ABOUT AMERICAN INDIAN CHANGING SPIRITS RECOVERY PROGRAM
Located in Long Beach, California, American Indian Changing Spirits (AICS) offers long-term residential treatment for adults, primarily Native Americans, who are struggling with chemical dependency. However, the center does not discriminate based on race, ethnic background, religion, sexual orientation, or national origin. Individuals with convictions or pending sentencing for violent crimes, including domestic violence, will be referred to another agency. Medical detox is not available on-site, and clients must have been alcohol- and drug-free for 48 hours before admission.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
American Indian Changing Spirits (AICS) offers a 180-day residential program that follows a social and community-based philosophy, placing heavy emphasis on participating in cultural activities and events, including those within the community.
Upon admission, each resident is assigned a case manager to provide support and advice throughout treatment. The program includes alcohol and drug education (including relapse prevention), anger management workshops, individual and group counseling, and a range of recreational and social activities, including mandatory daily physical exercise.
The 12-step model of recovery is also a fundamental component of the treatment program, and clients are required to attend 12-step meetings throughout treatment.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
AICS employs case managers, though no further information is available concerning the facility’s staff. The facility is accredited by CARF, placing it among the 28% of U.S. facilities with the accreditation.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Residents receive 24-hour structured support in the simple but efficient communal residence, which offers shared rooms and family-style meals. It also offers a facility lounge that serves as a communal leisure space and a place to hold group meetings.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The single alum polled by Best-rehabs.com to date gave very positive feedback, indicating that they would strongly recommend treatment at AICS. They awarded the facility perfect five-star ratings for its affordability, holistic treatment options, counseling options, and its treatment of co-occurring disorders. The only metrics that the alum gave less than five stars were for the center’s connectivity, with four stars, and family program, with three.
On its unofficial Facebook page, American Indian Changing Spirits earned an average rating of 4.9 out of five stars from 22 reviews to date.
On Google reviews, American Indian Changing received 3.7 out of five stars from seven reviews at the time of this writing.
WHAT STAFF SAY
The single staff review submitted to Best-rehabs.com about American Indian Changing Spirits to date was positive. “It is a cultural based treatment facility and that is rare in the area. Patients that experience relapse may find it a growing and learning lesson to recognize their weakness or strengths,” the staff member wrote. The staff member gave the facility five out of five stars for the experience of addiction and medical staff, protocols training, and fair pricing. However, he did note that the center was understaffed.
FINANCING
Nobody is turned away on the basis of their inability to pay. AICS accepts Medi-Cal, as well as Tribal-pay options, which is only available at 8.6% of California facilities.