Recovery Plus Youth Residence Set to Open [AUDIO]

ST. CLOUD -- Recovery Plus is opening a new facility that places the focus on alcohol and substance abuse among youth.

The new 25-bed building is located on the CentraCare Health Plaza Campus adjacent to Clara's House.

St. Cloud Hospital Recovery Plus built the facility to treat youth with substance abuse problems who also have co-occurring mental health issues. This will be the only such service in Central Minnesota that offers dual treatments.

Carol Merriman is the coordinator of clinical services for Recovery Plus. She says this allows youths to get treatment without separating them from their families.

Primary care programming, long-term extended care and access to mental health services will all be provided.

Recovery Plus has provided treatment for adolescents aged 12 to 18 with chemical addictions since 1977. Since then, more than 7,500 youth have received services from the organization. The new facility is expected to open July 1st.