Question 1

What is the difference between Level 2.1 and Level 1.0?

Accepted Answer

Level 2.1 is intensive outpatient: three 3-hour sessions a week, 9 hours in all. Level 1.0 is outpatient aftercare: two 2-hour sessions a week, 4 hours in all. Most clients do 12 weeks of each.

Question 2

How do I know which level I need?

Accepted Answer

You don’t have to know. Our assessment uses the ASAM Criteria to set the level of care. If House Shalom isn’t the right level, we’ll help you find the one that is.

Question 3

Can I start in the middle of the program?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every week stands on its own, and a member at least four weeks in walks you through your first week.

Question 4

Do you offer telehealth?

Accepted Answer

No. All House Shalom services are in person at our Sioux Falls office.

Question 5

Who leads the groups?

Accepted Answer

Addiction counselors under the clinical supervision of Dr. Joshua S. Duncan, PhD, LPC-MH, QMHP, LAC. Mental health treatment is provided by licensed mental health clinicians.

Question 6

Do you treat anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns too?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Licensed clinicians at The Becoming Agency can see you for mental health treatment alongside the program, and there is a separate DBT skills group.

Question 7

Can I come if I’m on Suboxone, methadone or another medication?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Clients on buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone or any prescribed medication are admitted, treated and graduated on the same terms as everyone else. We never require, encourage or pressure a taper, and group times work around dosing.

Question 8

Do I have to be a Christian?

Accepted Answer

No. House Shalom is Christian faith-based, and we disclose that in writing before admission. Faith elements are clearly marked and always optional. Your beliefs never affect admission, progress notes, completion or any report about you. If you’d prefer a non-faith-based provider, we’ll refer you.

Question 9

Will anyone find out I’m in treatment?

Accepted Answer

Substance use treatment records are protected by federal law (42 CFR Part 2), which is stricter than HIPAA. We cannot confirm you are a client to anyone, including the person who referred you, unless you sign a release that names them. Some things are never kept confidential, such as a danger to your life or someone else’s, suspected child abuse, a medical emergency or a court order.

Question 10

My parent made me come. Will they see everything I say?

Accepted Answer

No. Under federal law, you control who may be told about your treatment, even when a parent made the referral. At intake you choose what we can share with them. The same safety limits above still apply.

Question 11

Do you drug test?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Random screens are free, private and never shared in group. Unexpected results are confirmed by a lab before they’re treated as positive.

Question 12

What happens if I use while I’m in the program?

Accepted Answer

A slip is treated as part of the work, not a reason to kick you out. It brings a same-week review of your plan and more support if you need it.

Question 13

What if I miss a session?

Accepted Answer

Missed sessions can be made up. If you miss two weeks without making them up, you restart that level of care. If you stop coming, you’re discharged, and you’re welcome to call when you’re ready again.

Question 14

What does it cost?

Accepted Answer

We accept South Dakota Medicaid (no copay for covered SUD treatment), Sanford Health Plan, Avera Health Plans and Wellmark. Self-pay is at the state rate, with a sliding fee scale. No one is turned away solely because they can’t pay.

Question 15

Do you provide rides or housing?

Accepted Answer

No, for adults or teens. We’re glad to coordinate with resources you already use.

Question 16

Can my family be involved?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Family sessions are offered at both levels when you say the time is right. For teens, family sessions happen with the teen’s consent.

Question 17

I just need an evaluation for court. Can you do that?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide standalone substance use evaluations, including court-ordered evaluations, without enrolling you in the program.

Frequently asked questions.

About the Program

Medication and Faith

Privacy

Drug Screens, Slips and Attendance

Practical

Private & Protected

Open Entry

Affordable Care

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