FAQ

Most private treatment programs are co-ed. For some women, that is not an issue. Our clients are specifically looking for a treatment experience where male clients are not present.

12 step programs to treat drug and alcohol addiction developed out of the Alcoholics Anonymous program. For decades, what is called “twelve step facilitation” (TSF) has been the only type of programming available to people in addiction treatment centres. However, in the last 20 years, the weight of scientific research has determined that TSF has not been proven effective for the majority of addiction sufferers. We are an applied research facility, meaning we do not use treatments that don’t have an evidentiary basis.

No, you do not need a doctor’s referral to attend treatment at our center.

We take a maximum of 10 clients at one time. We are an open intake facility meaning clients can start at anytime there is a bed available.

Definitely, if your dog is a registered service animal. Maybe, if we are able to determine from our pet application process that your pet would be able to tolerate being alone in your unit when you are busy during the day. We would also need to have a specific pet-friendly apartment unit available. Our staff must also ensure that your dog does not have a jaw size capable of inflicting life threatening damage if it bites. Dog owners will be 100% responsible for damage done or injury to that pet. All clients pre-approved to bring their pet will be required to pay a damage deposit prior to admission. We reserve the right to say no to any pet or to insist a pet be removed from the facility if issues with other clients, pets or operations arise.

After medical withdrawal days are completed (if needed) and the doctor says you are ready to start programming, we ask you to stay a minimum of 30 days. Research is clear that longer stays produce better results, but our clients and their Funders must decide this for themselves based on work and family demands and whether they believe that further progress can be made by staying longer.

Mental health and addictions treatment programs typically organize their programs around a number of days or weeks. While these lengths of stay are helpful for organizing programs, they have no special magic in helping a person find recovery. Basically, it will take any client as long as it takes to find recovery from their challenges and no one can tell in advance whether they’ve had enough help.

Our admission coordinators make getting to our treatment centre very easy. They can arrange any airport transfers (we have companion staff in Vancouver to help with switching terminals) and airport/ferry pick ups free of charge.

We believe it’s critical to follow our clients through the process of returning home once treatment is complete. We offer in-person coaching in several Canadian cities (by phone outside of cities), weekly support groups run by a professional, 24/7 hour support by phone or text, and alumni social events. All post-treatment services are included in the cost of treatment and are available to our alumni indefinitely.

Yes. 95% of clients attending treatment centres do not struggle with conduct issues or a lack of motivation. Unfortunately, most treatment programs have developed their entire structures around controlling these clients. We refer unmotivated clients to programs that specialize in rigid controls. This has allowed us to provide a treatment environment that recognizes clients do not require unusual levels of control over their conversations and interactions. A number of our clients will be using their laptops and phones outside of programming hours so that they can perform some elements of their career. In our experience, this freedom allows clients to stay in treatment longer. 

After your first week at our treatment center, you will be asked to provide us with a grocery list if you wish to prepare your own breakfasts and lunches. We will deliver the grocery items you request to your unit. Clients are asked to join the group for dinner in the main dining area, but can request they be allowed to take food back to their apartment unit. 

In the evenings and on weekends, our team members will be following a fitness and recreation schedule that clients have input into. Activities are chosen based on what the majority of clients wish to do. A partial list of activities include going to the local recreation complex, hiking, art classes, yoga, sightseeing, trying out the local climbing wall or pickle ball courts and baking.

Prior to opening this facility, we attempted to get approval for our clients to bring children with them if arrangements for their daytime care could be made. Unfortunately, we were not able to secure this approval from our regulators and insurers. Clients wishing to attend and bring their children with them to Powell River can secure local accommodation and attend our treatment center during the day as an outpatient. Our staff are not permitted to locate child care or accommodation for our outpatient clients.

Part of providing a safe environment means making a real effort to ensure alcohol and drugs are not being brought into the facility. For the protection of you and your peers, all bags and belongings are respectfully searched by staff when you arrive. If you are unsure about whether you can bring any item with you, we encourage you to check with your admissions co-ordinator at 1-866-487-9010. If you are taking prescribed medications, please bring at least a 5 day supply and ensure it is kept in original prescription packaging. Existing prescriptions will be assessed by the Medical Director and re-prescribed and packaged by our pharmacy.

Be assured that you will NOT be subject to cavity or skin searches or pat-downs. We recognize that if someone is determined enough they will find a way to smuggle drugs or alcohol into the facility. We are a therapeutic treatment program for successful, motivated women, not a lock-down facility. We are committed to a safe treatment environment while maintaining your dignity and trust.