The substance treatment and recovery training (START) program at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital is an inpatient unit for pregnant patients with substance use disorder.
This voluntary unit is staffed by physicians and counselors experienced in helping pregnant people with addiction, dedicated to nonjudgmental and patient-centered comprehensive care. We have dedicated nursing staff, an onsite social worker, and resources throughout the region to help patients reach their goals.
Who qualifies for the START program?
The START unit cares for people in any stage of pregnancy with problematic substance use or substance use disorders. Most major medical insurances and Medicare are accepted. Medical insurance is not required for admission. Insurance other than Medicaid may require a pre-authorization.
What does the treatment plan entail?
The START inpatient unit provides a period of medical stabilization and withdrawal management, followed by intensive inpatient treatment for up to 26 total days of admission. The START treatment program includes:
- 1:1 time with counselor, group educational and recovery activities using trauma-informed approaches.
- Engage with 12-step recovery concepts.
- Care coordination and customized care plan development.
- Educational and recovery resource connections.
- Medications for addiction treatment.
- Pregnancy-specific addiction consultation.
- Recreational activities such as walks, crafts, gentle exercise, and mindful activities like coloring.
- Prenatal care and connection to community obstetric providers.
Services and treatments available
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Substance use disorder
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Our inpatient program provides group-based treatment along with customized individual support.
Case management, referrals and coordination with community resources are also provided. Group treatment focuses on a variety of topics, including, physical and psychological trauma, HIV and other risk education, substance education, early parenting, and stress management in recovery, early recovery, mindfulness, relapse prevention.
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Medications for addiction treatment
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The START inpatient unit provides evidence-based medications for withdrawal management and treatment of substance use disorders. Medications are adjusted and stabilized during admission, and clients are provided clear linkages to outpatient providers to continue medication treatment after discharge. This unit provides both methadone and buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder.
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Obstetric, medical and nursing care
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The START inpatient unit provides 24-hour nursing care, routine medical and obstetric care, and has immediate access to obstetric emergency services on campus.
Services provided include:
- Obstetric lab testing and imaging.
- Daily medical care during stabilization, then regular weekly medical care.
- Antenatal testing as indicated.
- Screening for and management of common mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
- Medication management.
- Nursing, medical and obstetric education.
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Parenting and childbirth education
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The START inpatient unit provides education around prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, and newborn/early infancy parenting. We also provide education around engaging with the healthcare system, self-advocacy, coping skills and pain/symptom management options.
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Aftercare planning
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The counseling team works diligently to secure sober housing whenever possible and further treatment for all of our patients after inpatient stay. If patients are returning to friends or family, a family session with a recovery plan for post discharge is initiated to ensure clear communication and expectations.
Many patients choose to continue on to long-term treatment, and the team initiates the process while they are in treatment on the unit. We refer to community resources as needed and where possible, such as:
- The Parent Child Assistance Project
- County Public Health Department
- Obstetrics and gynecology providers
- Intensive outpatient, inpatient, and mental health agencies
- The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
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High-acuity antepartum and psychiatric care
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The START inpatient unit does not provide high-acuity antepartum inpatient services, and clients requiring this level of care for obstetric conditions will be referred elsewhere.
Similarly, clients requiring high-acuity psychiatric care (such as for mania, psychosis, or acute suicidality) or high-acuity medical care are not eligible for admission to this unit.
Please contact our intake team to discuss individual situations/care needs.
Additional resources
Contact us
To get started, call the START inpatient unit intake team at 253-697-2450. The fax number is 253-697-2466.