Centrally located near the University of Kentucky campus in Lexington, Shepherd’s House provides long-term
residential treatment (12-18 months) for men, as well as
outpatient programs for both men and women facing substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges. Founded in a Lexington church, this nonprofit aims to foster a thriving community by empowering clients in their recovery journey.
Shepherd’s House follows a 3-phase model to support men as they progress from early recovery to independent sober living. In the initial orientation phase (1-4 weeks), clients receive supervision outside the residence, focus on securing a 12-Step sponsor, and either begin work or seek employment. In phases 1 and 2, clients gain more independence, including leaving alone (with a nightly curfew), while engaging in case management, group and individual therapy, including eye movement desensitization and reconditioning (EMDR), recreational therapy, and
cognitive behavioral therapy (
CBT). The cost is $110 per week during these phases. In phase 3, clients transition to ¾-way transitional living with three others, costing $405 per month, with the option to move to single apartment sober graduate housing for $450 per month upon program completion.
Shepherd’s House also offers a 6-month day treatment program requiring 35 hours per week (8 AM - 4 PM, Monday to Friday). This program integrates 12-Step groups, process groups, relapse prevention, wellness activities, and weekly individual counseling. Additionally, an
intensive outpatient program (IOP) includes 12-Step groups, CBT, vocational support, and healthcare guidance.
Evidence-Based Context: According to SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2023), approximately 48.7 million Americans aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder in the past year. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) emphasizes that treatment programs combining behavioral therapy with medication-assisted approaches show the highest rates of sustained recovery. Facilities like Shepherd's House Lexington provide structured pathways to evidence-based care.
Sources: SAMHSA NSDUH 2023, NIDA Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment (4th Ed.)