About the Program

The Minnesota Chemical Dependency Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals (MCDPDHHI) is a specialized program designed to meet the communication and cultural needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing persons in chemical dependency treatment.

The MCDPDHHI is comprised of a highly trained staff who provide a full range of treatment services. The treatment team in partnership with the hospital includes a medical director, a program director, certified chemical dependency counselors, a graduate social worker, interpreters, nurses, unit assistants, a psychiatrist, hospital doctors,  intake coordinators and an admissions coordinator.  Staff within the Deaf Program are fluent in sign language as well as knowledgeable about and sensitive to Deaf Culture. Program offerings include individual and group therapy in ASL, lectures, workshops, recreational activities, grief group, participation in interpreted Twelve Step groups, comprehensive assessment services and aftercare planning. As a part of a major metropolitan medical center, the Program also offers a full range of physical and mental health services.

The Program operates on a Twelve Step philosophy and offers patients the opportunity to attend Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous or other Twelve Step meetings within the hospital as well as in the community. Some meetings are interpreted for Deaf people and others consist of all Deaf members. Treatment approaches are modified to respect the linguistic and cultural needs of the patients. For example, patients are encouraged to use drawing, role play, and communication in sign language as opposed to written work to complete Step assignments. Written materials used in the Program are modified and video materials are presented with sign, voice and captions. TTY’s (which allow Deaf people to communicate on the phone), assistive listening devices, videophones, computer access and decoders for the television are among the special equipment provided for patients. A Clinical Approaches Manual has been developed by the Program. This manual describes treatment approaches, philosophy, task rationale, step assignments and educational topics used with Deaf and hard of hearing clients in treatment. This manual is intended to assist other service providers who want to replicate the Minnesota Program.

For general information, please call our direct number at 1-800-282-3323 V/TTY

or 866-928-5713 (VP) 

For consideration for admission into the program, please call our intake department at 1-800-233-7503 or 612-672-2736(v/tty) .