FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ellen Bradley, ellenb@headsupsavannah.org or (912) 507-3662
HUGS LAUNCHES NEW INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAM
TO SUPPORT LONG-TERM RECOVERY
SAVANNAH, GA – Heads-Up Guidance Services (HUGS), a Savannah-based nonprofit
committed to making mental health services accessible to all, is launching a new Intensive
Outpatient Services (IOS) program. The initiative is designed to support individuals transitioning
out of inpatient or residential treatment for mental health challenges, substance use concerns, or
co-occurring disorders. Created to bridge a critical gap in the continuum of care, this program
provides extended, structured support to help participants sustain recovery and improve long-
term outcomes.
"This is a powerful next step for people who have done the hard work of inpatient treatment but
still need support to stay on track," said Andrea Epting, founder and executive director of HUGS.
"Our IOS program gives them a safe, therapeutic environment to keep healing and growing,
without many of the barriers that so often stand in the way."
The HUGS Intensive Outpatient Services program received start-up funding from the Karen and
Jerry Burroughs Field-of-Interest Fund, which is owned and managed by The Savannah
Community Foundation, Inc., and is unlike other programs of this nature. While similar
initiatives last only 8 weeks, as well as separate mental health and substance use treatment, the
HUGS model integrates care across 12, 18, or 24 weeks and is built specifically for individuals
with dual diagnoses. The program also combines individual therapy, group counseling, family
engagement, psychoeducation, case management, and crisis response, along with coordinated
referrals to essential social services.
HUGS’ IOS program will serve up to 40 participants over time, with a rolling average of 10
active clients at a time. All services are delivered through HUGS’ unique volunteer-clinician
model, which allows the organization to offer intensive, high-quality care at an average daily
cost of only $23. Additionally, group sessions are held in the evenings, providing flexibility for
individuals who are working, attending school, or fulfilling other family responsibilities.
Participants also have access to 24/7 crisis support and ongoing alumni engagement following
program completion.
As the only provider in Chatham County offering integrated, extended outpatient care under one
roof, HUGS is setting a new standard for community-based treatment. The HUGS Intensive
Outpatient Services program removes insurance requirements, streamlines access, and can offer
clients continuity of care with the organization's existing providers.
Enrollment for the HUGS IOS program is now open. For more information or to make a referral,
visit www.headsupsavannah.org/intensive-outpatient-services.
About Heads-Up Guidance Services (HUGS)
Founded in 2009, Heads-Up Guidance Services (HUGS) is a nonprofit organization making
professional behavioral health counseling and addiction recovery services accessible to all
motivated individuals who desire growth, independence, and emotionally healthy lifestyles.
HUGS provides counseling for those located throughout Savannah and the Low Country.
HUGS’ services are made both affordable and possible thanks to community donations and
dedicated professional clinical volunteers. For more details, visit www.headsupsavannah.org.
About the Savannah Community Foundation
The Savannah Community Foundation is an umbrella philanthropic organization through which
individuals, families, businesses, and charities support the wellbeing of our community. The
Karen and Jerry Burroughs Foundation Fund exists to offer grants to charitable nonprofits that
have been headquartered in and providing services in Bryan, Chatham and/or Effingham
Counties, Georgia, for at least five years, having a significant impact on the community. For
more information, visit https://www.savfoundation.org/.
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