UMass Memorial to close teen detox center

Photo | Timothy Doyle UMass Memorial Medical Center - University Campus

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As a result of declining utilization, UMass Memorial Health in Worcester will close an in-facility acute detox and stabilization program for teens.

The Motivating Youth Recovery, a program within the UMass Memorial affiliate Community Healthlink, provides physical and mental health services to those in the region experiencing illness, addiction, or homelessness. MYR provides short-term care for teens ages 13 through 19 dealing with substance-use disorders and other co-occurring disorders, according to the program’s website.

“Over the past several years, it has become clear that MYR’s model of care is not meeting the treatment needs of these individuals, despite significant efforts to boost referrals and awareness,” UMass Memorial said in an email to WBJ.

The program has observed teens and families seek alternate forms of care in home- and office-based capacities.

“This shift in preference has resulted in a significant reduction of client volume, and it is no longer feasible for CHL to offer the program,” said UMass Memorial.

MYR will close on July 7, the discharge date of its last patient. UMass Memorial will assist program staff in finding new employment within the system.

“While difficult, this move is necessary to help address CHL’s financial and operational challenges and improve the sustainability and quality of services provided,” said UMass Memorial.

MYR’s shuttering marks the healthcare system’s third behavioral health clinic closure in fewer than nine months: UMass Memorial closed a Community Healthlink primary care site in Leominster on Sept. 30 and another in Worcester on March 31.

The closures come as the system has faced growing financial strain, resulting in a non-clinical, non-patient-facing hiring pause.

“We've been able to hold on for the last five years when others are losing money, but this year, we have joined the club with everyone else,” Dr. Eric Dickson, UMass Memorial president and CEO, previously told WBJ.

Mica Kanner-Mascolo is a staff writer at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the healthcare and diversity, equity, and inclusion industries.