Mental Wellness and Addictions Recovery

Facility-Based Addictions Treatment

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) funds free, facility-based addictions treatment for NWT residents.  This treatment is available only at facilities that have a contract with the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS).  See the full list here: Facility-Based Addictions Treatment Facilities.

Access to facility-based treatment takes time. Before your wait time for treatment can begin, there are a few important steps to complete.  These steps help ensure you’re prepared, know what to expect, and are set up for success- both in treatment and when you return to the NWT.

For more details, check out the Frequently Asked Questions. 

How to access an Addictions Recovery Treatment Facility

Step 1: Connect with a case manager

A case manager is someone trained to support individuals experiencing addiction.  They support you before, during, and after treatment. They will:

  • Help you decide if facility-based treatment is the best choice for you right now.
  • Guide you through the application process
  • Stay connected during treatment.
  • Help you plan for after treatment to support you in your recovery.

Case managers may include:

  • Community wellness staff or counsellors
  • Nurses, doctors, or social workers
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Counsellors
  • Some local non-government agencies

Friends or family can’t be your case manager, but they can still be part of your support system. See FAQs for more information. 

Need help finding a case manager?

Contact your local Community Counselling Program.  No referral is needed, and same-day support is available.

Step 2: Assessment and facility application

Your case manager will:

  • Assess if facility-based treatment is a good fit for you.  This includes a readiness assessment to discuss what is needed before going to treatment, and to help you prepare for the experience. 
  • Help you choose the best treatment facility for your needs.
  • Support you in the application process and submit it to the facility you choose for possible intake.

If facility-based treatment isn’t the right fit right now, your case manager can help you explore other supports. 

Step 3: Intake process with the facility

Once your application is submitted, the treatment facility will begin its own intake process.  Your case manager will support you through this step. 

  • The facility will contact you to complete a phone assessment
  • Some facilities may require a medical exam or paper forms
  • If accepted, you’ll receive a confirmation letter and intake date

Wait times usually range from 2 weeks to 2 months. Most people wait 3-4 weeks.  

Before applying for funding and travel, you must have:

Your case manager can help you get these documents if needed. 

The length of time you are in treatment depends on what program you choose.

Step 4: Funding and travel

After you receive your confirmation letter and intake date:

  • Your case manager will help you apply for funding and medical travel
  • Funding is usually approved within 3 business days.
  • Travel is arranged by the Medical Travel office

Important Things to Know

Wait times begin after your full application is submitted to the facility you choose 

The wait time for treatment starts after your complete application is submitted, and the facility gives you an intake date. If any part of your application is missing or not submitted, the wait time has not started.

Treatment is hard work

Going to treatment means following a daily routine and doing deep emotional work.  A readiness assessment is done by a case manager to help make sure you are ready to take this on. 

Daily structure is part of recovery

Facility-based treatment programs are structured and include group sessions, individual counselling, chores, and recreation or social time to support healing and recovery.

You may have to share a room while at treatment

Shared accommodations are common and often part of the facility-based treatment setting.

Only GNWT-contracted facilities are funded by the DHSS

If you are seeking funding for facility-based treatment through GNWT, you must  attend a facility contracted by the DHSS and work with a case manager to follow the process to request funding — see the list Facility Based Addictions Treatment Facilities

Some additional facilities may be funded by programs outside of DHSS

The National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNADAP) is funded through Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) for First Nations and Inuit people. This program is separate from the GNWT. To learn more, visit their website: Substance use treatment centres for First Nations and Inuit. 

Aftercare planning is important

You and your case manager will work together to make an aftercare plan to support you after treatment. This might include counselling, community programs like Transitional Housing for Addiction Recovery Program (THARP), on the land programs, and finding people who can support you.

Family and Friends Can Support Your Recovery

While friends and family can’t be your case manager, they can be an important part of your support system. Staying connected with loved ones can make a big difference in long-term recovery.

Your privacy matters - you choose what to share

You will be asked to sign a consent to share information form.  This lets your care team share information during the treatment process. You decide what information is shared and with whom.  You can update or withdraw your consent at any time.