About New Directions for Women
We are grateful to have a four-decade history supporting women, families, and children in their recovery from addiction. Our clinical motto is “Love, Kindness, and Compassion in All Things,” which is evidence of how our staff interacts with each other as well as the clients. In the last 40+ years, we have grown into a serene, safe sanctuary for healing in Costa Mesa (Southern California). Our rehab center in California is a block from Newport Beach’s Back Bay and Nature Preserve. We offer a full continuum of care from detox to outpatient care so that women can enter treatment at whichever level is appropriate for them.
Our History
Since 1977, over 5,000 women have entered our doors, over 600 children have lived on campus, and 200 babies have been born to mothers completing our program. By providing exceptional gender-specific addiction treatment services that are family-centered, we promote healthy parenting, prevent domestic violence, and assist in family reunification. While we are nationally known for serving women with their children and pregnant women, we truly serve all women, including the more mature population, helping them reunify with their family as a sober grandmother and mother.
New Directions for Women (NDFW) was founded, in part, by Pamela Wilder in 1977, with the support and assistance of the Junior League of Orange County. Pamela stood up in a Junior League meeting, identified herself as a recovering alcoholic, and asked for help and support in establishing a recovery program for women. Two other women, Marion Schoen and Muriel Zink were also instrumental in New Direction’s beginnings, as was Mrs. Betty Ford. Our women’s treatment center was created in response to a shortage of affordable and accessible recovery programs for women suffering from alcoholism, substance use disorder, and other related issues. A brief timeline of our history is available for your convenience.
Women’s Treatment in California
We are grateful to have a four-decade history supporting women, families, and children in their recovery from addiction. We encourage all women to consider a minimum 30-day commitment to treatment. However, 90 days is recommended for the best chance of enjoying a lifelong recovery journey. Asking for help takes bravery, so we make sure to set up every person who calls for success, even if they don’t come to New Directions.
As a nonprofit organization, we are proud to assist women and families in staying in treatment for the clinically prescribed length of time. Our foundation provides treatment scholarships to women with limited to no resources, and we always cover the cost of children while they stay with us residentially. With a commitment to healing, empowerment, and holistic support, your donations can make a remarkable difference in the lives of these women and their families.
Women Addiction Treatment Model
We are committed to supporting and treating all women. We are a rehab for women, with a model designed by women. Our directed approach caters to the variables women face in life and in treatment. At New Directions, our women-focused model has proven to be more effective long term than attending a traditional co-ed program. Women and men have different needs, and we believe that treatment modalities should reflect that.
Both the National Institute on Drug Abuse and Alcoholics Anonymous support the disease model of addiction, which attributes addiction largely to changes in brain structure and function. These changes make it much harder to control substance use, and health experts recommend professional treatment to achieve complete abstinence. In the preface of “Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide,” published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Director Nora D. Volkow, M.D. states: “Because addiction is a disease, most people cannot simply stop using drugs for a few days and be cured. Clients typically require long-term or repeated episodes of care to achieve the ultimate goal of sustained abstinence and recovery of their lives. Indeed, scientific research and clinical practice demonstrate the value of continuing care in treating addiction, with a variety of approaches having been tested and integrated in residential and community settings.”
What Sets Us Apart?
At New Directions For Women, we serve all women. Our clients come from all walks of life. We offer treatment to women from all backgrounds, ages, and situations. We understand that women are more likely to experience trauma or other social risk factors that affect women disproportionately. An all-women environment allows our clients to address complex issues and open up on a level that promotes long-term recovery. As a women’s addiction treatment center, we have experience and knowledge that puts our clients at an advantage while fighting addiction.
Amenities
Our California drug rehab center provides countless amenities so our clients can be comfortable at all times. In between treatment, you are free to partake and enjoy each of our amenities, including:
- Private and shared bedrooms in a single-family home
- Shared living room, kitchen, and bathroom
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Garden area
- Meditation area
- Housekeeping
- Designated parking area
Recovery Programs for Women
Our women’s rehab programs provide a full continuum of care. We aim to provide levels of care to cover any and all of our client’s circumstances. Our programs include:
- Medically assisted detox/drug detox
- Residential treatment program
- Partial hospitalization program (php treatment)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Outpatient treatment programs
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Aftercare programs
- Alumnae organization
Learn More About New Directions for Women
Contact our caring intake coordinators for more information about our rehab for women in Costa Mesa. We are happy to verify your rehab insurance benefits and answer any questions about treatment.
New Directions For Women Foundation Board Members
Dan Carracino, along with life-long friend Kevin Hanlon, directed and produced the Emmy-award winning documentary Bill W. He has seen first-hand the devastation of alcoholism, as well as the hope offered by Alcoholics Anonymous. After learning that no feature length documentary had ever been produced about the man who co-founded A.A. and authored its Twelve Steps, he and Kevin decided to make Bill W. Today, in addition to serving as the Board Chair of New Directions for Women Foundation, he is the National Coordinator of Congressional Communities, working towards building a way for us all to have better communication with our Congressional representatives.
Dan joined the Operating Board in 2004, and the Foundation Board in 2006.
Frederick E. Turner, Founder, J.D. Since establishing his first captive management firm in 1996, which was rebranded as Active Captive in 2005, Fred has directed the company’s growth of establishing a management presence in the majority of U.S. domiciles, the formation of single parent and special purpose captives as well as a national strategic business network. As a leading innovator of the single parent captive structure, Active is positioned at the forefront of the growing industry and continues to develop strategies to provide risk mitigation solutions. Prior to entering the field of alternative risk solutions in 1986, Fred was the founding partner of Turner, Reynolds, Greco & O’Hara. Fred’s background also includes a degree of B.A. Economics Long Beach State University, “high distinction”, Graduate Juris Doctorate, Loyola Law School,1980, “cum laude”, Member of California Bar Association, Central District State of California, Ninth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals, U.S. Supreme Court, Rated “AV”. Fred also currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the captive committee business law section of the American Bar Association and Director of the Utah Captive Insurance Association.
Fred joined the Operating Board in 2022
Son of New Directions for Women founder, Pamela Wilder, Jim continues the circle of life by serving as our Board Treasurer and giving his time, talent and treasure to New Directions for Women. Both of Jim’s parents were actively involved in giving back to their community, and Jim is following closely in those footsteps and continuing his mother’s legacy.
Jim’s greatest gifts and source of inspiration in his life are his two children, Lynwood and Constance.
Jim joined the Operating Board in 2022.
Elizabeth Steele is a dynamic leader who serves as the CEO of New Directions for Women. She seeks to create a space where women can find hope and transformation from addiction and related challenges. A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Elizabeth’s journey has taken her to Orange County, California, where she has dedicated over a decade to making a profound impact on the addiction treatment field and the individuals within.
Elizabeth’s journey in the field of addiction counseling and treatment began with her pursuit of a Master’s degree in Addiction Counseling from the esteemed Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for her impressive career, where she continuously sought opportunities for growth and impact.
Elizabeth’s commitment to excellence extends beyond her direct work in treatment programs. She also serves as a valued Board Member of the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP), a testament to her leadership and influence within the addiction treatment community.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Elizabeth’s journey is her personal connection to the field of addiction recovery. Celebrating 16 years of continuous recovery, Elizabeth’s own lived experience fuels her deep passion for the life-changing work she does. As a product of women’s treatment programming, she understands the necessity of the services provided by New Directions for Women. Her visionary leadership, combined with her personal dedication and profound understanding of recovery, make her an exceptional advocate for women’s well-being and a driving force behind the organization’s continued success.
Elizabeth Steele’s journey from her hometown to the heart of California’s addiction treatment community is a testament to her commitment to improving the lives of women in need. Her leadership, lived experience, and passion for the field of addiction recovery make her an invaluable asset to the mission of New Directions for Women.
Since 2013, Barbara has served as an Employee Benefits Advisor with Centennial Group in creatively designing and implementing employer-sponsored health and welfare plans. With a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California State University, Los Angeles, Barbara has led several projects involving funding mechanisms and administrative options. Her areas of specialization include recovery centers, construction, automotive, manufacturing, computer technology and medical technology industries. In total, she has assisted hundreds of employer groups ranging from just a few employees to over 1,000 employees in size. One of her strengths is her attention to detail in employee communications and ERISA compliance. She is also a leader in the HSA market, HIPAA Compliance.
In addition to her extensive experience in worker’s compensation, Barbara has a keen interest in understanding the insurance challenges that employers face. Barbara’s service to New Directions for Women as a voluntary Board Member has proven valuable in her expert knowledge of the Affordable Care Act and her passion to see women live happy and successful lives through recovery.
Coming Soon!
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New Directions for Women Inc. Board Members
Dan Carracino, along with life-long friend Kevin Hanlon, directed and produced the Emmy-award winning documentary Bill W. He has seen first-hand the devastation of alcoholism, as well as the hope offered by Alcoholics Anonymous. After learning that no feature length documentary had ever been produced about the man who co-founded A.A. and authored its Twelve Steps, he and Kevin decided to make Bill W. Today, in addition to serving as the Board Chair of New Directions for Women Foundation, he is the National Coordinator of Congressional Communities, working towards building a way for us all to have better communication with our Congressional representatives.
Dan joined the Operating Board in 2004, and the Foundation Board in 2006.
Frederick E. Turner, Founder, J.D. Since establishing his first captive management firm in 1996, which was rebranded as Active Captive in 2005, Fred has directed the company’s growth of establishing a management presence in the majority of U.S. domiciles, the formation of single parent and special purpose captives as well as a national strategic business network. As a leading innovator of the single parent captive structure, Active is positioned at the forefront of the growing industry and continues to develop strategies to provide risk mitigation solutions. Prior to entering the field of alternative risk solutions in 1986, Fred was the founding partner of Turner, Reynolds, Greco & O’Hara. Fred’s background also includes a degree of B.A. Economics Long Beach State University, “high distinction”, Graduate Juris Doctorate, Loyola Law School,1980, “cum laude”, Member of California Bar Association, Central District State of California, Ninth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals, U.S. Supreme Court, Rated “AV”. Fred also currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the captive committee business law section of the American Bar Association and Director of the Utah Captive Insurance Association.
Fred joined the Operating Board in 2022
Son of New Directions for Women founder, Pamela Wilder, Jim continues the circle of life by serving as our Board Treasurer and giving his time, talent and treasure to New Directions for Women. Both of Jim’s parents were actively involved in giving back to their community, and Jim is following closely in those footsteps and continuing his mother’s legacy.
Jim’s greatest gifts and source of inspiration in his life are his two children, Lynwood and Constance.
Jim joined the Operating Board in 2022.
Elizabeth Steele is a dynamic leader who serves as the CEO of New Directions for Women. She seeks to create a space where women can find hope and transformation from addiction and related challenges. A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Elizabeth’s journey has taken her to Orange County, California, where she has dedicated over a decade to making a profound impact on the addiction treatment field and the individuals within.
Elizabeth’s journey in the field of addiction counseling and treatment began with her pursuit of a Master’s degree in Addiction Counseling from the esteemed Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for her impressive career, where she continuously sought opportunities for growth and impact.
Elizabeth’s commitment to excellence extends beyond her direct work in treatment programs. She also serves as a valued Board Member of the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP), a testament to her leadership and influence within the addiction treatment community.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Elizabeth’s journey is her personal connection to the field of addiction recovery. Celebrating 16 years of continuous recovery, Elizabeth’s own lived experience fuels her deep passion for the life-changing work she does. As a product of women’s treatment programming, she understands the necessity of the services provided by New Directions for Women. Her visionary leadership, combined with her personal dedication and profound understanding of recovery, make her an exceptional advocate for women’s well-being and a driving force behind the organization’s continued success.
Elizabeth Steele’s journey from her hometown to the heart of California’s addiction treatment community is a testament to her commitment to improving the lives of women in need. Her leadership, lived experience, and passion for the field of addiction recovery make her an invaluable asset to the mission of New Directions for Women.
Since 2013, Barbara has served as an Employee Benefits Advisor with Centennial Group in creatively designing and implementing employer-sponsored health and welfare plans. With a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California State University, Los Angeles, Barbara has led several projects involving funding mechanisms and administrative options. Her areas of specialization include recovery centers, construction, automotive, manufacturing, computer technology and medical technology industries. In total, she has assisted hundreds of employer groups ranging from just a few employees to over 1,000 employees in size. One of her strengths is her attention to detail in employee communications and ERISA compliance. She is also a leader in the HSA market, HIPAA Compliance.
In addition to her extensive experience in worker’s compensation, Barbara has a keen interest in understanding the insurance challenges that employers face. Barbara’s service to New Directions for Women as a voluntary Board Member has proven valuable in her expert knowledge of the Affordable Care Act and her passion to see women live happy and successful lives through recovery.
Coming Soon!
Coming Soon!
Coming Soon!
