Specialized Women Services (SWS) are licensed treatment programs in Arkansas that provide trauma-informed, family-centered care for women affected by substance use disorders. These programs are designed to support women through recovery while also meeting the needs of their children. View the SWS Needs Assessment for more detailed information.
SWS programs serve pregnant women and mothers of children under the age of seven, offering a safe and structured environment where families can heal together. In addition to treatment for substance use, women and their children receive wrap-around supports such as:
- Therapy and counseling (individual, group, and family)
- Parenting classes and family skill-building
- On-site childcare and support for young children
- Job skills training and workforce preparation
- Medical and behavioral health care, including care coordination
- Aftercare planning to support long-term recovery and stability
Across the state, four SWS providers operate at multiple locations:
- ARVAC Lake Point Recovery and Wellness (Russellville)
- Harbor House—Gateway Recovery Center (Fort Smith)
- Harbor House of Hot Springs
- Arkansas CARES (Center for Addictions Research, Education, and Services) in Little Rock
Together, these programs serve more than 1,100 women each year, along with over 500 children. Services are available to families from all 75 counties in Arkansas.
Why SWS Matters
Arkansas has one of the highest opioid prescribing rates in the nation and the highest maternal mortality rate in the U.S. Overdose and accidental poisoning are leading causes of death in the year after childbirth. By addressing substance use and its related barriers—such as transportation, childcare, housing, and healthcare—SWS programs give mothers and their children a stronger chance at recovery, stability, and a healthier future.
Our Approach
SWS programs use evidence-based, person-centered treatment models such as Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and trauma-informed care. Providers also work closely with community partners, the Department of Children and Family Services, and local health systems to coordinate services and strengthen support networks.
Our Commitment
Specialized Women Services are more than treatment programs—they are lifelines for women and children across Arkansas. By combining recovery support with practical resources like housing, childcare, and job readiness, SWS helps families overcome barriers, rebuild their lives, and thrive long after treatment ends.
Supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration through grant #1H79TI087824-01 to the Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (OSAMH), contracted with the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care (AFMC).
