Interim Group Services
Salt Lake County Substance Abuse contracts with ARS to provide Interim Group Services (IGS). There are two primary purposes of Interim Group:
- To operate as the "front door" for adults who are residents of Salt Lake County and do not have the financial means to pay for substance abuse treatment.
- To provide individuals with a safe and supportive environment while they await treatment availability which, unfortunately due to funding issues, may be as long as three months. Interim Group Services are offered in both English and Spanish.
IGS Schedule | IGS Training | IGS Research
Referrals
Referrals to IGS are made from a variety of sources including treatment agencies, Adult Probation and Parole, courts, hospitals and word of mouth. Regardless of how individuals are referred to IGS, there is no need to call for an appointment, instead the individual need only to show up at one of the groups in order to begin participation.
How it Works
Interim Group Services meets for one hour, six days per week at no cost to the individual. Transportation tokens are given to those in need and individuals can come as often as they want. As the name suggests, these are not classes but groups facilitated by co-leaders. They focus on providing support and encouragement. All individuals, regardless of their motivation for treatment and regardless of whether they continue to use alcohol or drugs, are welcomed and treated with respect.
When individuals present to IGS for the first time, they are asked to complete an intake with a co-leader either before or after group. Arrangements are then made for the completion of an assessment. Assessments include a clinical interview, the administration of the Addiction Severity Index, the American Society of Addiction Medicine Placement Criteria, and a criminal background history when appropriate. An assessment may take as long as two hours. In addition, there is some paperwork to be completed once you arrive at our office, so we ask you to come early.
During the Assessment
During the assessment you will meet with a clinician who will ask you several questions about all aspects of your life. Some of the questions may seem irrelevant, but keep in mind that questions about your childhood, relationships, mental health functioning and other topics help us determine the best possible referral to help you strengthen both internal and external resources.
After the Assessment
Upon completion of the assessment, you will usually be informed immediately of your referral, be authorized to obtain County funded treatment, and be provided with information on how to contact the agency where you will be participating in treatment. You will also be asked to sign a release of information so that once we complete our written assessment, copies can be provided to any necessary individuals (i.e., the agency you have been referred to, judges, probation officers, attorneys, etc.).
Fees
You will be charged for the assessment based on a sliding pay scale which considers your income and number of dependents.
- Payment is due at the time of assessment.
- We do not accept checks, American Express or Discover Card.
- Please contact our office 24 hours in advance if you need to reschedule your appointment otherwise a $25 rescheduling fee may be incurred.
- Bring photo identification to the assessment.
