DUBOIS – Laurel Wellness Centers has opened an outpatient clinic for addiction treatment and general counseling in DuBois. Services include a variety of programs for people with drug and alcohol addiction; counseling for individuals, families and couples; and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) for area businesses. This new office will serve the residents of Clearfield, Jefferson, Elk and other nearby counties.
Laurel Wellness Centers is a division of St. Joseph Institute, a nationally recognized drug and alcohol rehab located in Centre County. In addition to the DuBois-based staff, Laurel Wellness Centers will draw upon the Institute’s clinical staff of counselors, addiction specialists, psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals.
“We are excited to be expanding our services into additional communities in central Pennsylvania,” stated Jenny Sheetz, chairman and clinical director of St. Joseph Institute.
“There is a great need to help individuals and their families who are struggling with addiction. Our outpatient location in DuBois will allow us to serve several surrounding areas by providing addiction treatment as well as counseling for other issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety and relationship challenges.”
The counseling services for Laurel Wellness Centers began through efforts to assist Bill Allenbaugh, a well-known psychologist in DuBois. “When Bill retired and closed his practice, he referred his clients to our facility. We look forward to providing the same quality of counseling to this area that Bill has provided through his years of dedicated service,” said Sheetz.
Located at 85 Beaver Dr. in DuBois, Laurel Wellness Centers will be spear-headed by Sue Patterson. A native of Clearfield County, Patterson has many years of clinical experience, as well as a Master’s degree and an advanced certification in addiction treatment.
“We offer an approach to addiction treatment and counseling that helps the individual identify and resolve the underlying issues that trigger the use of drugs/alcohol and contribute to various co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression. The techniques we have perfected at St. Joseph Institute have produced very positive outcomes, and we will apply these same strategies in our outpatient programs,” stated Patterson.
Laurel Wellness Centers and St. Joseph Institute were founded in 2005 by Jenny Sheetz, MA, CN, LMT. Since 2010 the institute has offered a 30-day residential program for drug and alcohol addiction that is attracting people from throughout central Pennsylvania and across the country. It is known for its holistic approach that treats the whole person – body, mind, emotions and spirit. In 2012 St. Joseph Institute enjoyed a satisfaction rating of 93.7 percent and was often described as “one of the best rehab facilities in the Northeast.”