Professionals' Program

Like any serious health problem, depression and addiction require professional help. But it can be harder to get help when you’re facing the demands of working long hours, managing a career or running an organization.

If you are a working professional dealing with substance abuse or a mental health condition, you can get help from a proven program designed to suit your unique needs. The Professionals Program at the Institute of Living helps working professionals like you in a comfortable, supportive group setting—so you can heal and return to work or school as soon as possible.

The goal of the program is to improve relationships, productivity and day-to-day activities so you may lead a healthy, well balanced life.


Overview | How it Works | Referrals | FAQs | Resources


Designed to Meet the Needs of Working Professionals

The Professionals Program at the Institute of Living remains mindful of the mental and physical challenges of work, the specific needs and tasks of working professionals, and the lifestyle issues that often accompany a demanding career.

Working professionals benefit most from a group setting where they can discuss their concerns and challenges with people facing similar issues. People who have benefited from the program include healthcare professionals, small business owners, senior leaders, middle managers, insurance company employees, teachers, college students, union members, tradespeople and more.

If you’ve been working on substance abuse or mental health issues for some time, you may find the things you’ve tried didn’t quite work. The Professionals Program is a perfect fit when outpatient services aren’t enough—but inpatient services are too intensive.

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How It Works

The Professionals Program at the Institute of Living brings people like you together to work with behavioral health experts in a group setting. This approach is proven to aid the recovery process. The program offers two treatment paths:

Substance Abuse Path

Intensive outpatient program for people struggling with:

  • Alcoholism
  • Drug dependence
  • Licensure and legal issues connected to their dependency

Mental Health Path

Intensive outpatient program for people struggling with:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Relationship issues
  • Bereavement
  • Stress management
  • Life transitions
  • Gender issues
  • Assertiveness
  • And more

The treatment team recommends a short break from work to participate in the program. Most participants use company time off, short-term disability or job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act. However, the part-time, outpatient structure of the program offers some flexibility for those who need to continue working on a limited basis.

Our Comfortable Environment Supports Healing

The Professionals Program meets in the cozy, home-like setting of the Buckingham Building at the Institute of Living. Located on 35 acres landscaped by Frederick Law Olmsted, The Institute of Living offers a beautiful, tranquil environment near the center of Hartford.

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Information and Referrals

To begin the intake process with a confidential, personalized assessment, call the Institute of Living Access Center: 860.545.7200 or 1.800.673.2411

For additional information about the Mental Health Path, call 860.545.7061

For additional information about the Substance Abuse Path, call 860.972.7730

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this program covered by my insurance?

The Institute of Living is a participating provider with most insurance, managed care and workers’ compensation plans.

Will my leave from work be covered by FMLA?

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) “entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons.” (Department of Labor) The Professionals Program offers treatment for serious health conditions covered under FMLA.

What are the features of your different treatment paths?

Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program

  • Group therapy
  • Educational family meeting when indicated
  • Medication management (if required)

Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program

  • Group therapy
  • Educational family meeting when indicated
  • Medication management

What are the hours of the program?

Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program

  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program

  • Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:15 PM

Can I continue seeing my own therapist?

Yes. Patients may continue to see their own psychotherapists if they already have one on days they are not coming to the program, or receive suggestions for referrals for follow-up after the program ends.

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Resources

Suicide and Crisis Hotlines

  • 211 Info Line - from within CT, dial 211, then option 3, then option 1 for a crisis hotline.)
  • 1.800.SUICIDE (1.800.784.2433)
  • 1.800.273.TALK (1.800.273.8255)

Suicide Prevention Websites

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