We built CMC at the intersection of science and kindness. From science, we get evidence-based principles, tools, and strategies proven to help people change; from kindness we get the glue that holds these ideas and practices together, making them meaningful and sustainable. As we see it—not just in general but over and over again with our clients: science plus kindness equals change.
At the core of all change is the decision to take action. Powerful tools exist for effecting change, but they are of little help if you have not first made the difficult decision to use them. At CMC, we will help you identify your own personal and compelling reasons for change and map out a path you can endorse, not just endure.
Our positive, holistic approach is designed to support real and lasting change. Focusing solely on stopping unwanted behaviors is rarely as successful as developing a fuller and more fulfilling life. Our therapists use motivational and cognitive-behavioral strategies to help you accomplish your goals. We will collaborate with you to understand the relationship between your thoughts, emotions, sensory experiences, values, and behavior. We will help you make changes that leave you feeling better and more motivated, with greater mastery over your life, empowered to pursue what matters most to you.
Science + Kindness = Change
Change is possible. People do get better.
At CMC we are experts in potential and have built our practice on optimism — because it works. Research has shown that if you provide good options, give real encouragement, and respect people’s right to be part of the solution, things get better. One size does not fit all.
Treatment at CMC:Berkshires is evidence-based, including Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive-Behavioral approaches (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), and our Invitation to Change (ITC). Each client’s therapy schedule includes a minimum of 4-times-a-week individual sessions with their primary therapist/psychologist, as well as 3 group sessions a day. If you are doing specialized treatment for PTSD or OCD you will have additional twice weekly individual sessions with a specialist. Every client meets weekly with a family therapist who provides individualized support to their family members through online materials and online and in-person sessions.
In addition to helping our clients address substance use and other compulsive behavior problems, CMC:Berkshires stands alone among residential programs in providing evidence-based assessment and treatment of trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Through the use of specific trauma protocols such as Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR), DBT-PE, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) we help clients heal from previous traumas that oftentimes drive their use of substances. Clients who have completed treatment for PTSD with us have experienced an 85% reduction in symptom severity as measured by the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale Interview (PSSI).
Our medical director, who is double board certified in Addiction and Internal Medicine, oversees the medical care of all our clients. The medical director also works in conjunction with our addiction psychiatrist to provide medication assisted treatment for substance issues as well as general psychopharmacology.
At CMC:Berkshires, the entire team is focused on helping our clients develop the skills they need to sustain positive change. In this beautiful Berkshires setting, we provide clients with ongoing exposure to and practice in life-enhancing activities, including exercise (with a personal trainer), yoga, meditation and mindfulness practices (with expert yoga and meditation teachers), outdoor adventure, and pleasurable recreation such as massage and cultural activities in the community (not lacking in the Berkshires!).
EXPLORE OUR TREATMENT OPTIONS
CLINICAL STAFF
CMC:Berkshires is unique; it is one of the only programs in the country to exclusively use empirically supported treatments and employ highly trained psychologists and master level social workers as its clinicians.