ABOUT HARBOR HOUSE
Harbor House, located in Toledo, Ohio, is a long-term residential facility for women and mothers struggling with chemical dependency. Serving mostly low-income, homeless women through a three-tier model designed to promote independence and sustained sobriety, Harbor House’s program lasts about 18 months.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Treatment is divided into three phases: Phase 1 introduces clients to the program through a strict schedule, Phase 2 encompasses community integration, and Phase 3 develops independence and individualized aftercare plans.
During Phase 1, which lasts up to 90 days, residents will participate in group counseling sessions, weekly individual therapy sessions, and daily 12-step meetings. Residents are expected to find a sponsor during the first 45 days. Educational classes covering parenting skills, life management skills, and career development are offered.
Clients will continue to take educational classes, counseling sessions, and 12-Step programming during the next two phases of treatment. Phase 2 lasts between 90 days to two years and incorporates advanced vocational and educational preparation. Residents will receive referrals to outside agencies for career and education, participate in in-house educational classes and GED preparation, tutoring, and resume preparation.
Phase 3 lasts between 90 days to six months and encompasses continuous treatment programs for previous phases and sustained community integration. Residents will begin to look for their own housing and employment, develop aftercare plans, and receive referrals to housing agencies, utility companies, and other organizations. Volunteering is highly encouraged.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
Residents will be assigned a Case Manager. In-house staff at Harbor House includes counselors, a house manager, and program advisors.
Volunteers and service organizations run other services. Volunteers teach tutoring and vocational classes while a social service agency facilitates parenting classes.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
No information regarding living arrangements is available on the website. Clients participate in housekeeping and the upkeep of the facility. Through the three-tier Harbor House Plus Program, residents will enjoy increasing privileges and responsibilities. Following 30 to 45 hours of treatment, residents will receive four-hour weekend passes, which can later increase to six to eight hours. Residents can apply for 24-hour weekend passes during Phase III.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The sole alum responding to a poll from Best-rehabs.com to date gave mostly positive reviews of the facility, offering five star ratings for treatment effectiveness, experienced staff, and discharge planning. Although they reported that treatment wasn’t personally effective, the anonymous alum wrote: “I would go to this treatment facility,” suggesting the alum would recommend the facility to others.
WHAT STAFF SAY
The only staff member polled to date by Best-rehabs.com approved of most aspects of the facility, leaving five-star ratings for treatment effectiveness, meals and nutrition, and experienced staff. The staff member gave four stars for family participation, counseling options, and exercise and leisure activities. They felt that the “Intense structure for all day and night activities” was a facility strength, but also commented that increasing privileges and freedom were “too much of a temptation,” leading to client relapse.
FINANCING
Harbor House provides no-cost treatment for low-income residents. The facility is funded through private donations, grants, and volunteers.
Updated April 2017