Overview
Adult & Teen Challenge Vermont offers a unique, long-term residential program for men seeking freedom from addiction through a Christ-centered approach. Located in the serene, rural landscape of Johnson, Vermont, the campus provides a peaceful and distraction-free environment ideal for reflection and healing. The facility is designed to feel like a home, not an institution, fostering a close-knit community among the 18 residents. This 10 to 12-month discipleship program provides a structured and supportive atmosphere of mutual support, accountability, and spiritual growth where individuals can focus on healing. As a non-profit, they are committed to making recovery accessible, ensuring financial constraints do not prevent anyone from receiving help. The program is not a clinical facility but a spiritual journey towards a new life. 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 admissions team.
- 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 Offered
Long-Term Residential
Immersive, faith-based discipleship.
Restoration Program
Aftercare for ongoing support.
Approaches
Policies
Sobriety Requirement
Must be detoxified before admission.
No MAT Permitted
Suboxone and other MAT are not supported.
No Smoking/Vaping
Entire campus is strictly tobacco-free.
Electronics Policy
No personal phones until 9 months into program.
Visitation Policy
Family visits permitted on Sundays (2pm-6pm).
Prohibited Items
Includes tobacco, secular media, electronics.
Cost
Payment Structure
Adult & Teen Challenge Vermont is a non-profit and does not accept private insurance. They are committed to helping anyone regardless of finances, supported by donations, Medicaid, and self-pay.
Self-Pay
Fees help cover costs, but financial aid is available. Please call to discuss your situation.
- One-Time Intake Fee: $750
- Monthly Sponsorship Fee: $750
Reviews
Based on 35 Google reviews
What Clients Appreciate
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Life-Saving Program: Many credit the program with saving their lives through its focus on faith and dedicated staff.
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Caring Staff: The compassionate, non-judgmental staff create a true sense of brotherhood and family.
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Long-Term Structure: The program's duration is seen as essential for building a solid foundation for a new life in Christ.
"Teen Challenge VT saved my life... They loved me when I couldn't love myself. They taught me how to live a new life and how to be a productive member of society. God is so good and I thank him for the men who run this program. They TRULY care about the men who come through the doors."
"This place saved my life. I am over 2 years sober and that is something I could only say because of this program. It's a long term program and a lot of work but when I put my all in the program gave its all back to me. The men here all love Jesus and love the students."
View additional context from reviews
While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, critical feedback is minimal. The few negative points suggest the highly structured, faith-intensive model may not be suitable for everyone, especially those not seeking a strictly Christian approach.
Tip: The program's success often hinges on a client's willingness to commit to the long-term, faith-based model and its strict rules.
Location
Address
Adult & Teen Challenge Vermont1296 Collins Hill Rd
Johnson, VT 05656, USA
Hours
Admissions: Mon-Fri, 9am - 5pm
Residential program operates 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Program & Treatment
Why choose this program? What makes it different?
They emphasize Christ-centered transformation and discipleship-based recovery over clinical treatment, focusing on spiritual and personal growth in a supportive, faith-driven environment.
What substance use disorder treatment programs do you offer?
They offer one long-term residential (10–12 month) faith-based discipleship program for men with substance use disorder.
How do you treat dual diagnosis / co-occurring disorders?
The program does not offer clinical treatment for dual diagnosis. The focus is on spiritual healing as the path to overcoming all life-controlling problems, including underlying mental health issues.
What types of therapies are used?
The program is centered on faith-based discipleship, biblical studies, life skills training, and peer support. It is not based on traditional evidence-based psychotherapies like CBT or DBT.
Does this program use the 12-Steps?
The program is a faith-based discipleship model and is not specifically 12-Step, Smart Recovery, or Celebrate Recovery, though it shares goals of community and higher-power reliance.
Is the program faith-based?
Yes, it is a Christian program with a strong biblical foundation, centered on developing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
How long has this facility been open?
The Adult & Teen Challenge organization was founded in 1960, bringing decades of experience in faith-based recovery.
Cost & Admission
What will my costs be for treatment?
There is a one-time $750 intake fee and a recurring $750 monthly sponsorship fee. However, as a non-profit, they will not deny anyone for cost reasons and offer need-based financial aid.
Do you accept insurance?
No, Adult & Teen Challenge Vermont does not accept private insurance. They are a publicly-funded non-profit that accepts self-pay and works with Medicaid. Financial aid is available.
Do you provide detoxification services?
No, medically supervised detoxification services are not offered. Candidates must be detoxified before entering the long-term program.
Is Suboxone (MAT) permitted?
No, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) like Suboxone is not permitted. The program is based on achieving freedom from all substances through faith.
Daily Life, Rules & Family
How long will I be there?
The residential program is a long-term commitment, typically lasting 10 to 12 months.
What is the living situation like? Can I get my own room?
The living situation is a home-like, dorm-style setting. You will share a room with up to five other men in bunk beds. Private rooms and bathrooms are not available.
Is this a closed/locked facility?
No, it is an open campus. Residents are not locked in and can go outside for walks and breaks, but must remain on the property and follow the program's schedule and rules.
Can I use my phone/laptop? Is smoking allowed?
No, smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited. Personal electronics like phones and laptops are not allowed. Cell phones are only permitted after 9 months. Residents can use a landline 3 times per week after the first 14 days.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable, modest clothing for all seasons, personal hygiene items, a Bible if you have one, and any approved personal necessities that align with the program’s faith-based environment. Keep items simple and essential.
What should I leave at home?
Leave all electronic devices (cell phones, laptops), tobacco and vaping products, valuables, and any secular media or items that may distract from the program's focus on spiritual growth.
What is the difference between inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment?
Inpatient (residential) treatment requires living at the facility 24/7, providing an immersive, structured environment. Outpatient treatment allows you to live at home while attending scheduled therapies, offering more flexibility but less structure.
Who provides care here? Are there psychiatrists on staff?
Care is provided by a dedicated team of pastoral staff, including a Chaplin and licensed clinical counselors. There are no psychiatrists or medical doctors on staff, as this is a non-clinical, spiritual program.
Who will be in treatment with me?
You will be in treatment with other adult men who are committed to a Christian-based path to recovery. The community often includes individuals from lower-income backgrounds and those who use Medicaid, as the program is designed to be accessible to all.
What is the family involvement and visitation policy?
Family involvement is encouraged. On-site family visitation is allowed on Sundays from 2 PM to 6 PM, providing a dedicated time for residents to connect with their loved ones.
What kind of aftercare and follow-up support is available?
For those who need additional support, a 3 to 6-month restoration program is available. The program also helps build a strong community and alumni network for ongoing peer support after discharge.
Do you treat co-occurring mental disorders?
No, the program does not provide clinical treatment for co-occurring disorders. The model is based on the belief that spiritual healing through faith can address the root causes of all life-controlling issues.
What is the length of a residential stay for substance use disorders?
The standard length of stay is 10 to 12 months, providing ample time for deep-rooted transformation and spiritual growth.
What is the layout of the campus?
The facility is located on a rural campus in Johnson, Vermont, and includes residential housing, a multi-purpose chapel, and outdoor recreation areas for activities like hiking and fishing.
Is there any follow-up after discharge?
While specific follow-up protocols are not detailed, the program offers a 3-6 month restoration program for continued support and can provide referrals to outpatient services if needed.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Their team is available to answer your questions confidentially.
Call NowAccreditation & Support
Nonprofit 501(c)(3)
A publicly-funded charitable organization.