ABOUT ARC FOND DU LAC – WOMEN & CHILDREN DAY TREATMENT SERVICES
ARC Community Services, Inc. is a private, non-profit agency that provides a range of treatment services for low-income women struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health concerns. Located in the community of Fond Du Lac, Wis., set on the banks of Winnebago Lake, ARC’s Women and Children Day Treatment Services offers a partial hospitalization program (PHP) for mothers with young children. Along with a full day of treatment programming for clients, ARC provides on-site child care services for children up to the age of six. One of eight outpatient-based programs operated by the organization, ARC’s Women and Children Day Treatment does not provide medical detoxification.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
ARC Community Services, Inc.’s Day Treatment Services program is an appropriate level of care, clients first participate in an initial substance abuse assessment. ARC’s programming utilizes a strength-based, family-focused and gender-responsive approach that identifies the unique strengths and needs of each client. PHP is held five days per week, with six hours of programming provided on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Clients also attend a three-hour session on Thursday. Although the length of PHP treatment varies, the average length of the program is four months. While the program is typically designed for mothers, ARC does accept women without children.
During PHP, clients participate in a range of evidence-based treatments to address issues that contribute to addictive behavior. Utilizing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, group counseling sessions address the link between irrational thinking patterns and behaviors. Specialized counseling groups focus on anger management, family relationships, spirituality, trauma, and relapse prevention. In addition to group counseling, clients attend educational groups on substance abuse, health, and wellness.
Individual counseling sessions focus on recovery and related issues, including relationships, parenting, emotional concerns, housing, and employment. A Best-rehabs.com survey suggested that clients may be introduced to the principles and practices of the 12-step model of recovery.
Aftercare services include ongoing case management as well as assistance in creating sober living lifestyles. ARC coordinates with the Department of Workforce Development to provide low-income women with opportunities for vocational training, education, and employment assistance. Case managers may also facilitate transfers and referrals to less-intensive outpatient programs, supportive housing, and other community-based resources. Clients with co-occurring mental health concerns may be referred to an appropriate specialist for ongoing medication management.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
ARC Community Services, Inc.’s Women and Children Day Treatment program is facilitated by a team of substance abuse counselors, family and child therapists, case managers, and child care specialist. All staff members are licensed to treat clients in their respective areas. Other staff members will be available to assist with administrative, financial, and facilities management operations. Staff members are screened and coached to successfully interact with clients without derailing their treatment.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The sole alum polled by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing, C.B., appreciated most areas of the program. Out of five stars, C.B. gave four-star ratings for the facility’s ability to treat co-occurring disorders, its inclusion of holistic treatment approaches, and its counseling options.
C.B. also gave a four-star rating for the treatment staff’s level of experience and training. Describing the counselors as “great,” C.B. wrote: “I got a lot out of it and still call the parenting counsellors.” However, the alum did feel that upper management was “unorganized.”
On Facebook, the facility earned 4.6 out of five stars from 15 reviews to date. Alumni praised the program, its staff, and volunteers. In a representative review, alum Autumn wrote: “Great people, volunteers, and programs are put on by this organization! What a great resource for the Fond du Lac area!!!!!!”
WHAT STAFF SAY
On Google, the facility received a single five-star review from a staff member, who wrote: “I really enjoy working there. People are fun to work with. Always happy. A very positive place to work.”
FINANCING
ARC Community Services, Inc.’s Women and Children Day Treatment program is state-funded, and clients do not incur any out-of-pocket costs.