ABOUT VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA – NORTHERN ROCKIES
A faith-based organization established in 1985 and based in Sheridan, Wyo., Volunteers of America in the Northern Rockies (VOA) offers a full continuum of care services including residential, outpatient (OP), and transitional programs to adult men and women and parents with children. Specialized tracks for Christians and Native Americans are also available. Social detox services are available.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Potential clients first fill out an assessment sheet prior to admission. Clients requiring detox stay in the Center of Hope facility for three days and may participate in services including group therapy, 12-step meetings, and life skills development among others.
Men requiring residential treatment stay at The Life House, while women and women with dependents stay at The Gathering Place. Upon admission, clients at both facilities develop an individualized treatment plan with their assigned clinician and take part in individual counseling and group sessions covering topics including chemical dependency, grief and loss, and more.
Both facilities offer a mixure of holistic and evidence-based treatment modalities, including 12-step meetings, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and others. Residents attend 30 hours per week of intensive chemical dependency education, and a family involvement program allows family members to participate in treatment on Fridays.
The Native American track includes cultural activities such as the Medicine Wheel and a Therapeutic Sweat Lodge and teaches Native American clients about inter-generational trauma to help Native American clients rehabilitate through their culture. Likewise, the Christian Enhancement track includes a higher degree of Christian fellowship, prayer, teaching, and discussion. Ministry staff assist clients in their spiritual journeys.
Transitional services offers the same treatment modalities as detox.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
VOA employs Christian ministers, clinicians, and case workers among its staff.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
After completing graduation, clients may stay in recovery homes that includes an on-call clinician. VOA lists sparse details about its accommodations and amenities, but three alumni polled by Best-rehabs.com to date rated the facility’s accommodations and amenities an average four out of five stars and its meals and nutrition four stars.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Of four alumni polled by Best-rehabs.com to date, three gave VOA fair to positive ratings while a fourth wrote a negative review. Two alumni rated the facility’s treatment effectiveness four and five out of five stars.
Alumni praised the faith-based programming and caring staff. Alum Karen praised VOA’s treatment structure but wrote that the facility needed an exercise program and more nutritious meals. Alum Donald, although providing no ratings, felt that the facility cared more about profit than clients.
On VOA’s Facebook page, which the facility can curate, 38 reviewers rated the facility as a whole a perfect five stars.[1] Alum Michael wrote in a representative review: “All the counselors who are knowledgeable and compassionate about their job and their people served!!!”
FINANCING
Cost of residential treatment is $5,250 per month, and cost of rent for aftercare living is $350 for women and $450 for men. HealthGrove reports that the facility accepts Medicare and state insurance.
[1] [source]