Our Mission

The Pennsylvania Halfway House Association is devoted to delivery of quality care to individuals receiving chemical dependency treatment and support in Halfway Houses across the Commonwealth. Its members are dedicated to ensuring this quality care through advocacy, education and the care and treatment of the chemically dependent person, the education for the public regarding the disease of addiction and the unique features of the halfway house as a treatment modality.

The Pennsylvania Halfway House Association (PAHHA) is an association of providers across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that offers Halfway House services to individuals with substance use disorders.

A Halfway House is a community-based residential treatment and rehabilitation facility that provides services, in a supportive and home-like atmosphere, to those who are chemically dependent. Licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health Division of Drug & Alcohol Program Licensure, Halfway Houses comply with federal, state and local regulations meant to ensure quality treatment and care to those suffering from the disease of addiction.

In addition to treatment in a structured environment, residents benefit from an emphasis on the supportive elements of family and community living. Staff encourages and provides opportunities for independent growth and successful transition back to the community by offering a "live in/work out" approach to care, as residents are expected to work, volunteer or attend school while in treatment.

Daily living in a Halfway House includes balancing active participation in intensive treatment activities and focusing on developing life skills that will lead to self sufficiency in recovery. The Halfway House level of care is an important step in the continuum of alcohol and other drug treatment services and over the years has helped thousands of individuals develop a solid foundation in recovery.

Specific Treatment Activities

• Screening & Assessment
• Treatment Planning
• Individual, Group & Family Therapy
• Alcohol & Other Drug Education
• Peer Group Counseling
• Work Therapy
• Life Skills Classes covering a broad range of topics from parenting to budgeting to balancing responsibilities
• Support for 12-Step Participation such as AA and NA
• Case Management/Resource Coordination including assistance with training and employment, healthcare, housing and referrals to other community-based health and human services
• Relapse Prevention & Discharge Planning

Specialization

While all licensed Halfway Houses in Pennsylvania meet the same governing criteria as required by licensing standards, and are committed to delivering quality care; programs vary from agency to agency in terms specialization. For example, some Halfway House programs are credentialed by the Commonwealth as a Co-Occurring Disorders Competent facility, meaning they meet the criteria to competently screen for and address both substance use and mental health disorders concurrently. Some programs specialize in gender-responsive treatment and support and offer care to women in a woman-centered environment. There are some programs which offer clients who are receiving medication — assisted therapies (e.g. methadone maintenance) Halfway House services provided that both facilities — the Halfway House and the provider of medication-assisted therapy — meet the Commonwealth's protocol for this unique partnership.

Membership

Members of the PAHHA meet quarterly in State College to discuss trends and best practices in the field of addictions treatment, share experiences and ideas, and advocate for all individuals seeking recovery from chemical dependency. If you would like to learn more about how to join the Association, please .