Stepping Stones is Akeela’s residential treatment program in Anchorage for women with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health needs. The program serves clients assessed at ASAM Level of Care 3.5, providing a structured residential environment where women can focus on recovery while living with their children.
The program includes 15 fully furnished family apartments, allowing mothers and their children to stay together during treatment. Women receive clinical care, behavioral health services, parenting support, and case coordination while maintaining a stable family environment.
Stepping Stones follows a step-down model of care, beginning with ASAM Level 3.5 residential treatment (up to 90 days) and transitioning to ASAM Level 3.1 clinically managed residential services (up to an additional 90 days) based on clinical progress and family stability goals.
This approach allows women the time needed to build routines, strengthen recovery skills, and prepare for life after residential treatment.
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What the Program Includes
Stepping Stones provides evidence-based behavioral health treatment designed to support recovery, parenting stability, and long-term wellness. Services may include:
- Individual counseling
- Substance use disorder (SUD) treatment groups
- Co-occurring mental health and substance use groups
- Parenting education and parenting support groups
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Motivational Interviewing
- Matrix Model recovery curriculum
- Relapse prevention and emotional regulation skills
- Family counseling and recovery support groups
- Family activities that help mothers and children build healthy routines and connection in recovery
Each woman receives an individualized treatment plan based on her clinical needs, recovery goals, and family situation.
Women typically begin treatment in ASAM Level 3.5 residential care (up to 90 days) and may transition to ASAM Level 3.1 clinically managed residential services for up to an additional 90 days. Length of stay is based on clinical progress, recovery stability, and readiness for the next step in care.
Support for Opioid Recovery
Medication-based treatment is available for women who benefit from medication support as part of their recovery plan. Medication management is available through qualified medical professionals, with coordination across community providers when appropriate.
Medication support is integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling, behavioral health services, and case management. This approach helps reduce cravings, support stability, and strengthen long-term recovery while women focus on healing, parenting, and rebuilding daily routines.
What Sets Stepping Stones Apart
Stepping Stones is designed specifically for mothers in recovery. Women are able to remain with their children while receiving treatment, allowing families to stay together while mothers focus on recovery and stability.
The program includes 15 family apartments where mothers live on site with their children during treatment. A licensed on-site daycare provides safe and reliable care for children while mothers participate in therapy, groups, and other recovery programming.
Many women in the program are working toward family stability, reunification, or maintaining custody of their children. Staff understand the importance of these goals and provide steady, supportive care as women rebuild their lives.
The program gives mothers time to develop recovery skills, strengthen parenting, build healthy routines, and create a stable foundation for themselves and their children before transitioning out of residential care.
Clients receive support with:
- housing planning and discharge coordination
- transportation assistance
- parenting groups and family support
- life skills and long term recovery planning
Stepping Stones is licensed by the State of Alaska and accredited by The Joint Commission, meeting nationally recognized standards for safety and quality in behavioral health care.
The program is designed to serve women experiencing both substance use and mental health challenges. Akeela’s team regularly reviews program outcomes and client feedback to ensure services remain effective, safe, and responsive to the needs of families.
Coverage and payment options can be discussed during the referral or intake process.
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Recent Renovations and Safety Improvements
Stepping Stones has received several updates to improve comfort, safety, and the overall living environment for families. The apartments have been refreshed with new flooring, updated furniture, improved lighting, and renovated bathrooms.
Additional improvements continue to focus on safety, shared family spaces, and creating a welcoming environment where mothers and children can focus on recovery and stability.
Who Can Refer and Who Can Apply
Referrals to Stepping Stones come from many sources, including hospitals, healthcare providers, probation officers, OCS caseworkers, and other behavioral health programs.
Women can also contact the program directly to ask about treatment or begin the referral process. Our team works to respond quickly to referrals and coordinate the next steps for assessment and admission.
What Happens After Treatment
Before leaving the program, women work with staff to create a plan for continued recovery and stability. Many transition into Akeela’s outpatient services for ongoing counseling and support.
Some women move into transitional or stable housing, continue strengthening parenting routines, return to school or employment, or reconnect with supportive community resources. The goal is to leave residential treatment with a clear plan, continued support, and the tools needed to maintain recovery and stability for themselves and their families.
Support For Alaskans
Stepping Stones serves women and families from communities across Alaska who need a safe and structured place to begin recovery. The program provides a supportive residential environment where mothers can focus on healing while remaining with their children.
Some women enter treatment early in their recovery journey, while others are working to rebuild stability after difficult life circumstances. No matter where someone starts, the goal remains the same: safety, stability, and a path forward for both mother and child.
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