Frequently Asked Questions
Following are several categories of questions we are asked frequently, with specific questions and answers following each. You will find questions about daily living and policies for women in Residential Treatment, in-depth descriptions of Our Hope's services and paying for treatment. Please scroll down to find the areas that interest you. If you are not able to find your question or if you need further clarification or help, please feel free to call us at 616-451-2039 or contact us online.
Treatment and Other Services
What types of therapy do you offer?
Women in our Residential Treatment Program participate in Individual and Group Therapy as well as psycho-educational groups on a variety of topics related to recovery and healing. In addition, the women incorporate daily activities such as Art Therapy and Yoga. The goal is to implement a new and healthy way of living that promotes health and wellness. Family sessions are also available and often occur toward the end of a woman's treatment in order to ease her transition home.
We have an integrated therapeutic approach, because we know that different women and different issues require different types of interventions. We utilize a great deal of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, in which we help women identify self-defeating thinking patterns that contribute to unhealthy behaviors and substitute them with healthier, more functional ways of thinking and behaving. In addition, we are person-centered and focus on emotional healing, rebuilding a sense of self, and healing relationships.
How often will I see my therapist?
Each woman in our Residential Treatment Program will have at least one hour of individual therapy a week. Women can request more times with their therapist as needed.
Everyday the women participate in either group therapy or a psycho-educational group. The group sessions are 3 to 5 hours long depending on the day of the week.
What if I am already seeing a therapist?
If you are already engaged in individual therapy, we make every effort to coordinate care with your existing therapist. Typically women temporarily suspend treatment with their current therapist while engaging in therapy at Our Hope. If you give us permission, we will communicate with your therapist to assist with your transition into therapy at Our Hope and to help coordinate aftercare and your transition back to your original therapist.
Daily Living & Policies for Treatment
If you are considering Residential Treatment at Our Hope, you probably have many questions. In addition to the basics of what to expect and what to bring, you are undoubtedly very anxious, even afraid, of what life might be like once you enter treatment and begin your journey to recovery. We would love to talk to you personally, but hope the following information and thoughts from our Clinical Team, all of whom are Master’s level Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors and women themselves, will help to ease some of your anxiety.
Are you a religious program?
Our Hope is not connected to and does not advocate for any specific religion. We do, however encourage our clients to focus on enhancing their spirituality, in whatever way has meaning for them. We define spirituality as a belief in the way we are connected to others and something bigger than ourselves. We do not define what that belief “should” be, as we believe that is a very personal question that each woman must answer for herself. For some women, the answer is found through religion; for other women, the answer is found through other practices, philosophies, or disciplines. For some it is a private journey, for others it is based in community. Whatever their spiritual beliefs, we support women in developing in their spirituality and have opportunities each week for women to attend and practice spiritual activities, meetings, or services in the community or on their own.
What should I bring to treatment?
Visit our What To Bring page for a complete list of items we suggest bringing to treatment and items that are not allowed. You are not required to bring any items with you. We will help you get any necessary items once you are in treatment.
What does it mean when you say that I must take personal responsibility for my recovery?
Why is that important?
Alcoholism and addiction create many self-defeating habits. Even in abstinence, these habits tend to continue until long-lasting emotional, physical, spiritual and social changes are made. Through one-on-one and group therapy with our expert Clinical Therapists, 12-Step meetings and the development of healthy relationships, a woman can work on building a stable foundation to support her recovery.
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While in treatment at Our Hope, you will focus on triggers and other factors that influenced the progression of your alcoholism and/or substance use to prevent future relapse. We know and teach that addiction is a disease which becomes more chronic over time. We believe that addiction is a “no-fault” illness and that any woman can assume responsibility for her life once she seeks help. Learning to take responsibility for your choices is a core component of personal growth.
Typically, alcohol and/or drug use begins as a way to help manage your stress or provide an escape from problems. Some women have troublesome pasts, including abusive relationships and/or a history of trauma. It can become easy to think that a person or situation caused your alcoholism or addiction. This just keeps you in a cycle of blame and prevents the development of healthy coping skills and taking control of your life. Changing this means that you allow us to help you learn to nurture your emotional well-being and take an honest inventory of your strengths, abilities and talents. It also means that we help you work through anger, resentment and pain, thereby allowing you to transform and find the peace you’ve been seeking. In the end, you will be empowered to once again (or maybe even for the first time!) take control of your life and quite possibly, even like yourself.
What is “community living” in treatment and why is it important?
When you walk through the doors of Our Hope, you will find a warm and welcoming home where everyone is ready and willing to help you heal in all aspects of your life. We emphasize the importance of community living, providing a rich opportunity to connect with other women also seeking help and a highly experienced staff with clinical expertise in recovery of the whole woman. You learn that you are not alone and that overcoming your alcoholism and/or addiction is not a test of your will, but rather, a process of addressing a powerful disease that can strip one of possessions, relationships and self-respect.
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The women who comprise Our Hope’s “therapeutic community” are women trying to reclaim their lives, just like you are, in order to move forward on their journey toward fulfillment and happiness. They share wisdom and a common bond that facilitates self-improvement. The community also helps you develop a healthy dependence on others, giving each woman a unique role in cultivating cooperation, pride and gratitude. This element increases the success of each woman as she seeks healing through healthy relationships.
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If you enter Residential Treatment, the concept of community living plays out in many ways. Beyond the philosophy discussed above and group therapy, you are likely to find yourself sharing a bedroom with one or more other women in the program. While some may question this, we believe you will find this to be a wonderful opportunity to make a great new friend, share personal stories and seek advice. You will also join the rest of the Residents in our dining room for buffet lunches and “formal” sit-down dinners, offering an excellent opportunity to share.
Why does it seem like I have to give up so much personal freedom if I enter Residential Treatment at Our Hope?
Seeking treatment is an important and life-changing decision. It’s likely you have made several attempts to stop drinking or using substances already. Your life may be inundated by the chaos and turmoil that is so common to the diseases of alcoholism and addiction. You may have suffered consequences as a result of your disease and probably felt deep despair. We understand. That is why, when a woman enters treatment at Our Hope, she enters a healing environment that is supportive and protective. We have developed consistent, structured programming that reinforces feelings of safety and promotes healing. We provide an intimate and supportive atmosphere filled with compassionate, skilled, trustworthy professionals who know the face of alcoholism and addiction well.
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We know that most women in early sobriety experience problems managing emotions, thinking clearly, coping with stress and maintaining adequate self-care. These symptoms typify an important part of what is called Post Acute Withdrawal and, without being addressed, frequently contribute to relapse. It is crucial for a woman to be guided, supported and monitored throughout this beginning phase of her recovery to allow her body, brain, and spirit time to recuperate and heal. To help promote this process, Our Hope’s treatment programs limit contact with outside family and friends for a short period because we know that a woman is in a vulnerable state and needs time to acclimate to her treatment. For some, this can be a difficult time, but it is pivotal to helping her focus on maintaining her early sobriety. We strongly encourage each woman we serve to accept the support of other recovering women who provide hope and validation through their shared experiences, thereby easing these challenges.
Paying for Treatment
What does treatment cost?
Our Hope offers a complete continuum of very competitively priced services, ranging from Assessment to Continuing Care. Our Master’s level Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors use this continuum to customize a therapeutic program to best meet the individual recovery needs of each woman served. Please call our office at 616-451-2039 or contact us online to learn more about all of our services and discuss pricing. There are many options for payment we would be more than happy to discuss with you.
Do you accept Medicaid or Medicare?
Our Hope is able to accept Medicaid through Community Mental Heath Agencies. Please contact your local C.M.H. for to receive a referral for our Residential Treatment Program.
Medicare can sometimes be accepted when clients are referred by and administered through Network 180 for Kent County residents. Please contact Network 180 at 616-336-3765 if you have further questions or to see if you qualify for funding.
Do you accept private insurance for your services?
At this time, we are able to accept Cigna Insurance for Our Hope’s Residential Treatment Program, but we are in the process of working to be able to accept several other insurance providers. We will make announcements on our website and on our Facebook page as we increase the insurance providers we work with.
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If you have healthcare coverage through Cigna and are interested in receiving services at Our Hope, you may contact us directly at 616-451-2039 or contact Cigna at (866) 438-2446 for a referral.
When do you expect payment for services?
Payment is expected in advance of the service(s) being performed. For example, the cost of the first 30 days of Residential Treatment is due on the day of admission. Please call 616-451-2039 or contact us online for additional information.
Do you accept credit cards as payment for your services?
Yes, Our Hope accepts both VISA and MasterCard.
Do you accept personal checks as payment for your services?
Our Hope does not accept personal checks, but we gladly accept cashier’s checks, money orders and cash, as well as VISA and MasterCard for our services.
Do you offer any financial assistance?
Through generous donations, we maintain a small Financial Assistance Fund to help women who desire Our Hope’s services, but require assistance due to financial need. Please call 616-451-2039 or contact us online to discuss applying for a scholarship from the Financial Assistance Fund.
What is included in the cost of Residential Primary Treatment?
The total cost of each woman’s Residential Treatment program includes a complete biopsychosocial assessment, individualized treatment planning, daily group sessions, weekly individual therapy, her room, three meals a day, transportation to and from required off-site meetings and events, and continuing care planning. Once a woman has completed her Residential Treatment, she is also offered many opportunities to support her continued recovery free of charge. For example, each alumna may contact her primary Clinical Therapist via phone and/or via the e-mail contact form on this website for 18 months after completing the Residential Treatment program at no additional cost.