Treatment at Daytop New Jersey is behaviorally based and individualized to meet the needs of adolescents and adults with substance abuse and co-occurring problems. It is based on the premise of self-help in an atmosphere of positive peer interaction, within the context of a “family” structure, and includes a full educational element. Twelve Step Program concepts are incorporated. Accountability, honesty, and integrity are strongly emphasized within the context of a family structure. Family participation in the treatment process is essential and integral to the recovery of the adolescent and adult.
ABOUT DAYTOP NEW JERSEY – MENDHAM
Daytop New Jersey operates two adolescent residential treatment facilities, three outpatient facilities, a recovery high school, and a women’s halfway house. On its 26-acre campus in Mendham, Daytop houses one of its residential treatment facilities for adolescents (ages 13 to 18) and The Academy which is a full-day, recovery-based middle and high school for individuals in the program and day students from the community. These facilities focus on treating clients with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. Detox services are not provided on site.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Treatment at the Academy and Daytop New Jersey is rooted in the 12-Steps and maintains a strong, family-like structure. Clients receive a personalized treatment plan and work with a psychiatrist and case manager throughout their stay. Treatment focuses on removing clients for environments that contribute to their substance abuse and related issues, and immersing them in an environment that is conducive to learning. Here, clients learn coping and sober living skills while continuing their education and development.
Daytop emphasizes a peer-based social learning model so that clients support and encourage one another in their recovery. In addition, residents participate in evidence-based and experiential therapies, including individual, group, and family counseling, music therapy, art therapy, and recreational activities. There’s also a Family Association, which supports clients’ loved ones.
While in treatment, residents attend school at The Academy. This educational facility maintains class sizes of four to eight students and has a total capacity of 75 students. It offers coursework focused on core academics, which meets state special and general educational requirements, and follows a traditional school year schedule to keep adolescents on track with their studies.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
Daytop New Jersey and the Academy are are staffed by multidisciplinary teams of licensed and certified professionals. The medical and treatment staff includes licensed psychiatrists and nurses. The Academy is staffed by licensed and certified educators in the state of New Jersey that are able to provide educational services on par with public and private schools around the state. There is also a school psychologist a student assistance counselor available during school hours.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
The Daytop New Jersey has 130 beds while the Academy can accommodate up to 75 students. Clients also have access to a gym with weight and fitness equipment, and activities both on campus and in the community.
The on-site chef prepares nutritious meals and can satisfy special dietary requirements. Once per month the facility hosts a motivational or inspirational speaker.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
At the time of this writing, five alumni provided feedback to Best-rehabs.com. The feedback is mixed.
Although some alumni appreciated the level of personal accountability, the food and facility itself generally received negative feedback.
On its Facebook page, which the facility can manage, the facility earned four out of five stars from 25 reviews. [1] Reviewers praised the organization for equipping youth with the tools they need for sobriety. In a representative review, alum Pete wrote: “It was popin lml Naw but I learned a lot from them daytop forever in my memories.”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
The five reviews to date from loved ones are also mixed. Three of the reviews were very negative, while two were more positive.
Positive feedback referenced above satisfactory care for teen clients in a controlled environment, as well as supportive staff and adequate family involvement. Loved one T.D. noted: “Daytop has change my life and the lives of my family members and for that I will be forever grateful.”
Negative reviewers complained of favoritism, ineffective treatment, “filthy” physical conditions, unqualified or generally incompetent staff, and extremely poor communication between staff and the parents of clients.
WHAT STAFF SAY
Staff reviews submitted to Best-rehabs.com were mostly positive. Four reviewers gave the facility near-perfect ratings for its treatment effectiveness, accommodations, and meals. Elizabeth told Best-rehabs.com, “Daytop improves not only the lives of the adolescents in the program; it also changes the lives of its staff members… I am proud to be a part of such a wonderful and committed organization and anyone would be lucky to attend or be employed by Daytop New Jersey.” J.B. echoed that sentiment: “Daytop has a tremendous amount of beneficial characteristics because of the way they support the residents with an all-encompassing approach. I truly believe Daytop is the best program out there!”
Yet another staff member expressed an opposite opinion To Best-rehabs.com and gave the facility two and three star ratings. “Daytop used to be one of the best programs in the state. Today it is a run of the mill kind of place” and added: “It’s a couple steps above the detention center. The food is horrible to the point that staff doesn’t even eat it, undercooked chicken and nothing really nutritional items offered.”
FINANCING
Treatment is free for adolescents of New Jersey via the NJ Children’s System of Care. For out-of-state residents, the facility accepts insurance and charges $425 per day. Daytop New Jersey also offers scholarships and payment plans. There are additional fees for attending The Academy. However, Daytop will negotiate reimbursement with an adolescent’s home school district at no cost to the family. There may be charges for incidentals or other services, depending on insurance coverage.
[1] https://www.facebook.com/pg/daytopnewjersey/reviews