Located in an urban stretch of Astoria, Queens, just outside Manhattan, Reality House, Inc. offers both a co-ed outpatient program and transitional care substance abuse treatment for men. In operation since 1967, its new facility was built in 2013 and houses both programs. RHI has specialized treatment groups for veterans and HIV-positive individuals and operates with a mission to “assist individuals, families and communities lead productive and positive lifestyles and to achieve higher levels of accomplishments.”
Accommodations and Food
Up to 30 men reside in the treatment facility at one time. Men each have one roommate in the facility, which has a simple modern décor. The facility has two TV lounges, an exercise area with equipment and ping pong tables. Men may have cell phones and computers and are welcome to outfit their rooms with their own TVs and DVD players.
Standard American fare is catered. Men are served lunch at the outpatient treatment facility (which for many is the RHI outpatient program next door) and have catered meals for breakfast and dinner at the residence.
Treatment and Staff
The duration of residential treatment at RHI is six to nine months. Treatment is divided into three phases. The first phase, Stabilization, lasts for three months. During this time, men are encouraged to focus on treatment through group and individual therapy through their outpatient programming as well as meeting responsibilities in the residence—such as house chores and community participation.
In the second phase, Employment, men work with their counselors to find job opportunities and vocational training. This phase typically lasts three to six months. In the third phase, Housing, men work with counselors to access supportive and independent housing that best fits their needs and budget.
All residents are required to attend a structured outpatient treatment program during their time at RHI. Most, but not all, residents step down to RHI’s adjacent outpatient program. In addition to the individual and group therapy, RHI requires attendance of four to five in-house treatment groups during the week.
Groups topics include the disease model of addiction and health and wellness and use CBT and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Groups are led by addiction counselors such as CASACs and Master’s-level therapists such as LMHCs and LCSWs. Residents with co-occurring disorders have access to RHI’s psychiatrist for medication management and can receive treatment for their mental health diagnosis from RHI’s therapists.
Treatment at RHI encourages using the 12-step framework. Residents can attend AA/NA meetings within walking distance of the facility and residents also hold on-site meetings several days a week.
Specialized treatment groups for HIV-positive clients include HIV medical Management, partner notification and bereavement. Specialized services for Veterans include identifying Traumatic Brain Injury, identifying Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and accessing Veteran Benefits and Entitlements.
Extras
As residents progress through treatment, they can apply for overnight passes to visit family. RHI also helps clients navigate the criminal justice system and access legal aid.
In Summary
Reality House, Inc. has been providing New Yorkers with effective substance abuse treatment for nearly 50 years. specializing in programs for HIV-positive individuals and veterans, RHI has decades of experience with the legal and criminal justice services of New York City. Reality House, Inc. might be an especially good choice for those whose lives may be stabilized by accessing low-cost on-going healthcare and legal services.
Reality House, Inc.
8-13 Astoria Blvd
Astoria, NY 11102
Reality House, Inc. Residential Cost: State and county grant funding. Reach Reality House, Inc. at (212) 281-6004 and by email at info@realityhouseny.org. Find Reality House, Inc. on Facebook
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