ABOUT CHRYSALIS HOUSE
Established in 1978, Chrysalis House is one of Kentucky’s longest running substance abuse rehab programs for adult women. The center specializes in treating pregnant and parenting women, and allows clients to bring young children with them to treatment. Residential admission requires a long-term commitment. Therefore, staff often recommend that clients try a short-term or outpatient program before enrolling with Chrysalis House. Staff members are able to coordinate with government and community service organizations on behalf of clients.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Admission to Chrysalis House begins with a 10-minute initial screening phone call, after which an on-site assessment is scheduled. Treatment plans are individualized, with a duration of more than one year. The typical client comes to Chrysalis House from a homeless or at-risk situation, with at least one mental health condition co-occurring with a substance use disorder.
During the first phase of treatment, residents participate in individual and group therapy, 12-step work, psycho-educational programming, peer mentoring, and community volunteer activities. They receive nutritional counseling as well as dual diagnosis treatment.
The second phase, usually beginning about six months into the client’s program, supports women in finding employment while continuing to receive case management services and attending group therapy. Clients remain in this phase for another year. Chrysalis prioritizes aftercare, according to the facility’s website, and graduates of a long-term residential program are welcome to return for follow-up assistance.
Along with substance abuse treatment, Chrysalis House also provides counseling for domestic violence, G.E.D. tutoring, and employment readiness training. Children between the ages of five and 11 have access to cultural, educational, and prevention services throughout the year.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
Led by a professional therapist who specializes in treating substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders, the multidisciplinary Chrysalis House treatment team consists of master’s level therapists, case managers, a registered nurse, and a domestic violence counselor.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Chrysalis House operates three residential rehab facilities and more than four dozen transitional and long-term apartment units, as well as an 18,000-square-foot multi-purpose community center. According to its website, the program can accommodate around 20 women in the initial treatment stage in one residence, and 16 in a second residence. Children under the age of two may stay on-site with their mothers, and older children may spend nights and weekends on-site under the condition that it doesn’t interfere with their schooling or the mother’s treatment.
Residents are encouraged to participate in physical exercise, learn and practice relaxation techniques, and enjoy gardening on-site. The Chrysalis community art garden is also used in children’s education.
Clients have access to laundry facilities and are expected to perform some household chores. The use of cell phones and laptops and visitation is allowed at designated times, although restricted in the first month of treatment.
Alumni social gatherings frequently include interaction with current program residents.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The four alumni polled by Best-rehabs.com to date provided mostly positive reviews for Chrysalis House. Of 15 metrics measuring various aspects of treatment and accommodations, meals and nutrition received the highest average rating of 4.75 out of five stars, along with a four-star average for the staff’s level of training and experience. “They not only teach you how to cope without doing drugs they help you become a functioning member of society again,” wrote one reviewer.
Former clients wrote that treatment was effective and affordable, with both metrics earning a rating of four-stars. They also indicated that the facilities were clean and well-maintained. Three of the four expressed satisfaction with treatment of co-occurring conditions, sharing the same opinion of family participation.
The program’s counseling options received the lowest average rating, a still favorable three stars. Complaints from survey respondents were minimal and inconsistent, touching upon certain staff members’ communication skills, leniency in regards to rules, and a lack of follow-up. In contrast, two alumni cited ongoing support after completing the program as a strength.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
The one loved one polled by Best-rehabs.com to date provided ratings of three or more stars in all evaluated categories. They reported that Chrysalis House saved their mother’s life and highlighted opportunities for family participation with a five-star rating. Also noting the strength of dual diagnosis treatment and staff experience, they indicated a high likelihood of recommending the facility to others. Further echoing alumni trends, they rated exercise, leisure activity, and holistic therapy offerings moderately.
FINANCING
According to the facility’s website, most clients do not pay any fees until they have acquired employment. Once employed, clients pay about 30% of their earnings for treatment and housing. Residents also contribute to the cost of food through their SNAP benefits. Chrysalis House is a United Way partner.