About Whatcom County Triage Center
Whatcom County Triage Center (WCTC) is a short-stay facility with 16 beds for individuals experiencing acute psychiatric issues or substance use disorder. This may include things like severe anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or mental health crises. This program is provided by Compass Health, an integrated community healthcare provider serving Northwest Washington, including Whatcom County. WCTC is housed at Anne Deacon Center for Hope in Bellingham, about two miles west of Whatcom Falls Park and 1.5 miles east of Mount Baker Theatre.
Signing Up at Whatcom
The facility provides a safe environment staffed 24/7 by an interdisciplinary team skilled in crisis care. These experts provide immediate relief, restore stable functioning, and connect clients to the appropriate level of care. Triage reduces costly ER visits or hospital stays and is an alternative to jail. Length of stay varies from hours to several days depending on crisis episodes.
This is a voluntary program. Clients can self-refer. They also accept referrals from behavioral health providers, hospital social workers, or medical providers. The facility also takes drop-offs from police or EMTs.
Medically Supervised Withdrawal Management
Whatcom Community Detox is staffed by nurses, counselors and substance use professionals. These experts monitor you 24/7 during detox. The program also involves Suboxone prescriptions via medication assisted treatment (MAT) to manage painful withdrawal symptoms. They strive to ensure your withdrawal is as comfortable and as painless as possible.
You’ll have the support of peer specialists with lived-in experience who’ll provide guidance and encouragement during this important stage. The length of stay may range between three and seven days depending on your unique needs. Once you’re stabilized, the care team will connect you to the appropriate level of care, either residential rehabilitation or an outpatient program.
Levels of Care
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Inpatient
Inpatient and residential programs provide round-the-clock medical and emotional support as you live at the treatment facility. This level of care may be recommended if you have severe addictions or mental health conditions since it removes outside distractions and allows you to focus solely on therapy.
Detox Service Setting
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Inpatient Detox
Inpatient detox occurs in a dedicated treatment facility. You’ll live there around the clock and receive intensive medical support and supervision to help manage your withdrawal symptoms. It is suitable for individuals with moderate to severe addictions as it ensures a stable detox environment.
Programs
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Adult (18+)
Adult programs address the substance use and life challenges specific to adults. Therapists can deliver sessions in individual, group and family settings. Services often include job support and life skills training in a structured environment.
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Alcohol Detox
Alcohol detox programs offer medical support to help individuals withdraw safely from alcohol. Your care team may use medications to ease your symptoms and provide medical monitoring to address complications.
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Drug Detox
Drug detox programs support individuals who are withdrawing from addictive substances like cocaine and heroin. Medical support helps you manage symptoms in a controlled and safe environment so you can achieve initial sobriety.
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Men
Men's programs address substance use while also considering the social pressures, family roles and mental health concerns that are specific to men. You’ll learn healthy coping mechanisms as you build emotional resilience and develop communication skills.
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Opioid Detox
Opioid detox uses medications to ease severe withdrawal symptoms. It also includes medical supervision to help you manage potential complications. These services allow you to stabilize and begin a recovery plan.
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Women
Women's programs offer a safe and supportive space to focus on gender specific issues such as trauma, family roles and mental health conditions. Therapists tailor the sessions to address women's needs and foster empowerment in a healing and nurturing environment.
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Young Adult (18 - 25)
Young adult programs are designed for individuals who are transitioning into adulthood. Topics of discussion typically include identity, independence and peer relationships. Providers may also offer life skills training and career support.
Payment Options
- Payment Assistance
- Medicaid
Accreditations
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SAMHSA
Contact
2026 Division Street
Bellingham, WA 98226