Saint Luke Institute has a comprehensive, long-range Continuing Care Program. This program is designed to help the resident transition back to the diocese or religious community and to support recovery. Before leaving Saint Luke Institute, the individual prepares a Continuing Care Contract with the assistance of their primary therapist. The Contract addresses problems that have been identified during treatment as well as “budding signs.” These are behaviors that the person has identified as warning signs of possible relapse. The Contract spells out in detail the behavioral changes and attitudes needed for the resident to maintain healthy living. It includes references to: emotional, spiritual, psychological, and medical issues and what is needed in those areas to support recovery.

In addition to the Continuing Care Contract, the resident is asked to form a local support group of six to eight people to assist him/her in recovery. Using this Contract, the main task of the group is to support and affirm new healthy behaviors, and assist in relapse prevention.

In the men’s program and occasionally in the women’s program, a member of the Continuing Care Staff facilitates a re-entry workshop about eight weeks after a person has begun a new assignment. This workshop is an opportunity to convene the support group and to review the Contract and treatment process, especially the “budding signs” that have been identified in treatment.

In addition to the Continuing Care Contract and support group, the person is asked to participate once or twice a year in Continuing Care Workshops. The purpose of these workshops is to consolidate treatment gains made in the residential program and to continue the life-long process of healing. These week-long sessions are held at Saint Luke Institute. Depending on diagnosis, the individual participates in these workshops anywhere from two to five years. An assessment of their progress in recovery is communicated to the client’s bishop or major superior. The Continuing Care staff is available for ongoing consultation and crisis intervention.

back to top