McCall Behavioral Health Network’s Dempsey Center is the current successor to the former Central Naugatuck Valley HELP Reverend Edward Dempsey Drug Services program in Waterbury. The program remains associated with 900 Watertown Avenue and currently serves adult men with substance use disorders in a 34-bed residential setting. Connecticut’s Addiction Services Availability system classifies Dempsey Center as Level 3.5 clinically managed high-intensity residential treatment. For a man whose alcohol addiction requires more structure than outpatient care, Dempsey offers a supervised recovery environment focused on behavioral change, rehabilitation, and preparation for a more stable return to community life.
Residential Treatment for Adult Men
McCall’s current residential information identifies Dempsey Center for men age 18 and older. Residential care allows clients to step away from daily environments that may reinforce alcohol use and devote sustained attention to treatment. The state currently identifies 34 beds, making Dempsey one of McCall’s larger residential programs. Men entering because of alcohol problems can work on recovery goals while living in a setting with consistent expectations, clinical support, and peer accountability.
Trauma-Informed and Individual Counseling
McCall describes Dempsey Center as providing trauma-informed and gender-responsive care, individual counseling, and other structured recovery services. This approach can help men explore how trauma, relationships, stress, and learned behavior are connected with alcohol use. Treatment can focus on coping skills, emotional regulation, responsibility, and patterns that have contributed to repeated return to alcohol after previous attempts at recovery. Because the program is designed for sustained rehabilitation, residents also have time to practice new routines, work toward employment goals, and strengthen the social supports needed after discharge.
Medication, Employment, and Experiential Recovery
The current McCall program information lists medication-assisted treatment, including naltrexone, as well as employment education and adventure-based counseling. Naltrexone may be used for alcohol use disorder in clinically appropriate patients. Employment preparation helps residents plan for life after treatment, while adventure-based counseling uses structured activities to build confidence, connection, problem solving, and healthier ways of experiencing challenge without alcohol or drugs.
Detoxification Is a Separate Need
Dempsey Center is a residential alcohol rehab program, but it should not be described as a medical alcohol detox unit. A man with severe withdrawal symptoms, previous seizures, delirium, or serious medical instability may need medically monitored stabilization before admission. Referral and screening should identify withdrawal risk so residential rehabilitation begins at a safe point in the recovery process.
Current Address, Phone, and Coverage
The verified address is 900 Watertown Avenue, Waterbury, CT 06708. Connecticut’s current addiction-services system lists 203-756-8984 ext. 1117 for Dempsey Center and identifies HUSKY/Medicaid as the program’s insurance category. McCall’s organization-wide number is 860-496-2100 for additional treatment guidance. Men seeking alcohol treatment should call to confirm bed availability, referral procedures, Medicaid authorization, medication services, and whether Level 3.5 residential care matches their current clinical needs.
