Overview
Since 1976, The Walker Center has been a non-profit leader in addiction treatment, offering "hope, help, and healing" to adults in Idaho. The residential facility is situated on a serene, college-like campus in the remote setting of Gooding, providing a distraction-free environment crucial for recovery. With a capacity of 46 beds, the facility fosters a close-knit community where clients reside in dorm-style accommodations with shared rooms, promoting peer support and accountability. Their CARF-accredited program provides a complete continuum of care, blending 12-Step principles with evidence-based therapies to create personalized treatment plans for substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Visit their website here.
Facility
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Amenities & Details
Your First Step is a Conversation
Reaching out can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. The admissions team is here to listen without judgment and help you understand your options.
- Your call is 100% confidential. Speak with The Walker Center's admissions.
- There's no commitment to enroll. They're here to answer questions.
- Talk next steps clearly. Discuss costs and what treatment looks like.
Treatment
Levels of Care
Medical Detoxification
Safe, supervised withdrawal.
8-Week Residential Program
Immersive, evidence-based healing.
Outpatient Services
Flexible support for ongoing recovery.
Approaches
Policies
Structured Campus Policy
Clients must remain on campus; leaving results in discharge.
MAT Permitted
Suboxone allowed at a low, stable dose with coordination.
Smoking Policy
Allowed in designated areas; sealed packs only (no vapes).
No Electronics
Personal devices secured; facility phones available after 5 days.
Mandatory Participation
Active involvement in all scheduled activities is required.
Family Visitation
Scheduled on Sundays from 1:00 PM to 3:45 PM.
Cost
Insurance & State Funding
The Walker Center accepts most major private insurance plans and is a provider for Idaho state-funded treatment. Their admissions team can provide a free, confidential benefits check.
Verify Your InsuranceSelf-Pay
Self-pay options are available. The estimated cost for the 8-week program is below. Please call to confirm exact pricing and payment options.
- Full Program (8 Weeks):~ $32,000
- Payment 1 (Admission):$12,000
- Payment 2 (30 Days):$10,000
- Payment 3 (Completion):$10,000
Reviews
Based on 72 Google reviews
What Clients Appreciate
Compassionate Staff: Staff and counselors are consistently praised for being dedicated and highly effective.
Life-Saving Program: Many alumni credit the center with providing the essential tools for long-term sobriety.
Supportive Environment: The structure, strong community, and remote location are cited as keys to success.
"The Walker Center saved my life. The counselors and staff are absolutely amazing. This place gave me my life back, taught me how to live again. I'm forever grateful for the Walker Center and the tools they've taught me."
"One of the best experiences of my life. This place gave me the structure and accountability I needed to be successful in my recovery. All of the staff were amazing and truly care about everyone's journey... It's a great place to begin the path to recovery."
View additional context from reviews
The few negative reviews occasionally mention the program's strict structure not being a good fit for everyone or specific disagreements with staff decisions. However, these comments are vastly outweighed by positive testimonials.
Location
Address
The Walker Center605 11th Ave E
Gooding, ID 83330, USA
Hours
Admissions: Mon-Sat, 8am - 6pm
Residential programs operate 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Costs & Admission
What will my costs be for treatment?
Costs vary based on insurance coverage. The estimated self-pay rate for the 8-week residential program is approximately $32,000, typically paid in installments ($12k on admission, $10k at 30 days, $10k at completion). Outpatient costs are determined on a case-by-case basis.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, The Walker Center accepts many major private insurance plans as well as Idaho state funding options. They can help verify your coverage.
Do you provide detoxification services?
Yes, they offer on-site medical detox (withdrawal management) for clients who require it before beginning the residential program.
Is Suboxone (MAT) permitted?
Yes, clients on prescribed Medication-Assisted Treatment like Suboxone or Buprenorphine are accepted. The center requires the dose to be low and stable, and they coordinate care with your prescribing physician.
Program & Treatment
Why choose this program? What makes it different?
Key differentiators include its remote, distraction-free location in Gooding, a non-profit mission since 1976, CARF accreditation, a blend of 12-Step and evidence-based methods (CBT/EMDR), experiential therapies like a ROPES course, and a strong, active alumni community.
What types of therapies are used?
The Walker Center uses a wide array of evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and Motivational Interviewing, integrated with 12-Step principles and experiential activities.
How do you treat dual diagnosis / co-occurring disorders?
Yes, they treat co-occurring mental health conditions alongside substance use to provide comprehensive, integrated care for the whole person.
Does this program use the 12-Steps, SMART Recovery, or Celebrate Recovery?
The Walker Center's approach blends the philosophy and principles of 12-Step programs (AA/NA) with clinical, evidence-based methods. Attendance at outside 12-Step meetings is required as part of the program.
Is the program faith-based?
No, the program is not explicitly faith-based. It is a clinical program that integrates 12-Step principles, which have a spiritual component, but it is not tied to any specific religion.
How long has this facility been open?
The Walker Center was founded in 1976 and has been providing addiction treatment for nearly 50 years.
Daily Life, Rules & Family
How long is the program?
The core residential program is based on an 8-week (approximately 60 day) curriculum. The exact length of stay may vary based on individual needs and progress.
What is the living situation like? Can I get my own room?
Clients live in a dorm-style setting on a campus. You will share a room with roommates; private rooms are not available. This shared living arrangement is designed to build community and peer support.
Is this a closed/locked facility?
No, it is not a locked facility, and clients can choose to leave at any time. However, there is a firm expectation that clients remain on campus for the duration of their treatment. Leaving against clinical advice will result in being discharged from the program.
Can I use my phone/laptop? Is smoking allowed?
Personal electronics (phones, laptops, smart watches) are not permitted. They are secured upon admission. Clients can use facility phones after an initial 5-day period. Smoking is allowed in designated areas, but only sealed packs of cigarettes are permitted (no vapes, e-cigs, or American Spirits).
What should I bring? What should I leave at home?
Bring: One suitcase of casual clothing for 7-10 days (laundry on-site), personal pillow/blanket, prescriptions (unopened OTC meds), ID/insurance cards, and calling cards.
Leave at Home: All electronics, valuable jewelry, outside food/drink, weapons, aerosol sprays, revealing clothing, and any clothing with drug/alcohol references. All items are subject to search and approval by staff.
Who provides care here? Are there psychiatrists on staff?
Care is provided by a treatment team of certified addiction counselors who are on-site 7 days a week. Each client is assigned an individual counselor. A doctor is on staff to address medical needs and medications. Specific information about on-staff psychiatrists was not found. Are you the owner? Claim this listing to add staff details.
Who will be in treatment with me?
The program is co-ed for adults from diverse backgrounds. With a 46-bed capacity, you will be in a community of peers who may have private insurance or be state-funded. The shared experience is a core part of the healing process.
What is the family involvement and visitation policy?
Family involvement is highly encouraged. Clients participate in a two-day family program 2-3 times during their stay. Regular family visitation hours are on Sundays from 1:00 PM to 3:45 PM.
What kind of aftercare and follow-up support is available?
Yes, The Walker Center has a strong aftercare program. Graduates have access to the #WalkingSober Alumni Group, a private online community, as well as regular peer support meetings and scheduled events to help maintain long-term recovery.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Their team is available to answer your questions confidentially.
Call NowAccreditation & Support
CARF Accredited
Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities
ASAM Standards
Follows American Society of Addiction Medicine Criteria
LegitScript Certified
Verified Healthcare Provider