continued success of our Telehealth format and our ability to reach a wide range of individuals.”
The core Telehealth clinical team at ETHOS consists of licensed professionals with decades of clinical experience. They are:
- Sheila Bellwoar, LPC, with over 30 years of direct clinical experience
- Troy Jackson, LSW, with over 15 years of direct clinical experience
- Justin Levin, MA, CAADC, LMFT, with close to 20 years of direct clinical experience
- Chris Richars, LPC, with close to 15 years of direct clinical experience
In addition, some ETHOS clinicians offer a hybrid model for clients who struggle with a full day of treatment, serving as a bridge back to in-person programs. Most clinicians at ETHOS will offer telehealth as an option for individual outpatient therapy, as well.
“Regardless of whether delievered in-person or via telehealth, we remain committed to providing high-quality care and innovation in our approach to meeting the needs of our clients,” says Blanche.
With outpatient treatment centers in Philadelphia, West Chester, Plymouth Meeting, Collegeville, Broomall, Jenkintown, and Wyomissing, ETHOS helps adults and teens with mental health issues and substance use disorders through individual counseling, small group, and family therapy.
Several locations also host programs for people with gambling disorders, as well as groups specifically for first responders and men who have experienced trauma.
Start your recovery journey with ETHOS now. Our virtual IOP programs currently have no waitlist. Call 267.669.0300.