Founded in 2003, Turnbridge operates gender-separate programs for young men and young women who have been afflicted with addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Since its inception over 13 years ago, Turnbridge has received national acclaim for its innovative treatment model that has redefined the way our industry approaches the “failure to launch” population. Turnbridge clients progress through three Phases of structure, whereby each Phase is designed to build upon the previous one. The ultimate goal for Turnbridge graduates is that they’re actively working or taking classes, engaged in therapy, participating in active social lives, attending 12-step meetings, and actively practicing independent living skills.
ABOUT TURNBRIDGE
Turnbridge, formerly a men’s-only facility named Turning Point, provides gender-specific addiction and mental health treatment to both male and female adolescents and young adults between the ages of 17 and 27. With various campuses located in New Haven, Conn., Turnbridge offers phases of treatment consisting of residential care, outpatient treatment and sober living. Detox is not provided on-site.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Programming combines case management, clinical counseling, and immersion in the 12-Steps, plus academic counseling and, when appropriate, college prep services. Turnbridge uses a phased model, and each phase has its own facility and programming, allowing clients to progress at their own pace. Phase One is highly structured, and clients work closely with their case manager to establish healthy eating and sleeping habits, and to get any mental health conditions under control. Residents, who are supervised 24/7, also participate in nine group therapy sessions and one individual therapy session a week.
In Phase Two, clients begin taking classes, attending six weekly 12-step meetings, and working on developing life skills such as cooking and grocery shopping. Group therapy is cut down to just two sessions per week.
Phase Three is the Reintegrative Sober Living Program. Clients are allowed more independence and move into apartments scattered around New Haven. Clients in this phase pursue employment and volunteer opportunities as they prepare to return to school or full-time work.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The clinical staff includes 12 master’s level therapists, two advanced practice registered nurses, a staff psychiatrist, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and academic advisors. Turnbridge therapists specialize in cognitive care.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Up to 113 clients can be accommodated in shared or private rooms at the organization’s various residences. During Phase One of the Men’s Program, residents stay at Stone Manor at Spring Glen Estate, a stately colonial home featuring elegant decor, expansive gardens, and semi-private rooms. In Phase Two, male clients move to The East Rock Mansion in downtown New Haven. In Phase Three, clients live in transitional residences that are particularly notable for their trendy designs.
Clients in the Women’s Program reside in the Hiram Bingham mansion during phases I and II. The residence features over 20,000 square feet of living space. In Phase III, clients move to residences in the Whitney Avenue Historic District, noted for its locally owned cafes and grocery marts as well as high number of Yale graduates.
Other amenities include a fitness center, a computer lab, a music studio, and a basketball court. During treatment, clients may participate in mixed martial arts or music studio sessions, attending sporting events and concerts, and take ski or snowboard trips.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Out of eight alumni who submitted reviews to Best-rehabs.com to date, four rated Turnbridge’s treatment effectiveness four and five out of five stars, three rated it only one or two stars, and one was mixed, indicating mixed reviews.
Positive reviews wrote that the facility offered varied recreational activities excellent accommodations, and helpful staff. Alum C.B. wrote: “All of the activities made my time here 100x better. The staff is extremely helpful and supportive, and will always go out of their way to help.”
Negative reviews wrote long, anecdotal criticisms claiming that, while in-person staff such as therapists were pleasant, the facility did not live up to all its promises, such as its 1:2 staff to client ratio. They also wrote that while phase I of Turnbridge’s treatment helped them, phases II and III undermined their progress from phase I. Alum Gaelen wrote: “day to day life was uncomfortable and unproductive to my treatment … I say this coming from a background of a Master’s of mental health.”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Best-rehabs.com has received four reviews from loved ones to date, and their commentary was positive, each one rating the facility’s treatment effectiveness a perfect five stars. They applauded the individualized methods, phase system, and emphasis on learning. For example, C.T., who gave a five-star rating for the facility’s quality of addiction treatment, wrote: “Turning Point’s focus on actually teaching and guiding our son on how to change simply made sense to us… It was a lot more than a drug treatment center it was a life changing experience for both us and our son.”
The only potential drawbacks came from two anonymous reviewers. One told Best-rehabs.com: “No family counseling available,” and the other wrote: “Meals were a downfall.”
WHAT STAFF SAY
While not an employee of Turnbridge, an LCSW-certified professional J.who referred clients to Turnbridge praised the facility, claiming that the facility trained clients in basic skills, though not clarifying what skills they were. Social worker J.H. wrote: “Whatever costs are incurred at Turnbridge, given the limitations of insurance, is worth the costs to insure that these high risk kids have a future. A good investment in their future.”
FINANCING
Residential fees are priced per month and not typically covered by insurance. Clinical fees are billed first to clients’ insurance providers; clients without insurance are offered substantially discounted out-of-pocket rates. Best-rehabs.com feedback indicates monthly fees are on average $9,900.
Updated March 2017