The Women’s Recovery Association exists to restore women of all ages and circumstances to a life of dignity and respect, free from the effects of substance abuse. Our vision is to break the cycle of addiction by instilling hope in women for a quality of life that includes becoming a successful, productive and healthy member of society. WRA is a network of people committed to providing timely and caring chemical dependency treatment programs for women and their families.
Q: What services do you offer at Women’s Recovery Association?
A: WRA strives to tailor an individualized program of services depending on your specific needs. WRA provides:
- Assessment
- Residential Treatment
- Perinatal Residential Treatment
- Intensive Outpatient Treatment
- Transitional Housing/Sober Living
- Aftercare Services
Q: How long is the program?
A: We take into consideration a person’s life circumstances and personal needs. Together with our clients, we develop individual treatment plans to address identified areas of concern. Length of stay and level of care in treatment is therefore determined on an individual basis at assessment. We strive to ensure that each client is placed in the most appropriate, cost effective treatment level. An average length of stay in residential and intensive outpatient treatment is 60-90 days, although our goal is to customize a treatment length and plan to suit your individual needs.
Q: What is the best time to call to set up an appointment?
A: Administrative Office hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. However, you can also send WRA a message via www.womensrecovery.org and one of our intake specialists will contact you as soon as possible.
Q: When and where are assessments conducted?
A: Drop in assessments are conducted on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. at the Women’s Recovery Association Orientation Group. If you are not available to attend one of the drop -in sessions you can contact the Intake Specialist, Anissa Moore-Williams, and schedule an appointment directly by calling (650) 348-6603.
Q: What if a family member calls to refer someone?
A: WRA will inform them of our services and encourage the family member to attend our Orientation Group with the potential client. The Orientation Group takes place at WRA on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:00 pm. If the family member is unable to attend the Orientation Group, they are welcome to contact Anissa Moore-Williams, Admissions Coordinator, and schedule an appointment directly by calling (650) 348-6603 Ext. 301.
Q: What do the residential facilities offer?
A: In concert with the clinical program, the residential programs provide a sanctuary for women, pregnant women, and mothers in treatment with their children. With a strong emphasis on safety, acceptance and community, WRA’s experienced and caring residential staff create an environment that fosters women’s ability to help each other heal. Programs include:
Group Counseling and Educational Groups
Group counseling is offered four days per week for 3 – 4 ½ hours per day. Some of the groups are therapy (process groups). Some of the groups are larger psycho-educational groups (such as relapse prevention, recovery education, trauma groups and some are small special topic groups such as anger management, food and feelings and parenting).
Individual Counseling/Psychotherapy Services
Individual counseling is provided in all programs. WRA’s psychotherapy program provides women and families with individual counseling to address a variety of issues. These may include: relationships, stressors related to family, sexual and physical abuse, PTSD, mental health issues, eating disorders, domestic violence, social issues, occupational issues, co-dependency, trauma and depression.
Methadone and Suboxone Support
Although WRA does not distribute or prescribe methadone or suboxone, WRA accepts women who have been prescribed medication by their physician or clinic to assist in their recovery treatment. WRA will monitor and oversee the ingestion of prescribed “take home” doses that are managed by the client’s doctor or clinic.
Dual Diagnosis Capabilities
WRA provides specialized short and long term treatment for women who are dually diagnosed with a mental illness and substance abuse. Counselors work with clients to develop individualized treatment planning to meet their specific needs. Medication management is provided in the residential facilities with the cooperation of the prescribing psychiatrist/physician and the referring case manager or therapist.
Perinatal Treatment
Pregnant women and mothers receive specialized services through WRA’s Perinatal Treatment component. Women participate in parenting classes, receive education on pregnancy issues, and participate in the many services designed especially for the new mother. WRA is committed to helping to break the intergenerational cycle of addiction.
For pregnant women and mothers who choose to keep their children with them while in treatment, residential facilities are available at Hillside House. Children up to age 5 are served here. In addition, outpatient perinatal services are also available.
Aftercare/Relapse Prevention
Continued support is available to women who have completed treatment at WRA and other programs. Learn to prevent relapse and get advanced skills for maintaining sobriety.
Clean and Sober Transitional Housing for Women
Juniper House is a clean and sober environment where the residents share responsibility in the care of the house. Together residents support and encourage individual growth while learning how to live without drugs and alcohol. The women develop a community with each other that promotes healthy living and sobriety.
Information about Juniper House
Q: May I tour the residences?
A: No. However, you can take a tour of the Elms, Laurel, Hillside and Juniper houses online by visiting our website at www.womensrecovery.org.
Q: Are visitors allowed while in Residential Treatment?
A: No visitors except minor children are allowed during the first two weeks. After that, visiting hours are between 2 and 4 pm on Sundays and are limited to 1 hour. Visitors must have attended the Family & Friends Group or an Alanon group prior to the visit (except children under age 18). The Family and Friends Group takes place on Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at WRA’s Counseling Center.
Q: What is the cost of treatment and how do I pay for services?
A: Payment for services at WRA is based on a sliding scale. Upon intake, you will meet with our Director of Intake and Admissions and she will assess your financial resources and a fee will be determined. We offer many payment options including Mastercard, VISA, American Express, Check, Credit Card by Phone or Cash. Please call us at 650-348-6603 with any additional questions or for more information about payment options.
For those requiring financial assistance, Women’s Recovery Association has partnered Clark Behavioral Health Financing, to offer flexible financing for the services that we offer for those who qualify. If you are interested in qualifying for a private loan or would like additional information, please call (650) 348-6603.
Q: Does WRA take insurance for drug and alcohol treatment?
A: Not at this time. However, we will be able to refer you to San Mateo MCE and ACE programs and they will do an assessment and determine if you qualify for the programs. More information can be found here.
We also accept Kaiser Permanente patients referred by their physicians and have private pay options available to everyone. To find out what you are eligible for or to inquire about rates and payment options, please call 650-348-6603 and ask to talk to one of our intake specialists.
Q: Am I eligible for San Mateo County Funding?
A: Our contracts with San Mateo County require that we give priority to those who reside in San Mateo County. However, private pay options are open to anyone regardless of what county you are from.
Q: Does WRA have a waiting list?
A: Yes, we do have a waiting list. If it is determined that you are in need of treatment and there is not available space, you will be put on the waitlist.
Q: Does WRA provide detoxification services?
A: WRA will coordinate all of your detoxification needs. If you require medical detoxification, WRA will see to it that you receive the necessary services and are referred back to WRA for treatment..
Q: Upon completing the Residential Treatment Program, am I also required to complete Intensive Outpatient Programs?
A: No. All treatment at the Women’s Recovery Association is voluntary. WRA’s goal is to support each client in her early recovery. Your counselor and WRA staff can help you design a continuing care plan which may include attending WRA groups, individual counseling sessions or aftercare
Q: What are continuing care services?
A: Aftercare services vary depending on the needs of the individual. Aftercare services may include ongoing case management, short term individual, group or family counseling, Relapse Prevention Group, Aftercare Group or a combination of the above.
Q: Do you treat anything besides drug and alcohol addiction?
A: WRA’s psychotherapy program provides women and families with individual counseling to address a variety of issues that often accompany chemical dependency. These may include: relationships, stresses related to family, sexual and physical abuse, PTSD, mental health issues, eating disorders, domestic violence, social issues, occupational issues, co-dependency, trauma and depression.
Q: What is gender-specific treatment?
A: Women often face different challenges than men in overcoming substance abuse. WRA offers a range of gender-specific treatment services that are trauma informed, evidence-based and include curriculum that includes creating safety, parenting, relationship issues, gender inequality, childcare and empowerment. WRA is successful with our treatment for women because we blend a unique combination of professional clinical services, community and peer support, and a comprehensive continuum of care.
Q: What type of help is available for families?
A: WRA believes that addiction impacts the entire family system. It is important for families to be included in the healing process and everyone needs support in order to recover. We create a supportive space for friends and family to learn about addiction and discuss how this disease impacts every person close to the addict. Services are primarily offered in the evening to allow for full participation by family.
WRA’s family services include:
- Couples counseling
- Family systems counseling
- Parenting support and education
- Psycho-education
- Drop-In and closed group sessions
Q: What is the environment at WRA like?
A: Our comfortable residential facilities are private homes located within San Mateo. WRA provides a sanctuary for women, pregnant women, and women in treatment with their children and places a strong emphasis on safety, acceptance and community. WRA’s experienced and caring clinical, residential and administrative staffs create an environment that fosters women’s ability to heal.
For more information about our Treatment Readiness Program, click below.
