First Step’s detoxification / addiction unit is on 18th Street in Sarasota. It is a 24/7, 30-bed, medically supervised detoxification unit.
First Step guides clients through the physical and emotional crisis of withdrawal, emphasizing good nutrition and vitamins, links to self-help support groups and planning for continuing care. During the average stay of three to 10 days, clients participate in structured, daily activities, including educational groups, AA/NA groups and discharge planning. It cares for those who are in crisis from drugs or alcohol, whether they are referred voluntarily or involuntarily. Involuntary admissions are initiated through the Florida Marchman Act.
This inpatient program provides safe, medical detox from drugs or alcohol. In addition, case management services refer clients to residential or outpatient programs for continuing care.
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For more information about our programs, or to speak confidentially with one of us, please fill out the short form below. We look forward to hearing from you.
*Community partners are businesses that have chosen to support our organization as a community partner sponsor. If you are interested please click here for the sponsorship form.
Mental Health Partners:
FIRST STEP OF SARASOTA, INC. IS A 501 (C ) (3) ORGANIZATION. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION ON CH1573 MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL FREE 800 435 7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Welcome to First Step of Sarasota
A UNITED EFFORT Serving Sarasota, MANATEE, DESOTO & Charlotte counties.
For more than 50 years, we have been "Caring for Our Community" by providing affordable, evidence-based behavioral healthcare services to children, adolescents, adults, seniors and their families who struggle with mental-health and substance-use issues.
July 2020 saw two organizations with this mission — First Step of Sarasota and Coastal Behavioral Healthcare — join to provide better service more cost-effectively. The leadership and staff of this new, stronger First Step of Sarasota Inc. know that while the job is never done, we succeed every time a family is reunited, a person with a mental illness is well again, or a child threatening suicide is saved.
We celebrate every time an individual achieves his or her self-determined goals for health, life, and well-being.
