Regional West Physicians Clinic-Psychiatry & Behavioral Health to Launch Outpatient Program for Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., ― Thousands of Nebraskans and their families face struggles with substance abuse disorders. Regional West Physicians Clinic-Psychiatry & Behavioral Health will soon offer a new pathway to addiction treatment for patients 19 and older through its intensive outpatient program (IOP).
 
An IOP works as a middle ground between weekly therapy sessions and inpatient rehab, providing structured outpatient sessions multiple times a week over the course of 12 weeks. Starting this fall, bilingual licensed drug and alcohol counselor Daniel Palomo, LDAC, will lead the program using techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, reality therapy, and group therapy in both individual and family sessions. Following successful completion of the IOP, patients can attend aftercare in two-hour sessions once a week for six months to a year. The program is overseen by Psychiatry & Behavioral Health Department Medical Director Rami Zanoun, MD.

Palomo will also offer substance abuse disorder (SUD) comprehensive assessments and an aftercare program. He said each person’s treatment plan will look different, as the program is tailor-made for each individual.

“Our IOP is very client centered. Patients have a lot of input on the course of action. On average, our program is 12 weeks, but some may need more time, and others less. We’re here to meet people where they’re at,” he said.

“The launch of our substance use disorder IOP reflects our commitment to addressing the growing need for accessible addiction treatment. Recovery looks different for everyone, and this program offers a flexible, supportive option for individuals seeking meaningful change while remaining connected to their work, family, and community,” added Kristy Meisner, RN, director of Behavioral Health Services. “As part of our ongoing commitment to expanding access to behavioral health services, this program fills a critical gap in care by offering intensive support in a flexible outpatient setting, helping people achieve meaningful progress in their recovery and overall well-being. We are honored to bring this valuable resource to our community to provide another pathway to recovery and hope.”

Palomo leads the program from personal experience with drug and alcohol addiction. He’s been sober since 2008, and he’s excited to help others find a new life through positivity and compassion.

“I’m here to show people that there is hope on the other side. The hardest part is walking through the door.”
 
Referrals are required to enter the intensive outpatient program, and most insurance carriers are accepted. For more information, call the Psychiatry & Behavioral Health clinic at 308-635-3888.

About Regional West
Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Nebraska is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, the only advanced trauma hospital in Nebraska west of North Platte. Since 1924, Regional West has served the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming through innovative healthcare services. As the region’s sole tertiary medical center, Regional West offers an expansive array of medical specialties and numerous physician clinics.