A reinforcing plate comprising an elongated portion adapted to be secured to a door jamb; a plurality of tabs perpendicular to the door jamb and adapted to be secured to one or more studs adjacent the door jamb; and an L-shaped connecting portion between each tab and the elongated portion. Each L-shaped portion comprises a first spacer in a plane parallel to the tabs and a second spacer having a depth essentially equivalent to a distance between the mounting surface of the wall studs and a finished wall surface in a fourth plane parallel to the jamb. The reinforcing plate further comprises at least one component for interfacing with a securing element attached to a door mounted in the door opening.