OUR MODEL
The “Whole Health” Model
First Step House provides a continuum of care with four supportive pillars, including behavioral health treatment, housing (case management and physical housing), on-site medical services, and supportive employment. We recognize that treatment is essential, but insufficient on its own for our target population to obtain and sustain long-term stability. We view each of our supportive pillars as necessary for our clients’ ability to recover and build healthy and resilient lives. We provide client-centered support and work closely with case management, clinicians, other staff, and community partners to provide wrap-around services that meet the whole health needs of each client.
THE FOUR PILLARS
Our Four Pillars of Care
Treatment
We provide residential substance use disorder treatment services, outpatient mental health and substance use disorder treatment, group and individual therapy, peer support services, recovery support services, and long-term recovery management. Our goal is to create a community that allows people to engage in treatment on multiple levels using individualized treatment planning and evidence-based therapy.
Housing
Our housing services are provided in conjunction with our services that address our clients’ clinical and therapeutic treatment needs. We offer affordable sober living (recovery residence), Veterans-specific transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and intensive housing case management to connect clients to housing programs and vouchers that best suit their needs.
Employment
We provide time-unlimited and evidence-based supportive employment services to help those with serious substance use disorders and mental health conditions increase long-term employment outcomes, advance economic inclusion, and achieve financial stability. Employment specialists offer intensive job coaching, connect with employers, and assist in job development and search.
Healthcare
Our on-site medical team provides immediate and integrated primary care services and coordination to meet the healthcare needs of our clients at each stage of their engagement. We conduct health risk assessments, primary care visits, medication management, immunizations, dental care coordination, and support for medication assisted treatment.
OUR PRACTICE
Evidence-Based & Data-Driven
First Step House has designed a set of assessment-drive, evidence-based interventions that are known to be effective in addressing the factors that contribute to instability, relapse, homelessness, and unemployment. All of our programs and services utilize evidence-based modalities targeted for low-income individuals with substance use disorders and mental health conditions. Each program has a set of designated outputs and outcomes, which are reviewed monthly to address any variances from goals and necessary changes. Our quality assurance team also conducts quarterly program audits to ensure that we exceed standards and that the evidence-based modalities are being delivered to fidelity.
DONATE
The Social Determinants of Health
First Step House takes into consideration the social determinants of health when providing care for our clients. A few of the social determinants associated with poor health include high-risk health behaviors (substance use, smoking, etc.), food insecurity, housing instability, poor income, and lack of family and social support, which the majority of our clients experience. We integrate evidence-based services, social support, and care coordination to help our clients lead the healthiest lives possible.
Take The First Step
Help is Waiting for You at First Step House
Visit our Admissions Department today to learn more about our treatment, case management, and housing programs. We provide comprehensive and client-centered services to help people build productive, meaningful, and healthy lives.
