ABOUT VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA – HOUSTON
Volunteers of America (VOA) Texas is a faith-based, nonprofit organization that has provided low-cost treatment since 1917 across Texas and New Mexico to populations at risk, including men and women struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. The McGovern Campus in Houston, one of over 30 of the organization’s locations, offers residential and outpatient treatment, as well as services for pregnant women, and women with children. VOA Texas in Houston also provides affordable housing services for low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with developmental disabilities.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Treatment at VOA Texas in Houston focuses on addressing not merely addiction, but also issues that may arise because of it, such as poverty, homelessness, and abuse. Programming consists of individual, group, and family counseling, financial support services, parenting classes, and job preparation programs. Classes in 12-step principles as well as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) sessions also are part of the treatment curriculum.
According to its website, the organization’s Houston addiction center offers two residential treatment programs. One is a short-term program for 30 days or less; the other is long-term for more than 30 days. The website also references VOA Texas outpatient treatment and recovery programs in Houston at two locations.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
There is limited information provided on the facility’s website regarding its treatment staff. Alumni had mixed opinions of the staff. One anonymous reviewer praised the contributions and support from staff. Another rated staff experience and training two out of five stars.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
There is limited information available on the VOA Texas website regarding the Houston living arrangements and amenities. The six individuals polled by Best-rehabs.com to date gave accommodations and amenities an average rating of three out of five stars.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Alumni of VOA Texas at Houston reported drastically different experiences and, overall, responses are mixed. When asked by Best-rehabs.com if they would recommend the facility, they responded with an average of 3.4 out of five stars.
One anonymous reviewer, who rated treatment effectiveness as a perfect five stars, described VOA Texas in Houston as: “It is a basic no nonsense program that forces you to take responsibility for your actions, they provide excellent individual, group and family counseling. very structured program, lots of AA/NA/CA meetings both on and off site.” Another, who rated treatment effectiveness as four out of five stars, commented: “It worked for me. I am still clean to this day!”
However, alumni were particularly split on opinions regarding the staff’s level of training and experience and the quality of individual and group counseling. An anonymous alum praised the counselors, but criticized others: “Great counselors. Staff are rude to those needing their medications.” Another offered a backhanded compliment: “I would recommend because truth be told you are never going to want to come back to this place ever again and so you will probably do the work it takes to stay sober.”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
The loved one surveyed by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing provided negative feedback. Patricia reported her full disappointment to Best-rehabs.com regarding the treatment her child received: “It was constant drama and constant hard core rules and constant punishments little food,” she wrote. Patricia summed it up with a warning: “Please never consider VOA in houston for treatment.” She gave just one out of five stars for every treatment metric evaluated, including accommodations, meals and nutrition, holistic treatment offerings, and family programming.
FINANCING
According to the facility’s website, VOA Texas in Houston accepts Medicaid and Access to Recovery vouchers. Payment assistance may be available. Apart from this information, there currently are no details available on pricing. In a review submitted to Best-rehabs.com, alum P.M. wrote that the state paid for their outpatient treatment.