ABOUT PARK AVENUE CENTER – WOMEN’S PROGRAM
Established in 1979, Park Avenue Center in Minneapolis, Minn., serves adults struggling with substance abuse as well as those dealing with co-occurring disorders through evidence-based, gender-specific programs.
Park Avenue Center’s women’s program provides comprehensive treatment for adult women with chemical dependency, mental illness, homelessness, financial problems, or legal issues. Although treatment is provided on an outpatient basis in a renovated house built in 1900, clients may stay in the facility’s off-site housing free of charge. The center also facilitates DWI and drug court and coordinates with appropriate law enforcement and social services.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
According to the facility’s website, new clients undergo an initial substance abuse history assessment, and walk-in times are available. Clients receive individualized treatment plans that are updated as needed each week.
With a foundation in 12-step principles and practices, Park Avenue Center utilizes evidence-based treatment methods, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Programming includes a rigorous schedule of group therapy, educational classes, and individual counseling sessions. The rehab also offers specialized program tracks for dual diagnosed clients, African American women, and clients recovering from opioid dependency.
Along with evidence-based methods, the women’s program incorporates several holistic and alternative therapies, such as art expression therapy, guided meditation, and equine therapy. Families are also encouraged to participate in treatment through Concerned Persons Programming, which involves weekly educational and support groups.
The average length of outpatient treatment is three months and clients participate three to five days each week, which is lessened as needed to just one day. Full programming is required whilst utilizing housing. Aftercare services are offered for an additional 12 weeks.
Park Avenue Center offers services for DWI offenders. Those required to attend Drug and DWI Court receive treatment for a mandatory six months with six months of aftercare. Once each month, the facility also offers first time offenders a one-day, eight-hour chemical health education program.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The center’s website notes Park Avenue Center’s staff is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of doctorate-level clinical psychologists, licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychiatric nurses, case managers, and residence supervisors.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
The facility’s website indicates free off-site residences are available to women who require housing, although it may not last the entire length of treatment. Intensive outpatient (IOP) clients typically stay in off-site housing for about three to six weeks while clients in one of the co-occurring disorders programs may stay between four and eight weeks.
The gender-specific housing facilities offer a therapeutic, supervised, and safe environment, allowing clients to focus on recovery. Housing units feature full kitchens, spacious communal areas, meeting rooms, and shared bedrooms.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Of the three alumni surveyed by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing, two provided neutral feedback, and one alum left positive reviews.
Carla gave five out of five stars for treatment effectiveness and indicated she would recommend the treatment center to friends and family. “From the time I was admitted, until discharged I was impressed with the holistic side, as well as the addiction education learned. Very good base of sober tools were given to me. They literally enabled me to save my own life,” she wrote.
Casey gave two stars when asked if they would recommend Park Avenue Center, but she gave four stars for the staff’s level of training and experience. “It’s a good program for the most part,” she wrote. “But a lot of the people there, the staff mostly did not appear to be there to help you and take care of your needs.”
Liza gave three stars for treatment effectiveness, accommodations and amenities, and meals and nutrition. She indicated some of the staff was helpful, while others weren’t.”I did not feel that rules were enforced and it seemed to lack structure. If a client left, they were usually let back into the program. This was not helpful to those of us wanting to get sober and change out lives,” she wrote.
WHAT STAFF SAY
The two staffers polled by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing provided neutral to negative feedback. R.T. indicated they wouldn’t recommend Park Avenue Center to friends or family. “Disorganized, poor treatment of staff and interns. Little guidance for interns and too many staff focused on the same issues. Antagonistic environment,” they wrote. “Avoid this place!”
The other former staff member gave two out of five stars when asked if they would recommend the center, and three stars for treatment effectiveness. “They have a lot of programming here and they keep you pretty busy which is good in early sobriety so its good place to get to know yourself again,” they wrote.
FINANCING
According to the center’s website, Park Avenue Center accepts private insurance and self-pay, and financial assistance is available to clients who qualify.
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