Balance House Treatment Phases
/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/phase-1.png
Phase 1
Residential Treatment
During Phase I, clients participate in 20 hours of group therapy per week, along with individual and family therapy. Clients also meet weekly with the Medical Director to monitor mental and physical health, medication needs, and overall stability. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that treatment addresses the whole person, not just symptoms or behaviors. While this level of structure is an important foundation for early recovery, our goal is not to keep clients indoors or disconnected from real life.
Programming extends beyond traditional classroom style groups and encourages clients to engage with their environment, their peers, and their own capabilities. We strive to think outside the box, focusing on each person’s innate strengths while maintaining a strong commitment to evidence-based and clinically sound treatment practices. We believe that insight alone does not create lasting change.
People do not transform simply by hearing information or talking about recovery. Real change happens through consistent action, meaningful experiences, and practicing new skills in real time. Phase I is designed to help clients begin building confidence, accountability, and connection while establishing routines and coping strategies that support long term recovery.
/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/timeline222.png
PHASE 2
Extended Care
Once a client completes Phase I, they enter Phase II. During this phase, they continue clinical programming, including individual therapy and case management, and continue to meet with our Medical Director. The daily schedule includes process groups, outside support meetings, and recreational activities with peers to foster a strong social support system.
Clients participate in hiking, climbing, biking, camping, skiing, and snowboarding along with many other activities. These activities are designed to support a smooth transition into the next stage of recovery while continuing to build relationships, confidence, and enjoying a healthy lifestyle. Our goal is to provide a supportive transition, encourage healthy connections, and help clients practice the skills they are learning in real world settings.
/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/phase3.png
Phase 3
Transitional Living
Once an individual moves into Phase III, they are prepared to obtain part time employment or re-enroll in school, and their programming is aligned with their long-term goals. Each person’s daily and weekly schedule is individualized and developed collaboratively by the client and their case manager. The focus of Phase III is for clients to begin creating their own structure while being held accountable for their commitments. This allows staff to serve as mentors rather than enforcers.
This is the phase where independence begins, and clients start showing up for their own lives. Too often in the past, decisions were made for them, limiting opportunities to practice responsibility and confidence. Our goal is to empower clients to find their own voices and begin making decisions for themselves. Self-esteem is built through consistent, positive actions.
/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/phase4.png
PHASE 4
Independent Living
Phase IV is our testing phase, often referred to as Beta. Research shows that 40 to 60 percent of individuals relapse within 30 days of leaving inpatient treatment, and up to 85 percent of relapse within the first year. Phase IV was created based on both professional research and clinical experience. The term Beta refers to something in development and being tested. In this phase, staff step back and observe while maintaining direct, daily contact and regular drug testing. There are no curfews, chores, journaling, or Phase III requirements. Clients have worked toward this point by meeting clear benchmarks, such as saving money, maintaining a recovery program, keeping a job, and being a person of their word.
Phase IV is designed to simulate life beyond Balance House. We focus on key indicators of stability, including getting enough sleep, keeping living spaces clean, showing up for work, and paying rent on time. If decompensation occurs, we aim to identify quickly to prevent a full setback. Depending on the level of need, a client may enter a stabilization track in Phase I, II, or III, where routines and support can be reestablished.
During the three to six months in Phase IV, we recommend weekly therapy with an outside therapist and monthly check-ins with the Medical Director, as needed. Our goal is for clients to hold their heads high, feel proud of who they are, and no longer rely on parents for support. Success is measured by saving money, planning, and taking responsibility for their own lives, building self-worth, self-esteem, and a life they do not want to lose.