Frequently Asked Questions

The Forest Sober Living is a network of structured sober living homes that provide safe, supportive housing for people continuing their recovery after treatment. Our homes are located in Arizona, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Wisconsin, and Florida, and each one follows the same philosophy: structure, accountability, and community support.

We’re not a treatment center or medical facility. Instead, we bridge the gap between treatment and independence by offering stable housing and consistent routines that help residents stay grounded in recovery.

The Forest Sober Living welcomes adults who are committed to maintaining sobriety and ready to live in a structured, supportive environment. Many of our residents come to us directly from inpatient or outpatient treatment, while others join after a period of independent recovery when they realize they benefit from additional structure.

Every potential resident completes an admissions assessment to ensure our homes are the right fit for their goals and needs.

We operate homes in the following areas:

• Phoenix, Arizona
• Berwyn, Malvern, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Cherry Hill, Hainesport, and Pennsauken, New Jersey
• Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Lakeland, Florida

Each location offers the same standards of comfort, safety, and accountability. You can explore details and photos on our Tour Our Facilities page.

First, we ask you to give us a call or send us a message, and one of our admissions team members will connect with you. This will allow you to share your situation, learn more about what life in The Forest looks like, and gain help in understanding if The Forest would be a good fit for you.

Once you feel confident moving forward, we will gather admission information, look over your previous background information, and put together a move-in date for you to move into The Forest.

You must be at least 18 years of age, sober at the time of admission, and agree to abide by house rules around safety, respect, and accountability. We may ask for a reference from your most recent treatment provider or counselor when necessary.

There isn’t a fixed time frame. Some individuals live here for a few months, while others stay for a year or longer. We aim to help you establish stability, develop routines, and gain confidence before moving on to independent living. When you’re prepared, we’ll collaborate with you to outline your next steps.

Yes. Family members often call to ask about our homes or to begin the process for a loved one. We love answering your questions, explaining what to expect, and helping you with the next steps.

The Forest Sober Living program operates on a private-pay basis and does not work with any insurance companies. Each home has its own pricing and payment structure, which may vary by location and room type.

Since each program is slightly different, our admissions team will help you explore the details of the specific home you would like to inquire about. Sometimes residents use their own funds, family support, or health savings accounts to help offset their costs. If you would like to learn more about payment options, our team is able to help you find a solution that works for you.

Residence households have a somewhat consistent daily pattern of activities. Each individual will engage in domestic chores, attend community meetings, work or attend school, and spend time with friends or peers. There are also regularly scheduled community meetings, through which members can share expectations, success stories, and form accountability systems.

There’s structure, but also balance. The structure can help residents to stay focused, but there is also enough freedom to explore new experiences.

The Forest Sober Living has homes for both male and female residents, as well as co-ed homes, depending on the location. Each home is LGBTQ-inclusive and provides a welcoming, supportive environment for everyone. Some homes are pet-friendly so that residents can bring a piece of their support system with them. Our admissions team can let you know what options are available in your area.

Of course. Each home has a trained live-in manager who is responsible for the overall running of the home, coaching and supporting our residents, and holding our residents accountable. In addition, peer mentors, along with regional supervisors, come into the home regularly to provide supportive guidance and connection.

Residents receive support from house managers and other residents, are provided structure through daily routines, and receive ongoing support through regular attendance at therapy, outpatient care, or recovery meetings. We also assist residents in building life skills, like budgeting, communication, and time management, in preparation of independent living.

Certainly. We encourage residents to keep or find jobs, attend classes, or volunteer as a part of creating a balanced life. The schedule at The Forest is meant to assist in being responsible in the real world while keeping the residents accountable for maintaining their sobriety.

Yes, guests are allowed in the home, but there are specific guidelines to follow that protect the safety and dignity of all community members. These guidelines will be covered during orientation, so all expectations are clear from your first day in the home.

Our homes enforce a zero tolerance stance on drugs, alcohol, or violence. Regular testing is conducted to hold residents accountable. All residents are asked to engage in chores, meetings, and observe curfews to create continuity and trust. The rules are not restrictive or draconian; they are there for the sake of recovery, and for the well-being of the collective community.

Safety and sobriety come first. Regular testing, curfews, and open communication ensure every resident can focus on recovery. Staff members are trained to address challenges quickly and with compassion.

Relapse is handled with care and discretion. Our priority is safety — for the individual and the community. We immediately connect the resident with appropriate clinical resources or detox services and coordinate next steps to support recovery while maintaining the home’s integrity.

Absolutely. We treat all personal information with complete confidentiality. What happens at The Forest stays within our community, and we never share information without consent.

Before discharge, our team helps you create an aftercare plan that includes housing, employment, and continued recovery support. Many residents stay connected through alumni activities or mentorship roles.

Yes. Alumni are an important part of The Forest community. Many return for meetings, social events, or to support new residents. Staying connected helps strengthen long-term recovery.

We’re always happy to talk. Whether you’re just learning about sober living or ready to take the next step, our admissions team is here to help.