The road to recovery from mental health conditions, eating disorders, and substance use often extends far beyond the initial treatment phase. Timberline Knolls, a female-focused residential treatment center near Chicago, recognizes this reality through its comprehensive alumnae support system that continues to help women long after they leave the facility.
Continuous Support Beyond Treatment
When a woman or adolescent girl finishes her stay at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, her connection with the therapeutic community doesn’t simply end. The center’s thoughtfully crafted alumnae program serves as a bridge between intensive treatment and independent living, providing ongoing guidance during this crucial transition period.
“Our support and encouragement of our residents does not end when you leave treatment,” explains Threasa “Tee” Kluever, MSW, Alumnae Coordinator at Timberline Knolls. “That’s why we created an alumnae program, allowing us to remain in touch and continue to support each of you in your unique recovery journey.”
As someone in recovery herself, Kluever brings personal insight to her role, understanding firsthand the challenges that come with building a meaningful life after treatment. This lived experience helps her connect authentically with program participants.
Key Components of the Alumnae Program
The Timberline Knolls alumnae program includes several valuable resources:
- One year of free aftercare support
- Monthly alumnae nights for continued connection
- Annual alumnae retreats that foster community
- Private Facebook groups for online support
- Alumnae Connections virtual support groups
- A nationwide network of former residents
These virtual support groups run twice weekly (Tuesday evenings and Thursday mornings) and provide a platform for alumnae to discuss concerns relevant to their ongoing recovery and well-being. The groups are facilitated at no cost to participants, reflecting Acadia Healthcare’s commitment to supporting long-term recovery.
Measuring Success Through Outcomes
The effectiveness of Timberline Knolls’ approach is evident in their outcome measurements. According to their data, residents typically show significant improvement during their treatment stay, with Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scores moving from an average of 32.28 at admission to 46.03 at discharge.
Even more telling are the one-year post-discharge surveys, which reveal that a high percentage of former residents maintain their progress in critical areas like following discharge plans, taking medications as prescribed, and improving family relationships.
Personal Testimonials
Former residents frequently share how their experiences at Timberline Knolls changed their lives for the better.
“Going to Timberline Knolls was one of the best decisions I have ever made,” shares one former resident. “I highly recommend you go here for treatment! You will come out knowing how to cope better with life!”
Another former resident, Lindsey C., specifically credits the step-down PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) with helping her maintain long-term recovery: “Living in the supportive housing was a key factor to my recovery because I was supported by others and staff throughout the night. I would not have made it through the last 6 years of recovery without PHP.”
For women and girls seeking treatment for mental health challenges, eating disorders, or addiction issues, Timberline Knolls stands out by offering not just initial treatment but a supportive community that continues long after formal treatment ends.
The center’s commitment to maintaining these connections acknowledges what research has long confirmed – that recovery is an ongoing process requiring continued support, especially during the first year after treatment.
Through their alumnae program, Timberline Knolls helps ensure that women and girls who have walked through their doors have the resources they need to build and maintain lasting recovery.
