ABOUT MICHAEL’S HOUSE
For almost three decades, Michael’s House has offered adults comprehensive residential and outpatient treatment for addiction, including co-occurring mental health disorders. Located in Palm Springs, Calif., this rehab has four campuses — the Stabilization Center for on-site detox, Women’s Center, Men’s Center, and Outpatient Center.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Beginning with orientation and detox at the Stabilization Center, new arrivals at Michael’s House experience a multi-level treatment system supported by 24-hour nursing. When ready to advance to their treatment plan, clients proceed to the Men’s Center or Women’s Center residential facilities. Residential programs typically last 45 days, but can be extended for up to 90 days.
In addition to 12-step principles (both on-site and off-site meetings), treatment integrates evidence-based practices, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and motivational interviewing (MI). The curriculum is highly personalized and consists of bi-weekly individual therapy sessions, at least 20 hours of primary and group therapy per week, co-dependency groups, LGBT process groups, healthy sleep programs, and relapse prevention.
Programming is combined with outdoor activities, such as hiking, equine therapy, rock climbing, zip lining, and off-site excursions. The facility also holds a three-day family intensive program on weekends, designed to engage individuals in a therapeutic and educational process to rebuild healthy family systems.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) services, which feature psychoeducational and process groups, start with three hours of integrated services per morning, Monday through Friday. From there, treatment may be shortened, and is followed by the complimentary aftercare program.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
Michael’s House is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). The multidisciplinary treatment team includes consulting physicians, primary and family therapists, social workers, and nurses.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
The surrounding San Jacinto mountain range sets the stage for a relaxing yet focused path to recovery. The Men’s Center and the Women’s Center both feature shared bedrooms, a swimming pool, lounge, and outdoor area. Residential clients have access to an off-site gym, yoga, meditation, and massage. There are a total of 120 beds at all of the facilities at Michael’s House.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
To date, many of the more than two dozen alumni polled by Best-rehabs.com praised the clinical programs and the staff’s level of training and experience. Kristina called the staff “friendly,caring and available” and added: “It saved my life, bottom line.” Former client J.J.K. gave perfect five-star ratings across the board and wrote: “The level of counseling and therapy provided helped me get in touch my true self.” J.W. called Michael’s House the “best experience of my life!!” Others referred it to as the “best decision I ever made” and the “best thing i have ever done for myself.” Joey appreciated the priority given to care: “I really like the staff and felt that my recovery was their main goal.”
However, some reviewers encountered problems with insurance coverage and unexpected out-of-pocket expenses upon treatment completion. They referred to treatment as “expensive.” Comments along this line included: “It’s a money making Facility, Its Heartless,” “They try to milk more money out of you,” and simply “Money money money.”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Four loved ones polled by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing provided mixed feedback. They awarded an average of 2.8 out of five stars for treatment effectiveness, four stars for accommodations and amenities, and 4.3 stars for meals and nutrition. On the positive end, R.M.S., whose son worked with the facility, awarded many four-star ratings and called the intake personnel “phenominal.” An anonymous reviewer wrote that their father, who returned home healthy and clear minded, ended up relapsing, and recommended that the facility check on alumni via “follow-up appointments or calls.”
Parent B.B. similarly criticized aftercare and medical care too: “(My child) did not benefit from the care they received…they have not received any aftercare…(the facility) prescribed adderral to a person with an addiction problem.” Mary reported “It was a nice facility” that her son liked, but he relapsed immediately. She referenced problems with insurance and billing and “Ended up paying $5000 out of pocket when we were told max out of pocket would be $1000.”
FINANCING
The Michael’s House website notes “We work with most insurances” and lists Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and United Healthcare among them. However, it advises potential clients to call the 24-hour hotline for more information.