ABOUT FAIRWINDS TREATMENT CENTER
Established in 1989, Fairwinds Treatment Center in Clearwater, Florida has been providing specialized treatment for adults and adolescents dealing with behavioral health, substance abuse, and eating disorders. The center offers a range of treatment options including detoxification, residential, and intensive outpatient (IOP) treatment.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
At Fairwinds Treatment Center, clients receive personalized treatment plans that address their primary disorder as well as any co-occurring disorders they may have. Each client has regular individual sessions with doctors, therapists, nutritionists, and psychiatrists. Medication and talk therapy are combined with group, art, and family therapy. The program incorporates various evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), nutrition counseling, meal planning, fitness and wellness groups, and relapse prevention.
The center utilizes the 12-Steps as the foundation for long-term addiction recovery and encourages families to actively participate in their loved one’s recovery. It offers specific therapy and group sessions for families.
Fairwinds Treatment Center takes an innovative approach to eating disorders, employing a “non-diet” methodology and specializing in male and adolescent eating disorders. Treatment includes journaling, menu planning, intuitive eating, and experiential activities such as dining out at restaurants.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The treatment team at Fairwinds Treatment Center is composed of licensed psychiatrists, certified drug and alcohol addictions counselors, licensed social workers, master’s-level therapists, and nurses. The facility also has on-site general physicians, psychologists, art therapists, and registered dietitians. Fairwinds Treatment Center is one of the few dually-licensed psychiatric and substance abuse centers that has earned accreditation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Although details about the living arrangements are limited, images on the facility’s website depict a blend of clinical and home-like settings with shared rooms, communal spaces with couches and TVs, a large dining room, group rooms, classrooms, and offices.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Many former clients have expressed positive feedback about Fairwinds Treatment Center. Alumni have given top ratings for leisure activities and cleanliness and have rated the effectiveness of the treatment highly. Some alumni have mentioned the cost as a drawback. Nonetheless, one anonymous alum praised the great counselors, abundant educational resources, and strong support provided by the center.
However, there are also alumni who have raised concerns about the facility. One alum expressed frustration about the handling of their issues, while others noted organizational issues and described some staff as disrespectful and manipulative. Another alum mentioned that group therapy sometimes felt repetitive and pointless.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Reviews from loved ones have been mixed. One parent mentioned poor communication with the family and the lack of counseling beyond the 12-step program. Another family member felt uneasy about the facility’s handling of finances once insurance coverage stopped and the lack of referrals for affordable aftercare options. A different reviewer shared that their teenager left the center in worse condition than when they entered.
Nevertheless, there are also positive reviews from friends and family. One anonymous reviewer praised the caring staff and described the program as robust. Another anonymous reviewer simply stated that the center had excellent plans for rehab and recovery.
FINANCING
Information about fees is not provided on the facility’s website. However, Fairwinds Treatment Center does accept medical insurance and works frequently with companies such as Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and United Healthcare. The center also accepts self-pay options.