Program Overview Arapahoe Houseʼs StepWise service is for teens with serious behavioral, social, or educational problems caused by substance use and/or mental health disorders. This 24‑hour care service provides a sheltered and structured treatment environment for adolescents ages 12 – 18. This service is designed for those clients whose treatment in a less restrictive setting would be unlikely to result in changes sufficient to maintain abstinence from alcohol and other drugs. Its focus is on stabilization and preparation for ongoing treatment in a lower level of care, such as outpatient treatment.
Family services are a strong part of this service and are offered through both family therapy sessions and multi‑family groups. Frequency of these services are based on clinical necessity and aimed at reaching family goals so that the adolescent can return to the community as quickly as possible.
Services include:
- Intensive individual, group and family therapy.
- An accredited on‑site school for clients who have not received a high school diploma or are working towards their GED.
- Job skills training services available to age appropriate clients.
- Recreational activities.
Adolescent residential and outpatient treatment at Arapahoe House focuses on:
- The effects of drugs and alcohol on the brain and health.
- Legal and social consequences.
- Skill development, identifying triggers and high‑risk situations to avoid relapse.
- Increasing daily living skills including managing anger, disappointment and success.
- Establishing a relapse prevention plan to address continued sobriety with relevant supports.
Duration of treatment: Flexible length of stay.
Location: Thornton, Colorado
Hours of Operation
24 hours per day throughout the year.
For referral or admission to any of our programs, please contact the Information and Access Team 303.657.3700 or [email protected]. Phone lines are open Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
