BC Extended Care for Sober Living

Vancouver Island Extended Care Program

Designed for patients who have completed inpatient treatment, EHN Edgewood Nanaimo’s Extended Care Program helps establish a strong foundation for recovery. Patients implement newly acquired recovery tools and thereby increase self-responsibility and accountability in their lives. The program is a bridge between inpatient and supported recovery living or independent living.
Extended Care Program patients engage in local recovery community activities, attending a minimum of five self-help meetings weekly: AA, NA, MA, CA, Smart Recovery or Recovery Dharma. They will acquire a home group and temporary sponsor or mentor, call peers in recovery for fellowship and secure rides to local meetings, and access online meetings cultivating connection and community.
Patients continue their treatment under the medical and psychiatric care of the EHN Edgewood Nanaimo Medical Director. Clinical care is provided by the Extended Care counsellors and support staff under the supervision of the Extended Care Supervisor and Clinical Director.

Our Approach to Extended Care at EHN Edgewood Nanaimo

Our Extended Care Program utilizes psychoeducational approaches, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, and Cognitive Processing Therapy with written assignments, preparation and adherence to daily planning guides, group therapy, and various other structured activities to form the basis of the program.
Of equal importance is the opportunity for patients to integrate their recovery with family, community, career and education on a practical, day-to-day basis. Though adherence to program structure is emphasized, Extended Care is an individualized program that recognizes the particular needs of each individual.
Patients work one-on-one with a designated counsellor each week to collaborate on common goals and objectives including discharge planning and continuing care post treatment. Emphasis is placed on emotional regulation, relapse prevention, self-esteem, communication skills, anger.
The Extended Care team is prepared to assist patients who may need support in the process of relocating to further their recovery, beginning a new career, continuing or completing their education or navigating a separation or divorce.

Weekly planning and budgeting are also offered. Learning to ask for help—in all aspects of their lives—is a primary goal for people in recovery. Often patients will also work on reconciling their relationships with family while in Extended Care.
Here’s what to expect while spending time at EHN Edgewood Nanaimo in our Extended Care Program for addiction recovery and mental health treatment:

• 5+ group sessions, including psychoeducation and process groups, each week
• 4+ hours of self help groups each week.
• 2+ hours of volunteer work each week.
• Regular one-on-one counselling sessions.
• Regular group recreational activities.
• Life skills, DBT and CBT skills, and interpersonal skills development and relapse prevention.
• Home/community visits, when applicable and recommended.
• As needed, access to one specialty group per week, such as support for sexual addiction, gambling, disordered eating, or healthcare professionals.

Why you should choose Inpatient Addiction Extended Care at EHN Edgewood Nanaimo

Recovery doesn’t end after primary treatment—it’s a lifelong process that requires continued support, structure, and guidance. The Inpatient Addiction Extended Care Program at EHN Edgewood Nanaimo provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals transitioning from intensive treatment to independent living.
Located in beautiful Nanaimo, British Columbia, our extended care program offers the perfect balance between structure and autonomy. Clients continue to receive evidence-based therapy, relapse prevention education, and individualized treatment planning while developing the skills needed for long-term recovery and sustainable wellness.
Our compassionate clinical team provides 24/7 support, ensuring that clients remain connected, accountable, and engaged in their recovery journey. Surrounded by a caring community of peers and professionals, clients gain the confidence, resilience, and life skills necessary to thrive beyond treatment and build a fulfilling, substance-free future.

About the Vancouver Island Extended Care Facility

Located in close proximity to EHN Edgewood Nanaimo’s main building, the Ferguson building comfortably houses Extended Care clients in double occupancy rooms in a small cohort of 14-18. Self-responsibility and accountability are encouraged. Extended Care Program patients are required to maintain cleanliness and order in their rooms while monitored daily by peers and support staff.
An EHN Canada facility, EHN Edgewood Nanaimo has an over three-decade history of pioneering evidence-based treatments in B.C. Our location amongst the natural beauty of Vancouver Island’s east coast is an ideal atmosphere, providing the peace, support, and community required to heal and recover.