Center of Excellence

T.W. Ponessa & Associates Counseling Services, Inc., is an Opioid Center of Excellence, that is centrally located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to provide comprehensive care management and coordination of care for individuals and their families residing in Lancaster County. We are dedicated to keeping people in care by providing support, education, and assistance to individuals and families who are struggling with an opioid use disorder.

Comprehensive Services

The Center of Excellence (COE) team, will work together to help any individual living in Lancaster, struggling with an opioid-related substance use disorder, stay in treatment and receive community-based access to care and support. Confidential assessments are completed by a mobile Clinical Care Manager to develop an individual recovery plan and determine the appropriate level of care. The COE team will also work closely with TWP’s Medical Department to provide access to evidence-based medication assisted treatment.

Medication Assisted Treatment Offered At Twp:

Medication Assisted Treatment is an evidence-based treatment option for adults aged 18 and older, struggling with an Opioid Use Disorder. Opioids include narcotic pain medications, such as Oxycontin, Morphine, Percocet, and other narcotic pain medications, including heroin. Our psychiatrists and medical personnel can administer the following forms of Medication Assisted Treatment:

• Vivitrol – A monthly injection of long-acting naloxone that blocks opioid receptors completely, which helps control cravings and prevents the “high” associated with using opioids.
• Suboxone – A prescription designed to reduce the withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with opioids, when taken daily, as prescribed.

The COE team will also act as care navigators to connect individuals to the appropriate community and social support services, so that they may stay engaged in treatment.

Who Can Benefit From This Service?

Anyone who needs help with problems resulting from opioid use, including family members. We offer family group sessions to provide education and support to family members that have been adversely impacted by the person's involvement with opioids.

Contact our caring and professional intake screeners at 1-800-437-5405.

The process begins with a call to the program. At that time, demographic and other information is gathered and a preliminary screening is made. Afterward, a connection is established with a member of the clinical care management team, to complete a clinical assessment. Then the clinical care management team will develop an individual recovery plan, along with determining the appropriate level of care. The clinical care management team will also coordinate referrals to any necessary services within the community.