Bluegrass is a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide mental health, substance use and intellectual and developmental disability services throughout 17 counties in central Kentucky. With nearly 300 clinicians on staff, we serve 30,000 children, adults and families each year.
Services Offered
Adult Services Staff at Bluegrass specialize in the treatment of individuals with mental health, substance use and intellectual and developmental disabilities in our 17-county service area of central Kentucky. We use individual and group therapy as well as case management, psychiatry, peer support, and other services to help clients achieve their definition of recovery. We focus our efforts using a person-centered approach, meaning our clients are the author of their recovery plan. Further, we believe our level of care should be intense, brief and episodic. Recovery from mental illness and substance use disorders happens best via an interdisciplinary approach. Therefore, we fully support collaboration and ongoing communication to facilitate a strong continuity of care.
Child Services Staff at Bluegrass specialize in the treatment of children from infancy through age 18. We take a trauma-informed, person-centered approach using evidence-based practices. Our focus is on developing a strong partnership with families, to quickly determine the needs and goals of treatment and develop a solid plan to target and track progress toward recovery. We provide children and families with the tools in a therapeutic setting to maintain progress and recovery outside of the office setting. We fully support collaboration and ongoing communication to facilitate a strong continuity of care.
Evidence-Based Practices: - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - Partners for Change Outcome Management System - Narrative Therapy - Play Therapy - Trauma Informed Care - Motivational Interviewing - Solution-Focused Therapy - Child-Adult Relationship Enhancement
Substance Use - Adolescent Services U-TURN is our outpatient treatment program for adolescents ages 13-18. U-TURN offers specialized group, individual and family therapy services. We believe it is vital to provide treatment that is just for adolescents and involves the family. Bluegrass works closely with schools, courts and community partners as part of the treatment plan We customized the treatment to meet the needs of each teenager and family. This is called a person-centered approach and is proven to be the most effective. U-TURN is designed to give each teenager the best path to recovery.
Under 21 DUI - Zero Tolerance Zero Tolerance is an education program for individuals under the age of 21 who have been cited for drinking and driving. Participants are referred by the court system and are screened to determine if they are appropriate for the program. Classes meet for three consecutive days and for four hours each day. Participants must attend all 12 hours to successfully complete the program.
Outpatient Services Bluegrass offers outpatient therapy for substance use throughout our service area. These services include relapse prevention and recovery skill development in addition to individual, family, couples and group therapy. Those with substance use disorder are treated by licensed behavioral health professionals trained in treatment approaches proven to be effective. Treatment is based on the needs of the individual. We believe everyone is capable of achieving recovery and maintain sobriety to live their best life. Treatment is provided in the office located nearest you and clients are seen quickly.
Intensive Outpatient Program Intensive Outpatient Program or IOP provides group therapy and education three days per week for at least nine hours each week. Individual and family counseling is also provided. Our therapists help clients learn coping, relapse prevention and recovery maintenance skills. Bluegrass uses treatment that is proven to be effective. These are called evidence-based practices and they address the needs of the whole person.
This level of substance use treatment is more intensive than outpatient therapy. But IOP still allows clients the opportunity to continue living at home and working in the community while attending treatment. IOP is for adults and treats both men and women in the group setting.
Bluegrass Pregnancy and Addiction Network Networking behavioral health, family practice and OB care, the Bluegrass Pregnancy and Addiction Network supports pregnant and postpartum women in recovery. We collaborate with hospitals, physicians, medication assisted treatment programs, social services and community agencies to help pregnant women with substance use disorder to receive the treatment they need. Our goal is to ensure all pregnant women and their families receive treatment for addiction with as few barriers and delays as possible. We believe women can achieve recovery and build a strong and stable foundation for their family.
PRIDE The PRIDE Program provides treatment for pregnant, post-partum and parenting women who are struggling with drugs and alcohol. Treatment is based on the needs of the mother and her family and includes individual and group counseling, education, case management and parenting skills. This program is offered in Fayette County.
Fees and Payment
Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance are accepted. If you do not have health insurance, Bluegrass can determine if you could meet state criteria to pay for your appointment based on your household income. Please bring proof of income such as your most recent paycheck stub or an income statement.
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.
