The Potter’s House, operated by the Atlanta Mission, offers men faith-based drug and alcohol addiction treatment, as well as therapeutic, educational, and vocational programs to assist them in their recovery. The long-term residential rehab emphasizes the importance of developing a relationship with God to overcome addictive behaviors and make positive life choices. By engaging in this process, clients can rebuild their foundation and acquire the necessary tools to maintain sobriety.
ABOUT ATLANTA MISSION – THE POTTER’S HOUSE
The Potter’s House is located on a 550-acre farm in Jefferson, Georgia, situated 53 miles northeast of Atlanta. It is one of 138 (43.9 percent) treatment centers that exclusively cater to men aged 25 to 55 who are facing both homelessness and addiction. This long-term residential treatment program is overseen by the Atlanta Mission, a nonprofit Christian organization that serves Atlanta’s homeless community by offering emergency shelters, vocational training, transitional housing, and other services.
Detoxification services are not provided at The Potter’s House. Prior to admission, clients must have refrained from alcohol and/or drug use for a minimum of 72 hours.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
The Potter’s House offers a faith-based treatment approach that solely focuses on addiction. The program is not designed to accommodate individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders or those taking antidepressant, mood stabilizing, or antipsychotic medications. Its main objective is to support clients in achieving and maintaining sobriety by equipping them with the necessary skills for self-sufficiency and a drug-free lifestyle. Treatment at The Potter’s House involves a combination of vocational training, work therapy, church involvement, and therapeutic programming.
In addition to therapeutic counseling, education classes, and relapse prevention workshops, clients receive ongoing computer literacy courses, GED classes, and job training. Participation in 12-step programs may also be integrated into treatment, as indicated by a survey conducted by Best-rehabs.com. As a faith-based program, residents have the opportunity to attend Bible study sessions, receive spiritual counseling, and engage in worship services.
Once clients have achieved stability in their sobriety, they gradually transition to working for part of the day. Employment is typically part-time, allowing residents to continue focusing on their recovery.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
Information about the treatment staff at The Potter’s House is currently unavailable. However, it’s worth noting that 98.3 percent of all substance abuse treatment facilities in Georgia have educational requirements for their staff. Based on the ratings provided by four individuals surveyed by Best-rehabs.com, the center’s staff received above-average ratings, while the counseling options were rated lower.
Staff Experience and Training: 3.8/5
Counseling Option: 2.8/5
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
The Atlanta Mission recently unveiled two new facilities for the 180-bed program at The Potter’s House: the New Start Dormitory, featuring a community lounge and a state-of-the-art computer lab for GED training, and the Client Life Center, which includes classrooms, program offices, and a multipurpose space serving as a gymnasium, chapel, and gathering area. According to Best-rehabs.com survey respondents, the facility’s accommodations received favorable reviews.
Facility Cleanliness and Upkeep: 3.3/5
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The feedback from six alumni polled by Best-rehabs.com generally indicates satisfaction with the facility. It’s important to note that one reviewer was rejected from the program. One alum, D.P., who has maintained sobriety for two years, provided perfect five-star ratings for the facility’s counseling options and the respect shown to clients. Another anonymous alum strongly agreed that treatment was worth the cost, awarding five-star ratings for the facility’s exercise options and discharge planning, and expressing, “The program saved my life. I recommend The Potter’s House to any man that needs help.” The alum identified facility strengths as “Effectiveness, Restorative, Christianity.”
Similarly, alum Z.J. remarked, “I am glad they helped God has changed my life through this place,” although consistently offering three-star ratings for holistic offerings, counseling options, and family participation. A former client named B.F. also said they would strongly recommend the treatment program to others.
Online reviews reflect the sentiments shared on Best-rehabs.com. On Google, 27 respondents have given an average rating of four out of five stars. Negative comments are rare, with one reviewer expressing disappointment about not being readmitted after relapsing, and another feeling that the supervision was excessively strict. Some individuals raised concerns about wait times and connectivity policies. Overall, former clients praised the program’s structure, the skills they acquired, and the religious-based support they received. For instance, L.C. commented, “gives homeless as well as addicts a safe place to come and get clean. They teach skills.”
The facility’s Facebook page, which is monitored by its management, has received an average rating of 4.5 out of five stars from 24 reviewers. Many alumni credit the facility with saving their lives. Additionally, on CiteHealth, the facility has earned an average rating of three out of five stars from 10 reviewers. Some users believe that the facility’s low cost contributes to issues with management and maintenance, while others praise the skills they acquired.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Three loved ones who were polled by Best-rehabs.com shared the positive views expressed by the alumni. Two of the respondents gave a perfect five-star rating for the level of family participation. D.L.C. wrote, “Positive aspects were the family involvement and the addiction treatment.” Loved one J.F. added, “God has used this ministry to save my loved one and I will forever be grateful.” However, one loved one mentioned that while the staff was compassionate, they would have appreciated more counseling.
FINANCING
Clients without income can receive treatment free of charge. Many clients work in one of the five thrift stores in the area, and the proceeds from these stores benefit the program. According to four Best-rehabs.com survey respondents, the center’s affordability received high ratings.
Affordability: 4/5