ABOUT TURNING POINT, INC. IN PATERSON, NJ
Turning Point, Inc., located in Paterson, N.J., offers residential and detoxification treatment to adults struggling with substance abuse. Outpatient treatment is available at other Turning Point facilities, and the organization also operates a Halfway House and Transitional Living facilities in other locations. Turning Point is a non-profit organization and was established in 1975 as a ten bed, male-only facility. The organization now accepts both men and women and estimates they have served over 50,000 clients.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Turning Point’s treatment program uses evidence-based treatment methods. To be admitted, clients must complete an initial screening call followed by an in-person assessment, registration for a customized treatment plan, and a medical assessment. The facility states that it can admit clients within 24 hours of their initial call, and is able to treat pregnant and postpartum women.
Throughout treatment, clients receive individual, group, and family therapy as well as Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, educational resources, relapse prevention, and traditional 12-step programming. Families are included in treatment through two programs: The Family Wellness Program and The Family Education & Visitation Program. The Family Wellness Program offers support group meetings as well as individual and family therapy at the organization’s Verona location. The Family Education & Visitation Program is required for family members who would like to visit their loved ones while they complete treatment and includes educational about the disease of addiction.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The treatment team at Turning Point includes several Masters-level licensed and credentialed addiction treatment professionals.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Turning Point’s Paterson facility, the Barnert Medical Arts Complex, houses the organization’s administrative offices as well as detoxification services and a short-term residential treatment program. The facility underwent extensive renovations in 2010. The modern, hospital-like facility features a classroom, outdoor patio, and comfortable, private rooms featuring double beds.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
At the time of this writing there have been five alumni polled by Best-rehabs.com. Reviews were mostly positive, although one alum said the program did not help her. The anonymous clients gave Turning Point two, three, and five out of five stars for treatment effectiveness, three, four, and five-star ratings for accommodations and amenities, and one, three, and five stars for meals and nutrition. One alumni agreed that there are many counseling options to choose from, two agreed that the facility is adequately equipped and staffed to treat co-occurring mental health problems, and five alumni agreed that facility staff are experienced and well-trained.
When asked about strengths of the facility, the reviewers mentioned that staff was caring, they found it affordable, and they appreciated the referrals they received to other organizations. Alumni felt that the facility could improve upon the food, their expertise with dual diagnosis, and the amount of time clients are allowed to spend outdoors. One alum added additional commentary, saying, “Staff seems to be knowledgeable and have contacts with the state so good for people in jail.”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
At the time of this writing there have been five friends or family members of clients polled by Best-rehabs.com. Some reviewers were happy with the treatment their loved ones received, and others expressed dissatisfaction. The anonymous loved ones gave the facility three, four, and five out of five stars for treatment effectiveness, three, four, and five stars for accommodations and amenities, and three and four stars for meals and nutrition. They did not agree there are many counseling options to choose from and did not agree that the facility is adequately equipped and staffed to treat co-occurring mental health problems. Two loved ones of clients said they felt facility staff were experienced and well-trained.
When asked about strengths of Turning Point, one reviewer said their loved one is still sober a year later, and another said “they worked with our financial situation.” Weaknesses of Turning Point mentioned by the respondent were that check-in and check-out took too long, family communication was lacking, and that the program was marketed to treat dual diagnosis but did not. One loved one added commentary that said, “If they promote themselves as a dual diagnosis program, they need to address this during treatment for their clients.”
FINANCING
There is currently no information provided by Turning Point regarding its costs. However, the facility accepts insurance including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Magellan, Magnacare, Qualcare, and UBH/Oxford. Medicaid is accepted for some treatment programs but does not cover detoxification services or residential treatment. Turning Point offers a sliding fee scale, and some clients benefit from state and county funding depending on income eligibility and residence.