Answers to Common Questions

Patients are not allowed to have personal electronic devices such as laptops while in residential treatment.

In general, patients remain in residential treatment for approximately 90 days. The length of stay may be longer for some individuals as the duration of treatment is individualized. Key determining factors include a person’s individual treatment plan goals, progress towards their goals, overall participation in treatment sessions and activities, and personal readiness to transition to a lower level of care and return to living in a community setting.

Patients receive comprehensive and compassionate care in a 24/7 supported environment. Patients enrolled in residential care spend approximately 20 hours a week in group counselling and education classes.  Each patient is assigned a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and/or a Dual-Diagnosis Counselor who meets with them one-on-one for at least one hour a week during residential treatment. In addition, each patient is assigned to a “Core Group”. The Core Groups are cohorts of 8 to 10 patients who meet regularly with the support of a counselor to share stories of recovery, build skills and find strength in community.

Through the residential program, patients learn about substance use patterns and how to prevent a return to use, including pain management, behavior modification, meditation and detailed aftercare plans.

Family support and involvement is strongly encouraged as part of treatment. Families are encouraged to participate in family therapy services through Fora Health which actively engage family members in the treatment process.

Family members and children can engage in pre-approved visits with patients at Fora Health during scheduled visitation hours only after patients have been in the treatment program for 30 days.

Fora Health is a tobacco-free facility. Smoking, chewing tobacco, vaping and other tobacco and nicotine products are not permitted. Smoking cessation services and Nicotine Replacement Therapy are available.

Patients always have access to a landline while in residential and they will have access to their cell phones on a limited bases during scheduled times. Patients are not allowed to record, take photos or use WiFi.

Fora Health’s residential facility has 70 beds, for male and female identifying patients.

Rooms are double occupancy with shared bathrooms in each wing. Residential rooms are intentionally minimalist to encourage spending time in community. There are two residential wings at Fora Health where people enroll in treatment based on their gender identity. To see what the rooms and our facility look view our virtual tour.

Yes, there are frequent opportunities for outings and off-site activities. Activities often include walks, running, park outings and community events.

Fora Health frequently works with our local 12-step community and AA and NA meetings are held onsite. Community is a big part of many people’s recovery and while in residential care patients are encouraged to attend these meetings. However, our primary goal is to support the individual and help everyone find what works for them. We also encourage patients to attend Refuge Recovery, Wellbriety, SMART Recovery and other fellowship programs. Residential patients can request passes to attend recovery meetings at other locations in Portland during their stay at Fora Health.

A patient may need withdrawal management services (commonly called detox) prior to entering residential treatment. The need for withdrawal management depends on a person’s use history and type of substance being used, including alcohol and opiates. To determine the need for withdrawal management, Fora Health will conduct an initial intake screening prior to conducting a full assessment. Fora Health can refer prospective patients to other providers of managed withdrawal services in the community if our program is full.

People enrolled in services at Fora Health are welcome to reevaluate their treatment plan in consultation with their counselor at any time. If it is decided that residential treatment is not the right fit, counselors and patient will work together to refer the patient to another organization or Fora Health’s outpatient services where they can find comprehensive care, including medically assisted treatment and other specialty services, while living independently.

Fora Health is a tobacco-free facility, including outdoor areas. Patients may not have cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, vape pens, or other tobacco products in treatment. Smoking cessation services and Nicotine Replacement Therapy are available.