ABOUT THE REFUGE, A HEALING PLACE
Centered on a 94-acre campus between Orlando and Gainesville in Central Florida, The Refuge, A Healing Place, provides treatment for adults dealing with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. The Refuge offers on-site detoxification, residential treatment, and sober living.
The Refuge also provides specific treatment for anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric conditions.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Prior to admission, intake counselors at The Refuge will evaluate potential clients using interview data and medical history. Medically-managed detoxification at the center typically lasts seven to 10 days, though it can be extended as needed.
Counselors will create a personalized treatment plan that may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), 12-step meetings, and holistic therapies. The Refuge also treats eating disorders, sex addiction, gambling, self-harming behaviors, and other conditions.
Those enrolled in residential treatment on average stay for 90 days.
A four-day retreat for family members, Family Week, involves educational meetings, individual sessions and experiential groups.
Continuing care resources for clients involve a discharge plan and medication management. Graduates can transition into sober living facilities on the campus.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The Refuge is CARF-accredited and employs over 100 individuals including therapists, medical doctors, nurses, psychologists, certified counselors, and psychiatrists. Some staff members are in recovery themselves.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
The 94-acre campus can accommodate 60 adults in gender-specific housing. The peaceful, secluded location makes it possible for clients to enjoy hiking trails, ropes courses, horseback riding, a labyrinth, and a meditation trail. Clients can also use an on-site swimming pool, volleyball, and basketball court.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Seven individuals surveyed by Best-rehabs.com to date gave mixed feedback concerning The Refuge. Four individuals polled gave the facility perfect five-star ratings for its treatment effectiveness, while three individuals gave The Refuge one- or three-stars.
Alum K.G. wrote: “I think the facility does an awesome job of personalizing ever patient’s treatment.” Jon called The Refuge a “very serene place” to receive treatment.
However, other individuals did not feel that treatment was worthwhile at The Refuge.
Jennifer, who received treatment for PTSD at The Refuge commented: “Bad place. Not worth the money…” One anonymous reviewer added: “The programs at The Rufuge are good, but the execution of those programs rarely was.”
On The Refuge’s Facebook page, which may be vetted, 110 reviewers gave the facility high marks of 4.7 out of five stars.
Two reviewers left perfect five-star ratings for the facility on Yelp, while a third individual gave the facility one out of five stars.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Four loved ones polled by Best-rehabs.com to date gave The Refuge moderate ratings overall, with 3.3 out of five stars going to the the facility’s holistic offerings, cleanliness, exercise and leisure activities, and visitor policy. Two individuals gave perfect five-star ratings to The Refuge’s treatment effectiveness.
Loved one J.L.C. indicated that treatment was “very expensive” but felt that strengths included “Lots of one on one counselling; strong family program.” An anonymous parent added: “It gave her the structure she needed at first and then seemed to move to more self directed directions that helped her to gain insight into her situation.”
However, parent S.F. reported: “There is no rhyme or reason for their modalities, except to have clients go over their trauma over and over again, which is traumatizing in itself.”
FINANCING
No information is provided on The Refuge’s website concerning insurance, pricing, or financial assistance at this time of writing.