Claimed
I was homeless for 3 years before I came to St.Christophers. they really changed my life. It's been 16 years that I was at st.christophers. I have a good life now. And I thank God everyday.for being there for me
About St. Christopher’s Inn
About St. Christopher’s Inn
For more than a century, St. Christopher’s Inn (SCI) has welcomed men seeking recovery from substance use. Rooted in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the Inn combines counseling, structured daily activities, spiritual guidance, and community support in an environment centered on dignity and respect. Men of all faith backgrounds are welcome, and religious participation is optional.
A Structured Routine with Counseling and Creative Therapies
Each resident is assigned to a group, called a track, that stays together for counseling sessions, meals, and recovery activities. During their first week, men become familiar with the grounds, daily schedule, and available services through workshops, educational lectures, individual counseling, and vocational placement. Men participate in weekly individual and group counseling led by social workers, Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselors (CASACs), and Certified Recovery Peer Advocates (CRPAs). Services include individual and group therapy, co-occurring mental health care, family sessions, peer support, and telehealth. Creative therapies include writing, art, film, and other hands-on activities.
Explore Faith and Spirituality
Spiritual guidance is part of SCI’s Franciscan approach to recovery. Trained spiritual guides help men explore their personal beliefs and spiritual practices, regardless of religious background. Men can attend daily Catholic Mass if they choose, visit the chapel anytime for quiet reflection or meditation, and access spiritual resources that support their own faith traditions.
Stay Connected Through Alumni Support
The St. Christopher’s Inn Alumni Association (SCIAA) is an independent nonprofit that helps former residents stay connected after treatment. Alumni participate in fellowship, service opportunities, and recovery-focused gatherings. The association also hosts reunions, family events, memorial gatherings, and an annual picnic, giving former residents opportunities to maintain connections with the SCI community.
Facility Overview
120 Number of Available Beds
91+ Avg Length of Stay in Days
Latest Reviews
In 2001, I walked into St. Christopher’s Inn broken and lost in addiction. I’ve been sober ever since. Out of all the places I went, this was the place where it finally clicked for me. Their long term program and tough love approach were exactly what I needed no sugarcoating, no excuses, just real recovery and real accountability.
If you’re truly tired of the life of drug abuse and genuinely want to change, I highly recommend St. Christopher’s Inn. The staff, the structure, and the brotherhood helped save my life. I still try to go back every summer for their annual picnic because that place will always mean something special to me.
I owe them more than words can explain. God bless everyone there.
Thomas Pascador
Reviewed on 03/07/2026
I was homeless for 3 years before I came to St.Christophers. they really changed my life. It's been 16 years that I was at st.christophers. I have a good life now. And I thank God everyday.for being there for me
I went to St. Christopher's In @ 1983 and I will never forget my experience I had and the Love I received from the Franciscan monks . I am forever grateful to them, Milton Zapata jr .
Rehab Score
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8.4 / 10
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Accepted Insurance
Other Forms of Payment
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.
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.
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.
FreeAddiction Treatments
Levels of Care
Drug and alcohol addiction often takes a heavy toll on one's body. Over time, a physical dependence can develop, meaning the body physiologically needs the substance to function. Detox is the process of removing drugs and/or alcohol from the body, a process that can be lethal if mismanaged. Medical detox is done by licensed medical professionals who monitor vital signs and keep you safe, healthy, and as comfortable as possible as you go through detox and withdrawal.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are for those who want or need a very structured treatment program but who also wish to live at home and continue with certain responsibilities (such as work or school). IOP substance abuse treatment programs vary in duration and intensity, and certain outpatient rehab centers will offer individualized treatment programs.
12-step programs are addiction recovery models based on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). A number of substance abuse programs (including some drug and alcohol rehab centers) use the 12 steps as a basis for treatment. Beginning steps involve admitting powerlessness over the addiction and creating a spiritual basis for recovery. Middle steps including making direct amends to those who've been hurt by the addiction, and the final step is to assist others in addiction recovery in the same way. 12-Step offshoots including Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA), Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) and Gamblers Anonymous (GA).
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.
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a short-term form of intensive rehab, usually for those with acute symptoms that are hard to manage but don’t require 24-hour care. PHPs have structured programming (i.e. individual and/or group therapy), and usually meet 3-5 days a week for around 6 hours (i.e. 9am-3m). Some PHPs are residential (patients sleep on site) and some are not, so patients sleep at home. PHPs can last from 1-6 months, and some offer transportation and meals.
Completing a drug or alcohol rehab program shouldn't spell the end of substance abuse treatment. Aftercare involves making a sustainable plan for recovery, including ongoing support. This can include sober living arrangements like halfway houses, career counseling, and setting a patient up with community programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
Treatments
The goal of treatment for alcoholism is abstinence. Those with poor social support, poor motivation, or psychiatric disorders tend to relapse within a few years of treatment. For these people, success is measured by longer periods of abstinence, reduced use of alcohol, better health, and improved social functioning. Recovery and Maintenance are usually based on 12 step programs and AA meetings.
When you choose drug rehab in New York, you'll participate in a variety of treatments that are designed to help you live a drug-free lifestyle. Common methods of treatment include group, individual, and family counseling, medication management, nutrition, exercise, and management of co-occurring mental health disorders.
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.
A combined mental health and substance abuse rehab has the staff and resources available to handle individuals with both mental health and substance abuse issues. It can be challenging to determine where a specific symptom stems from (a mental health issue or an issue related to substance abuse), so mental health and substance abuse professionals are helpful in detangling symptoms and keeping treatment on track.
Opioid rehabs specialize in supporting those recovering from opioid addiction. They treat those suffering from addiction to illegal opioids like heroin, as well as prescription drugs like oxycodone. These centers typically combine both physical as well as mental and emotional support to help stop addiction. Physical support often includes medical detox and subsequent medical support (including medication), and mental support includes in-depth therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction.
In New York you'll find substance abuse treatment programs that can help you address your addiction, and any co-occurring mental health disorders. These programs utilize evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic approaches to help you achieve recovery and new tools to sustain it. With various treatment options available, including outpatient, inpatient, and residential programs, you'll be able to find the resources and right level of care you need to effectively treat your addiction.
Programs
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.
Young adulthood can be an exciting, yet difficult, time of transition. Individuals in their late teens to mid-20s face unique stressors related to school, jobs, families, and social circles, which can lead to a rise in substance use. Rehab centers with dedicated young adult programs will include activities and amenities that cater to this age group, with an emphasis on specialized counseling, peer socialization, and ongoing aftercare.
Men face specific challenges and concerns when seeking addiction treatment. Gender-specific recovery programs help them tackle these issues head-on in an environment that's focused, targeted, and distraction-free. It also gives them the opportunity to connect with and learn from other men who have been through a similar journey and can offer support for the next step.
Clinical Services
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapy modality that focuses on the relationship between one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is used to establish and allow for healthy responses to thoughts and feelings (instead of unhealthy responses, like using drugs or alcohol). CBT has been proven effective for recovering addicts of all kinds, and is used to strengthen a patient's own self-awareness and ability to self-regulate. CBT allows individuals to monitor their own emotional state, become more adept at communicating with others, and manage stress without needing to engage in substance abuse.
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.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a modified form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a treatment designed to help people understand and ultimately affect the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. DBT is often used for individuals who struggle with self-harm behaviors, such as self-mutilation (cutting) and suicidal thoughts, urges, or attempts. It has been proven clinically effective for those who struggle with out-of-control emotions and mental health illnesses like Borderline Personality Disorder.
Experiential therapy is a form of therapy in which clients are encouraged to surface and work through subconscious issues by engaging in real-time experiences. Experiential therapy departs from traditional talk therapy by involving the body, and having clients engage in activities, movements, and physical and emotional expression. This can involve role-play or using props (which can include other people). Experiential therapy can help people process trauma, memories, and emotion quickly, deeply, and in a lasting fashion, leading to substantial and impactful healing.
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. The family program is a three part series, which allows the family members to come and learn how the disease of addiction has impacted them and also how they have played a part in the disease.
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.
Life skills trainings involve all the skills a person must have in order to function successfully in the world. These include time management, career guidance, money management, and effective communication. Truly successful addiction recovery is based on the ability to not only live substance-free, but to thrive. Life skills teaches the practical necessities of functioning in society, which sets clients up for success in life, and therefore sobriety.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a clinical approach to helping people with substance abuse issues and other conditions shift behavior in positive ways. It is more goal-oriented than traditional psychotherapy, as MI counselors directly attempt to get clients to consider making behavioral change (rather than wait for them to come to conclusions themselves). Its primary purpose is to resolve ambivalence and help clients become able to make healthy choices freely.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a way of getting nicotine into the bloodstream without smoking. It uses products that supply low doses of nicotine to help people stop smoking. The goal of therapy is to cut down on cravings for nicotine and ease the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
Rational Behavior Therapy (RBT) is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy meant to be short-term and comprehensive. It was intended to help clients become more self-sufficent and move forward without the need for expensive, ongoing therapy. It includes an emotional self-help method called “rational self-counseling,” the purpose of which is to give clients all the skills needed to handle future emotional issues by themselves, or with significantly less professional help.
Trauma therapy addresses traumatic incidents from a client's past that are likely affecting their present-day experience. Trauma is often one of the primary triggers and potential causes of addiction, and can stem from child sexual abuse, domestic violence, having a parent with a mental illness, losing one or both parents at a young age, teenage or adult sexual assault, or any number of other factors. The purpose of trauma therapy is to allow a patient to process trauma and move through and past it, with the help of trained and compassionate mental health professionals.
In addiction treatment, recreational therapy focuses on engaging you in healthy activities to help reduce your cravings and improve your mental well being. You might engage in activities like cooking classes, hiking, group sports, or swimming as a constructive outlet for stress and emotions that help your recovery.
When recovering from addiction, it can be difficult to find the words to express your emotions and thoughts. Creative arts therapy in New York gives you a way to express yourself beyond words. Options include sculpting, music, drawing, dance, and drama.
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Staff & Accreditations
Staff
Fr. Dennis Polanco, SA
Pres & Spiritual Director
Dr. Timothy Rowe, MD
Director, Psychiatric Services
Dr. Sarah Ruback, EdD
Chief Operating Officer
Brandi Martinez, LCSW
Director of Counseling
William Weeks, MSN, RN, FNP-BC
Director of Nursing
Accreditations
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1992 by congress, SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on American's communities.
SAMHSA Listed: Yes
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
Accreditation Number: 214046
LegitScript has reviewed St. Christopher’s Inn as part of their certification program, and has determined that it meets the LegitScript standards for legality, safety and transparency.
LegitScript verified in
State Licenses are permits issued by government agencies that allow rehab organizations to conduct business legally within a certain geographical area. Typically, the kind of program a rehab facility offers, along with its physical location, determines which licenses are required to operate legally.
State License: New York
License Number: 25360
Rehab.com regularly reviews this listing for accuracy but changes may occur between updates. For the most up-to-date information, please contact St. Christopher’s Inn.
Contact Information
21 Franciscan Way
Garrison NY, 10524
Get Help Now - 914-301-7675
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