
Rather than moving through treatment by the calendar, residents progress through four phases of care, each designed to support healing, growth, and real-world readiness.
Phase 1: Stabilization & Engagement
Women begin their stay by focusing on safety, stabilization, and getting oriented to the program.
During this phase, our team:
- Completes a comprehensive clinical and medical assessment
- Supports physical and emotional stabilization
- Introduces daily structure and routine
- Begins building trust and connection
➡️ Discharge planning begins at admission, ensuring we understand each woman’s needs from the start.
Phase 2: Skill Building & Insight
As stability increases, the focus shifts to understanding patterns and building tools for recovery.
Women work on:
- Identifying triggers and substance use patterns
- Developing coping and emotional regulation skills
- Exploring the impact of trauma and relationships
- Strengthening motivation for change
At the same time, we begin actively working on aftercare planning, including housing, treatment, and community supports.
Phase 3: Integration & Application
In this phase, women begin applying what they’ve learned to real-life situations.
The focus includes:
- Practicing healthy communication and boundaries
- Building a personalized relapse prevention plan
- Strengthening recovery identity and confidence
- Preparing for life beyond residential care
Discharge planning becomes more concrete, with appointments and next steps actively scheduled.
Phase 4: Transition & Discharge
The final phase focuses on preparing for a successful transition back into the community.
Before discharge, each woman will have:
- A clear and realistic aftercare plan
- Confirmed follow-up appointments
- Safe and appropriate housing arrangements
- Ongoing support systems in place
Our goal is to ensure that every woman leaves with a strong foundation for continued recovery.
Discharge Planning from Day One
One of the most important parts of our program is that discharge planning begins immediately.
We understand that recovery doesn’t end when someone leaves residential care—it continues in the real world.
From the first day, our team works alongside each resident to:
- Coordinate medical and mental health care
- Support access to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), if needed
- Secure safe and stable housing
- Navigate legal, family, and community systems
- Connect to ongoing treatment and recovery supports
Whole-Person, Trauma-Informed Care
Our treatment approach addresses the full picture of each woman’s life, including:
- Physical health
- Mental health
- Substance use
- Relationships and environment
- Personal goals and values
We provide care that is:
- Trauma-informed
- Evidence-based
- Person-centered
- Rooted in compassion and accountability
A Foundation for Lasting Recovery

At Tessa’s House, we are not just helping women complete a program—we are helping them:
- Build stability
- Develop meaningful skills
- Strengthen their sense of self
- Create a plan for a different future
Because every woman deserves the opportunity to heal, recover, and rebuild her life.