Sophia House

Nanaimo, BC

Sophia House is a residential supportive recovery program for women who are mentally well and medically stable and have gone through a social or medical detoxification process from alcohol and/or drugs. The goal is to support residents in their choice to live a full life without substance misuse. The length of stay is flexible to a maximum of 60-days.

This program has 5 beds and an integrated curriculum of life skills, personal development, and leisure perception retraining. Individualized personal plans customize service according to each client's goals and needs. Daily schedules include group work and educational sessions in such areas as meal planning, budgeting, relapse prevention, employment planning, self care, healthy living, and a variety of other areas. Some clinical support and training is available through in-service sessions by Health Authority case managers.

In addition to the onsite support staff, clients work with VIHA addiction counsellors and follow an addiction treatment plan designed by the client and her MHAS Addictions Counsellor. In-house group work provides a foundation for clients to participate in community based support programs such as 12 or 16 step programs. The house philosophy is based on choice, abstinence, personal empowerment, work/contribution, community, and the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model of development.

Referrals

Referrals to Sophia House are made through Nanaimo Mental Health and Addiction Services. Admission must be made as part of a person's active recovery plan, in consultation with a Vancouver Island Health Authority Case Manager or Addictions Counsellor. Members of the public interested in being referred to Sophia House should contact their Case Manager or Mental Health and Addiction Services.

Mental Health and Addiction Services can be accessed in Nanaimo through Adult Community Support Services at Brooks Landing. The walk in crisis counselling clinic is located on the back of the building directly off of Departure Bay Road.  The address is: #201 - 2000 Island Highway.

Case Workers and other health professionals may direct questions related to referrals to:  Judy Whittingham, Coordinator, Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Services, 3151 Barons Road, Nanaimo; Phone 250-739-5880; Fax 250-739-5879.