Hazelden is dedicated to helping individuals affected by addiction to alcohol and other drugs by restoring hope, healing, and health. Our goal is to ensure that all who seek recovery find it and that the stigma of addiction is overcome. We are committed to treating the whole person, addressing both the illness and the individual. We believe in treating every person with dignity and respect, while maintaining a commitment to the Twelve Step fellowship. Additionally, we strive to be of service and remain open to innovation.
ABOUT HAZELDEN BETTY FORD FOUNDATION – CENTER CITY
One of 14 treatment facilities operated by the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation facility in Center City, Minn. offers residential treatment and a partial hospitalization program (PHP) with sober housing for adults struggling with chemical dependency and co-occurring disorders. The facility also offers on-site medical detoxification services.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Upon admission, clients participate in a comprehensive assessment to help clinicians create an individualized treatment plan. Based on the client’s needs, clinicians may recommend the residential program or the day program (PHP) with nearby sober housing. Hazelden’s programming combines evidence-based treatment methods with 12-step immersions and integrated mental health services.
During treatment, clients engage in individual and group counseling, addiction education lectures, life skills and relapse prevention workshops. The facility also offers specialized program tracks for healthcare and legal professionals. Medication-assisted treatment (Suboxone) may be incorporated into programming for individuals recovering from opioid addiction, and ongoing medication management is provided to dually diagnosed individuals.
Clients are introduced to the principles and practices of the 12-step model of recovery, attending meetings, studying fellowship literature, and completing coursework. Hazelden also provides a four-day family program and encourages loved ones to attend Al-Anon.
The length of residential treatment is determined by individual needs, typically lasting between one and four months. PHP is held on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with clients residing in sober housing units on Hazelden’s campus. PHP usually lasts between eight and 10 weeks, and in some cases, clients may be encouraged to continue with PHP as part of their care plan. Graduates have access to a 25-session continuing care program, structured sober housing, and regular alumni events.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
Hazelden’s multidisciplinary staff includes medical doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed alcohol and drug counselors, licensed social workers, licensed professional clinical counselors, and marriage and family therapists. The facility also has its own publishing division and offers a graduate degree program in addiction studies.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
The facility’s website features images of a campus with amenities such as a pool, fitness center, café, store, lounge areas, hiking trails, a meditation room, and a lecture hall. Many individuals who reviewed Hazelden praised the amenities and accommodations. In a survey of 138 individuals, 54 respondents rated the facility’s exercise and leisure activities an average of 4.22 out of five stars.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Based on alumni feedback, the facility is highly effective. Alumni praised the staff, treatment programming, and discharge planning. In the survey, 27 former clients rated the level of family participation an average of 4.04 out of five stars, counseling options 3.7 stars, and ease of communication with loved ones during treatment four stars. Alumni also rated the facility’s ability to resolve conflict and the effectiveness of individual counseling five stars. One alum wrote, “Great discharge planning, also extensive follow-up with discharged patients.”
Twenty-six individuals surveyed rated the treatment staff’s level of experience and training an average of 4.61 stars. Another alum wrote, “Hazelden treated me like family, with respect, dignity and made me feel valuable.” A different alum wrote, “Hazelden is an excellent treatment center and has high priority on recovery.”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Friends and family members echoed the positive feedback from alumni. In a survey of 27 loved ones, the facility received an average rating of 4.44 stars for the level of family participation, 4.26 stars for the treatment staff’s level of experience and training, and 3.96 stars for the facility’s counseling options. One loved one wrote, “Excellent quality and care.” Another loved one praised the facility’s treatment of co-occurring disorders, stating, “It is a beautiful, comfortable facility. The clients are treated well. The family program is fabulous.”
WHAT STAFF SAY
Three staff members who were surveyed felt the facility was highly effective and had no concerns about the quality of care. All three staff members gave four and five-star ratings for the experience and training of the staff, as well as the facility’s commitment to client privacy. One employee wrote, “Our research proves the treatment we provide can work.”
FINANCING
The facility accepts most major insurance policies, and program costs start at $945 per day. “Scholarships” may be available for those in need of financial assistance. The majority of individuals polled by Best-rehabs.com found the facility to be overall affordable. In a survey of 138 individuals, 54 respondents gave an average rating of 3.48 stars for the facility’s affordability.
Updated March 2017
Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Reviews
Hazelden Center City was a Blessing for my daughter for which we are Grateful and Thankful to her Counselor as well as all the Staff during her recovery. Admissions was so Caring and Welcomed us as if it was her home. She eased our minds. most of all ALL the Staff in the Family Program were most helpful and helped us understand we were not alone. Each presentation was from the HEART ! Please post this to all concerned so they know how GRATEFUL we are to Hazelden.
My son has been a poly-substance abuser for 20 years. His drug of choice is methamphetamine. He was admitted to Hazelden and was there for 28 days. In that first phase of treatment they only determined the course of treatment. His government job only covered 45 days of care and wanted his family to come up with $15K for the next 30 days. We didnt have the money. He had been through 8 different programs before and always returned to meth or alcohol. Hazelden booted him out, wouldnt allow him to even begin the next phase of care because his insurance would run out during that 2nd phase and we wouldnt mortgage the farm to keep him there. They said there were no scholarships or grants available for him, in spite of a family friend's inquiry, influence, and philanthropy. If you dont have loads of cash available look elsewhere for chemical dependency treatment
My daughter went through two unsuccessful attempts at treatment here a couple of years ago for heroin addiction and was successful the third time with the cor 12 program. She was inpatient for 33 days and then did the live-in intensive outpatient for 45 days before going to IOP in St. Paul. The accountability and follow through with cor12 was helpful. Most important for me was the family program where I was able to separate my own life and happiness from her addiction.
The California location has a lot more continuity and stability between counselors and room and board. I feel like a number not someone they are committed to help get well. I hate to say it but it feels as though they are just about the money
very good, comprehenive. very good holistic program, and help with te skills needed once discharged.
More support for young children of alcoholics during program BEFORE loved one discharged to home. Resources was a strength. Identifying length of treatment was a weakness ....especially if first time. I think 30 days is inadequate in every situation.
Good. Strengths:Good reputation. Wekaness:Location
Good friend had gone through treatment before and it didn't work for him until he went to Hazeldon.They did not tolerate which is what I think the posh treatment centers he's been to had done before were doing. I don't know because it worked.
I recently completed treatment at center city. Very high quality services. The woman in the business office was so helpful--very kind, knowledgable--a gem. I absolutely recommend their treatment if you are so unfortunate to need it.
I have been to multiple treatment centers and have been sober ever since attending Hazelden in MN. The facility was great and the staff even better. I was treated with dignity and respect and they under promised and over delivered.
This place is honest to God a living hell. Staff are a complete mess and act like they’d rather be anywhere else then where they are. You basically spend a small fortune to live in a niceish apartment where you agree to constantly be annoyed by employees all day saying you need to leave. They never got my IOP set up and I’ve been here over a month. They’ve messed up so many appointments I can’t count and never once apologized for it. They haven’t refilled my meds in days. An absolute mess! Listen to my parents and I and DO NOT GO HERE. Not at all worth the money an absolute fraud!
Worse place ever they tell you that everything is going to get better! That is a fat out lie! . On Admission to center city I told them only 70% was covered by my insurance they stayed don’t worry that they would be able to work with that! Not true they send you bills after you leave . You can call to dispute the bill but send you to collections to pay! They are not for your best interest, only there profits!!! So they will always win! If you really want to save your loved one don’t send them too this horrible place!
the only good thing about the place is if you stay you collect 30 days clean, unless your being maintained on suboxone. during those 30 days that cost atleast $1000 a day you never even actually attend a real 12 step meeting outside the institution, and inside they dont even hold real meetings. you will be totally segregated from the opposite sex, with mens and womens dining rooms. all over the place they have these complaint boxes called "hazelden has heart" where they claim to really care about critical imput and say they will contact you about any problems you might have - but I filled out a couple of them & never heard a word. you will encounter counselors who often arent even in recovery themselves. im sorry, but i had two different gay counselors, and couldnt relate at all because of my own childhood abuse issues. theres tons of time-waste going on...like after EVERY lecture everyone has to file back to their unit & then every single person has to sit there and say a little bit about what they "got from the lecture"....every morning everyone has to gather together & read a page out of the sacred 24 hours a day book. the place once was great, but now its like the McDonalds of Rehab. If you dont say what they want to hear, then there is something wrong with YOU. and the sad thing is, their rehab isnt even that effective. you will do yoga & play childrens card games for their so-called world class therapies. but still, the food is great and the grounds are beautiful, and you can collect a month clean. you might get the crabs or the flu while there due to the hundreds of people you will be hugging & holding hands with. its almost impossible to ever see an actual doctor. you cant take your own necessary prescription medications like a blood pressure pill because they insist on selling you the stuff from their own pharmacy...and its just like being at the hospital...they charge you what they want, and dont like to admit it. the whole time i was there i think i saw ONE BLACK PERSON. i could go on and on...but still, its not that bad a place somehow, or you could say that its possible to get some good out of being there, but i still think the best thing is that you simply sober-up for a month because you have paid for yourself to do that. if all anyone needed to do to get clean for a month is rent a cheap motel room, then rehabs wouldnt be in business.
After an expensive stay, my daughter did ok (not using drugs but more of a dry drunk). We complained that she needed dual diagnosis treatment, but never got any nor did she get involved in a 12 step program. We also complained that she had her cell phone and internet accessibility , it was like a nice , expensive camp. She is currently in jail after a return to drugs and we will need to find another program for her, one that is VERY different than the one at Hazelden. One that gets her starting to work her program , as opposed to a country club program , more interested in what celebrities it can bring in as customers ( not patients)
Very old school and my son lost his alcohol addiction but left with a severe kratom addiction that he used at hazelden and they did not even test for it.
If you want it they will show you the way
Hazelton has a stellar reputation in addiction services. Unfortunately it has used this reputation to " franchise " its treatment for the masses. There is very little individual therapy especially for those with a dual diagnosis.
In 8 weeks there I saw my physician once, left me hanging in the breeze. The group therapy for those in the health care tract are unmanageable with up to 30 people in the weekly session. Doctors who have substance abuse issues spend three months there while nurses get a month.
At the Dan Anderson Center groups have 25 or more and long winded exaddicts lecture for hours at a time. Again very little individual attention. The 12 step approach is explored in a cult like manner.
Doctors spend three months there because they can afford it usually. Basically Hazelton is a prime example of the medical industrial complex at its worst.
If this is one of the country's best facilities then there is no wonder that substance abuse is at a crisis state. Once your insurance or money runs out then you are out. Hazelton takes the care out of caregiver. A prime example of an organization resting on its laurels.
Do you really really like AA and the twelve steps? Are you a die hard 12 stepper? Do you want to say a prayer to ole bill Wilson 20 times a day? Then Hazeldon is the place for you!
The lectures and therapy session are simply motivational speeches devoted to the 12 steps and big book. If the big book isn't your thing then you clearly want to fail. The rules are neeedless and over bearing. No fraternizing with other guys that aren't in your unit for instance. The accomadatins are terrible- three beds to one room with a simple partition separating the beds. They also fine you if you don't make your bed or show up to the meetings on time. I am already paying 40k for this place wtf? The work out room is tiny and the machines are outdated and broken. Go to place that treats you like an adult and employs actual scientific based treatment.
My husband was sent to the Center City location on a "corporate deal" and was unable to check himself out and the staff knew that. He has a medical condition that requires treatments weekly by a specialist. Hazelden transportation took my husband to a specialist in MN and they told him they could not get him in for treatments for 4-5 week. He let the staff at Hazelden know that he couldn't get them and they did nothing. He was kept at Hazelden for 4 weeks without necessary medical care. He was in pain and losing sleep and nothing was done about it. I contacted the CEO and asked that he contact me and and he did not. Obviously the corporate deal with more important than my husbands health. Totally unacceptable.
I am 40 years old. I am what I would consider to be a normal guy, farmer daddy, friend, college grad, I drank all my life but in mid to late 30's it became a problem. I switched from beer to vodka and drank it like water for a coupple of years. I finally hit rock bottom and almost lost everything. I volunteered to go to hazelden in sep of 2015. Was scared selfless. It got me clean and sober and so I returned home and 5 months later thought I could return to social drinking. Boy was I wrong. So I returned to Minnesota after I saw my sister die from this disease and this time it took. I just would like to say that this place saves lives. It saves families it is a godsend. People are gonna bitch about anything by reading some of these reviews but please take it from someone who has. Even there 2 go arounds. It works. It is a safe detox. The people do care about you. The food is awesome I swear the campus is beautiful if you or loved one needs help please call them. It works!!
6-29-17, 7:00 Renwal AA Meeting. I don't think the 3rd Step of AA should is meant to empower the group leader to consistently promote his belief in the Native American Spirituality. With Hazelden clients there along with AA persons with more sobriety, that type of promotion is confusing at best. AA is intended to be a program of 'attraction, not promotion.' The Traditions indicate 'our leaders are but servants, they do not govern.'
AA education & food Expensive, too structured
The program was effective, meals were good.
Overall a pretty poor experience here. If you don't conform to the 12 steps immediately, there will be an X on your back and the staff will make your life a living hell. They talk up there mental health services, but if you say you're struggling with depression or anxiety they will kick you out. This happened to me and I relapsed very, very badly as a result. I feel worse off now then I did going into Hazelden.
Also, they don't know how to properly detox people who are coming off of alcohol or benzos. They will say they do if you or a loved one asks, but they don't, trust me. There have been multiple accounts of seizures here myself included. Do yourself a favor and detox properly at a hospital.
I seen my son so happy now and he as open up more now plus them 4 days i was there i seen how hard them people work on turning there life over to the better ways in life and im so greatful for what they have done to help my son
Until and unless the patient is willing to admit being powerless to the addiction, I don't believe anyone-Hazelden staff, family members, or anybody else can deliver sobriety. I did not read all of the negative posts; my take-away, however, is many were written by disappointed family members. An often mentioned topic was cost. My question to those people: How much is a loving, trustworthy, caring, no longer self-centered recovering alcoholic or addict worth? Another negative theme seems to be unrealistic expectations of results in a 28 day period. Until the patient understands and accepts addiction is a disease of the mind, body, and soul, the recovery process cannot begin. 28 days is a mere beginning. My experience with Hazelden gave me a tremendous base of knowledge to become sober. For that, I am extremely grateful. The others in my life, whether family, friends, or co-workers, are as well. Thank you so much!
This placed saved my life. Sober almost 7 years. They planted the seed and when I was released I atttended AA meeting daily. I worked the program. It was the hardest thing I ever did. Made me sad tto hear the bad comments of Hazeldon. One guy complaining, bad mouthing, but he has been in and out of 7 or 8 rehabs. Its not gonna work unless you want it. Quit blamming everyone else and look into the mirror and be honest.....That a start to soberity. Best of wishes to all..... Thanks again Hazeldon for saving my life. .
Naturally, the program only works to the extent that you are motivated. They will give you all the help you need. Detox is comfortable and effective. The staff is friendly and supportive. The accomodations and grounds are lovely. The food is wonderful and plentiful. I did have to firmly and politely assert myself on a medication issue, which the staff responded positively.
Hazelden should be shut down. They do it care about the patients at all. The techs are rude and overworked...It's all about money. The food is gross, the accommodations are mediocre, and the staff is uncaring and rude. Keep your belongings packed, because they need your bed for the next patient in line... They do have an awesome pool and exercise room you can use at 6 in the morning. Please find a better place for yourself or your loved one.
Wow is all I can say. Tried to get my son into Hazeldon because I had heard good things about them and that they were the best. I read the reviews prior to contacting them. I thought perhaps sour grapes. It is not sour grapes.
Son in treatment in Southern, FL and failing badly. Wanted to get into a long term treatment center. Called Hazeldon beginning of November to verify insurance. Was given a reference number once insurance was verified. Had direct phone number for case manager. Son was reluctant to leave Southern Fl, had intervention for which he agreed to go to MN prior to the holiday's. 3 weeks latter still not admitted to Hazeldon.
Today 1/6 I was told that my insurance would not cover treatment, granted Anthem SUCKS, and I could pay privately at the tune of 16K for the PHP portion of the program and after that the structured sober living at $142/day = 4970 month. That's the quoted price, they can fluctuate off of that number.
If you want to deal with folks that jerk you around this is a great place. Don't return phone calls, nor pick up phones when called to find out status. I think that they are cherry picking the folks that can pay privately, or that have really good insurance. I'm amazed that when you are literally dealing with peoples lives that anyone would behave this way. How could you go home at night and actually look yourselves in the mirror?
Hazelden in MN is a stoic, remnant of former rehab facilities; I am a two-time patient there, and six-time patient at Betty Ford. The acquisition of BFC was demonstrative of its downfall.
I now only deal with rehabs that are far off-shore, as money-making is not their primary goal.
Therapuetic sessions involved playing "Apples to Apples" Seriously? ? $1400/day? Don't pet the tame deer!!!!!! You will be repremanded Ashtmatics beware" smoking is wide-spread, Decore-1970"ss dorm. Bring your own bedding. Free washers and dryers. ... but I did leave a week earl;y, (Against medical advice- though...,Bring your own food for DETOX part of the party.
Excellent place which saved my life.
The people at Hazelden may be the most dishonest people I've ever encountered. They will tell you that the teens in their care do not mix with the adult addicts. Not true...They will tell you that you will get lots of individualized treatment. Not True. They will tell you that they do not have a high turn over rate with staff. Not true. They will tell you that few of the teens they treat relapse. Not true. They will tell you that if you have any questions, you can call and talk to them any time. Not true...They will tell you that your insurance will pay for most of the treatment. Not true. They will assure you that you will be happy that you chose to put your kid in their care. Nothing be further from the truth.
COULD NOT HELP WITH MY SEXUAL ADDICTION OF NYMPHOMAIA OR MANIC DEPRESSION OR FREQUENT HOSPITALIZATIONS IN MENTAL INSTITUTIONS. .I HAVE BEEN DRUG ADDICTED FOR 50 YEARS.
I was very disappointed with almost every aspect of this facility and program. My daughter volunteered to seek help for her addition to Zanax, Adderall, Opiates, alcohol and other recreational drugs. She is 21 and close to rock bottom. Dropped out of college after a year and recently evicted from her apartment. She can not keep a job longer than 3 months. We were able to convince her to get some help - which was not easy. We wanted to make sure we selected what we thought was the best possible solution for her and choose Hazelden Betty Ford Center City. (We had read several reviews on Plymouth and how most of the kid were heroin addicts, in high school and that they did not take the treatment seriously. We did not want her in that program so choose a more adult focused program.)
I went with her to check her into the facility. We arrived at 7:30AM and waited until after 8:00AM to see the first person, in a series of people, to get checked in. My daughter was taken off to have a physical and TB test. They did not do urine or blood testing. She did not see a physician. During that time I was in the waiting room and an older man with long white hair and a long white beard came to sit next to me and asked if I was a patient. I thought he was a patient so felt a bit uncomfortable until he told me that he was a councilor. It was a strange interaction and not very professional. We waited for 15 -20 minutes before our next appt. One woman was pleasant and told us about the program offerings and process. She said that she would be checking with our insurance company to see what was covered and that I would get a call on Friday (the next day) or Monday at the latest. We were than led to the waiting room again. We waited for another 15 -20 minutes when my daughter started to become very agitated as she had been sober for a couple of days in an effort to get started. We asked somebody for food, which they brought, and had to go find out what was next to get her checked in. She then went in to see a councilor (guy from above) who decided she did not need detox or residential care. This unqualified person decided that she would go into Day Treatment - she did not see a physician.
We were led back to the waiting area without a word on what was to happen next. By this time it was about 11:30. Finally, a women walked up an introduced herself to my daughter but ignored me. I introduced myself and she shook my hand reluctantly. She told my daughter to hurry up and get her things and that she had to take my daughter to the her room and get her to lunch with the other ladies before it was too late. The check in process literally took 4-5 hours and then they were rushing her to get lunch or she might miss it. As we were leaving that area, I asked who would be calling me on the insurance issue. The lady sitting behind the desk, in the check in area, just rolled her eyes and said I had already seen that person. I clearly was wasting her time and annoying her.
I left and then the real drama began as our daughter started to experience withdrawal symptoms. She was not recommended to go to detox so she had to cope on her own. Her councilor left at 4:30PM and I was told there were others around to help her but when I called those numbers my call went to VM and some stated they were on vacation. I made several calls to contact her or the councilors. Nobody would return my calls and I kept getting redirected. After a couple of day I finally got the name and number of her councilor. She was a very nice person but I did not get the impression that she was well educated or very bright. She was kind and patient in her discussion about my daughter. She explained some of what my daughter was going through and I felt she truly cared and wanted to help. On the second night my daughter became very agitated and wanted to leave. She called us from the residential phone (no personal phones or computers) and had an outburst on the phone with us which ended in her ripping the phone off the wall. Her counselor then called me and told me that she told our daughter the consequences of doing that again, she would be removed from the facility. When I discussed this with her counselor I was amazed that she did not realize that she had just given our daughter her ticket out of the facility. Our daughter lasted a total of 5 days in the center when on the last day, part of her therapy was to make "dream catchers" for a couple of hours. She felt it was a complete and total waste of time and demanded that we come and get her. (she could email or call us from the facility resources) We pleaded with her to stay longer as I would be their the following week for the family program. This did not happen and as we predicted she went and ripped the phone off the wall and broke a key board just to make sure they would kick her out. I don't know how many years the employees at this facility have been helping patients, but this seemed extremely amature to me. Additionally, it was almost always impossible to get ahold of somebody. Her counselor, however, was pretty good at returning my calls. I never did get a call back on the insurance and had to track that one down several times before getting an answer. Once I did get an answer the person on the other line told me a much higher day treatment rate than I had been quoted. This was the last straw and I asked for the director of the facility...who was on vacation apparently. I finally got someone, a Clinical Director who was very helpful and assured me that they were not going to bait and switch me on the fee. She made some calls and got the day treatment fee back to where I was quoted. I would never recommend this facility to anyone. I felt the staff made several errors and really did not care - it has become a factory of sorts. My daughter never saw a physician. We asked for this several times as we read and were told that the program was duel therapy. My daughter is self medicating for a reason...likely a bipolar disorder with anxiety and depression. Her councilor told me that the physicians are very busy and have to see other patients first. This was after 5 days in the facility. I don't know who is running the show here, but the program appears to need a total overhaul.
Accommodating, clean, respectful Too many clients. Wonderful experience with friendly, respectful, and helpful staff that are willing to work with you and meet your needs. Felt a part of the program.
I have been sober and clean since the first day I arrived in 1983 . 32 beautiful years of sobriety . I thank hazelden for a concrete foundation for change
Bait and switch. Told me my insurance was approved on check in then three days later said wasn't and would cost $1000 a day to stay. Found out ins pays them 495 a day for hospitalization so they tell ins you don't need hospitalization so they can charge full price 1000 a day. No 12 step members on staff. NOT a way to start recovery journey when you find out later you cant trust them
My son was at Hazelden for almost 8 weeks. He came home this past Sunday. Sadly to say, he is worse than when he went. They did little to help him find continuing help. I am very disappointed and upset with what I was told was the best.
This place saved my life. If you are serious about recovery, you will find it in Hazelden. Wonderful, caring staff. Right down to housekeeping. People are kind and sincere. You get out what you put into it. I was sober for over seven years, with no formal treatment. I relapsed for two years before finally surrendering toa twelve step program. Best thing I ever did. I had less expensive options, but I only wanted Hazelden because of their reputation. They're the best for a reason. I stay in touch with many of my peers. Highly recommend HBFF
Good facility
Aftercare was good. Can't smoke The entire staff was there for me no matter what the need
It worked! I would recommend this to anyone!
Experienced professionals
Proven record. High cost. My brother in law got effective treatment there. Thank you.
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