About us
Nicasa is a distinguished non-profit organization based in Waukegan, Illinois, committed to assisting individuals grappling with substance abuse and gambling disorders.
Since 1966, Nicasa has been a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals struggling with substance abuse and gambling disorders. Located in Waukegan, Illinois, Nicasa provides client-focused and evidence-based services based on the Matrix model. They also offer DUI services, adhering to Illinois laws that require individuals arrested for DUI to obtain an alcohol/drug evaluation. This evaluation may lead to recommendations for additional education or treatment services.
Nicasa’s services include:
- Adult Services
- Individual and Group Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Residential Halfway House Services
- Therapy for Depression
- Telehealth Services
One of their notable offerings is the Residential Halfway House Services through Bridge House, which opened in 1972. This community residence supports men and women with an average stay of four months, requiring residents to attend six sessions per week.
All services at Nicasa are provided in both English and Spanish.
Adult outpatient (9 hours per week) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) (9 or more hours per week) at Nicasa are based on the Matrix Model. This evidence-based program has been rigorously evaluated and found to be effective for adults with various chemical dependencies. The overarching goal of substance abuse treatment is to guide each client through a process of change to achieve substance-free identities and improved health, wellness, and quality of life. Each client receives an individualized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.
All services at Nicasa are provided in both English and Spanish and also provides services in Polish and Russian. If other languages are needed, an interpreter can be requested.
Nicasa maintains accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), reflecting its commitment to maintaining high standards of care and treatment excellence.
Insurance
Payment Options
- Cash or self-payment
- Medicaid
- State-financed health insurance plan other than Medicaid
- Private health insurance
- Federal, or any government funding for substance use treatment programs
- Sliding fee scale (fee is based on income and other factors)
- Self-pay options
- Financial aid
- Sliding scale payment assistance
Addiction Resource Score
Scoring is assigned by a proprietary system which helps surface key metrics that determine quality. The 10-point scale factors in categories such as operations, customer satisfaction, and trust metrics.
8
Out of 10
We understand that choosing an addiction treatment center can be overwhelming, especially with so many options, promises, and marketing messages. Thatโs why weโve developed a clear, standardized rating system designed to cut through the noise and highlight what truly matters: safety, quality of care, and transparency. Our goal is to give individuals and families the information they need to make confident, informed decisions during a critical time.
In this guide, we explain exactly how we rate treatment centersโfrom accreditation and staff credentials to therapy options, facility environment, and family involvement. Youโll see how we assign scores, award badges, and update listings to ensure accuracy and fairness. Most importantly, our system focuses on elevating centers that prioritize ethical, evidence-based care, not just those with the best marketing. This way, you can trust that the ratings you see reflect meaningful standards that help you find the right fit for lasting recovery.
Treatment
Treatment Options
- Comprehensive mental health assessment
- Comprehensive substance use assessment
- Interim services for clients
- Outreach to persons in the community
- Screening for mental disorders
- Screening for substance use
Conditions Treated
- Alcoholism
- Substance use treatment
- Opioid Treatement
Levels of Care
- Outpatient
- Intensive outpatient treatment
- Regular outpatient treatment
- Aftercare
Treatment Modalities
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Telemedicine/telehealth therapy
- Substance use disorder counseling
- Trauma-related counseling
- Treatment for gambling disorder
- Group counseling
- Family counseling
- Intervention Services
- Contingency management/motivational incentives
- Motivational interviewing
- Matrix Model
- Community reinforcement plus vouchers
- Relapse prevention
- Individual psychotherapy
- Life Skills
License and Accreditation
- State mental health department
- Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)
Facility Operation
- Private non-profit organization
Screening
- Drug or alcohol urine screening
Ancillary Services
- Case management service
- Specially designed program for DUI/DWI clients
- Mental health services
Opioid Treatment
- Accepts clients using MAT but prescribed elsewhere
Transitional Recovery Services
- Mentoring/peer support
- Housing services
- Discharge Planning
- Employment counseling or training
- Naloxone and overdose education
- Outcome follow-up after discharge
Age Groups Accepted
- Adolescents
- Children/adolescents
Gender Accepted
- Female
- Male
Smoking or Vaping
- Smoking not permitted
- Vaping not permitted
Amenities
Amenities
- Residential setting
Hope Without Commitment
Find the best treatment options. Call our free and confidential helpline
Most private insurances accepted