Stepping Stones Treatment Center, located in Joliet, Illinois, is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting individuals struggling with substance use and related mental health disorders. Established in 1971, the center has evolved over the decades to address the changing landscape of addiction and recovery. Initially founded as the Joliet Half-Way House, it merged with Sheltering Arms in 1991 to form Stepping Stones, Inc.
The center offers a comprehensive range of treatment programs tailored to meet individual needs. Their Intensive Residential Treatment provides 24-hour, high-intensity care in a structured environment for adults requiring close monitoring. For those transitioning from intensive care, the Extended Residential Care program focuses on helping individuals lead substance-free lives, fostering responsibility, self-esteem, and productivity. Additionally, Stepping Stones operates gender-specific Recovery Homes, offering alcohol and drug-free living spaces complemented by peer-led support groups to promote healthy lifestyles in early recovery.
Outpatient services are also a vital component of Stepping Stones’ offerings. The Intensive Outpatient Treatment involves nine or more hours of therapy weekly, providing a structured yet flexible approach for those who do not require residential care. Regular Outpatient Treatment is available for individuals capable of maintaining abstinence with minimal support, involving up to eight hours of treatment per week.
Stepping Stones’ treatment philosophy centers on the belief that substance use and mental health disorders are treatable conditions. Their approach emphasizes evidence-based, medically informed methods, with a strong encouragement for participation in self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Family involvement is also encouraged, recognizing the significant role loved ones play in the recovery process.
The organization is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and is licensed by the Illinois Department of Human Services. They accept various forms of payment, including Medicaid and private health insurance, and are committed to providing services even to those unable to pay, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to necessary treatment.
With a mission to deliver individualized services that lead to the long-term elimination of substance use and mental health disorders, Stepping Stones Treatment Center remains a cornerstone in the Joliet community, offering hope and support to those on their journey to recovery.
