Extended Care

Many patients who have completed the primary stage of Intensive Care benefit from Castle Craig’s Extended Care Programme. The treatment is provided in a structured and supportive treatment environment in which recovery continues. The Extended Care Unit Programme is particularly valuable for patients with complex needs e.g. those who have co-morbid eating disorders, other addictive behaviours, chronic severe dependence, post traumatic stress disorders, depression or significant affective disorders.

Our aim is to help patients consolidate the gains of the Intensive Care Programme, to acquire life skills and relapse prevention skills and to further the goal of a fulfilling sobriety.

There is an increased focus on the issues of the individualised Treatment Plan and problems which could not be sufficiently addressed in the primary phase of treatment receive a greater focus Particular emphasis is placed on social skills training, assertiveness training, relapse prevention therapy and therapy for post traumatic stress disorder.

Clinical care remains under the direction of the consultant psychiatrist. The team is also headed up by highly experienced senior therapists.

The Extended Care facility is located at Castle Craig Gardens in Castle Craig Estate. It comprises a number of cottages or larger houses providing not only single en suite accommodation, but also several snack serveries and sitting rooms.

The Programme

• Particular focus is brought to bear on promoting the development of self esteem.
• Programme activities include:
• Morning meditation
• Daily group therapy
• Regular individual therapy
• Community meetings
• Spirituality group
• Grief therapy
• Eating disorder therapy
• Family and relationship therapy
• Drumming therapy
• Equine therapy
• Horticultural therapy with our specialised therapist in the beautiful walled garden is especially popular.

In addition to therapeutic group work and individual therapy the patient will be encouraged to explore vocational issues. There is an opportunity to participate in IT training and to achieve a recognised certification in computer competency and word processing namely ECDL.

An eclectic approach to individual counselling utilises a twelve step facilitation approach, reality therapy, cognitive behavioural methods and rational emotive therapy.

Social events, adventure training, walks in the Borders countryside, exercise and recreation activities all promote a healthy balance of personal growth and physical fitness, work and social life.

Discharge planning is a key aspect of care in order to ensure where necessary, that suitable housing is in place, vocational opportunities have been explored and that there is involvement of relevant agencies and professionals.