ABOUT ADULT & TEEN CHALLENGE: HOUSTON WOMEN’S CAMPUS
One of six Adult & Teen Challenge programs in the areas of San Antonio, Houston, and Fort Worth, the Houston Women’s campus provides long-term, faith-based addiction treatment for women. The 12-month residential program is broken down into three separate phases, helping women develop a solid work ethic and life skills, find employment, and plan for their future.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
The residential program at Adult & Teen Challenge requires a 12-month commitment from women. Alongside Biblically-based education, programming guides women through three distinct phases, each of which focus on skills needed for a healthy, substance-free, independent life. Individual mentoring and group counseling make up the structure of the weekly curriculum.
In Phase I, typically three months in length, women adjust to their new environment, learn the basics of Christian faith, and build a strong work ethic. In the next four months, Phase II offers women opportunity to develop life skills and to “mature in” their faith. In Phase III, the final five months, women seek out and gain employment and plan their transition back into their communities.
Upon completion of the residential program, women may receive ongoing support and attend classes that meet once weekly for three months.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
According to the program’s webpage, many staff are program graduates.
An anonymous Best-rehabs.com survey respondent described staff as “Caring,” yet Google reviewer Isa felt that the facility was understaffed, and that “half the staff cares other half barely pays any attention to you.”
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Teen Challenge can accommodate up to 40 women at a time. While residing at the 57,000-square foot building, women receive balanced meals, take part in prayer and recreational sports, and have opportunity for community service.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
In the sole survey response for Best-rehabs.com as of this writing, an anonymous alum awarded the “solid program” only five-star ratings for more than a dozen different treatment metrics – including the “Caring” staff’s level of training and experience, the counseling options available, and the family programming – telling others, “If your having or struggling with problems in substance abuse, this facility can get you back on track.”
Google reviews were more mixed. While Isa “Only felt that two people on staff even cared” about her, Judith wrote: “I found God there, and I want him back in my life or I’m going to die.”
FINANCING
A registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Teen Challenge is privately funded by individuals, churches, and businesses.
The organization’s webpage maintains that it “does not charge monthly fees to program participants,” but also makes mention of a “$1,500 induction fee” as well as tuition fees that are charged beginning after employment.