​Admissions

Step by Step was incorporated as a not-for-profit agency in 2013.

Our general length of stay varies based on an individual’s level of need. Over the years, we have found that most individuals stay within our Residential Program between 6 months and 2 years. Many alumni of our Residential Program step down to our Community-Based Program to gradually transition out of our care.

We offer a unique alternative to the typical group home or residential treatment model, providing individuals the opportunity to live in their own studio or one-bedroom apartment. Our offices are unadorned by the Step by Step name and logo, with apartments and Step by Step offices scattered throughout an independent apartment building to provide our residents with anonymity during their stay with us. We typically offer our programming during the afternoon and evening hours, encouraging individuals to be involved in and engaged with the community, including employment, volunteering, classes or social groups. We place a high emphasis on helping individuals to build meaningful and enriching lives outside of treatment.

Individuals residing in our Residential Program live on-site at our Beacon Street location in a studio or one-bedroom apartment, while individuals participating in Community-Based services reside in their own home or apartment. All Step by Step services are included in our Residential Program, while individuals participating in our Community-Based Program can choose from our services and program offerings à la carte. Often, individuals join our Residential Program when needing a higher level of care and may wish to step down to our Community-Based Program after making progress on their goals and feeling more confident with independent living.

When a new individual starts at Step by Step, our clinical team works closely with them, their family and any outside providers to outline a schedule with Step by Step that best meets the individual’s clinical needs and life goals. Some individuals may attend all of our programming due to having limited community structure and others may attend just a few components of our program each week but will have priority access to additional programming opportunities and support if needed in a given moment. Our goal is to get individuals involved in the broader community and encourage outside structure to supplement or eventually replace Step by Step programming.

Yes! Many individuals have had cars while in our Residential Program; however, there is not always guaranteed rentable parking space at the apartment building. We can work with you to find a private rentable parking space nearby. Many individuals have found that they do not need a car while residing in our Residential Program due to our proximity to public transportation and essential businesses. There is an MBTA above-ground trolley/subway stop a 3-minute walk from our front door which connects you to the entire Metro Boston area and beyond. In addition, the iconic Coolidge Corner shopping, restaurants and entertainment area is just 4 blocks away.

Step by Step is not a sober living facility; however, to be considered for admission into our program if you have a diagnosed substance use disorder, we typically require 90 days sobriety. In order to set you up for success while working with us, we may also ask that you work with your team to receive substance use support, weekly tox screens and any additional supports to help with managing your care.

Yes, in fact, we encourage this! Step by Step regularly partners with providers in the community to promote continuity of care. We require each individual to have outpatient providers and engage in at least biweekly therapy and monthly psychiatry. The reason for this is simple: we want every individual to be successful and recognize the value of consistent therapy and psychiatry while working on life skills goals. We also believe each individual should be able to find and maintain therapists and psychiatrists of their choosing and not have to uproot simply because they join the Step by Step program.

Step by Step is not a MAP-certified program, and as a result, we cannot help individuals directly manage their medications. We require that every individual be independent in managing, packing, and taking their medications as prescribed. When clinically indicated, we help individuals to partner with local visiting nursing agencies to support with medication management and adherence.

We do not currently accept insurance for our services. Upon request, we do provide documentation for individuals and families that wish to submit on their own for insurance reimbursement. We ask that individuals inquire if their insurance companies reimburse for out-of-network psychotherapy and/or clinical care services in advance of requesting itemized documentation.