Harm reduction meets people where they are at, accepting that not everyone is ready or capable of stopping their substance use at any given time, or even desiring to quit.

Therefore, recovery through a harm reduction lens does not necessarily mean abstinence. It means achieving the goals we create for ourselves. Recovery can mean any progress towards lessening the harm on our body, mind, or community. This can look like making sure we use a clean syringe every time we inject, reducing how much we use, getting tested for STDs, using condoms, or wearing a helmet when we ride our bikes. Every step we take towards greater health is a success. Our goals are personal and uniquely our own.

Uncovery is a harm reduction treatment center for all people.  Uncovery comes from the idea that we aren’t trying to “recover” our old selves, but instead we are seeking to “uncover” who we now are. We have changed, we have grown and learned a lot, we have struggled and are working hard towards healing. We get to uncover who we now are and who we get to be having survived our experiences. We’re not trying to become who we used to be, we are ready to embrace who we are and who we can become in the future. Even if we feel buried, we can dig ourselves out and uncover our new selves, together. 

Please reach out to us at 406-543-4770 to learn about our new referral process.

A CDE is a Chemical Dependency Evaluation, also known as a Substance Use Evaluation, and is often a required component to accessing supportive services such as inpatient treatment or case management.

At Open Aid Alliance we provide a comprehensive evaluation which includes both substance use and mental health evaluations into one. If you need to complete a CDE or would like to access our services, please contact us for our current process for new referrals.

When you walk through our doors, you will be greeted by a member of our team at the front desk. You will notice how comfy our waiting room is and our notable lack of overhead fluorescent lighting. Moments later, you’ll meet with your therapist who will provide intake paperwork to complete as we grab a copy of your ID and/or insurance card if you have it.

Once your paperwork is complete, you will be guided to one of our cozy therapy rooms. During your assessment, you’ll get to meet with your therapist for about an hour and together we gather information about your life history including substance use, medical conditions, childhood, education, supports, housing, and employment history. You will be encouraged to share as much information as you are comfortable with, so we are able to provide the most accurate evaluation possible which will assist us in supporting you in your journey. You can refuse to share any information that you aren’t comfortable sharing.

Together we get to understand the complete context of your life and create a treatment plan and goals for therapy moving forward. We discuss what level of care you qualify for, ranging from therapy to outpatient or inpatient treatment, and connect you with case management to help you access that support.

After your evaluation if you’d like to continue to meet with your therapist for substance use support as individual therapy sessions, we are happy to do so depending on availability.

Outpatient treatment at Open Aid Alliance entails weekly or bi-weekly individual therapy sessions with a therapist and/or group therapy that is offered twice a week. We also offer case management and peer support.

Case management is a broad term that basically means a “helping hand”. Case managers help you tackle the things on your to-do list you’re struggling with. Is it challenging to complete paperwork and applications for things such as Medicaid, SNAP (food stamp) benefits, Unemployment, or job applications? Your case manager is here to help with that- we can help you complete paperwork and help you remember to follow up, let you know who to call and when they need to be called. We specialize in helping connect you to resources in the community that can help meet your needs such as food, phone, gas, or medical care. Sometimes it’s hard to go to medical appointments alone, or to face our legal issues alone- our case managers are here to provide support so you don’t have to do these tough things alone.

Open Access is now available at Open Aid Alliance! This is a first come, first serve opportunity for folks Monday through Thursday 3:00-5:00 pm to have an intake done. An intake allows you to access mental health therapy, substance use therapy, and case management. Our intakes also can be used as a Chemical Dependency Evaluation (CDE) and/or a Mental Health Evaluation, which can be helpful if involved with legal issues.

Currently, all groups are on pause

We have three support groups available:

• Come As You Are Support Group: This group is for anyone looking to explore their relationship with substances or addictive behavior. Wednesdays at 5:30 pm at Open Aid Alliance.
• Sober Support Group: This group is for anyone whose goal is to seek abstinence from substances. Tuesdays at 5:30 pm at the Missoula Food Bank and Community Center.
• Friends & Family: This group is for friends and family who are looking to support their loved one who is struggling with substances or addictive behavior. Mondays at 5:30 at Open Aid Alliance.

We are also able to provide you with Harm Reduction and Prevention services.  Some of those services are: HIV and STD testing, housing for people living with HIV, safer sex condoms and lube, and overdose prevention and response to name a few.