ABOUT FRIENDSHIP HOUSE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN INDIANS OF SAN FRANCISCO
The Friendship House Association of American Indians of San Francisco is a renowned organization dedicated to providing treatment for Native Americans who are struggling with chemical dependency. The Friendship House offers a comprehensive range of programs, including a long-term residential program for adults, a specialized residential program for pregnant women and mothers with children, an extended care program, and an outpatient-based program for youths aged 8 to 24. It’s important to note that the facility does not offer on-site detoxification services.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Upon admission, clients undergo an initial assessment to determine their specific needs. To fully engage clients in the program, Friendship House implements a 30-day blackout period, during which clients have no contact with individuals outside of the program.
The treatment program at Friendship House combines evidence-based Western approaches with immersion in Native American cultural practices. The residential program for adults follows a structured schedule of group and individual counseling, as well as traditional talking circles to address emotional and mental issues that contribute to addictive behaviors. Additionally, clients participate in a Native American-inspired 12-step program.
Alongside evidence-based methods, clients have the opportunity to take part in traditional sweat lodges, smudging ceremonies, and powwow dancing ceremonies. The Friendship House also provides educational classes on chemical dependency, coping skills development, G.E.D. preparation, and testing through a local charter school.
The Women’s Lodge, situated in Oakland, California, offers specialized programming for expectant mothers and mothers with young children up to the age of five. Along with similar programming to the adult residential program, the Women’s Lodge provides parenting classes, child development sessions, family counseling, and assistance with family reunification. The duration of both primary residential treatment programs is up to six months, although women may stay in the Women’s Lodge for up to one year.
Once clients complete the primary residential program, they can opt to enroll in the extended care program. This program extends for up to an additional six months and assists clients with housing, job training, education placement, and overall personal development. Clients continue to have access to counseling sessions, case management, and relapse prevention classes.
The youth outpatient program includes alcohol and drug education classes, life skills training, powwow dancing and drumming, violence prevention classes, as well as academic tutoring and mentoring.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The Friendship House Association of American Indians of San Francisco employs a team of experienced Native American professionals who are skilled in both traditional Native American practices and evidence-based treatment methods.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
The adult residential program can accommodate up to 80 residents, with clients sharing bedrooms with up to four roommates. Limited information is available regarding the Women’s Lodge, although the facility does provide on-site childcare for mothers during treatment sessions.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
At the time of writing, only one alum provided feedback to Best-rehabs.com. They had mixed opinions about the facility, rating the staff’s level of experience and training with four stars. They gave more moderate ratings of three stars for the facility’s counseling options, inclusion of holistic treatments, and level of family participation. The alum stated that they were able to identify their core issues with the help of their counselor and the classes.
Secondary sources, such as the facility’s official Facebook page, reveal overwhelmingly positive reviews from 98 reviewers who gave the facility an average rating of 4.8 out of five stars. Many reviewers reported sustained recovery and expressed gratitude towards Friendship House for their sobriety.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
The sole loved one surveyed by Best-rehabs.com also expressed positive opinions, giving perfect five-star ratings for the inclusion of holistic treatments, level of family participation, and cleanliness of the facility. The loved one highlighted spirituality, cleanliness, family participation, and job assistance as strengths of the facility.
FINANCING
According to the facility’s website, fees and program costs are evaluated on an individual basis upon admission, suggesting the availability of a sliding scale payment structure.
[1] Available at https://www.facebook.com/pg/friendshiphousesf/reviews/?ref=page_internal