Denver CARES, Denver Health's Comprehensive Addictions Rehabilitation and Evaluation Services, is a 100-bed, nonmedical, clinically managed treatment facility, with a mission to provide a safe detoxification for public inebriates, and to provide assessment, education, motivational counseling, and residential treatment.

Denver CARES operates 24/7, with a staff of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, psychiatric technicians, and addiction counselors. Licensed clinical social workers are also available through Denver Health Medical Center. CARES is located at 1155 Cherokee Street in Denver.

Treatment Program and Services

Emergency Service Patrol
Denver CARES operates an emergency service patrol, (ESP), which picks up public inebriates throughout the City of Denver and safely transports them to the CARES facility. The ESP responds to police requests, community calls, Denver Health Medical Center Emergency Department, and also regularly travels established routes. The ESP responds to more than 15,000 calls annually.

Detoxification Services
Denver CARES provides non-medical, clinically managed detoxification from alcohol and drugs in a clean and safe environment. All clients are provided sleeping accommodations and well-balanced meals during their stay. Certified addiction counselors provide initial education and counseling regarding addiction and recovery, and treatment referrals are provided to all clients.

Residential Treatment
Denver CARES provides transitional residential treatment for chemically dependent men and women. Length of stay varies from 30 to 120 days. Services include individual and group counseling, alcohol and drug education, relapse prevention, life skills training, access to 12-step support group meetings, and referrals to ongoing social services. Clients completing residential treatment are referred to outpatient and aftercare services.

Residential Treatment for Veterans
Denver CARES runs a 14-bed transitional residential treatment program specifically designed for chronically homeless veterans. The length of stay is typically up to six months. In addition to the standard residential treatment services, veterans receive veteran-specific referrals and specialized case management from the VA Medical Center’s Health Care for Homeless Veterans team.