ABOUT MAYO CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEM – FOUNTAIN CENTERS
Located in Albert Lea, about 90 minutes south of Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Mayo Clinic Health System’s Fountain Centers offers a range of services for individuals struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders.
Inpatient programs for men and co-ed outpatient programs are available for adults. Medically monitored detox is also available on site. The facility is one of only 23 residential facilities in Minnesota to provide detoxification services.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
According to the facility’s website, treatment is based on 12-step principles and strongly encourages participation in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Inpatient programs descriptions published on the website indicate that a traditional 12-step approach is augmented by individual, group, and family therapy, relapse prevention work, and motivational enhancement therapy (MET).
Outside of therapy and 12-step participation, residential clients can expect a variety of recreational activities, such as indoor rock climbing, fishing, canoeing, swimming, hiking, and bowling.
In outpatient programs, men and women attend educational classes that cover key topics such as stress management, healthy living, and triggers and cravings. The facility also offers educational classes for adolescents struggling with substance abuse, placing it among the 20.8 percent of facility that offer programming for adolescents in Minnesota.
Fountain Centers also offers an Extended Care Program for men with a history of chronic relapse. This extended track lasts from 60 to 90 days, during which time clients stay in a community-based residence.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
Fountain Centers’ multidisciplinary treatment team includes medical doctors, nurse practitioners, and licensed alcohol and drug counselors. Staff are available to inpatient clients 24 hours a day. Of the 15 individuals polled by Best-rehabs.com to date, the nine individuals surveyed on the staff’s credentials offered moderately positive ratings for this survey metric.
Staff Experience and Training: 3.6/5
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
While there is currently no information provided by the facility regarding its living arrangements and related offerings, the 10 individuals surveyed by Best-rehabs.com on the matter felt the facility was overall clean and well-maintained.
Facility Cleanliness and Upkeep: 4/5
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Of the six alumni surveyed by Best-rehabs.com to date, five gave the facility positive-to-mixed reviews, while one offered a very negative review, describing the facility and its staff as “not understanding, but cold and concerned about success rate.”
The other alumni wrote of an experienced and compassionate staff, and indicated that the program provided solid, effective treatment. “The staff are experienced, and there’s a lot of things to go do which helps us develop healthy Habbits,” Michael wrote in a representative review, offering four-star ratings for the level of family participation and holistic offerings.
One former client, though satisfied with treatment overall, complained that the facility itself was a bit rundown, while another, in an otherwise positive report, made the claim that treatment plans were as focused on underlying issues as they could be. However, this alum did give five-star ratings for the effectiveness of group counseling and the facility’s ability to resolve conflict.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Loved ones gave the facility mostly mediocre feedback. Six of the nine loved ones surveyed by Best-rehabs.com offered Fountain Centers moderate-to-negative ratings for holistic offerings, visitor policies, and counseling options. Recurring criticisms included rundown facilities, a lack of holistic options, and a lack of professionalism among staff members.
Counseling Options: 3.5/5
Connectivity/Visitor Policy: 2.8/5
Holistic Offerings: 2/5
Despite these mediocre ratings, one anonymous reviewer reported that their “loved one benefited greatly,” while another described Fountain Center’s program as “very well-run.” In addition, loved ones offered higher ratings for the inclusion of families during the treatment process.
Family Participation: 3.8/5
FINANCING
According to its website, Fountain Centers accepts private insurance, private pay, and the Consolidated Chemical Dependency Treatment Fund (CCDTF). Overall, the 10 individuals polled by Best-rehabs.com on the matter appreciated the cost of the facility.
Affordability: 4.1/5