To us at Camelot – the chemical dependency treatment program that opened its a door to troubled youth in 1973 – the name engenders a great deal of pride. 

Good behavioral therapy is always important, but not the sole ingredient of a successful program.  Actually, repairing yesterday’s problems is only half the battle.  That’s why we stress teaching down-to-earth life skills, giving substance abusers a sense of self mastery, reducing their feelings of inadequacy, and fostering independence from drugs and government subsidy. 

Becoming self-reliant doesn’t mean going it alone because people in recovery need to feel a sense of belonging.  If the old “people, places, and things” must go, they must be replaced with a whole new social life based on honesty, trust, caring and joy.  Family members, close friends, employees, and significant others are a necessary part of permanent recovery.  Through a balance of behavior modification, psychotherapy, education, vocational training, and social enrichment, Camelot provides a holistic approach to chemical dependency treatment.

A seasoned staff of NYS credentialed professionals is drawn from a variety of educational backgrounds and life experiences.  Some have formal academic training with degrees in psychology, sociology and the human services.  Others have learned about substance abuse the hard way.  As former substance abusers themselves, not only can they speak with authority, but by their very presence, they serve as living proof that recovery is possible. 

The diversity in our staff is intentional.  It gives rise to creative interplay that stimulates an open, self critical atmosphere in which no one theory or method is accepted as doctrine.  Too often chemical dependency can be replaced by a rigid system of ideas.  At Camelot, clients are challenged to think for themselves.  Becoming drug-free is just part of becoming free and independent.