Interim House, Inc.

Rehab Reviews

8 years ago

Interim House, Inc. Review

Located in Philadephia, Pennsylvania, Interim House, Inc. is a non-profit organization treating women with substance abuse and mental health issues. The facility is the first treatment program for women in Pennsylvania and offers a full spectrum of services. Treatment options include residential care, Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and general outpatient care. Using the 12 steps, evidence-based therapies and relapse prevention techniques, clients create a foundation of sobriety.

Accommodations and Food

The residential program accommodates up to 25 women at a time. Bedrooms are shared between two clients at a time while bathrooms are shared by the floor. Rooms include twin-sized beds, basic furnishings and shared closet space. The buildings also have kitchens, common areas with TVs, meeting halls, a cafeteria, offices and designated outdoor space for smoking. Residents can exercise by watching work out videos and taking walks with their sponsors.

Three meals a day are provided for the clients. Once or twice a week, the residents take turns helping prepare meals themselves to help them develop culinary skills and gain independence. Special dietary requests can typically be accommodated and sugar and caffeine are permitted.

Treatment and Staff

Before enrolling in a program, clients undergo an initial evaluation to help develop an individualized treatment plan. Detox services are not available.

The residential program can last anywhere from 30 days to six months. Treatment consists of one individual session per week in conjunction with many hours of group therapy. Group topics include relapse prevention, substance abuse education, healthy boundaries, coping skills, self-esteem, conflict, trauma, parenting and an introduction to the 12 steps. Evidence-based therapies such as CBT and DBT are used frequently. Clients are invited to attend three to four on-site AA/NA meetings per week as well additional off-site meetings on weekends. Residents are also required to obtain a sponsor and begin working the steps. Support for mental health issues is available through therapy, psychiatric evaluations and medication management.

Outpatient treatment can last anywhere from four to 12 months. IOP meets four times a week for three-hour sessions. This includes a mixture of group and individual therapy covering similar topics to those discussed in residential care. The program also involves job and life skills training, creative arts, education, nutrition and spirituality. Clients typically remain in IOP until they are ready to step down to general outpatient which usually meets once or twice a week for group and individual therapy, with variable treatment lengths depending on the individual.

The staff at Interim House, Inc. consists of psychiatrists, PhD-level therapists, social workers and counselors. Outpatient programs never exceed 15 clients at a time.

Extras

Before finishing residential treatment, clients and their counselors develop appropriate aftercare plans. This may involve IOP or sober living through another organization. Additional services offered in residential treatment include art and music therapy, dance, life skills workshops, spirituality groups, nutrition classes, vocational training and GED preparation.

In Summary

Interim House, Inc. offers comprehensive care to women struggling with substance abuse. Programs are available in a range of intensities and include both therapy and 12-step support. Thanks to the intense nature of the programs, clients build a solid foundation for lasting sobriety. While those in need of more comprehensive dual diagnosis support may need to look elsewhere, Interim House, Inc. is still a strong resource for a continuum of care.