Do you Accept Insurance?
Yes. We accept most commercial health insurance. During your initial visit, your benefits will be verified, and you will be given an estimate of any coinsurance or co-pays that are associated with the program.
In-Network Insurance Companies
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico
- Western Sky Community Care
- Molina Healthcare
- Presbyterian
- First Health Network
- MHN a Health Net Company
- New Mexico Health Connections
- Tricare
- TrueHealth of New Mexico
If you don’t see your insurance listed here, please call and we can verify coverage.
How do I get started?
You will start with an initial visit, which lasts about two hours. Call our office and schedule a time for this appointment. We’ll work to get you seen by our team in less than one business day. During your visit, we will verify your Insurance benefits and provide financial counseling for your co-insurance requirements. You will meet with a Therapist to talk about your issues, and then you’ll decide on a treatment plan that works best for you. You may be able to start Intensive Outpatient (IOP) immediately.
I’m worried about confidentiality. What information gets shared?”
Your privacy is a priority at Turning Point. All of your information, including your name/address info, medical, and therapeutic notes will be kept absolutely confidential unless we receive written permission from you to share with someone else (ie, your primary physician, an employer, another therapist, etc.
How do I know if I’m addicted to drugs or alcohol?”
Maybe you have tried to stop or cut back, and find you cannot. Obsessive thinking about the substance is another strong indicator; when you find yourself thinking constantly about how and when you’re going to get the substance, timing your life around the use, and lying or hiding your use from others. As the addiction takes over, a person begins neglecting their responsibilities such as work, school, and family, and avoiding social situations. An addicted person typically uses to deal with emotions and difficult or stressful life situations as a means to numb or avoid those feelings.
Although there is no definitive answer to this question, there are some important things to consider:
- Are friends and/or family members concerned about your drinking or using, telling you to stop or slow down?
- Have you been in trouble with the law as a result of your drinking or using?
- Have you ended up in the hospital or ER as a result of your drinking or using?
- Have family or friends given you an ultimatum or set boundaries around your drinking or using?
- Is it affecting your job (being late, not showing up, using on the job, etc.)
- Are you in financial distress due to your drinking or using?
- Have you tried to quit for any amount of time, but are unable to, or are afraid to?
- If you do try to quit, does your body goes through withdrawals (sweats, shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, loss of sleep, too much sleep, diarrhea, etc.)?
- Do you find yourself isolating, avoiding people or activities you used to enjoy?
- Do you feel the need to lie about your use or hide it from people around you?
- Do you engage in risky or dangerous behaviors because of your use, including driving under the influence, going to work or school while intoxicated, or stealing?
If you answered YES to any of these, then you might have a problem with addiction. You can take our Self-Assessment to find out more.
Please see our Addiction page for a more comprehensive definition of addiction.
“What is Detox?”
There are two types of Detox services: Inpatient, and Outpatient.
Inpatient Detox is recommended most often when the client has medical complications, has a history or risk of seizures, is alcoholic, or lacks family support. During this process, the client will recuperate in a home-like setting, with 24/7 medical supervision. The client’s stay will range from 3 to 10 days, based on the level of severity of addiction, and other factors. Generally, clients require Inpatient Detox for in order to have a safe withdrawal from alcohol or opioids but may need detox for any number of substances or combinations thereof.
Outpatient Detox involves an initial visit at the Office by a Physician or Nurse Practitioner, to evaluate the client and initiate treatment and dispense medications. The initial visit is followed by a daily ‘check-in’ at the office, followed by recuperation at home, with a family member present. 75% of clients, on average, are appropriate candidates for this level of treatment.
“How to know if I need to Detox?”
The decision of whether to undergo Detox is a serious one, and should be made with care by a Physician, or a professional with experience in Drug and Alcohol detoxification protocols. Factors that affect that decision may include: quantity and frequency of use, length of time the person has been using/drinking, medical complications (ie history of seizures) and the age of the person, among other things.
“What are the levels of care?”
Residential Treatment involves staying overnight at a facility for an average of 28 days. The advantage of residential care is that all activities during the client’s stay are centered around getting clean and/or sober. These may include Detoxification Services, Group and Individual Therapy, 12-step meetings, Medical monitoring, and other programs. Also, for some clients, the isolation from old associations, combined with the inability to obtain alcohol or drugs while in treatment is a necessary requirement. The downside is cost (an average stay at a quality facility can range from $25,000 to $50,000 per month, or more.) Also, many facilities are in another city or state, which makes contact with family and keeping one’s employment difficult. It’s important to note that Residential Treatment, for some clients, is a necessary beginning to their recovery. From that point, they may transition to the IOP and Continuing Care programs to ensure lasting sobriety.
Inpatient Detox is recommended most often when the client has medical complications, has a history or risk of seizures, or lacks family support. During this process, the client will recuperate in a home-like setting, with 24/7 medical supervision. The client’s stay will range from 3 to 10 days, based on the level of severity of addiction, and other factors.
Outpatient Detox involves an initial visit at the Office by a Physician or Nurse Practitioner, to evaluate the client and initiate treatment and dispense medications. The initial visit is followed by a daily ‘check-in’ at the office, followed by recuperation at home, with a family member present. 75% of clients, on average, are appropriate candidates for this level of treatment.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) includes many of the crucial elements of Residential treatment. If Detoxification Services are required, it can be done on an Inpatient, or (most likely) Outpatient basis. The Intensive Outpatient Program consists of Group therapy three days per week (usually in the evening, allowing the client to continue to work), as well as Individual Therapy once per week. Our program lasts 10 weeks, followed by a lower level of Continuing Care afterward. One key strength of IOP is that the Client develops strong relationships in accountability with other clients. This is a powerful and lasting tool for staying sober and isn’t available in Residential or Individual Treatment. Lastly, Family is encouraged to participate in the Client’s recovery, which offers healing for loved ones, as well as the client.
Individual Counseling involves weekly meetings with a Substance Abuse-trained Therapist. Individual Therapy can be instrumental in identifying the nature of addiction and working to overcome addictive behaviors. However, it falls short in effectiveness for recovery, due to the infrequency of visits, and lack of accountability and structure.
“How do I talk to my loved one about treatment if they don’t want it?”
Addiction affects the whole family. Anyone that loves or lives with an alcoholic/addict has been affected, and often times they need to seek recovery themselves. At Turning Point, we work with family members of addicts and alcoholics to educate them on addiction, and the roles surrounding this disease. We help family members set boundaries, we guide them through the process of building and maintaining a healthy support network.
“Do I need the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) or can I just see a therapist?”
While a therapist can be instrumental in recognizing patterns of behavior and learning new skills to manage or change them, they cannot provide the intensive care typically required for a successful recovery. Think about how often you spend thinking about or using drugs and alcohol. Successful recovery requires a commensurate level of treatment. An IOP provides the platform for a person seeking recovery to immerse themselves in the psycho-education, peer support, and the commitment and accountability necessary for successful recovery. In an IOP program, a full range of topics are systematically covered to address the nature of addiction, coping skills, triggers, family and social relations, and positive behaviors.
“When does someone know they are ready for addiction treatment?”
Many people do make the decision when a friend or loved one reaches out to them suggesting they may need help with their drug or alcohol use. Oftentimes a person feels ambivalent about wanting to change, or doesn’t know what their options are for change and recovery. The paradox of the addicted brain is that it will often only look to drugs or alcohol as the solution. But if you are thinking that you cannot continue, and recognizing that life is unmanageable, then you may be ready for treatment.
“What are withdrawals like?”
While most physical withdrawal symptoms last only a couple days to a week, mental issues arising from withdrawals can last up to a few months. These can include irritability, depression, sustained sleep issues, physical and tactile sensitivities, restlessness. These too will pass with time, and are greatly aided by an intensive recovery program. Turning Point also offers a variety of medication treatment to help manage these symptoms.
“What if I relapse?”
While it is not a guarantee that you will relapse, relapse is a part of addiction. At Turning Point we aim to significantly reduce the rates of relapse through comprehensive personal care. Our therapists and medical staff will provide the support and education you need to avoid and, if necessary, recover and return from relapse. The thing to remember is that relapse is not a sign of your weakness or moral failing. Addiction is a disease and relapse is part of that disease. It is not shameful or weak to ask for help again. In fact, it is the bravest thing you can do. You can then use your relapse as an educational experience, understanding more fully the conditions that led to the relapse and how you can avoid it in the future.
“What are some of the challenges of recovery that I can expect?”
Sometimes recovery can be uncomfortable, both physically and emotionally. Withdrawals can be uncomfortable, or maybe you have been treating chronic pain with opiates and still need to address the physical pain. Regrets, remorse, and uncomfortable emotional issues may arise. This is why we offer a variety of services to treat the mind and the body, including medical detox, medications to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and group and individual therapy to help you address the physical, mental, and emotional components of recovery.
Another challenge of recovery is the potential need to change your personal life. Sometimes you need to cut people out of your life who are detrimental to your recovery. You may not have supportive families and friends, who do not understand why you need treatment or to change former behaviors. At Turning Point, we believe that a supportive community is vital to recovery. Recovery is not something you can do alone. We offer family therapy and access to recovery communities so that you can build that supportive community you will need to stay clean and sober.
“If I have a problem with drugs, can I still drink alcohol?”
This again is a personal decision. But if you are thinking about or seeking treatment, it is recommended you not use any substance as an opportunity to allow your mind and body to heal, and to learn how to change behaviors and patterns. The concern with drinking is that it does affect your thinking and reasoning abilities, and makes you more susceptible to poor decision making including using drugs again.
“Do I need to stop using completely, or can I just cutback?”
This, of course, depends on you. While at Turning Point we encourage abstinence, we also understand that sometimes harm reduction can make a tremendous impact in a person addressing their concerns. It is important to look at the factors that you are concerned about, and why you are here looking at this site. If you feel like you’re life has become completely unmanageable and your health is compromised because of your substance use, you may need to stop using completely.
We offer a variety of therapeutic support and education to help you learn how to manage and/or stop your substance use, including medical treatment to deal with withdrawals and cravings.
“What if I have a loved one who is addicted?”
It is difficult to talk to a loved one about their addiction, but oftentimes it is best to be honest and straightforward with your concerns. Many stories of recovery begin with a caring person reaching out in concern. And while you can’t ‘make’ anyone get treatment if they don’t want it, it is important to look at how you’re handling it. The best thing to do in this case is to look at your own situation. Have you set boundaries to take care of yourself around their using? Are you being consistent with consequences around these boundaries? Do you have support? (family, al-anon/ nar-anon, therapist)
Anyone that loves or lives with an alcoholic/addict has been affected, and oftentimes they need to seek recovery themselves. At Turning Point, we work with family members of addicts and alcoholics to educate them on addiction, and the roles surrounding this disease. We help family members set boundaries, we guide them through the process of building and maintaining a healthy support network.
Please see our Addiction page for a more comprehensive definition of addiction.
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Our Team
Paul’s education began with a BA in Social Science from Marylhurst College. He has a Master’s Degree in Experiential Therapy from the University Of Wisconsin. Paul opened his first treatment center in 1997. He founded another recovery facility with a focus on providing superior quality treatment for addictions and co-occurring disorders. He is continuously working towards expanding treatment offerings to better serve the growing substance abuse and mental health needs of our community. Paul is an accomplished hand cyclist who enjoys camping and numerous other outdoor activities with his wife Rebekah and their dog, Bella.
Lauren Bermingham, B.S, Admissions Supervisor. By studying Health and Behavioral Sciences, I found a passion in mental health and more specifically, treatment and recovery services for substance use disorder. I have previously worked in treatment centers in Delaware and California where I did counseling and program management for outpatient services. Outside of working for TPRC, I enjoy reading, learning to cook, and staying active.
Jeremy Cordova, BA, CPSW, TPRC Admissions Coordinator. I am dedicated to helping addicts find recovery and maintain sobriety. Prior to Turning Point, I studied Psychology and Sociology at the University of New Mexico, I am currently planning to work towards earning a Masters in Social Work. In January 2020, I will be celebrating three years in recovery. Outside of work, I stay busy with working out almost daily, playing beach volleyball, and caring for my giant baby Jaxx, a 150 pound Rottweiler.
LouAnne Dirawi, MLS (ASCP)CM, LMT, NTS, IRM, I am the Medical Laboratory Scientist for TPRC. It's a fancy title awarded to me for achieving a Bachelor in Science and a national licensure allowing me to perform urine drug screens for the company.
And as much as I love lab analytics and testing, I have another side to me that might surprise you if you were to meet me in person. I help people heal themselves as a Licensed Massage Therapist, a Natural Therapeutic Specialist, and an Integrative Reiki Master. I also enjoy facilitating an energetic connection to Spirit through meditation and other Shamanic practices (non-drug related of course).
I feel that it is important to embrace all aspects of your personality to be a complete and whole person. I believe that it is important to never stop learning, never stop growing, always embrace who you are, how special you are, and what you have to give back to others. There is only one you and you are awesome so share it.
Marissa Evans, Yoga Instructor, CPSW. A devoted student of yoga for 5 years, Marissa completed the 200-hr YTT in 2018 in the school of hot power vinyasa flow. An avid backpacker, trek leader and guide as well as runner and traveler, she has never looked-back. You will get a full-body workout with focus on alignment and form as you flow through a moving meditation and slide on into final meditation with an exhausted smile and and a calm, relaxed state of mind. Marissa continues to pursue further specialized teacher trainings and opps abroad this year to honor her path as a yoga teacher.
Nathan Gonzales, Detox Manager. My job is to ensure all clients receive quality patient care while adhering to the requirements as set forth for all documentation in order to receive payment. I oversee the medical assessments, admissions, and discharges from all medical detoxification programs, and work with the provider to establish the appropriate level of care for each patient. I have worked for TPRC x4 years, starting at inpatient detox, as a technician.
Kathy is a Family Nurse Practitioner and a nurse researcher who has been working with substance use disorders for many years. She has been awarded a substance-use disorder fellowship, published in substance use disorders and she continues to work in this area. Kathy facilitates patients going through alcohol, opioid, or other withdraw with non-addictive treatments. Because of her ability to use motivational interviewing and her many years of experience with substance use disorders and research, she is able to provide excellent care with patients going through withdrawal. This successful protocol helps individuals go through withdrawal with minimal symptoms. It also helps them prepare for the lifelong journey of sobriety, a healthy, satisfying and productive life.
Lawrence Martinez is multitalented and very busy! He’s our Facilities Manager, taking care of maintenance, keeping all the facilities clean and operational. He cooks for our residential clients and makes sure there’s food on hand for the rest of us. But that’s not all! Well versed in IT maintenance and certified in Business Administrative Technology, he also takes care of our IT systems and makes sure everything is operational. He’s a computer enthusiast, but is also studying to become a Certified Peer Support Worker. How does he balance it all? As a loving husband and father of five, Lawrence is practiced at multitasking! He says, “I value honesty, hard work and the interpersonal relationships with my coworkers and clients.” We see those values in practice every day, in everything Lawrence does.
Shanelle Martinez, Accounts Receivable, Certified Peer Support Worker. I love engaging and interacting with the clients. the transformations are beautiful and very rewarding to be there to support the client on their journey. When I am not at work I am mommy to my son and three daughters, and wife to my husband. We are both recovering addicts and are celebrating 3+ years.
Katie Ross, BA in speech and hearing sciences, Administrative Medical Coding and Billing Specialist. I began at TPRC as a receptionist. I loved meeting all of the wonderful clients that came to our program and I loved seeing the many success stories unfold. My detail-oriented personality eventually led me into the billing department, where I have since become an expert in working claims to receive payment from insurance companies in order to make client responsibility minimal. Outside of the office, I spend my days out in the wilderness exploring with my family and my dogs. I enjoy good books and long floats on the river!
Prior to joining the team at Turning Point Recovery center, Mercy worked in management for federal contractors for more than 14 years and banking for over 10 years. She began as an intern and since then her career path within the organization has woven her back into supervising and finance. She enjoys working with a strong team that ensures compassionate client-care is the shared objective. She also likes working in a company that is constantly flourishing with innovative ideas. Mercy loves seeing her son grow and play sports, she loves live theater, musicals, and reading.
Sandra Spurlock, MA, LMFT, Certified Therapist in EMDR, and International Certified Gambling Counselor (ICGCG-II) Intake Assessor and Therapist: Complete Intake Assessments for new clients; work individually and in group (as needed) with clients in recovery, and work with Inpatient Detox and Outpatient Detox teams to help stabilize and encourage clients very new to recovery. Professional accomplishments include experience as a clinical supervisor and program coordinator for teams of clinicians working in recovery. Special interests in women in recovery; and trauma processing. Strongest value is in establishing a therapeutic connection that will activate and enhance healing. Have been a resident of Albuquerque since 1982 and love the mountains, rivers, and high desert of New Mexico, with a special interest in native plants and wild birds.. Live in the North Valley with my husband Greg and delightful cat Hannah (who is never allowed outside with the wild birds.)
Dana brings over 30 years of experience in a diverse range of critical medical field applications, including the management of Urgent Care facilities, an Internal Medicine office, and domestic and international business development for a medical device manufacturing company. Her work as a key member and manager of the detox team begins with her passion for helping clients advocate for themselves and being part of each client’s recovery process. She holds certificates in healthcare administration and as a medical assistant.
Elijah Williams is an Admissions Coordinator here at Turning Point Recovery Center. He is often the one who will pick up the phone when you call and ask for help. When he is not screening clients over the phone, he is either meeting face to face for registration or on the phone with insurance companies. He also participates in alumni activities as he graduated from Turning Point July 2018. At 9 months of sobriety he was interviewed as a success story for Turning Point and you can read his story on our website. Since then that number has grown too 22 months of sobriety. He believes accountability within our program and the individuals accountability to themselves is what makes this program work. He believes that getting himself to the IOP groups, making the required phone calls, the required 12 step meetings and being willing to dig deep and make major internal and external changes was a recipe for success, and he is the proof. Now he gets to take his personal Turning Point experience and use it to help others remain successful in our program. Outside of work he is regarded as one of the top Stand Up Comedians in the city of Albuquerque. He is also an aspiring filmmaker and uses his own experiences as inspiration for both.
Stephanie Kohler has been in human resource management for over 20 years during which time she has been responsible for creating and managing all aspects of human resource departments. She has spent the last 5 years working as the HR Director of a substance abuse program and works as a contractor for Southwestern HR consulting. Prior to this she worked as the HR Manager for Payday; the current payroll system and consultants that we use. We are very lucky to have her! In addition to everyday HR tasks, she will be working with Leah Schenider (our organizational interventionist) and the leadership team to redevelop human resources (policies/procedures, etc) with a focus on improving organizational structure, health and culture- where employees are at the top of our values list.
Julio Barragan, I’m a detox technician here at TPRC, I’ve been committed to this team for the past three years wholeheartedly. I’m currently in pursuit of my EMT – Basic license to provide our patients with the quality care they need. I’m blessed to have my wife and five beautiful children, even after the struggles of being an alcoholic and a drug abuser myself and now I can proudly say “I’m going somewhere in life” by keeping my higher power first (I’m a God fearing man), staying involved in my community and, always staying busy with my kid’s, loving my wife, working on my hobby (cars) and, volunteering for the fire department. Working for TPRC I have made some lifelong friends not only fellow co-workers but, past patients.
Ava Dasya holds a MSW, a MA in Theology, and a post-graduate Carpenter Certificate in Gender, Sexuality, and Religion (Vanderbilt Divinity School). She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, who affirms the dignity and worth of each person and their capacity to transform their lives with depth of meaning, purpose, and joy. Intensively trained in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Ava believes all radical healing is rooted in a spiritual ground and practice. In her down time, Ava pens Japanese poetry, engages in contemplative photography, practices Pilates, and lives with her many sentient canine and feline companions. “Do not be afraid to begin again!”
An Albuquerque native, Thomas works as a peer support specialist to support clients through their process of recovery. As a recovering former addict, he can work on a closer, more personal level with clients outside individual therapy and IOP sessions, with the ability to relate intimately to the challenges and successes of recovery. He has recently started school at UNM pursuing a substance abuse counseling degree.
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Our Mission
At Turning Point we are solely dedicated to our work helping those who struggle with addiction. We are New Mexico’s leader in providing safe, effective and evidence-based treatment. Every one of our clinicians and every member of our staff are dedicated to supporting you or your loved one while recovering from drugs or alcohol misuse. We work directly with you in a collaborative process to help you succeed.
Whether you are taking the first step towards sobriety, trying to get or stay clean, or struggling with a relapse, Turning Point can be your partner for a new and healthier way of life.
Our combined clinical team has decades of experience treating addiction to alcohol, heroin, opiates, methamphetamine, cocaine, prescription drugs, other “street drugs,” and every drug combination imaginable. Many of our team members are in long-term recovery. We understand the pain addiction is causing you and your family.
Please call us today and let us help: 505-217-1717.
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Paul, Thomas & Jeremy Lihte-New Mexico Leaders in Recovery Interview
Turning Point Intensive Outpatient Program
Woodland Recovery House
Awards and Certifications
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Medical professionals ONLY
Medical Professionals may contact us anytime at: 505.600.1633
Affordable CEUs for Therapists
To register for any of our courses, please call (505) 217-1717 or click Pay Now below. Payment can be made over the phone via credit card or through our online payment form and guarantees your spot in the class. Class size is limited. All classes are held at our TPRC office.
Past Classes for Therapists
February 29, 2020
Cultural Competency Basics
January 31, 2020
Ethics: Avoiding Common Mishaps
October 25, 2019
Cultural Competency Basics
July 19, 2019
Ethics: Avoiding Common Mishaps
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Quality Assurance Assistant
Posted: 03/05/2021
IOP Therapist
Posted: 02/01/2021
Medical Director
Posted: 02/01/2021
CPSW
Posted: 02/01/2021
EMT Detox Technician – Night Shift
Posted: 02/01/2021
Part-Time Detox Physician
Posted: 06/05/2020
Client Financial Coordinator
Posted: 06/02/2020
EMT/Medical Assistant
Posted: 05/12/2020
We’re always looking for top-shelf talent, so please feel free to send us your information.
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Upcoming Events
There are no upcoming events at this time.
View our full calendar of Events HERE!
Past Events
- Albuquerque Celebrates Recovery
September 25, 2019
- Rio Grande Urgent Care 1st Annual Health Fair
October 26, 2019 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Holiday Office Party
December 13, 2019 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
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Our Awards & Certifications
Awards
Certifications
