Frequently Asked Questions

Where is The Empowerment Center?

Located on South Virginia St. in Reno, Nevada, The Empowerment Center is 36-bed facility dedicated to serving women in Washoe County, Nevada. It is a state-licensed facility close to city bus lines, shopping, and employment centers. See Map

Are there residency requirements?

  • Desire to live a substance-free life
  • Commitment to a 120-day program
  • Willingness to actively participate in all treatment requirements
  • Willingness to actively participate in a 12-step recovery program
  • Recommended placement in a Level 2 Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program

The Empowerment Center assists each person in finding appropriate employment.

What does the program provide?

  • Semi-private rooms
  • Furnishings (including linens, towels, Internet)
  • On-site laundry facilities
  • Meals
  • Individual and group therapy
  • Successful, experienced, sober staff, with experiential knowledge of the 12-steps of recovery

The Empowerment Center prepares its members for success by providing democratically-run, self-supporting housing. Residents interact with others in maintaining the facility, following guidelines, and obtaining gainful employment.

What are the fees for residency?

Please contact The Empowerment Center regarding fees and payment options. Limited scholarships are available for individuals seeking services at The Empowerment Center.

How long is the program?

The minimum length of stay is 120 days.

Do you or a loved one need help?

Please answer the following questions honestly.

  1. Is drinking/drug use making your home life unhappy?
  2. Does your drinking/drug use make you careless of your family’s welfare?
  3. Is drinking/drug use affecting your reputation?
  4. Do you drink/use to escape from worries or trouble?
  5. Do you drink/use alone?
  6. Have you lost time from work due to drinking/using?
  7. Has your ambition decreased since you started drinking/using drugs?
  8. Is drinking/using drugs jeopardizing your job or business?
  9. Have you ever felt remorse after drinking/using drugs?
  10. Are you in financial difficulties as a result of your drinking/drug use?
  11. Do you crave a drink/drugs at a definite time each day?
  12. Does drinking/drug use cause you to have difficulty sleeping?
  13. Do you drink/use drugs to build self-confidence?
  14. Have you had a complete loss of memory as a result of drinking?
  15. Have you ever been treated for an addiction?

If you answered YES to one of the questions, you should consider whether alcohol or drugs are an area of concern for you.

If you answered YES to any two, there’s a good chance you may have issues that need attention.

If you answered YES to three or more, you should seek a professional opinion to further explore your habits and whether you need help.

The Empowerment Center – Your Helping Hand

The Empowerment Center prepares you for success by providing democratically-run, self-supporting homes that require residents to interact with others in maintaining the house, following facility guidelines, and assistance in obtaining gainful employment.

Our philosophy of honoring and supporting each individual’s authentic contribution to the community and the world around them translates into a practical and useful sober living approach. The Empowerment Center structure provides the best “fit” for residents who can work toward the following goals and ideals:

  • Commit to a minimum 120-day stay to transition away from harmful behavior patterns and develop new habits.
  • Embark on a path of 12-step recovery by attending regular 12-step meetings.
  • Become productive through work, school, or by volunteering.
  • Become dependable and reliable by developing good daily habits and participating in household tasks.
  • Attain new life skills by attending weekly Life Skills Enrichment classes.
  • Remain medication-compliant.
  • Embrace a support network by keeping appointments with your support team which includes your counselors, peer recovery support specialist (PRSS) and all other TEC staff who are here to help you.
  • Participate in recreational therapy by learning to have fun in sobriety.
  • Develop communication skills through interaction with staff and peers.
  • Create a healthy foundation of recovery and personal growth by progressing through a “Level System” of earned rewards.

Who We Serve:

TEC is a women’s only program.

Addiction and Behavioral Health Resources

Alcohol Screening: Visit Site

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA): Visit Site

SAMSHA Prevention Information: Visit Site

Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies: Visit Site

National Institute on Drug Abuse: Visit Site

National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse: Visit Site

Nevada Department of Health and Human Services: Visit Site

Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH): Visit Site

Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Agency (SAPTA): Visit Site