Our Difference
At Balance House, our core ethos is deeply relational. Before we incorporated clinical methods into our program, we recognized that traditional treatment approaches were often ineffective. Over time, we discovered that a non-punitive approach, strong relationships, and compassion were essential for healing. We also learned that involving individuals in their own treatment plans is crucial to their success.
We understand that beneath destructive and volatile behavior lies a person in deep pain, struggling with uncomfortable thoughts and emotions, often without knowing how they arrived at this point.
Additionally, we observed that many individuals coming to us were in desperate need of genuine friendships and support. This realization led us to create a “community within a community.” By fostering a supportive and empathetic environment, we aim to provide the connection and understanding that are key to healing and growth. Below are some of the interventions we use to support this process.
At Balance House, we have the privilege of working with some of the most brilliant and talented young minds. Our clients are individuals who may have lost their way along life’s path, and our program is designed to assist men struggling with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
Whether this is your family member’s first time in treatment or if they have had multiple attempts, our goal is to make Balance House their final destination. Our clients often grapple with a range of maladaptive coping behaviors, such as substance use, avoidance, isolation, depression, anxiety, hopelessness, chronic gaming, impulsivity, anger, and oppositional defiance. While not everyone struggles with substance use, many come to us facing a variety of mental health challenges.
This broad spectrum of issues means we have experience with a wide range of mental health diagnoses. Our primary goal is to help your loved one understand that they are not defined by their diagnosis. We support them in gaining clarity about who they are and how to relate to the world in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to them.
The Balance House program is straightforward. We start with simple promises, both from you and from us. Recovery is a process in motion when a person follows specific steps to develop a Personal Constitution, which is crucial to our philosophy. A person’s true character is revealed when no one is watching. Self-awareness of their flaws can erode the foundation of their desired self. We define the Personal Constitution with four key elements:
- Honesty: Keeping promises and being mindful of what is promised.
- Emotional Health: Involvement in ongoing therapy and other services if appropriate.
- Social Stability: Engagement in the Balance House program, the alumni network, or an outside support group of choice.
- Self-Sufficiency: Maintaining a schedule that includes fulfilling academic requirements, seeking gainful employment, managing finances, and saving for future independence.
Benchmarks are crucial for providing each resident with the best chance at long-term recovery. They indicate where a person stands in relation to their Personal Constitution and help determine readiness for transition. These benchmarks include:
- Gainful Employment or Enrollment in School
- Life Skills, Including Budgeting
- Rebuilding Critical Family Relationships
- Taking Direction
- Continuing Therapy
- Ongoing monitoring
Balance House aims to end the cycle of repeated programs, which are costly in both time and money. We ask for a commitment of time and trust to build a solid foundation for future progress. Our role is to offer objective support based on our expertise. While our approach is evidence-based, we acknowledge that some emotional experiences may not be fully explained by a diagnosis.
Success means leaving our program with emotional, mental, and financial stability, while also having the clarity to make informed decisions about the future and one year of sobriety, if applicable. Our goal is to help individuals make positive decisions regularly, supported by a foundation of right choices. If personal goals could be achieved while managing substances or mental health issues effectively, treatment wouldn’t be necessary.