ABOUT THE SALVATION ARMY HARBOR LIGHT CENTER
Operated by the Salvation Army, an international Christian-based charity, the Harbor Light Center of San Francisco is a long-term residential treatment program designed for men and women struggling with substance abuse issues (particularly disadvantaged and homeless individuals). The program also offers specialized programming for veterans. If necessary, Harbor Light Center provides social detoxification services through the HARP Detox Center, an affiliated program.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Serving San Francisco for over 70 years, the Harbor Light Center’s residential program involves a schedule of counseling sessions, education classes, spiritual guidance, and work development training to prepare residents for a successful re-entry into the community. As a long-term program, residents must commit to a minimum of six months of treatment, though the program may last up to a year.
During treatment, residents participate in individual and group counseling sessions and attend educational classes on a range of topics, such as the physical effects of substance abuse, relationships during recovery, family roles, and relapse prevention. In addition, residents participate in social activities and art therapy.
Harbor Light Center’s model of treatment is also based on 12-Step philosophies and practices. During treatment, residents may be expected to regularly attend 12-step meetings, perform associated step work, and gain a sponsor.
The specialized veteran’s program addresses issues common among veterans struggling with chemical dependency, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Along with specialized programming, Harbor Light Center can assist veterans in accessing their benefits, locating supportive housing, and finding employment.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
There is currently no information provided on the facility’s website or otherwise regarding its staff.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
No specific information is available on the facility’s website concerning the accommodations and amenities of the program. Five surveys submitted to Best-rehabs.com indicated a mixed response to the facility’s accommodations and amenities, with multiple two-star ratings and multiple five-star ratings averaging 3.16 out of five stars.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
L.M., an alum surveyed by Best-rehabs.com, gave five out of five stars for treatment effectiveness and the program overall, as well as five-star ratings for most areas of treatment including the accommodations, the staff’s level of training and experience, holistic treatment offerings, connectivity, the center’s visitor policy, cleanliness, opportunities for exercise and leisure, and the efficacy of group counseling.
He awarded four out of five stars to the frequency of individual counseling, the amount of respect staff showed toward clients, the staff’s flexibility, extracurriculars, the quality of conflict resolution during group therapy, and overall safety. In a comment left on Best-rehabs.com, he wrote: “Greatly enjoyed the holistic offerings. In addition, the staff was very supportive.”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Overall, the four reviews loved ones of alumni polled to date were divided. When asked if they would recommend the facility, the three surveyed on this criterion offered one-, three- and four-star ratings. The one aspect they could all agree on was the affordability of the facility, with all reviewers listing it as a major strength.
While a majority felt the staff was well-trained — giving a 3.5 out of five star average rating for the staff’s level of experience — they reported limited contact with residents and a lack of counseling options. “Not very many treatment options. A good option if your serious about getting sober,” J.M. told Best-rehabs.com.
Describing the staff as “very polite” and “respectful,” another loved one wrote: “Keeps clients busy, gives them responsibility and keeps them accountable for their actions.” Yet the loved one did add: “The facility itself is out of date and needs upgrades.”
WHAT STAFF SAY
A staff member who responded to the Best-rehabs.com survey provided a mixed view of the facility. In most categories, including treatment effectiveness and staff experience, he gave the facility three out of five stars. Though he offered four out of five stars for cleaning/maintenance and food, his overall accommodations score was two out of five stars.
FINANCING
Services are provided free of charge. All costs are funded by proceeds from the area’s Salvation Army thrift stores.