Grace House is a long-term residential substance use disorder treatment program exclusively for women in New Orleans, Louisiana. Operated by Bridge House/Grace House, it is described on the organization’s site as the only substance use disorder treatment facility exclusively for women in the Greater New Orleans area. The program serves women who are homeless, indigent, uninsured, or underinsured, and extends priority admission to pregnant women. Grace House holds CARF International accreditation and provides treatment regardless of ability to pay.
Residential Treatment Structure
Grace House delivers care through a three-phase residential model based on ASAM levels of care. The Stabilization phase provides a minimum of 20 hours per week of medium-intensity clinical and recovery-focused services over an initial period of 14 to 30 days, during which contact with the outside is restricted so that residents can begin to focus on their recovery and staff can assess individual needs. The Primary phase continues with low-intensity clinical and recovery services centered on applying recovery skills, preventing relapse, strengthening emotional functioning, and building personal responsibility through individual and group therapy shaped by each resident’s treatment plan. The Re-Entry and Transition phase turns attention toward employment, vocational training, and educational goals to prepare women for independent living after treatment.
Clinical Services and Program Philosophy
The organization’s treatment philosophy recognizes chemical dependency as a neurobiological disorder and emphasizes addressing its psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions. Services provided through the program include gender-sensitive individual and group substance abuse counseling, case management, relapse prevention, family treatment when indicated, vocational activities, independent living skills development, and integration of the 12-step Alcoholics Anonymous model. The program also offers medication-assisted treatment as part of its clinical services for women. Bridge House/Grace House has been providing addiction treatment in the New Orleans area for over 65 years, and the organization funds more than half of its operating budget through donations and social enterprises, including thrift stores and a used car lot.
