We know the unknown is the hardest part. Here’s exactly what happens — from your first call to your first week of treatment.
Most men who call us have one question underneath all the others: “Is this going to be okay?” The answer is yes — and this page exists to prove it.
Heartwood Recovery is a men’s-only residential addiction treatment center in South Austin. We intentionally keep our census small — no more than 18 men at a time — so every person in our program is known by name, not case number.
Below you’ll find a full walkthrough of the admission process, a look at a typical treatment day, what to pack, and what our policies look like on phone calls and visitors. Read all of it, or jump to the section you need most.
Residential → PHP → IOP → Outpatient → Transitional Living
Here’s exactly what happens from the moment you arrive on our South Austin campus. Every step is designed to reduce overwhelm and get you settled quickly.
You’ll be greeted by a member of our admissions or clinical staff — not a receptionist reading from a script. We’ll show you around the property, point out where things are, and give you a moment to breathe before anything official begins.
A clinical staff member will conduct a thorough intake evaluation — medical history, substance use history, mental health screening, and any co-occurring concerns. This is confidential and used only to build your treatment plan. Nothing you say here is judged.
Our medical team will complete a physical evaluation to assess your current health status, any withdrawal risk, and medication needs. If detox support is required, we’ll coordinate that plan with you directly.
All belongings are checked in. This is a standard part of the admission process to ensure a safe, substance-free environment for every man in the program. Items that can’t be kept during residential treatment are stored securely until discharge.
You’ll be introduced to your primary therapist and the clinical staff who will be involved in your care. We’ll review what your first few days will look like and answer any remaining questions — yours or a family member’s.
You’ll get your room assignment, a tour of the 3-acre property, and time to get settled before the evening program begins. That night, you’ll have dinner with the other men in the program. The hard part is already done — you’re here.
Structure is one of the most powerful tools in early recovery. Here’s what a representative day in our residential program looks like. Individual schedules vary based on clinical needs.
| Period | What's Happening |
|---|---|
| Morning | Breakfast, meditation or morning reflection, and a group session focused on setting daily intentions or processing current challenges |
| Mid-Morning to Afternoon | Core clinical programming: individual therapy, process groups, educational groups (relapse prevention, life skills), 12-Step work, and case management meetings |
| Afternoon | Additional group therapy, experiential activities, fitness time, and off-campus community integration — including local AA/NA meetings |
| Evening | Dinner, evening groups or free time for step work and reflection, peer connection, phone calls with family and sponsors, and preparation for the next day |
| Throughout | Staff support is available 24/7 — clients are never alone in early recovery. Our team provides consistent presence, guidance, and accountability around the clock |
Bring what you need to be comfortable for 30–90 days. Keep it simple — you won’t need much, and storage space is limited.
All medications will be managed and distributed by our medical staff.
We understand how important your relationships are. Our policies around contact are designed to protect your focus during early recovery while keeping families informed and involved.
Phone privileges are typically introduced after your first 72 hours, once you've had time to stabilize and settle into the program. Calls are generally permitted during designated times each day. Your clinical team will determine your specific phone plan based on your treatment needs.
Visitation is scheduled and typically begins after your first week in treatment. Family visits are coordinated with your treatment team and often coincide with family therapy sessions. Unannounced visits are not permitted. We'll communicate visit policies directly during intake.
With your written consent, your treatment team can communicate with designated family members about your general progress. Family therapy is available and encouraged — research consistently shows that involving loved ones improves long-term outcomes.
Your privacy is protected by HIPAA and Texas state law. We will not confirm your enrollment or share any information without your written authorization. You control who knows you're in treatment.
Answers to what men and families ask us most before admission.
If you or your loved one is struggling with addiction, family therapy can help you move forward in a healthy way—together.
We are here to give you the tools you need to finally find freedom from addiction.
With over 19 years in behavioral healthcare, Megan has led admissions, operations, compliance, and HR for adolescent and adult programs. She holds a Diploma in Alcohol and Drug Counseling Studies and graduated with honors from Chapman University with a BA in Communication Studies. Megan is a member of Lambda Pi Eta and a SHRM Certified Professional. She has developed multiple treatment start-ups and assisted existing facilities with strategic expansion, achieving licensure, certification, and accreditation.
