ABOUT WHITE SANDS TREATMENT CENTER
Located in Fort Myers, Fla., White Sands Treatment Center treats both substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. A full continuum of treatment services is offered, including medical detox, residential treatment, a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), and sober living facilities. Specialized tracks include a women’s program and a Christian program. Medical detox is available.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Upon admission, clients undergo a comprehensive assessment to determine the most appropriate route of treatment. The typical residential stay is 30 to 60 days. The treatment model is evidence-based — ranging to motivational interviewing, motivational enhancement therapy (MET), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) — but it also incorporates holistic offerings, including art, massage, exercise, and nutritional therapy; yoga; and acupuncture. Clients participate in individual and group therapy, focusing on building healthy coping skills and gaining support from peers. Family therapy is offered as an integral part of the treatment process.
As step-down options, the facility has partial hospitalization and outpatient programs. White Sands also offers sober living homes, and clients who complete treatment are connected to community support groups and therapists in their area.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
According to the facility’s website, the team includes board-certified medical doctors, psychiatrists, master’s level psychologists, clinicians, nurses, and licensed addiction counselors.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Photos published on the facility’s website show a resort-style facility full of luxury amenities, including a pool, kitchen, gazebo, and fitness room. Photos also indicate that clients share rooms with two beds. The center’s website states that electronics are forbidden, smoking is permitted in designated areas, and visitors are allowed at a therapist’s discretion.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Best-rehabs.com has received 18 alumni reviews for White Sands to date, of which 15 are positive, rating the facility with four- and five-star ratings in treatment effectiveness, accommodations and amenities, and meals and nutrition. Positive reviewers commented on helpful, knowledgeable staff and a comfortable environment. Alum Emily wrote: “The clients, and staff were extremely helpful and made me feel right at home.”
Three alumni, however, gave negative reviews, rating White Sands only one star in the aforementioned categories. Complaints varied in their focus, complaining of poor medicinal knowledge among staff, ageism, and poor accommodations. The facility has responded to these complaints below.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Four loved ones polled by Best-rehabs.com to date gave negative reviews of White Sands, with three negative and one positive. The negative reviews rated the facility only one star in treatment effectiveness and complained of poor family-client interaction. One family member named Lori wrote: “It is difficult to get ANYONE even the nurses station on the phone… Now I understand about HIPPA, but it is wrong that no one at least returns a phone call.”
FINANCING
This facility accepts some private insurance policies, and employs insurance coordinators to help clients to maximize their reimbursements. It also accepts self-payment via credit card, wire transfer or cashier’s check.