ABOUT PALM HOUSE RECOVERY CENTER
Palm House Recovery Center in Athens, Ga., offers long-term residential, nonclinical treatment in a gender-specific, sober living environment for adult men and women struggling with substance abuse disorders. As a nonclinical facility, the residences do not provide on-site medical detoxification services.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
According to the center’s website, the goal of the program is to help clients remain sober while they interact responsibly in a community environment, develop social skills, re-enter the workforce, and become productive members of society. To assist its client achieve these goals, the residences facilitate a range of services to promote recovery and self-sufficiency. Along with life skills training, Palm House Recovery Center immerses clients into 12-step fellowship in a social model of recovery. The average length of the residential program is one year.
During the residential program, clients are required to attend five off-site 12-step meetings per week. Clients also attend two 12-step study and recovery management groups per week on-site. In addition, Palm House Recovery Center provides additional services to address each client’s individual needs. For instance, the facilities offer a 12-session S.K.I.L.L.S. Training course offered for ex-offenders (though non-offenders can participate), which provides clients with a “Work Readiness Certificate” upon completion. For those who have court requirements or feel they may benefit from the service, an eight-week week certified anger management course is also available.
Within 30 days of residing at Palm House, clients must obtain full-time work. To assist clients obtain employment, the facility offers resume creation, interviewing skills, and job search classes, as well as job placement assistance. Household chores are shared among residents, and clients who are required to perform community service may complete their services at the Palm House. A family day is held each Saturday.
In addition to 12-step meetings, life skills training, and full-time employment, residents may also participate in guided meditation sessions, yoga, Tai Chi, and journaling exercises. To promote accountability, clients submit to regular drug and alcohol testing, however the staff gives residents several chances to maintain their sobriety. If a client tests positive, they will be asked to leave the facility for one week, and additional failed tests will result in extended periods of dismissal. After four positive tests, clients are discharged permanently.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
As non-clinical facilities, Palm House Recovery Centers are largely supervised by peer specialists and house coordinators experienced with addiction and the process of recovery. However, the facility does employ a certified addiction counselor.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Palm House Recovery Centers is comprised of the Main House for men and Sunset Apartments for women. The gender-specific residences feature full kitchen, furnished communal areas, and washer/ dryer units. The Main House also features a fitness room with free weights. Images sourced from the facility’s website indicated double-occupancy bedrooms. Rent includes housing, food, utilities, and basic household supplies, and pets may be permitted to reside with clients upon approval (for a $250 fee).
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The two alumni polled by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing were both critical of the facility, specifically the facility’s cleanliness, the dedication of staff, and its cost. “This wasnt my first residential program but by far the least effective, dirtiest and expensive,” alum K.B. wrote. Also reporting issues the facility’s cleanliness, alum William added: “IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY AT THIS PLACE.”
Secondary sources revealed more polarized alumni opinions concerning the facility. On Google reviews, 10 individuals gave the facility an average rating of three out of five stars. Although some alumni were also critical of the facilities’ cleanliness and questioned its financially-driven motives, others felt the facility was overall effective. “When I came here I had lost everything, including family. Now, my family will actually talk to me again and I have gained employment,” alum Terry W. wrote. However, alum Keara wrote: “This place is a rip off & money hungry.”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Out of the four loved ones polled by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing, three survey respondents gave Palm House mostly positive reviews. The three reviewers all gave four-star ratings for the level of family participation. Also offering a four-star rating for the facility’s counseling options, one anonymous loved one wrote: “I think that it helped my brother with his achohol problem it was a good place.”
Another anonymous loved one described Palm House as an “overall great facility,” but noted that it needed better counseling options. Offering a four-star rating for the employees’ qualifications, the third loved one added: “The staff support and leadership in the facility was wonderful.”
But Jeri, the spouse of a former client, gave the facility just one-star ratings for almost all aspects of the program evaluated, including the facility’s staff support, its leadership, and the level of family involvement. “Not the best facility,” Jeri wrote.
FINANCING
Palm House Recovery Center is a nonprofit organization and provides subsidized housing at a low cost. Rent is $200.00 per week, which includes a portion of the utilities and food, and there is a $800 entry fee. The entry fee and the first two week’s rent of $200.00 (a total of $1200) must be paid upon entering. The facility does not accept insurance.
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