Gateway Program Manager: Gabby Olivarez, MFT

The Gateway Program is the point-of-entry to the full spectrum of Department of Alcohol & Drug Services (DADS) Adult Managed Care Services. Prospective clients call 1-800-704-0900 to get screening and prompt authorization for treatment. Gateway also provides information and referrals twenty-four hours a day. Gateway is staffed by a highly skilled, multidisciplinary team with Spanish and Vietnamese language capabilities. Most callers seek information and referrals to self-help groups, emergency shelters, prevention resources, and other local medical and mental health agencies. Callers who need treatment answer preliminary question, including a brief crisis assessment, medical history, tuberculosis screening, and a thorough substance abuse history. Screeners ask about previous treatment and current motivation to get help, and obtain the caller?s consent to share the preceding information with the treatment provider. After callers complete the Level of Care Assessment, clinicians determine which services are most appropriate, and callers get an Intake appointment for an Intake within seventy-two hours of this first call to Gateway. Treatment providers are located conveniently throughout the County. Services offered include: Assessment, prevention, detoxification, outpatient or residential, depending on need. Whether calls are for information and referral only or for treatment, the staff makes every attempt to provide linguistically and culturally sensitive information and services. The Gateway Program is committed to collaborating with the Department of Mental Health, Health and Hospital System, Social Services Agency, the Criminal Justice System, local service providers and DADS managed care provides to provide high quality service and care to the entire community.