The Phoenix House Women’s Residential Program in Exeter has provided gender-responsive substance use treatment for women who need the stability and support of a residential setting. Located on the Exeter campus, the program is designed to help women move beyond the immediate effects of alcohol or drug use and begin addressing the emotional, relational, health, and practical issues that influence long-term recovery. The environment offers separation from daily triggers while residents develop healthier routines and prepare for continued treatment in the community.
Residential Services for Women
Treatment begins with an individualized assessment that considers substance use history, physical health, mental health symptoms, trauma, family relationships, parenting responsibilities, previous treatment, and personal goals. Services may include individual therapy, group counseling, addiction education, relapse-prevention work, case management, and discharge planning. Medication-assisted treatment may be incorporated or coordinated when clinically appropriate.
The residential schedule provides regular therapeutic activities and opportunities to practice recovery skills. Women can work on recognizing triggers, responding to cravings, improving emotional regulation, and replacing harmful patterns with healthier decisions. Group sessions offer a supportive setting where residents can discuss experiences with others who understand the challenges of addiction and recovery.
Gender-Responsive Treatment Approach
Women may enter treatment with experiences that require a thoughtful and trauma-informed approach, including domestic violence, sexual trauma, grief, caregiving stress, unstable housing, or separation from children. Treatment can address these concerns without defining a woman solely by what has happened to her. The goal is to help each resident strengthen safety, confidence, coping skills, and the ability to make decisions that support recovery.
Counselors may use cognitive behavioral techniques, motivational strategies, recovery education, and other evidence-informed methods. Treatment planning also considers co-occurring depression, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, and other behavioral health conditions that can contribute to continued substance use. When specialized psychiatric or medical services are needed, staff can coordinate referrals or additional care.
Family, Parenting, and Community Support
Many women in residential treatment are also mothers, partners, daughters, or caregivers. When appropriate, treatment may include family education, communication planning, parenting support, or coordination with agencies involved in family reunification. Staff can help residents establish healthier boundaries and develop a support network that encourages recovery rather than returning to old patterns.
Case management and discharge preparation may address housing, transportation, employment, benefits, legal obligations, medical care, and continued behavioral health treatment. Before leaving residential care, each resident should have a practical plan that may include outpatient counseling, medication management, sober living, peer support, and community recovery meetings.
Admissions and Current Program Information
Program names, services, and organizational ownership at the Exeter campus have changed over time. Women, families, and referring professionals should contact the facility directly to confirm whether the women’s residential program is currently operating, the population being served, admission criteria, available beds, accepted insurance plans, and whether detoxification or medical stabilization is needed before placement.
