The Guidance Center

3111 South 70th Street Fort Smith, AR 72903

Detox

Inpatient

Outpatient

About The Guidance Center

The Guidance Center, located in Fort Smith, Arkansas is a private alcohol and drug rehab that offers treatment for a variety of substance abuse addictions including co-occurring mental health disorders. They offer supervised medical treatment to safely manage withdrawal symptoms during detoxification, residential care providing long term support for addiction recovery, as well as flexible outpatient addiction therapy allowing patients to live at home while receiving regular treatment.

Specialty rehab programs at The Guidance Center include tailored care focusing on women’s specific needs and experiences, gender-specific addiction treatment addressing unique challenges faced by men, and age-appropriate treatment for teens addressing adolescent-specific issues.

For recreation, patients can use the meditation room to promote mindfulness during recovery.

The Guidance Center has received accreditations from CARF.

Rehab Score

Our Methodology

Scoring is assigned by a proprietary system which helps surface key metrics that determine quality. The 10-point scale factors in categories such as operations, customer satisfaction, and trust metrics. Read Full Methodology

5.9 / 10

Gallery

The facilities at The Guidance Center - Horizon in Fort Smith, AR 1

The facilities at The Guidance Center - Horizon in Fort Smith, AR 2

Location

Other Forms of Payment

Private insurance refers to any kind of healthcare coverage that isn't from the state or federal government. This includes individual and family plans offered by an employer or purchased from the Insurance Marketplace. Every plan will have different requirements and out of pocket costs so be sure to get the full details before you start treatment.

Self-pay involves paying for treatment out of your own pocket. You can use savings or credit, get a personal loan, or receive help from family and friends to fund your treatment. If you don't have insurance or your insurance plan doesn't cover a specific program, self-pay can help ensure you still get the care you need.

Financial aid can take many forms. Centers may have grants or scholarships available to clients who meet eligibility requirements. Programs that receive SAMHSA grants may have financial aid available for those who need treatment as well. Grants and scholarships can help you pai for treatment without having to repay.

Sliding scale payments are based on a client's income and family size. The goal is to make treatment affordable to everyone. By taking these factors into account, addiction recovery care providers help ensure that your treatment does not become a financial burden to you or your family, eliminating one barrier to care.

Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance for those 65 and older. It also serves people under 65 with chronic and disabling health challenges. To use Medicare for addiction treatment you need to find a program that accepts Medicare and is in network with your plan. Out of pocket costs and preauthorization requirements vary, so always check with your provider.

Medicaid is a state based program that helps lower-income individuals and families pay for healthcare. Medicaid covers addiction treatment so those enrolled can use their coverage to pay for rehab. When a program accepts Medicaid the client often pays very little or nothing out of their own pocket.

Addiction Treatments

Levels of Care

Outpatient

Outpatient Programs (OP) are for those seeking mental rehab or drug rehab, but who also stay at home every night. The main difference between outpatient treatment (OP) and intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) lies in the amount of hours the patient spends at the facility. Most of the time an outpatient program is designed for someone who has completed an inpatient stay and is looking to continue their growth in recovery. Outpatient is not meant to be the starting point, it is commonly referred to as aftercare.

Inpatient

Residential treatment programs are those that offer housing and meals in addition to substance abuse treatment. Rehab facilities that offer residential treatment allow patients to focus solely on recovery, in an environment totally separate from their lives. Some rehab centers specialize in short-term residential treatment (a few days to a week or two), while others solely provide treatment on a long-term basis (several weeks to months). Some offer both, and tailor treatment to the patient's individual requirements.

24-Hour Clinical Care

During many phases of addiction treatment, you'll need to receive 24-hour clinical care in Arkansas. This supervision ensures your safety during the detox process. Licensed medical professionals and experienced addiction specialists provide medication management, non-addictive medication to curb withdrawal symptoms, and frequent monitoring of vital signs.

Medically Assisted Detox

The process of a medically assisted detox is when all addictive substances are removed from your body. Usually performed in an inpatient setting, you are under the 24/7 care of licensed medical medical professionals who keep you safe and comfortable during the detoxification. Medications are often administered to help alleviate potential withdrawal symptoms.The process can vary in length, but it typically takes 5-7 days.

Treatments

Many of those suffering from addiction also suffer from mental or emotional illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorders. Rehab and other substance abuse facilities treating those with a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder administer psychiatric treatment to address the person's mental health issue in addition to drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

Mental health rehabs focus on helping individuals recover from mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, clinical depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and more. Mental health professionals at these facilities are trained to understand and treat mental health issues, both in individual and group settings.

Programs

Adult Program

Adult rehab programs include therapies tailored to each client's specific needs, goals, and recovery progress. They are tailored to the specific challenges adult clients may face, including family and work pressures and commitments. From inpatient and residential treatment to various levels of outpatient services, there are many options available. Some facilities also help adults work through co-occurring conditions, like anxiety, that can accompany addiction.

Clinical Services

Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

Whether a marriage or other committed relationship, an intimate partnership is one of the most important aspects of a person's life. Drug and alcohol addiction affects both members of a couple in deep and meaningful ways, as does rehab and recovery. Couples therapy and other couples-focused treatment programs are significant parts of exploring triggers of addiction, as well as learning how to build healthy patterns to support ongoing sobriety.

Research clearly demonstrates that recovery is far more successful and sustainable when loved ones like family members participate in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic factors may be at play when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health issues. Family dynamics often play a critical role in addiction triggers, and if properly educated, family members can be a strong source of support when it comes to rehabilitation.

Developing life skills while undergoing rehab treatment in Arkansas is a crucial part of your recovery. During treatment, you may focus on learning communication skills, critical thinking skills, problem solving, self awareness, assertiveness, and coping skills.

Combined with behavioral therapy, nicotine replacement therapy can be an effective way to stop smoking. A variety of therapies are available. Some you can get over the counter, while others require a prescription from your doctor.

Accreditations

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) is a non-profit organization that specifically accredits rehab organizations. Founded in 1966, CARF's, mission is to help service providers like rehab facilities maintain high standards of care.

CARF Accreditation: Yes

Contact Information

(479) 452-6650

Website

3111 South 70th Street
Fort Smith, AR 72903

Get Help Now - 479-326-4898

Reviews of The Guidance Center

2.5/5 (88 reviews)

Google Reviews

2.5 (88 reviews)

Clara Ellingburg

4 weeks ago

My sister reached out to this office to schedule an appointment, and the front desk clerk responded with an unprofessional attitude, abruptly stating that they were closing. This individual's lack of proper phone etiquette and calmness only added unnecessary stress to an already challenging situation. It is unacceptable for someone in a role that requires compassion and support for individuals with mental health conditions to behave in such a disrespectful manner. Everyone deserves a respectful and understanding interaction, especially in sensitive circumstances like these. I am firmly stating that I will never recommend this office for any purpose, nor will I reach out to this facility for assistance in the future. I suggest that this facility considers reviewing and enhancing staff work etiquette. This could lead to improved collaboration and a more positive work environment.

Response from the owner3 weeks ago

Clara, You are absolutely correct that everyone deserves a respectful and understanding interaction when they are calling or coming into The Guidance Center for help. We apologize for falling below our acceptable standard of practices. We value our clients and our words and actions should reflect this. We would greatly appreciate your sister's help if she would be willing to contact us so we can gather some more information and look further into this particular situation. It would be of great benefit as to preventing this from happening in the future. She can reach us at 479-452-6650 or email our front office manager, Shea, at Shea.brown@wacgc.org.

Bryan Scrimsher

1 month ago

I don't mind sharing that I was in need of help to keep myself safe from myself on Thanksgiving 24. I am only giving a 4 star review for the fact that the emergency after hours line, both the local and 800 numbers, constantly rang busy for 30 min. So I called the Warm Line and got thru and talked with Patty for about 30 mins. Patty was so kind and encouraging and offered for me to come to the clinic if I felt like I needed to. After some crying and debating with myself I drove to the clinic in FS, but I didn't have the courage to walk in. Instead I sat in my car outside for about 45 min, crying, thinking, and praying. Then a wonderful lady, Ms Rachel, came out to my car in the cold and the wind. We talked for about 15 min outside before I realized it was cold and asked if we could keep talking inside, which was fine of course. So we went inside and I talked with Rachel for 3 hrs explaining my situation. She was so kind and attentive to me and my problems. She went so far as to make a phone call for me that needed to happen to get the closure that I needed and the answers I had been seeking. Ms. Rachel will never understand what she did for me that night.I decided to check myself in for a stay to make sure I was safe. Ryan was very kind and helpful, made me laugh, and made the check in as easy and comfortable as possible. Thank you Ryan.The next day the team helped me, from seeing an APRN in person, to an online counselor, which I really wish was in person, but I understand if that's the only option on that day. The rest of the staff is there to listen and to help you. I saw that repeatedly, not just with myself, but with other patients. I'm an observer, it's my nature, and I only saw care for people that day, even if sometimes it was tough love, after all they have a medical responsibility as well.I had a long talk with the cook, Joe I believe his name was, about his life and travels. This man went out of his way to ensure other patients ate like they needed to. He ain't a half bad cook either, but he'll tell you he ain't A Chef, lol.Thank you everyone at CSU. You helped me find some piece and come to terms with my situation. If the phone system kinks are worked out and solved, permanently, then I would gladly rate 5 stars. But the personnel proved to me that there are kind people in this world and I didn't have anything to offer in return except my sincerest, deepest, most heartfelt Thank You!!

Bryan, Your kind review of your experience at the CSU is much appreciated. I will be sure to pass along your compliments to our staff. Thank you for your leap of faith in allowing us to assist you during a trying time. All staff at the CSU take their clients mental health very seriously and consider it a privilege to assist in any way they can. At some time or another, we all need a little help. Hopefully sharing your experience will inspire others to ask for help when they are in need. We will follow up on the phone system kinks because we definitely don't want anyone else to experience a problem when contacting the 800 or local number. Thank you!

Brenton Vass

This place owes me a 207.00 dollars after screwing me on services rendered. Update was told several times Elizabeth from accounts payable would contact me it never happened just continue to get the run around.

Response from the owner2 months ago

Brenton, Please give Shea a call at 479-452-6650 so that we may address your review. Thank you! Our clients and their satisfaction are extremely important to us.

Kayla K McWha McCranie (Pooh Bear)

2 months ago

Kayla, We very much appreciate your 5-star review of The Guidance Center! Sharing your positive experience can play a part in others reaching out for help.

Enki Elohim

4 months ago

I hate that I live in a world where their are people who do not like there jobs. Met some awesome people too but for an establishment like this you would expect better.

Response from the owner4 months ago

Hello Enki, We do appreciate your review even though it s not something we like to hear. All clients are important to us, as are their experiences at The Guidance Center. Please call us at 479-452-6650 and ask for Shea. We cannot find your name in our system and genuinely want to know what happened that was less than top-notch.

Wildboy5699

6 months ago

I went up here a few times a couple of weeks ago. Most of the staff are extremely rude and act like they don t want to be there. I drove 30 minutes up there to finally see someone, which I had to talk to them over the webcam because they were too lazy to come up to the center that day, which she was also l extremely rude. When I finally got an appointment to finally see a therapist, it was either over the phone or drive another 30 minutes up there to talk to them on a webcam again. When I ask if there was a way I could see someone face to face and have a one on one session with a person who was standing right there in front of me. They told me that doesn t cover my insurance and if it did, it would take six to eight months to get one. So I told them to forget it and left. I will go find someone else.

Wildboy5699, We take our clients experiences very seriously so I am grateful you have made us aware of your experience, even though it was less than satisfactory. We would like to speak with you and gather more information. Please call Shea at 479-452-6650. I am making her aware that you will hopefully be calling. We apologize for your inconvenience to make a 30 minute drive if you were not able to see someone in person.

Charlotte

Some of these therapist are good. One "therapist" that is at the place needs to be fired and that would be donnie b. The therapist here are supposed work with parents to help their children but one of them doesn't he tells parents that the child's behavior is their fault and then gets the child taken away. So if you have any children that have behavioral issues or trouble with the law stay clear of this "therapist" he doesn't care about the children or their families.

Allysia Killion

Talked to someone at 10:04 and they told me to come on over. That they take walk ins until 11. I got there at 10:24 and the lady told me they stop taking people at 10. Left the building crying. It's too hard to get help.

Allysia, Unfortunately you were given the incorrect information over the phone about the time we stop taking walk-in appointments. We are truly sorry for this. We have gone back and made absolutely sure everyone is aware of this so it doesn't happen to someone else. We do suggest that all walk-ins show up as early as possible, because it is on a first-come first-served basis. If it is after walk-in hours, we will do an intake and schedule you. We sincerely apologize that you were misinformed.

Serena

Never really liked this place but had to come due to extenuating circumstances. They didn't have my referral, my appointment, or my chart info, and I waited two hours before being having to leave to go to another appointment. Shameful

Serena, We have researched what happened and we are sorry you were not able to see someone when you came in. Unfortunately, with no scheduled appointment, we must treat an encounter as a walk-in. All walk-ins are on a first-come first-served basis as the schedule allows. We are happy to talk more with you about your experience. You can contact us at 479-452-6650 and ask for Shea. Our clients are our top priority and we welcome the opportunity to speak with you more.

Crystal Reed

7 months ago

Response from the owner7 months ago

Crystal, our client s mental well being is the most important thing to us. We appreciate your 5 star review.

micah brooks

8 months ago

My aunt got sent here from the hospital and they told her there was no beds and she got taken to the homeless shelter and my grandmother the guardian of my aunt was never notified as she should have been and she was on the street for days before we found out what happened to her and someone forced her to do drugs and it was just horrible to see a person with a mental illness like that or be treated. She was never supposed to be in that place in the first place. Then they won't give my grandma any info on my aunt at all even though she is her legal guardian because she can't care for herself. It's so sad how people that need help can't get it without something always happening to them. If I could put 0 stars on the review I would.

Response from the owner8 months ago

Dear Micah, Please contact Jamie Ridgley, Director of the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU), at 479-784-9480. We are sorry to hear what happened with your family member. We take mental health and well-being very seriously, and we are not aware of the situation you have described. It is unfortunate that our community is in great demand of mental health treatment, and we do not always have availability of open beds at the CSU. We would appreciate your cooperation in helping us determine if we failed your family in any way. Thank you.

Brittany

If I could leave a third of a star I would. This is absolutely ridiculous!! Friday isn't Saturday yet, but here we are and you can't call or get through to save your life! It just says "line busy" it's been saying "line busy" for 4 hours now..I find that a little hard to believe. Not only that but if you have any DHS referrals just know that these people already have preconceived notions. They have already decided what they're going to do before they assess you. Total sham! If you can avoid this place I would. If you have any referrals I would deeply suggest that you have them send the referrals ANYWHERE but the fort Smith Arkansas Western guidance center. Even if you got to drive all the way to a far out city. I feel like it's well worth it!! Deal with honest people and you'll have honest results.

Brittany, As we discussed on Friday, we should have made our phone outage known through our social media. We apologize for the inconvenience this caused you and our clients. Thank you for visiting with me about the other things you noted in your review of The Guidance Center. We appreciate the opportunity to listen, discuss, and correct anything we can to provide the best possible outcomes for all clients. Your information and well-being are valued.

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