Real House, Inc.

Situated in Essex County, NJ, Real House, Inc. was founded in 2004. The facility runs two emergency shelters and transitional care facilities, exclusively for women, in Newark and Bloomfield.

Real House also offers its clients a standard co-ed outpatient program as well as an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Montclair, NJ. Most residents at Real House are court-referred.

The treatment model at Real House utilizes an approach that integrates substance abuse treatment and developing skills and tools to address issues occurring in daily life.

Accommodations

Real House’s Bloomfield residence can house nearly 20 women while the Newark facility can accommodate approximately 16 women. While the Newark unit is situated in an urban area, the Bloomfield facility is located in a suburban neighborhood. Both residences do boast of backyards where the clients hang out and do barbeques during the summer.

In the first phase of treatment, residents share a room with four other residents. As the resident progresses, there is a decrease in the number of roommates. Residents promoted as house managers stay together and can enjoy DVD players and in-room TVs.

All residents can use cell phones and computers, but the usage is restricted to school and work purposes. All devices have to be signed-in each evening.

Both Bloomfield and Newark facilities boast of common areas where residents can play games or watch TV. While these facilities do not have any exercise equipment, residents can go for runs before starting their morning rituals.

Residents who stay in these houses do not have to pay the rent but have to pay approximately $100 towards the house food budget, either through food stamps or wages.

The staff does the shopping for groceries and food items. Each resident can buy individual items from the portion that is left after the shopping is completed.

Food

Residents prepare their meals as part of life skill exercise and monthly chores. Experienced residents teach cooking to those who cannot cook. Special dietary needs are accommodated.

Treatment Program

Residents at Real House undergo a four-phase treatment program. The average stay at the Real House is around nine months.

In Phase One, lasting between a month to 60 days, residents attend IOP at the Montclair facility throughout the week as well as five on-site groups session at their residence. During the first phase, residents also have to get a sponsor and attend four local 12-steps meetings.

Residents in Phase Two, with help from their counselor, have to prepare a daily schedule. They continue attending on-site treatment groups, 12-step meetings, as well as IOP groups. During Phase Two, residents have to attend a school or get part-time jobs. They can also get permission to leave the residence.

Phase Three requires the residents to contribute to the administrative chores in the home, hold orientation meetings, and act as an escort during outings. Residents can also visit their home during the weekends. Residents continue their schooling and/or employment as well as attend 12-step meetings.

Phase Four requires the residents to get a full-time job, study, and learn budgeting skills. They have to attend 12-step meetings and a minimum of three treatment group sessions every week.

Montclair IOP track does not exceed 12 participants. Clients in this track discuss topics like treating addiction as a disease, relapse prevention, anger management, grief, and using the 12-step approach.

The curriculum at each house includes CBT, Thinking For Change, and Motivational Enhancement Therapy.

Staff

Groups at the IOP tracks are led by addiction counselors such as LCSWs, LADCs, and CADCs and master’s-level therapists. Staff at the residences also comprises LPCs and CADCs. The Real House staff can also provide support for co-occurring disorders.

In Addition

Parenting classes, family therapy, and classes on domestic violence are also provided in the IOP track. Visiting hours are 12 to 2:00 pm on the weekends.

Before completing their treatment, clients have to develop an aftercare program with the help of their counselors. The aftercare program may include periodic group and/or individual sessions and 12-step meetings. The counselors keep track of the clients to make sure that they stay on track during their recovery.

Additional Locations

60 Hazelwood Rd
Bloomfield, NJ 07003

15 South St
Newark, NJ 07102

Cost

Food Contribution – approximately $100/month. The center does not charge for treatment and rooms.