Stepping away from the supportive environment of residential treatment back into everyday life represents one of the biggest challenges in the recovery journey. Recognizing this critical transition period, Timberline Knolls has built a comprehensive alumnae program that bridges this gap, helping women maintain their progress long after formal treatment ends.
A Structured Approach to Continued Care
Unlike many facilities that offer limited aftercare, Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center provides former residents with a detailed discharge plan complemented by a year of free aftercare support. This structured approach acknowledges that recovery isn’t a destination but an ongoing process requiring continued guidance and community.
“At TK, our support and encouragement of our residents does not end when you leave treatment,” explains the program description. “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.”
Leadership With Personal Recovery Experience
A standout feature of the program is its coordination by individuals with lived recovery experience. Alumnae Coordinator Threasa “Tee” Kluever brings personal insight to her role, creating an environment of authentic understanding.
“I am proud and excited to serve as your Alumnae Coordinator,” Kluever shares. “As a person in recovery myself, I understand the challenges of leaving treatment and building a meaningful life in recovery. I have walked a similar road filled with turbulence and triumphs that recovery brings.”
This peer-led approach helps women feel truly understood as they handle the ups and downs of ongoing recovery, fostering more honest communication about challenges and setbacks.
Virtual Support Groups Provide Regular Connection
The program’s twice-weekly virtual support groups offer structured opportunities for women to discuss recovery issues in a moderated environment. These “Alumnae Connections” sessions occur on Tuesday evenings and Thursday mornings, accommodating different schedules while maintaining program consistency.
“The purpose of these groups is to provide ongoing support by allowing our alumnae the opportunity to discuss concerns and topics of importance to their own recovery and well-being,” notes the program description. This regular touchpoint helps women continue processing their experiences with peers who understand their journey.
Creating Meaning Through Story Sharing
The alumnae program actively encourages women to share their recovery stories, recognizing the healing power of narrative for both the teller and the audience. These shared experiences help current residents see that recovery is possible, while giving alumnae an opportunity to find meaning in their difficult experiences.
“Have a story you’d like to share about your recovery from an eating disorder, addiction, mood disorder, and/or trauma? We’d love to hear from you,” the program invites. “There is hope in your stories. There is strength in your healing.”
Measuring Success Through Outcomes
Acadia Healthcare, which operates Timberline Knolls, maintains comprehensive outcome data that demonstrates the program’s effectiveness. Their tracking shows significant improvements in several key areas during treatment, with these gains largely maintained one year post-discharge.
The ongoing collection of this data allows the center to continuously refine their approach, ensuring that alumnae receive the most effective support possible based on real-world outcomes.
Building Lifelong Connections
Perhaps the most valuable aspect of the Timberline Knolls alumnae program is the lifelong community it creates. Many former residents describe these connections as instrumental to their continued wellness, providing understanding and encouragement that may not be available in their immediate social circles.
As one former resident shares: “Going to Timberline Knolls was one of the best decisions I have ever made! I highly recommend you go here for treatment! You will come out knowing how to cope better with life!”
For women seeking eating disorder, mental health, or addiction treatment at Timberline Knolls, the robust alumnae program provides reassurance that support won’t end at discharge. Instead, it marks the beginning of a new chapter in recovery, supported by a community that truly understands the journey.
