Omegon Residential Treatment Center is a nonprofit, co-educational, dual-diagnosis facility that provides specialized treatment services for male and female adolescents, ages 12 to 17, who are experiencing serious emotional, social, and/or behavioral disorders, combined with the abuse/dependency on mood-altering chemicals.
ABOUT OMEGON RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT CENTER
Headed by the large, faith-based, nonprofit organization Volunteers of America, Omegon Residential Treatment Center in Minnetonka, Minn. is a dual diagnosis, co-educational facility serving adolescents aged 12 to 18 with severe emotional, social, or behavioral health issues as well as substance abuse problems. Detox services are not offered.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Youth may enroll in treatment tracks of two lengths. Teens who have previously received multiple treatment interventions and require comprehensive treatment may benefit from long-term care, typically lasting from six to nine months, whereas those with less severe mental health and substance abuse issues may only require up to four months of treatment.
The residential treatment program includes individual, group, and family therapy, recreational activities, and independent living skills training. Before beginning treatment, clients undergo psychiatric, psychological, educational, and family evaluations, which help inform an individualized treatment plan. Family values are especially taken into account during treatment.
Clients receive psychiatric services, medication management, nursing services, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Emotional issues treated include depression, low self-esteem, and disruptive behaviors. Clients also receive on-site schooling provided by the local district school board. Aftercare support and transitional planning support run for three months after discharge and include family therapy and support groups.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
Omegon’s treatment team consists of case managers, residency advisors, a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist, a registered nurse, and teaching staff. Two loved ones polled by Best-rehabs.com to date rated the staff’s level of support an average 2.5 out of five stars, while one alum rated their level of training four stars.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
The state-licensed treatment center can accommodate 26 residents at any given time, and per its webpage, “features spacious living areas for therapeutic, educational and indoor recreation programming.” Office hours are weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding holidays.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Of the eight reviews submitted to Best-rehabs.com by former clients to date, feedback was mostly negative. On the positive side, an anonymous former client claimed that Omegon Residential Treatment Center saved his life, despite having relapsed a year after receiving treatment. And Hunter, in addition to giving five out of five stars for the facility’s treatment effectiveness, wrote: “Omegon has taught me how to live.”
Most alumni called the facility “terrible” and the staff “awful and neglectful.” Alum Elijah, for example, was made to feel “second best” by a staff that “didn’t care” about his emotions. Adding to this, alum Jen noted certain staff members’ tendency to play favorites, while an anonymous alum felt that therapists “care more about why you should be kept there instead of you and your problems.”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
To date, five loved ones shared similarly disappointing feedback with Best-rehabs.com. G.K., a parent of a former client, was dissatisfied with the accommodations, telling Best-rehabs.com: “My son was made to sleep in the halls. It’s an adolescent program. Overpriced.” Another anonymous family member was unhappy with the inadequate aftercare options available to them, reporting: “My nephew is still using after 6 months of treatment.” And M.S.E, another parent, referred to their decision to enroll their son here “the biggest mistake” they ever made.
WHAT STAFF SAY
Best-rehabs.com has also received low marks and a lengthy list of complaints from a former staff member of Omegon Residential Treatment Center as of this writing. The anonymous former employee criticized Omegon for high turnover, petty and unprofessional staff, and inadequate training, writing: “I wouldn’t recommend taking a job with the facility.”
FINANCING
Though primarily funded through state or county social services, Omegon Residential Treatment Center does accept some forms of private insurance.