COVID-19 Protocols: Virtual & In-Person Programming

Virtual & In-person programming offered

PHP (day treatment) & IOP

As we continue to move through the ever changing landscape of COVID-19, we are pleased to offer virtual PHP (Day Treatment) and IOP services for clients who would like to participate in our programming from the comfort and safety of their own home.

If clients are needing the PHP (Day Treatment) level of care, they will now be able to partake in group and individual services in-person, virtually, or a combination of both.

If clients are needing the IOP level of care, they have the choice upon admission to join an in-person or virtual group, both of which are offered as morning or evening tracks. If they are coming in-person, groups are held at our central offices in Boulder, CO.

Hybrid PHP: 9:30-2:30pm Monday through Friday

Virtual IOP: 9:30-12:30pm or 5:30pm-8:30pm on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday

In-Person IOP: 9:30am-12:30pm OR 5:30-8:30pm on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday

We include all of these services under the same rigorous CDC recommended standards that we have been operating under at our residential level of care. The following is required for clients and staff in order to participate in the in-person groups:

• Masks may be required depending on current COVID risk levels while in group settings
• Masks may be required depending on current COVID risk levels while in one to one sessions
• Scanning for symptoms, temperature requirements and use of hand sanitizer upon entering the building
• Washing hands when re-entering the building
• CDC cleaning requirements of all office areas
• COVID testing is provided at the first medical appointment (clients) or onsite (staff)

Residential Services

Our all gender residential program remains open and accepting new clients. We are adhering to strict infectious disease protocols to keep our clients and staff safe:

• Staff are mandated to rapid self test weekly
• Clients are given a rapid test prior to admission and again 4-5 days later (even if they are vaccinated).
• Masks may be required depending on current COVID risk levels
• We offer to help unvaccinated clients become vaccinated while in our care
• Rigorous cleaning of any surfaces clients come into contact with (including vehicles)
• Mandatory CDC specific hygiene for clients and staff
• Family visitation online
• 12 step meetings online and in person
• Restriction or modification to some activities may apply

Safety

Safety is our number one priority at NorthStar. We continue to follow evolving Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations to ensure our protocols are up to date and effective to be proactive at our residential and outpatient facilities. Our medical, clinical, and administrative staff are working together daily to ensure that NorthStar continues to provide the very best care for our clients.

Infection control and prevention are prioritized at NorthStar, and we have taken additional steps to protect our staff and clients at all levels of care:

• A COVID-19 test is administered outside the building before the admissions process begins.
• Our admissions team is screening potential clients for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, recent travel history, vaccine status, health symptoms, and potential exposure to an infected individual.
• Referrals to appropriate medical care will be made if necessary.
• Masks may be required depending on current COVID risk levels.
• Scanning for symptoms and temperature check, along with use of hand sanitizer upon entering the building.
• Confirmation testing available for all clients and staff at no additional cost.
• Strict infection control guidelines set by the CDC, Office of Behavioral Health (OBH), Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) and our national accrediting body, The Joint Commission.
• Families are encouraged to participate in visitation virtually, and if they must be onsite, they are required to adhere to our strict hand washing guidelines.
• Staff who are experiencing any illness symptoms must stay home.
• Staff who can work virtually are encouraged to do so.
• Use of air filtration systems

We adhere to our municipal public health recommendations and state public health orders and masks may be required depending on the level of risk.

Please reach out to our admissions team with any questions: 866-407-2240

Please refer to the Colorado and Boulder County Public Health websites for real-time risk levels.
https://covid19.colorado.gov/public-health-orders-and-executive-orders
https://www.bouldercounty.org/families/disease/covid-19-information/recommended-covid-19-precautions/