The Basics
In the 1950s, Eli Maritano opened his home to men with substance abuse issues, bringing Step 1, Inc. into existence in its initial form. When the client numbers proved to be too large for his home to accommodate, Maritano took over Antioch House, near the University of Nevada in Reno. This location has been in operation since 1993 and is ASAM Level 1 certified. It offers outpatient substance abuse counseling, peer-to-peer mentoring and sober living. Use of the 12-step model is encouraged but it is not the only modality used at Step 1. Many of the clients enter Step 1 directly from incarceration, homelessness or the court system but may come from other treatment centers in the area or be guided to Step 1 by concerned family members.
Accommodations and Amenities
Step 1 is a big residential home, with six bedrooms. It employs a no locked doors policy. Clients may not sequester themselves in their rooms but they can come and go from the grounds as they please. The maximum number of clients at Step 1 at any time is 20. All rooms are shared, with single beds and a small closet space for each client. All meals are included in cost of stay and shared family style. The men take turns doing house chores and have the option of helping to cook if interested.
Rules and Regulations
As detox is not available, client are expected to have completed detox before joining Step 1. While residing at Step 1, clients are encouraged to attend outside AA/NA meetings. They must also be employed or actively look for work. Once in the home, each client gets one individual meeting with their assigned counselor per week and is also expected to take part in at least one group session each week. While more are held, on weekly basis, clients must attend a minimum of one in-house meeting and any outside 12-step or counseling meetings do not count towards that goal. Once a month, clients have an extensive one-on-one session with their counselor to review their goals and check on their progress.
Step 1 is staffed by two certified counselors and an intern. There are also two residential managers always at the home.
Extras
Services at Step 1 are offered on a sliding scale basis and no client is turned away from care due to inability to pay. Outpatient counseling rates depend on the client’s enrollment in Medicaid or a health insurance plan that includes behavioral health coverage. Counselors are trained to help clients set up the appropriate insurance.
In Summary
Step 1, Inc. has a long tradition in doing what it does. While it may not offer intensive level treatment, the lower-level support and sober environment that it does offer those in need are quite accessible. For those in Reno whose sobriety could use a helping hand help is just a step away.
Step 1, Inc.
1015 N Sierra St
Reno, NV 89503
Step 1, Inc. Cost: Sliding scale. Reach Step 1, Inc by phone at (775) 329-9830 or by email at nfo@step1inc.org. Find Step 1, Inc on Facebook and Google+
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