• Julkaistu
• 4.07.07

How to get to local A-Clinic services?

A-Clinics are special service units for people with intoxicant problems and for their families. A-Clinics are maintained either by municipalities or the A-Clinic Foundation.

All services provided are confidental. If you wish to receive services from your local A-Clinic, here’s a brief overview of the process.

Give them a call
It’s generally best to call ahead. Numbers for the various A-Clinic’s throughout Finland can be found here. You need to at first go to the A-Clinic within your municipality. If your situation requires special care not offered within your municipality it is possible to move to a different service area, but that is determined with staff of your local A-Clinic facility.

Finding where to go can get a little confusing - for example Helsinki is divided into four sections - your address (zip code) determines where you should go. A list of the Social Service Centres run by the city of Helsinki can be found here and might be a good place to start for those living in Helsinki. You can also call (09) 310 4011 (switchboard Mon to Fri at 8.15-16) for more assistance.

Throughout the country, the process for entering into an A-Clinic facility is similar to the Helsinki area. Many of the clinics operate on the notion that if a client walks through the door they would be served as best as possible. If services are not able to be received there, staff would at least be able to point you in the right direction.

Bring along your KELA card
When you call they will ask for your zip code and your age. Those 25 years and under will be automatically referred to the Youth Services for further assistance.

Those above 25 years of age will be asked to come into the office during their open office hours. Times and days open vary with locations, with some clinics having evening hours. You are not asked to specify which day you are coming, so there is flexibility with your scheduling needs. If you have one, it is wise to bring along your KELA card, though the card is not mandatory. Service is free to residents with permanent status as long as one is utilising the A-Clinic within their municipality. It is possible to work out with your local municipality a payment system if you are not a permanent resident in Finland.

Meet with a social therapist
Once there, you will be asked general information about your health, reasons for coming, current needs etc. The meeting will take place with a social therapist, lasting roughly 45 minutes to an hour, but times vary in accordance with personal situations. The main goal of the initial assessment session is to determine a recovery plan for you that best suits your needs and desires for treatment. There is also a nurse on staff and a doctor. In order to see the doctor however you will need to make a return appointment and come back at that time. 
 
Language Concerns
Most A-Clinics in the Helsinki area offer services in English, Swedish and some Russian. Currently, services in languages other than Finnish are limited in other parts of the country, but the larger cities can usually accommodate you.

It is important to keep in mind, you can arrange a translator if you feel one is necessary. This service however is not covered by Kela. In the Social Services Department the local authorities decide when an interpreter is needed which might be a bit of a fight, though one worth undertaking if you think it is necessary. If the decision for an interpreter is agreed by Social Services then the local municipality pays the costs. If the client arranges an interpreter he/she has to pay for the service. If the client is a refugee, then the costs of an interpreter are covered by the State.