Patients - Hudson Behavioral Health

hudson health

For Patients

If you need hope, you need Hudson. We have helped thousands of people recover from alcohol and drug addiction. Our program is both logical and compassionate, and our services provide a 360-degree approach to your one goal: recovery.

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Withdrawal management

Upon admission to Hudson Behavioral Health, all patients meet with our physician and nursing staff to undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation to determine if withdrawal management services are necessary. Also known as detoxification, withdrawal management is the process of using medications to stabilize patients and address the physical withdrawal syndrome that is not only uncomfortable, but also potentially dangerous.

Withdrawal Management is a necessary first step for many patients. Because we individualize the treatment process to meet each person’s needs, patients will be closely monitored by medical staff during the period of withdrawal management. Current withdrawal management protocols are so effective at relieving physical withdrawal that most patients are able to engage in counseling and participate in the community during these first crucial days.

Residential Treatment

Levels 3.5 & 3.7

We offer medium and high-intensity residential treatment for drug and alcohol addiction at our peaceful and secluded campus in Salisbury, Maryland. This setting is appropriate for patients with co-occurring disorders that are stable and manageable outside of an acute care facility. Withdrawal Management services are often coupled with your residential treatment.

All patients that stay on our campus receive a comprehensive psycho-social and physical assessment, as well as psychiatric services when necessary. Patients participate in scheduled group therapy sessions daily, peer support and alternative therapy groups, and individual counseling sessions at least once a week. Family sessions are also encouraged when appropriate.

Residential Treatment

Level 3.1

Our low-intensity residential programs offer a structured environment to promote recovery and prepare patients for an independent and sober lifestyle. Each house is staffed with a live-in House Manager to provide additional oversight and support. The emphasis of community within these programs facilitates social bonding and cohesion, reinforces recovery concepts and norms, and introduces patients to the larger local recovery community.

Your clinical treatment will continue during your stay in our Residential 3.1 programs with the treatment intensity determined by your needs. Typically, there are 10+ hours of clinical interaction provided in-house per week. Treatment is focused on improving a person's readiness to change, level of functioning, and coping skills. The treatment program includes individual and group therapy with a licensed counselor, as well as job readiness assistance and other introductory life skills work with a dedicated Case Manager and Peer Recovery Specialist.

RECOVERY HOUSING

We offer recovery housing in Delaware for individuals who require a more structured environment in the early stages of recovery. Residents are required to obtain employment, attend 12-step meetings and enroll in and complete an outpatient treatment program. During your stay in one of our recovery houses, you are expected to contribute to the daily operations of the house and participate in all house activities.

Residents in our Delaware Recovery Houses receive case management services and are offered life skills groups weekly. Our Recovery Housing options are available to patients who discharge from our Residential Programs, but individuals can also self-refer or be referred in by other community organizations.

*Our recovery houses are partially funded by Delaware's Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Planning for admissions

The first step in the admissions process is to call and speak with an Admissions Representative, or fill out our Initial Contact Form and fax it in. It is important that our Admissions Representative speak with the individual who is seeking admission into our program so that we can obtain accurate information regarding their substance use, medical and mental health disorders, and treatment history.

Please Bring

Luggage

7 days of comfortable clothing, shoes, and sleeping attire.

**Limited to one large plastic bag. No luggage is permitted. No clothing advertising drugs, alcohol, or violence is permitted.

Clothing

Clothing should not be provocative or tight fitting. Shorts and skirts must be no shorter than 3 inches above the knee. Shirts must have sleeves and cover middriff (no tank tops). We provide washers, dryers, and laundry detergent for patient use.

Hygiene

Personal hygiene items can have no alcohol in the first 3 ingredients. All toiletries and personal items must be in a plastic bag. Makeup must be in a gallon size Ziploc bag. Clippers, curling irons, flat irons and blow dryers that are in good working condition are allowed.

Medication

All medications in original bottles with labels, in addition to your insurance and prescriptions cards.

writing

Envelopes, paper and stamps.

Money

Money for cigarettes and vending machine. We suggest no more than $25. Cigarettes must be in sealed packages. Extra packs can be locked in a cabinet.

Reading

Spiritual and/or recovery related reading material.

Do not bring

Purses, luggage, or book bags

Drugs/alcohol or paraphernalia

Knives, guns, or weapons of ANY kind

Linens, pillows, or stuffed animals

Electronics of any kind

Aerosol cans/sprays

Items containing alcohol in the first 3 ingredients

Nail polish or nail polish remover

Magazines or novels that are not recovery or spiritual related

Movies

Pornography

Outside food or drink

E-cigarettes, vapes or chewing tobacco

Scissors, tweezers, manicure kits, keys, or sewing kits

Request admission

WHAT TO EXPECT

What can I expect in the first few days at Hudson? It is understandable that you might be anxious about admission and the first few days. Here is what you can expect on your day of admission and in the first 48 hours on campus:

Completion of registration paperwork

Assessment performed by certified counselor

Completion of admission paperwork

Submit to a urine drug screen

Medical assessment conducted by nursing staff and our Medical Director

Education provided on Vivitrol

Narcan training

Search of patient and patient’s belongings

Get settled and unpacked

Introduction to daily structured group programming

Labs will be ordered as needed

Meet with primary counselor to develop the initial treatment plan

Meet with aftercare coordinator to discuss discharge planning process

Withdrawal management protocols will be initiated as needed

About us

Hudson Behavioral Health was formed in 1980 (as Hudson Health Services, Inc.) to bring the first residential recovery program to the Eastern Shore. Today, thousands of patients later, we remain the leader in recovery programs and resources, with our staff of 100 committed to serving each patient as an individual.

ABOUT US

Susan Forrest

Director of Clinical Operations

As the Director of Clinical Operations, Susan oversees the daily operations of Hudson’s residential campus and recovery houses. She provides clinical oversight for staff on campus and in residential housing along with providing supervision for Associate, Bachelor, and Master level intern students.

Susan joined Hudson Behavioral Health in 2023. She has more than a decade of experience working to improve recovery resources in the greater Salisbury area. Susan earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) from Salisbury University.

Joyce Parsons, EdD, RN

Director of Nursing

Joyce Parsons is the Director of Nursing at Hudson Behavioral Health. She is responsible for hiring, training, and supervising the nursing staff, and she collaborates with the Medical Director, Clinical Director and CEO on all major medical decisions.

She received her associate degree in Nursing from Wor-Wic in 1979, her bachelor's and master's degrees in Nursing from Wilmington University in 2011 and 2014 respectively, and earned her Doctor of Education from Nova Southeastern University in 2021.

Dr. Robert A. Coker, D.O., DABAM

Medical Director

Dr. Robert Coker is an internist with admitting and consulting privileges at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Maryland, where he served as Chief of the Department of Medicine from 2005-2007. Dr. Coker is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Addiction Medicine (DABAM). He is licensed to practice medicine in both Maryland and New Jersey.

Joshua Pippin

Treatment Housing Manager

As the Treatment Housing Manager, Josh is responsible for overseeing recovery services in Hudson's five Maryland Level 3.1 treatment homes and two Sober Living Homes in Delaware .

Josh joined Hudson Behavioral Health in 2020 as a Behavioral Health Aide, and later advanced to the position of House Manager in which he was responsible for running one of the treatment homes.

Josh is a resident of Salisbury, Maryland.

Kerry L. Turner, MSW, LCSW-C, CAC-AD

Mental Health Therapist

Kerry Turner joined the Hudson Behavioral Health team in 2009. She has worked in a variety of roles leading to her current position, providing mental health therapy in our 3.1 low intensity residential housing program. Kerry holds active Maryland licenses as follows: Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C), and Certified Associate Counselor-Alcohol and Drug with supervisory status (CAC-AD).

Kerry began her career working as a counselor for persons with substance use disorder, after completing an Associates Degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling at Wor Wic Community College. She subsequently completed Bachelors (BSW) and Masters (MSW) degrees in Social Work at Salisbury University. Kerry also holds a Certificate in Advanced Trauma Treatment Level One from the Ferentz Institute.

Rita Mecca

Chief Financial Officer

As the Chief Financial Officer at Hudson Behavioral Health, Rita is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of Hudson Behavioral Health, including $10M in annual revenue, 100+ employees and 10 facilities throughout Maryland and Delaware.

Rita joined Hudson Behavioral Health in 2021. She previously served as Controller of Tyson Foods in Berlin, MD and Airpax Corporation in Cambridge, MD, and most recently was a Senior Financial Analyst at Tidal Health.

She received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Marywood College in Scranton, PA and later went on to earn an M.B.A. from Salisbury University in 2003.

Alex Pullen

Marketing & Community Liaison

As the Marketing & Community Liaison, Alex is responsible for maintaining relationships with community partners and referral sources. Through collaborative discussions with local health officials and other behavioral health facilities, he assesses the needs of the addictions community and works to accommodate those needs.

Alex joined Hudson Behavioral Health in 2021. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration with a minor in Marketing from Wilkes University in Wilkes Barre, PA.

Michele Sterling

Clinical Director

As the Clinical Director, Michele oversees the daily operations of Hudson’s residential campus. She provides clinical oversight for staff on campus and in residential housing along with providing supervision for Associate, Bachelor, and Master level intern students.

Michele joined Hudson Behavioral Health in 2019 as Residential Lead Counselor. She began her career as a substance abuse counselor after receiving her Associate’s Degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling from Wor-Wic Community College. Michele has worked in a variety of settings including both inpatient and outpatient treatment centers, working with both adolescents and adults. Michele earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) from Salisbury University.

Suzanne Caputo

Director of Human Resources 

Suzanne Caputo joined Hudson Behavioral Health in January 2017 as Director of Human Resources. She received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Business from SUNY Plattsburgh in New York. For the last twenty years, Suzanne has worked in Human Resources in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, hospice, and home health care. She specializes in Recruiting, Training, and Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS). Suzanne relocated from New York to join the team at Hudson, bringing a valuable perspective from much larger organizations.

Kellie Noonan CRNP, FNP

Kellie Noonan is a nationally certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in family practice and addictions medicine. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Salisbury State University in Salisbury, MD and then earned her Master of Science at Wilmington University in New Castle, DE. Ms. Noonan is also a certified Buprenorphine provider through the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). She holds her national board certification through American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Dr. Efigenio Leynes Bautista, MD

Psychiatrist 

Dr. Efigenio Lynes Bautista joined Hudson Health Services in 2005. He was educated at St. Thomas Aquiras University, School of Medicine and Surgery 1970. He also trained at the Manhattan State Hospital in 1974. Dr. Bautista has worked with individuals with co-occurring disorders his entire career and has extensive knowledge in treating individuals with complex diagnosis including Substance-Use Disorders.

Leah Evans

Director of Compliance & Quality Assurance

Leah started her career with Hudson in 2007 and has been integral in program and project implementation. She has contributed years of experience and knowledge to updating and maintaining our extensive Corporate Policies and Procedures to ensure staff and patient safety, as well as to maintaining our Joint Commission Accreditation. She has been instrumental in obtaining and updating various clinical, electronic health record, financial software systems and methods of documentation within the company. Leah manages the overall purchasing for the company, negotiates vendor contracts, assists in obtaining grant funding and insurance company reimbursements. Leah is also one of the leaders of our company Smile Team, that plans employee functions and fundraising initiatives.

Kelly Pullen

Director of Environmental Services 

Kelly Pullen joined Hudson Behavioral Health in 2013 as Director of Environmental Services. Prior to his employment with the organization, Kelly was a successfully self-employed contractor in and around Salisbury, Maryland. He is certified as a Lead Paint Risk Assessor and is a Lead Paint Abatement Contractor. Kelly has been an integral part of key renovations and upgrades that have been made to both our Harting Drive Campus as well as our transitional housing properties.

Rebecca Kimmons, CAC-AD

Director of Housing

Rebecca Kimmons, CAC-AD is the Director of Housing at Hudson Behavioral Health. She began her career at Hudson in 2012 working at the Broad Street Women and Children's House and on the Main Campus as a Residential Counselor.

As Director of Housing, Rebecca is responsible for the programs and staff at each of Hudson's off-campus housing facilities throughout Maryland and Delaware.

She earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Social Work from Salisbury University, and also has an Associate of Applied Science in Chemical Dependency Counseling from Wor-Wic Community College. Kimmons is a Certified Associate Counselor - Alcohol and Drug (CAC-AD).

Suzanne Caputo

Director of Human Resources 

Shiela Pullen, LPN

Director of Admissions 

Shiela Pullen, LPN, Director of Admissions Shiela’s well-rounded professional history and the extensive knowledge she has gained from the more than 20 years she has spent with Hudson uniquely qualify her to serve as Director of Admissions.

She began her career at Hudson in 1998 as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the Nursing Department. She received a Certificate in Nursing from Wor-Wic Community College in 1990 after which she took a position at Peninsula Regional Medical Center where she specialized in MedSurge Nursing. In 2000, she accepted the position of Director of Admissions at Hudson. In addition to her experience at PRMC, she has also worked as a private duty nurse within the local community.

Shiela’s s dedication and loyalty to Hudson’s mission and its patients results in a warm and welcoming environment for new admissions.

Leslie Brown

President & Chief Executive Officer

Leslie Brown has served in and led non-profit organizations for most of her career in roles that include Controller, CFO and CEO. Her commitment to helping people recover from addiction and find success in daily life is unparalleled.

At Hudson, Leslie is tasked with managing a staff of more than 100 people over a full continuum of care with a budget of over 7 million dollars. She joined the organization in 2005 as Chief Financial Officer and was promoted to Chief Executive Officer in 2011. During her tenure and due to her vision, the organization has grown, increasing its budget by 300% and tripling staff size – both of which are the key to bringing treatment to people across more locations and creating open access. Among her many responsibilities, she oversees the operations and development of an extensive property portfolio, including the 51- bed main campus and 8 satellite facilities.

Before joining Hudson, Leslie worked at a number of non-profits, in roles that include employee and consultant. Her perseverance, skilled strategic planning, and revenue and investment diversification have led to successful and reliant organizations.