The Village Family Service Center: First Step Recovery

The Basics

Based in Fargo, North Dakota, First Step Recovery is a substance abuse treatment program under The Village Family Service Center umbrella, an organization that has been assisting families and individuals since 1891. The First Step Recovery program was founded in 2000 by Susan Stenehjem-Brown and Michael Kaspari and since that time, services have expanded to include aftercare and family programs. All treatment is outpatient focused, fully accredited by the Council On Accreditation (COA) and are evidence-based.

Treatment and Staff

Prior to admission, clients must call to schedule a two-hour bio-psycho-social assessment with the intake staff as well as a meeting with a family member or spouse. Once accepted, clients are enrolled in one of two programs.; the Partial Hospital Program (PHP) is tailored to individuals requiring more intensive treatment while the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is ideal for those who exhibit signs of chemical dependency with less acute symptoms. All programs follow the Minnesota Model approach. Twelve-step principles and a sense of community support the growth and recovery of the clients.

The PHP meets 20 hours per week and is a good substitute for those unable to enroll in an inpatient program but still need monitoring. PHP clients attend group and individual therapy as well as psycho-educational classes in the late afternoons and evenings. Incorporating the family in the treatment process is an essential component of this track and family therapy is attended once per week.

The IOP track is attended nine hours each week. This track is an individualized treatment program that can also serve as a step down from the PHP track. Group therapy is attended three days per week and individual sessions are scheduled once per week. As clients progress in their recovery, attendance requirements are modified.

Additional assistance is available for individuals in need of dual diagnosis support as are and medication management for depression and support for eating and anxiety disorders.

Staff credentials include Registered Nurses (RNs), LPCs, LSWs and Licensed Addiction Counselors (LACs). All staff members are trained to treat individuals with co-occurring disorders. All clients must comply with their treatment plans, attend 12-step meetings and agree to take drug tests at any given time.

Extras

An aftercare program is available for clients who have completed a primary substance abuse treatment program at First Step or another facility. For two hours each week, clients attend a relapse prevention group to develop skills supporting lasting sobriety. An alumni program is also available to keep former clients connected and in contact with new clients to provide support.

The family program meets for four-hours on Monday evenings from 6 to 8 pm. Families and loved ones learn about codependency, detachment skills, preventing enabling and how to best support their loved one during the recovery process. Educational groups are facilitated on Thursday nights at 6 pm so that families can learn about the disease of alcoholism. Attendance of Alanon meetings is also recommended to create a support system.

In Summary

First Step Recovery is a solid outpatient substance abuse treatment facility offering both PHP and IOP tracks. With a strong family focus combined with traditional therapy and the 12-step approach, clients fortify lasting recovery with community and a clear understanding of addiction. An Aftercare program and alumni support further bolster long-term wellness for clients and their families.

First Step Recovery
3201 Fiechtner Dr
Fargo, ND 58103

First Step Recovery Cost: Call for cost. Reach First Step Recovery by phone at (701) 293-3384. Find First Step Recovery on Facebook

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Photo courtesy of Tim Kiser (w:User:Malepheasant) (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons (resized and cropped)

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