Spectrum Health Systems, Inc.

Spectrum Health Systems, Inc.

ABOUT SPECTRUM HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC – WESTBOROUGH

Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. is a network of private, non-profit rehabilitation facilities located in Massachusetts and Maine. The flagship treatment center is situated on 25 acres of parkland in rural Westborough, Massachusetts, making it one of the largest rehab facilities in New England.

The Westborough facility offers a range of programs for adults, including on-site detox, residential treatment, clinical stabilization services, and a community support program. Additionally, there is a separate treatment track specifically designed for young men. In fact, over 53% of rehab facilities in Massachusetts offer specialized programming for men.

TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT

Spectrum Health Systems, Inc.’s residential detox program at the Westborough facility provides 24-hour medical supervision. The staff uses medication (methadone) to alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms. It is one of only nine facilities in Massachusetts that offers a residential detox program. The program typically lasts up to six days, during which clients work with staff to create a personalized plan for ongoing treatment.

After completing detox, clients can access transitional support services, which is a short-term, residential program aimed at providing additional stabilization. This program acts as a bridge between detox and aftercare.

During their stay, clients attend daily psychoeducational groups, treatment planning meetings, individual and group counseling sessions, and health education sessions. The length of stays in this program is typically less than 30 days.

Prior to admission, each client undergoes a comprehensive evaluation, and their progress is assessed every 30 days. The treatment approach is highly structured, incorporating the 12-step methodology. Clients also engage in educational programming, group counseling, and recreational activities.

Successful graduates of the residential program have the option to participate in the re-entry component, which involves community work and continued counseling at the facility. The program also provides comprehensive aftercare planning.

STAFF CREDENTIALS

The treatment team at Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. consists of case managers, doctors, and counselors. The facility is accredited by CARF, making it part of the 28% of U.S. facilities with this distinction. Feedback from individuals polled about the facility’s staff has been moderate.

Staff Experience and Training: 3/5

ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES

In the spring of 2015, the Westborough campus underwent a renovation. It now has 100 beds and offers state-of-the-art amenities such as a fitness room, a media center, an outdoor courtyard, and a central dining room. Feedback regarding the facility’s cleanliness has been mixed.

Facility Cleanliness and Upkeep: 2.8/5

WHAT ALUMNI SAY

Alumni reviews of Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. have been mixed. Although some alumni have expressed approval of certain aspects of the facility, others have identified areas for improvement. Alumni generally have positive opinions regarding the likelihood of recommending the facility, but have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of holistic offerings and limited family participation. However, the staff has received praise in alumni comments.

Likelihood to Recommend: 3.75/5
Family Participation: 1.6/5
Holistic Offerings: 1.4/5

One anonymous alumnus mentioned that negative reviews may stem from the time when many alumni attended, suggesting that improvements have since been made. Another alumnus stated their dissatisfaction with the facility and would not recommend it.

On Google, Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. has received an average rating of 2.9 out of 5 stars from 17 reviews to date. It should be noted that at least one review came from an individual who has not been to the facility. Some alumni have also complained about challenges with paying for treatment out-of-pocket.

On its unofficial Facebook page, Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. has received positive feedback from 11 reviewers, earning an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars to date. Two reviews specifically praised the staff, while one mentioned an issue with a particular staff member.

WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY

Four loved ones reviewed Spectrum Health Systems, Inc., offering mixed opinions. While one loved one commended the personalized treatment and described the Westborough campus as a great place with great people and support, another loved one reported that the program did not work for their daughter because she was not ready.

Loved ones felt that the available counseling options and family participation were inadequate. One loved one mentioned the requirement to attend too many groups during detox. Despite their dissatisfaction with family participation, loved ones did acknowledge an adequate level of staff support.

Staff Support: 3/5
Family Participation: 2/5 stars
Counseling Options: 2/5 stars

On Yelp, there are three negative and one positive review of the facility. Two alumni describe rude staff members and deplorable living conditions, while two loved ones provided feedback with contrasting opinions. One loved one expressed happiness that their loved one remains clean and sober, while the other agreed with claims about a dirty facility.

WHAT STAFF SAY

On Indeed, Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. has received an average rating of 2.3 out of 5 stars from 26 reviews. The majority of employees mentioned low pay, poor management, and a stressful environment as concerns. In a balanced review, a former Senior Substance Abuse Counselor stated that the facility was a good place to learn but lacked support and client focus.

On Glassdoor, 52 current and former staff members gave Spectrum a rating of 2.7 out of 5 stars. Employees also mentioned low pay as an issue, along with micromanagement, high turnover, and poor communication.

FINANCING

Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. accepts Medicaid and a variety of private health insurances. For self-pay individuals, a sliding scale fee is available. The opinions regarding the facility’s cost have been neutral.

Affordability: 2.8/5

CONCLUSIONS

In April 2018, Spectrum received its sixth CARF accreditation. In addition, the facility recently expanded its services by introducing an education and training segment focused on outreach and skills development in treatment.

[1] Google Reviews
[2] Facebook
[3] Yelp
[4] Indeed
[5] Glassdoor

Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. Reviews

  • Treatment Effectiveness
  • Accommodations & Amenities
  • Meals & Nutrition
    • It seems like most of their It seems like most of the reviewers must have gone here years ago. I've been to at least a dozen programs, including some of the most respected, not to mention most expensive, facilities in the state. Spectrum's (New England Recovery Center's) residential program is by far the best. Just to counter a few of the other reviews that may be old: -the family program is one of the most important pieces of spectrum. They have a weekly meeting to educate family members which, given how informed my family already is on addiction Issues, was surprisingly helpful. From the moment you go in, they involve your family, because they realize how important your family support is not only in treatment but in your Aftercare program. If you don't want your family involved, they don't push it, and family is to find however you want. If you want your boyfriend or best friend to be as involved as family, that's fine with them. - the detox and residential program are both in state-of-the-art buildings. the building for the residential program was opened in 2015, and it includes a fitness room that you are encouraged to use, a large dining room that does not at all feel like a hospital kitchen, comfortable family meeting rooms, plenty of single bathrooms with showers, and double and triple bedrooms (mostly doubles) that each have multiple windows. Since the front wall is mostly glass, it lets in a LOT of light. The whole place is clean, modern, and comfortable, and it escapes the constricting, run down, sterile hospital feel that many programs in MA are plagued by. -I had no problems with either my private insurance or MassHealth. -They are extremely understanding and compassionate. -They exceptionally holistic for a substance abuse program. Yoga twice a week, massages, a new cardio room, a meditation garden (in the process of being built), SMART recovery meetings in addition to 12-step groups, mindfulness, nutritional counseling, art therapy, EMDR, gender-responsive treatment...how much more holistic can you get at a 2-4 week program? Disclosure: I was supposed to go to Spectrum 9 years ago, but the program I was at at the time decided the population at Spectrum at the time consisted of "too many aggressive men," and they feared I would be too anxious. That was 9 years ago, though. Things have changed.
  • Treatment Effectiveness
  • Accommodations & Amenities
  • Meals & Nutrition
    • This place is absolutely useless. I was a patient there per court order. Spectrum messed up billing my insurance so many times that it resulted in missed appointments that were required by court. In the end spectrum figured out how to bill my insurance, after I stopped going there and went to the VA. Thankfully there was a direct paper trail proving Spectrum's incompetence, otherwise my legal issues would have been greatly magnified. Absolutely do not bother wasting your time with Spectrum
  • Treatment Effectiveness
  • Accommodations & Amenities
  • Meals & Nutrition
    • It helped me to start my life over they have pretty good resources to move on to the next level of treatment groups are good and counseling was good. One thing I didn't like is that it wasn't clean.
  • Treatment Effectiveness
  • Accommodations & Amenities
  • Meals & Nutrition
    • Staff is well educated and willing to help. No gym or workout area. Spectrum offers methadone assisted detox treatment.
  • Treatment Effectiveness
  • Accommodations & Amenities
  • Meals & Nutrition
    • You not keep you long enough they do not have enough staff they also make you go to too many groups while you're trying to detox and not feel good to see you're not listening to what they're saying.
    Yes my daughter was looking to detox from alcohol. Since this place was relatively close by we decided to take her there The initial detox of 3 days went fine. The second part of the treatment she was located in a rundown house in one bedroom with five other women in bunk beds. None where there for alcohol but all for heroin addiction .When she tried to call us on the payphone it would not accept any quarters so she called us collect they charge $21.00 to connect and $1.00 per minute which is a complete rip off. Any ways we got her out of there ASAP.All they want is your money. There are much better treatment facilities around then this place.
  • Treatment Effectiveness
  • Accommodations & Amenities
  • Meals & Nutrition
    • This was my first experience with a detox center and I would not recommend this facility to any one. I voluntarily entered the program and was kicked out of the program for a mistake on there end. I was not allowed to explain my side of the situation or even talk to the person who accused me of falsifying my info. I was put in a cab and dropped of at the train station. After multiple unreturned phone calls I finally was able to talk to the program director who lied and changed her story many times. She told me drug addicts where untrust worthy. Bottom line is this place is not run well.
    I agree with them needing more beds. I've tried so many times to get in the detox and beds are never available! Smh
  • Treatment Effectiveness
  • Accommodations & Amenities
  • Meals & Nutrition
    • Were able to take my daughter same day. Could not let her stay for a ride home Unable to give me info. Spectrum is as good as any facility of this kind can be ...my daughter was not ready and they did nt force the issue.
  • Treatment Effectiveness
  • Accommodations & Amenities
  • Meals & Nutrition
    • Councilors help you get into after care. Food is not very good. I've been throught 3 detoxs at this facility and they are very helpful and caring.
  • Treatment Effectiveness
  • Accommodations & Amenities
  • Meals & Nutrition
    • They need to improve their holistic options and family participation. However, treatment was very effective.
    • Treatment Effectiveness
    • Meals & Nutrition
    Strengths: Snoking, co-ed. Weaknesses: Food. I believe spectrum does the best they can with what they have.
  • Treatment Effectiveness
  • Accommodations & Amenities
  • Meals & Nutrition
    • Strengths: Highly qualified staff Personalized treatment Access to a network of outpatient centers for support after. Weaknesses: need more beds. Just a great place with great people and support.
  • Treatment Effectiveness
  • Accommodations & Amenities
  • Meals & Nutrition
    • No one turned away due to ability to pay. However, there is no client autonomy in treatment planning, extra high relapse rate, evidence of employee burn-out.
  • Treatment Effectiveness
  • Accommodations & Amenities
  • Meals & Nutrition
    • Helped me get clean.
    • Treatment Effectiveness
    • Meals & Nutrition
    When you are in any of the three programs they offer, (detox, holding, residential), the first thing I noticed when I arrived is how caring the staff is. By the time you go through the process required when you first get there, the counselor who checked you in makes you feel so welcome, like its a family. When you get to your room, the other staff on the floor will greet you also, and make sure you have everything you need for your room, medications set up with the nurse, and instructions on how the days go. All day you attend meetings, an hour at any time, and they cover a range of topics-all the things you need to be learning. By the time you get up the next morning, it feels like a family atmosphere. Because you're all there for the same reason. The structure of the days, meals, group, breaks, and even a time in the afternoon that some small chores are divided up between the patients, to keep the section you are in clean. You even have smoke breaks 8 times a day, for the people that smoke and would rather not quit yet. If you do want to, the nurse will set you up immediately with the patch or nicotine gum. The nurse also is there to give medications when they are scheduled, and if anything else does come up when you are there, say, a cold, an infection of some kind, even "girl" problems, she calls the doc to get a prescription added to what you are already taking, if anything. I highly recommend any of the three programs they offer. I feel its the best place around to give you exactly what you need for all issues. I've been to other facilities in the past and Spectrum is by far the best.