The Phoenix Approach
Philosophy
Phoenix Programs embraces a treatment philosophy that engages clients in a community which fosters self-responsibility and motivation for change. Using Motivational Enhancement techniques, we empower individuals to take control of their own recovery. This is achieved by creating new or strengtheinging existing linkages within the community, for example, a couple attending reunification counseling or an individual connecting with a childhood church family. The ultimate goal is a strong recovery-oriented system of care that supports a client throughout treatment and stays in place as an individual prepares to disengage from the treatment center at discharge.
“All of the groups were extremely helpful in the rehabilitation and habilitation process. Never once had I not left a group without a positive thought or feeling that I could turn into action concerning recovery from a problem that I was dealing with or facing.” – a grateful recipient
When surveyed, 84% of our clients said that the treatment programs at Phoenix Programs gave them the right tools to maintain their recovery, and 77% of clients said that the treatment they received at Phoenix Programs was superior to other programs that they they had experienced.
Best Practices
Phoenix Programs values and models evidence-based treatment practices in all of its treatment and prevention programming. Evidence-based practices that are central to the ‘Phoenix Approach’ are the Modified Therapeutic Community (MTC), Assertive Community Therapy (ACT), and the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA). A new intiative, Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) has recently been launched in partnership with the University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics.
Phoenix Programs has received the following awards and recognitions:
| June 2009 | Recognized by the Missouri Department of Mental Health for exceptional performance as a grantee of Access to Recovery Funds. |
| September 2009 | Honored by Missouri Foundation for Health for exceptional work in improving services for people with co-occurring disorders. |
| October 2009 | Selected as a member of SAMHSA’s distinguished “100 Pioneers for Smoking Cessation Virtual Leadership Academy.” |
| April 2010 | Selected as a member of SAMHSA’s distinguished “25 Pioneers for Smoking Cessation Virtual Leadership Academy.” |
| August 2010 | Chosen by the Missouri Recovery Network to sponsor the Arts and Entertainment showing of the film “Lost in Woonsocket” for Recovery Month. |
| September 2010 | Recipient of Columbia Mayor McDavid’s Proclamation for National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. |
Client Satisfaction
We are committed to ensuring that our clients receive individualized treatment to meet their unique needs. We use client satisfaction surveys to help us understand how clients experience treatment.
“I am a client at Phoenix by choice, I love all the staff who have been wonderful. You can talk with anyone about any issues and never be judged. Thank you.” - client
Outcomes
Our philosophy, adherence to best practice models, and listening to our clients, has created a treatment atmosphere that produces the best possible outcome for our clients, their families, and their communities.
Outcomes data is collected from individuals six months after their initial intake. We ask: “how is sobriety, what is work and family life like now, are you more connected to recovery supports, and is your legal status and health in better condition than it was?” All of the responses to these questions are put together to guage how well the treatment at Phoenix Programs helped change an individual’s life for the better. The collection tool that we use in collecting all this data is a standard instrument (GPRA Core Client Outcomes tool) which is widely used in all states. Phoenix Programs’ data indicates that we have significant impact on our clients. Six months after leaving treatment 72% of clients report being abstinent from drugs and alcohol, 83% report no new negative social consequences as a result of drug / alcohol use, and 89% of clients report that they are connected to self-help or peer support groups in the community.
Phoenix Programs makes outcome reports available to funders, donors, and community stakeholders regularly because we know that positive outcomes help clients and their families have confidence that they are getting best treatment possible.




