UnityPoint Health - Meriter - NewStart

NewStart is now offering two weekly walk-in options for individuals to get the care they need on Monday afternoons and Tuesday mornings. Walk-in clinics provide direct access to therapists, physicians and nurses to encourage immediate engagement in recovery pathways as well as direct access to medication-assisted treatment.

Hours: 

• Monday, 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

We encourage patients to arrive early. Walk-in patients are seen on a first come, first served basis, so please arrive on time or early. We try to see as many people as we can. Plan to spend a few hours at the clinic.

Our Addiction and Psychiatry Physicians specialize in evidence-based care for substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions. They provide anti-craving medications, long-acting medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and psychiatric services. This team also provides hepatitis C treatment, HIV prevention (PrEP and post-exposure prophylaxis), and testing for sexually transmitted infections. All services are delivered in close collaboration with our team of registered nurses to ensure safe, coordinated, and compassionate care.

Our team of licensed therapists is dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey toward recovery and mental wellness. Each of our clinicians is highly trained in working with people experiencing substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.

We utilize evidence-based therapeutic approaches to ensure the highest quality of care. Our therapists specialize in:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Trauma-Informed Therapy

These proven methods are tailored to meet each person’s unique mental health and recovery goals. Whether you're navigating addiction, managing anxiety or depression, or healing from trauma, our compassionate team is here to help guide and support your progress every step of the way.

Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is often the first structured step in the recovery process, offering a supportive and therapeutic environment. Designed for individuals seeking to build a strong foundation for lasting recovery, our IOP combines education, therapy, and peer support in a group setting.

Program Structure:

• 4 sessions per week, Monday through Thursday
• Morning and evening options to fit your schedule
• Each session is 3 hours long
• Typical program duration: 4–6 weeks
• Led by two skilled and licensed providers
• Includes a combination of educational sessions, therapy, and process groups

IOP Goals:

• Provide a core set of recovery-focused knowledge and therapeutic practices
• Support reduction in substance use and minimize harm
• Promote improved functioning in key life areas: health, home, purpose, and community

Our IOP offers both structure and flexibility, allowing participants to continue with daily responsibilities while actively engaging in treatment. Whether you're beginning your recovery or stepping down from a higher level of care, NewStart’s IOP is designed to support your next steps with compassion and evidence-based care.

We offer a variety of Continuing Care Groups designed to support individuals at different stages of their recovery journey. These groups are open to current NewStart patients who are working with an individual therapist, as well as those who have completed our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).

Our Continuing Care Groups provide ongoing opportunities for learning, growth, and meaningful connection in a supportive environment. Led by our team of licensed therapists, each group is thoughtfully structured to help participants strengthen their recovery and deepen their personal insight.

Group offerings include:

• Process-Oriented Groups – Focused on open discussion and shared experiences, these groups help participants build trust, foster accountability, and form authentic connections with others in recovery.
• DBT Core Principles Group – This group reinforces key skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), helping participants apply practical tools related to emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
• Mindfulness and Body-Based Strategies – Designed to support a more present and balanced life, these groups incorporate mindfulness practices and somatic techniques that enhance self-awareness and stress management.

Each group meets weekly and typically runs for 90 minutes. Scheduling varies, with groups offered on different days and times to accommodate diverse needs and lifestyles.

Whether you're looking to stay connected after IOP or want to complement your individual therapy, NewStart’s Continuing Care Groups are a valuable resource to help you maintain momentum in your recovery.

We understand that recovery is about more than just treatment—it’s about building a stable, supported, and sustainable life. That’s why we offer Care Coordination Services to help our patients navigate the many factors that impact their overall well-being.

Our Care Coordination Services are provided by our Addiction Care Coordinators, who are also certified Substance Abuse Counselors. These services are available to anyone currently receiving care from a physician or therapist at the NewStart clinic.

Care Coordinators provide personalized, compassionate support to help you address barriers to recovery and connect with vital resources in the community.

We can assist with:

• Housing and homelessness resources
• Peer support and recovery coaching
• Childcare support and referrals
• Connecting with primary care and mental health providers
• Dental care and oral health services
• Transportation assistance
• Coordination of residential and outpatient treatment programs
• Access to recovery meetings (AA, NA, SMART Recovery, etc.)
• Harm reduction resources
• Health, dental, and insurance navigation
• Medical financial aid applications
• Rent and utility assistance
• Legal resource referrals
• Employment and financial support
• Resume building and job search assistance
• Long-term case management connections
• SSI/SSDI application help
• Continuing education opportunities
• And more…

Whether you’re just beginning your recovery journey or working toward long-term stability, our Care Coordinators are here to support your goals every step of the way.

• Dane County Crisis (24 hour Mental Health Crisis Line): 608-280-2600
• Solstice House peer-run "warmline" in Dane County: 608-244-5077
• Dane County Behavioral Health Resource Center (helps with navigating treatment system and accessing appropriate services): 608-267-2244 

• Domestic Abuse Intervention Services - They provide emergency housing for men and women suffering from domestic abuse. You can also speak with them for support in developing an exit strategy from an abusive situation - 608-251-4445

Housing resources are very limited and typically take a long time to access. There are many community resources to help with this process though.

• Tenant Resource Center - Can help you understand your rights, advocate for yourself, and access some publicly funded programs to stabilize your housing.  
• The Beacon - Free day resource center for people struggling with homelessness. Access to professional support with finding resources, showers, washers and dryers, computers/ internet access, morning snack and lunch daily, and family play area. 
• Porchlight - Men's emergency shelter
• Salvation Army Dane County - Single women's and family emergency shelter
• Free meals
• Food Pantry
• Madison Homeless Resource Guide

If you are a current patient and need help with getting insurance or with paying your bills, please tell your NewStart provider and call the Meriter Financial Coordinators at 608-417-5035. You may be eligible for financial assistance.

• Outreach LGBTQ

• Headspace, virtual meditation training program Meditation and Sleep Made Simple.
• Insight Timer, virtual meditation app with free access to thousands of talks and practices on meditation and mindfulness.
• Heart of Recovery, meditation based 12 step group.
• Refuge Recovery, meditation based recovery program.

• Free Narcan, needle exchange and transmissible disease testing.

• Sheltering Animals of Abuse Victims - Temporary shelter for pets when trying to leave an abusive relationship. 
• Financial Assistance for veterinary care

Finding timely residential treatment is challenging. We recommend that you discuss this with your NewStart therapist, or call your insurance to find out which programs they cover.

• Smoking Cessation & Prevention Clinic
• The Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line, 1-800-QUIT-NOW

Many have virtual options with links on their websites.

• AA, Alcoholics Anonymous, Support group for people who struggle with Alcoholism MAICO – Madison Area Intergroup Central Office - 24 hour helpline 608-222-8989
• NA, Narcotic Anonymous, Support group for people struggling with any substance use Badgerland Area Narcotics Anonymous - 24 hour helpline 608-257-1747
• Al Anon, support group for loved ones of someone with a substance use disorder. Some people attend Al Anon for support around the use of their loved ones, as well as AA/NA for support around their own use. 
• Smart Recovery, support group for people struggling with any kind of addiction.
• Celebrate Recovery, a Christian based support group for "anyone struggling with hurt, pain, or addiction of any kind."