ABOUT MN ADULT & TEEN CHALLENGE – MINNEAPOLIS
Mn Adult & Teen Challenge (MnTC) is a network of faith-based treatment centers for teens and adults looking to rid themselves of chemical dependency and addiction-related behavioral problems. In operation for more than 30 years throughout the state of Minnesota, the facilities accept clients from all faiths and backgrounds. It also runs a prevention program in which they present educational sessions about drug use in classrooms and the community.
The Minneapolis location offers both a short-term residential program and a long-term residential program as well as outpatient services, aftercare, and transitional services.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
In addition to a three-month outpatient program, which meets three evenings per week at the Minneapolis location, there are two main residential programs at Mn Adult & Teen Challenge — one of which is long-term and the other of which is short. Short-term treatment, which lasts up to three months, accepts clients 16 and older. Care is rooted in the 12-Steps, but also incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and chemical health services. One year of continuing care is required for completion of the program.
The Long-Term Program is accepts clients 18 and older, and consists of four levels, each of which builds upon the next. One level is dedicated to recognizing destructive habits; another is on character development. There’s also continuing care planning, which assists in preventing relapse, preparing for future education, finding housing, and developing financial savvy. Length of stay is at least 13 months. MnTC also offers a six-month Restoration Program for clients who have graduated from the LTP but relapsed.
For adolescents, MnTC runs Lakeside Academy, a program for boys that focuses recovery on biblical principles. There’s also a short-term teen program for boys and girls. Regardless of the program, adolescents at MnTC have access to individual pastoral counseling, drug education, schooling options, and individual and family therapy.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
There is currently no information provided on the facility’s website or otherwise regarding its treatment staff. However, a review submitted to Best-rehabs.com from a former staff member indicated that there are licensed medical professionals on staff at the facility, and others who work as contracted employees. Ten alumni and loved ones gave ratings of 3.7 out of five stars for the staff’s ability to treat co-occurring mental health disorders and 4.2 out of five stars for experience and training of staff.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
There is currently no information provided on the facility’s website or otherwise regarding its living arrangements and related offerings. Accommodations and nutrition averaged 3.9 and 4.2 out of five stars, respectively, based on feedback from 12 individuals polled to date.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Alumni reviews about Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge are mixed. Overall, the facility received three reviews, two of which offered high praise in Best-rehabs.com surveys for the facility’s Christian program, accommodations, and cleanliness. For example, a five-star reviewer named Sal commented: “I need to reconnect with God, my Higher power and other followers. This IS the we of the program.”
The third reviewer, an anonymous respondent who also appreciated the faith-based treatment, identified some issues with the programming. “There are many restrictions that go beyond any other rehab facilities,” they said. “Due to these restrictions, I think people have a tendency to relapse because they go out in the world after being restricted from so many things and they don’t know how to handle it.”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Loved ones of MnTC clients gave the facility high marks. Eight out of 10 reviewers rated treatment effectiveness 4.1 out of five stars to date. Reviewer L.Y. wrote to Best-rehabs.com: “This was the first treatment center that actually got through to my mother. she had tried many treatments over the years, but this was the first time she was serious about staying sober once she got home.”
“God centered very good relationship building and group incounters,” one survey respondent said. Another reviewer agreed, writing: “Good christion teaching… son went through teen challenge and has done good since then.” However, at least one loved one mentioned that the facility could allow for more frequent family visits.
WHAT STAFF SAY
One staff member told Best-rehabs.com that while MnTC was faith-based and “free for many clients”, they felt the quality of the staff was a downside. “Too much money focused on the image of teen challenge and very little money directed to the clients experience,” they wrote.
FINANCING
According to its website, the facility accepts most insurances for their short-term program but not for the long-term program. The center does not accept Medicare or Veterans Affairs benefits, and it only offers financial assistance to Minnesota residents.