ABOUT VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA DAKOTAS
Volunteers of America Dakotas (VOA) is a nonprofit, faith-based community service organization that provides a wide range of care for adults and adolescents struggling with substance use, mental health, and co-occurring disorders. The organization operates the Heisler Treatment Center, which offers intensive outpatient programs (IOP) for adults and residential rehab for adolescents. VOA also provides specialized treatment for pregnant or parenting women with chemical dependency at the New Start facility. In addition to behavioral health services, VOA offers programming for homeless and developmentally disabled populations, as well as for children and families.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
VOA Dakotas’ services are based on Christian principles, but clients are not required to participate in religious activities.
Individuals seeking treatment for chemical dependency start with substance use evaluations at the Heisler facility. Adolescents aged 12 to 18 may be referred for up to 60 days of residential treatment or intensive outpatient therapy. Adult and adolescent IOPs consist of 50 to 60 hours of counseling, education, and skill development over six to seven weeks.
The adolescent program at the Heisler facility addresses co-occurring mental health issues and utilizes the Matrix Model, which focuses on reducing risky behaviors. Young adults aged 18 to 20 may participate in a diversion class that uses the Prime for Life curriculum for risk reduction.
The New Start for Women residential program provides evidence-based therapy for substance use, mental and physical health, and legal issues. Women also receive GED prep, training in job and life skills, communication, and parenting.
After completing a VOA structure treatment program, adults and adolescents may receive counseling as aftercare. VOA also offers community educational forums and safe drivers classes.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
Job descriptions indicate that VOA Dakotas prefers master’s level addiction counselors with certification. Interns are also employed. The staff includes a Native American cultural coordinator and advocate, as well as several commissioned Christian ministers.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
The main site in Sioux Falls houses residential and outpatient programs. No further information is provided regarding living arrangements or other amenities.
REVIEWS
Currently, there is limited feedback available for VOA Dakotas’ substance use programs. However, reviews for other VOA Dakotas services, such as the Bowden Youth Center, are positive, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Google reviews. Parents describe the environment as enjoyable, the staff as caring, and the services as affordable or free.
FINANCING
Information about the facility’s costs is not provided on the website. According to HealthGrove and CiteHealth, VOA Dakotas accepts Medicaid and military insurance. VOA is a nonprofit organization.