Registration and Referrals for Residential Treatment

Our KNOW Drug and Alcohol Residential Treatment Program has an eight-week mixed-gender (Men & Women) program with six intakes per year. For information on how to register please contact:

Curtis McDonald – Residential Treatment Director
Nelson House Medicine Lodge
Box 458, Nelson House, Manitoba R0B 1A0
Telephone: (204) 484-2256
Fax: (204) 484-2016

Make a Referral

Nelson House Medicine Lodge provides services specifically designed to address the unique needs of aboriginal peoples, but its programs are open to everyone.

To refer a person to the Medicine Lodge, please contact us. Please also read the Introductions and Requirements below and complete the Referral Form and fax it to (204) 484-2016; attention NNADAP. Completed referral forms can also be emailed to: [email protected].

Download Referral Form


Who Can Refer?

The following referral options are available to individuals, agencies and organizations:

Admission by Referrals

Admissions to the Nelson House Medicine Lodge treatment program are through referrals from appropriate Agencies. In most cases the Agency is the local NNADAP organization; however, referrals are also accepted from off-reserve social service agencies. Individuals requesting admission to the Nelson House Medicine Lodge are directed to their community NNADAP worker who may recommend admission. All potential clients must be advised that there are two stages to the admission process: A) Initial admission consisting of a five (5) day assessment period; and B) Full Acceptance in the program following the assessment period, providing that program is deemed appropriate for the client by the counseling staff.

Referral Agencies

Agencies referring clients to the Nelson House Medicine Lodge shall be sent a referral package, which clearly explains the Nelson House Medicine Lodge treatment program.

It is critical that the referral agent is aware that their referral is accepted initially into a ten-day assessment program. Following the assessment period the client may be accepted into the Treatment Program.

The referral package contains instructions and forms for making referrals. The referral agency has to complete and return the forms included

Please contact us if you need more information or assistance completing the referral forms.

Resident/Individual Self-Referral and Assessment

Individuals are responsible for their own travel to and from the centre and upon arrival go through a five-day assessment process. During the assessment the Counsellor identifies strengths and weaknesses and prepares a treatment plan. After the assessment has been completed the client is officially included in the program.The purpose of the assessment program is to: determine the client’s readiness; probe for problem areas; ensure the client receives proper treatment; make referrals or recommendations if the Treatment Centre does not fit; determine the client’s commitment to stay; establish rapport between the client and counsellor; and establish an individual written treatment plan.


Program Registration and Requirements

We thank you for considering the Nelson House Medicine Lodge (NHML) In-patient Treatment Program.

Our twenty-one bed, non-medical in-patient facility located in the heart of the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation is quietly nestled amongst the trees along the shore of Footprint Lake approximately 85 Kilometers northwest of Thompson. The serenity and peace at the Medicine Lodge touches the warmth of all individuals who seek fulfillment in their lives.

The Nelson House Medicine Lodge Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Treatment Centre opened its doors on August 17, 1989 and funded by the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program. The Nelson House Medicine Lodge is part of the national network of NNADAP Treatment Centres but priority is given to individuals of the Manitoba Keewatinow Okimakanak Incorporated (MKO) region of Manitoba.

The N.H.M.L. revised its treatment program to meet the needs of its participants. We offer an eight-week program. The program consists of workshops that include Anger Management, Inner Child/Homecoming, Building Healthy Relationships, Family Violence, Healing and Wellness and Aboriginal Culture and Recovery. We also include lectures on various topics.

Our participants work in groups through trust building. The program is unique because of the traditional teachings and contemporary therapeutic practices.

Admission Criteria

We accept people:

  • Eighteen years of age or older
  • Sober for a minimum of two weeks prior to admission;
  • Free of withdrawals and the acute affects of drugs and/or alcohol.
  • Free of mood altering drugs (anti-anxiety or anti-depressants ie, Valium, Librium, Diazepam, Prozac, etc.)

Admission Restrictions

The following restrictions apply to admissions:

  • Sexual offenders are not accepted unless treatment, deemed satisfactory by the admitting staff, has been completed;
  • Solvent abusers are not accepted; and
  • Clients with mental or general health problems which staff may not have the expertise to handle are accepted only upon completion of the treatment team’s due diligence/review of the referral.
  • Any client discharged from a detox facility provides proof of discharge and are not on any post-discharge medication.
  • Any client already on medication regime for Latent TB should have their home Nursing Station or clinic notify Winnipeg Regional Health Authority TB Program if client is destine for Nelson House. The Nelson House D.O.T. Worker would have to be involved to ensure compliance.
  • Prenatal clients are not accepted until after delivery, or at a suitable time frame. Due to unknown medical history, the client already present as a high risk pregnancy with alcohol/drug or substance abuse. Due to the heaviness and difficulty of client being triggered during workshop, client has a greater risk of miscarriage. It is for the clients well being and unborn child’s safety.

Requirements

In order to provide proper treatment and ensure the health and well being of all participants, the NHML requires the following documents prior to acceptance into the program:

  • The attached medical assessment completed by a Physician or Nurse in Charge
  • The attached application for Admission completed by your referral agency
  • A copy of any legal documents such as a court order, recognizance or probation order
  • A Chest X-ray report done within the past 6 months.
  • That all Child and Family Service visits are complete, we do not offer weekend passes, however we can offer Tele-health visits once all program activities are completed for the scheduled day.

It is the Responsibility of the Referral Agency to Ensure

  • All travel arrangements are made for their client
  • All forms are completed
  • All medical, legal and other appointments for their clients are taken care of prior to admission so it does not interfere with treatment. Again this includes CFS visits.
  • All clients are aware of and understand that they must participate in all program activities including the cultural and spiritual component of the program or they will be asked to leave.

The Client will Need to Bring the Following

  • Toiletries such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, towel, facecloth and lotion
  • Indoor shoes and outdoor clothing appropriate for the season
  • Sleeping bag and pillow for camping trips during spring, summer and fall months
  • Calling card for personal calls, which also can be purchased here at the NHML or at any phone centre
  • Proper attire for the cultural ceremonies such as sweat gown, shorts, skirts for women that attend the cultural events, etc.
  • BRING WHAT YOU NEED TO ENSURE YOUR STAY IS COMFORTABLE

Upon Arrival The Client Will:

  • Have all bags checked, including clothing
  • Be given bedding, and time to settle into their new environment
  • Go through the intake process, admission forms, House Rules, Consent for Release forms, Alcohol/Drug Screening Consent Forms, Tour of the building, and Things You Should Know
  • Hand in any medications, toiletries (hairspray, nail polish, aftershave, mouth wash, cologne, room refresher) that contain alcohol, they will be kept locked and can be retrieved when needed
  • Be introduced to the staff and the other clients
  • Be given an orientation package that outlines the program, so clients will know what to expect
  • Be given a journal and it is the clients responsibility for journal entries

Assessment

During the first five days of treatment, the client will be inbound meaning they cannot leave the premises, cannot receive phone calls, and will go through an assessment process with their assigned Counselor. The purpose of the assessment is to determine the clients’ needs and to assist the client and worker to develop a treatment plan. It is also used as a tool to assess the clients’ suitability to our program. The first five days is critical for the client: to adjust to the program and to assess for themselves if the program is suitable for them. In the event we are unable to meet the clients’ needs, we will make recommendations as appropriate.

Progress Reports

The clients’ counselor completes Monthly Reports, which are sent to the clients’ referral agency. The report indicates the clients’ attendance, participation in program sessions and activities. If a child care agency, lawyer, and/or parole/probation officer is involved in the clients’ case, they may receive a progress report, if consent for release of information is signed by the client.

Termination or Completion of Program

The Referral Agent makes all necessary travel arrangements upon successful completion of the program. Those clients referred from an independent health organization are referred back to the referral agent to make the necessary travel arrangements.

Continuing Care Plans (After Care), discharge forms and final progress reports are completed by the assigned Counselor and will be sent to the Referral Agent. This information includes recommendations for follow-up and aftercare, clients short and long term goals, and lists their support system.

Clients that leave the treatment program voluntarily or that are asked to leave the program are responsible for their own travel arrangements. We assume no responsibility for clothes or personal belongings left behind by the clients.

All bags are checked prior to clients leaving the premises.

Checklist

_____ Application for Admission completed

_____ Medical Form Completed / X-ray Report included

_____ Medical Health numbers included

_____ Legal Documents attached (if applicable).