Austin Recovery opens family-oriented outpatient program

The Texas-based nonprofit Austin Recovery has launched the Center for Recovering Families, an outpatient program that it says will complement other family-focused services in the organization that include an intensive family weekend program and a residential treatment program for women who can be accompanied to treatment by their young children.

A June 26 news release from Austin Recovery, which was founded in 1967, stated that the outpatient program will employ “small by design” treatment groups, multi-family groups and experiential therapies, to explore topics such as early life experiences, trauma and co-occurring disorders. A similar program has been in operation for years at Austin Recovery's sister treatment organization, the Council on Alcohol Drugs Houston.

“When family members and loved ones are involved with an addicted person, it can be overwhelming,” says Abi Williams, PhD, Austin Recovery's senior clinical adviser. “They may feel confused, helpless, angry and frustrated. The Center is a resource for everyone, and helps build a family system around recovery, while the individual is treated for his or her addiction.”

A ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for the new center took place this week, with the facility dedicated to former Austin Recovery board member and longtime supporter Edith Royal.