The Dunes is a luxury residential and outpatient substance abuse treatment facility that provides clients with individualized, specialized addiction treatment therapies for lasting recovery. Therapeutic options include Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), family and experiential therapies and pharmacotherapy, as well as a selection of private and holistic courses of treatment.
ABOUT THE DUNES EAST HAMPTON
The Dunes East Hampton is a secluded, high-end drug and alcohol rehab center on Long Island in New York. Treatment occurs in an exceptionally confidential, comfortable setting as a part of an individualized, holistic program. Special executive accommodations may be arranged, and clients may also receive care for co-occurring depression and anxiety on-site. Providing residential and intensive outpatient treatment for adult men and women since 2010, the facility offers intervention services as well.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
The facility approaches addiction via the Syndrome Model, a philosophy and set of protocols developed by The Dunes’ senior clinical advisor who is also a Harvard faculty member. Treatment considers biology, psychosocial factors, and personal experience in identifying causes and consequences of addiction as a complex disorder. Each meets with a personal counselor three or more times per week.
Individualized therapy will incorporate a blend of practices including some combination of cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies, pharmacotherapy, eye movement desensitization reprogramming (which addresses trauma), internal family systems therapy, group processing, meditation, spiritual counseling, and participation in a local community 12-step program. Acupuncture, writing and art therapy, equine-assisted therapy, and yoga are also offered.
According to the facility’s website, The Dunes makes a lifelong commitment to its clients. Aftercare services are available in person and digitally, including a weekly alumni breakfast.
A 2015 Vanity Fair profile of the facility reported than an average stay was 72 days, while a 2016 East Hampton Star story about zoning referenced a representative of The Dunes’ statement to city officials that an ideal stay is 11 months.
Intensive outpatient treatment and DWI assessments are offered by the facility at a location separate from the residential program.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The facility’s website emphasizes the capacity of its treatment staff for empathy, reporting that together the staff has more than 300 years of personal sobriety. Master’s and Ph.D. level licensed social workers and therapists, certified practitioners and trainers, and certified alcohol and substance abuse counselors comprise the core treatment team. The staff-to-client ratio is 3:1 and all staff members sign a nondisclosure agreement.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
The Dunes East Hampton is luxurious. Residents live in spacious private bedrooms with large bathrooms. They can relax by the facility’s swimming pool and receive massage therapy on-site. Access to a gym is off-site, but discreet transportation is provided. Additionally, an on-site, classical chef prepares high quality meals.
Integration with the local community is encouraged via hiking and biking activities, sailing, shopping, and visits to museums and theaters. Use of cellphones and laptops is allowed.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Best-rehabs.com has received reviews from 10 alumni at the time of this writing, including four who responded to a poll measuring 15 metrics as well as strengths and drawbacks. Opinions were split down the middle, with five positive and five critical.
Three reviewers mentioned staff credential issues, with one writing: “The staff was totally unqualified.” The facility responded directly, noting that credentials were available for review upon request and that all clinical staff members were licensed by the state and held advanced degrees. Two critical reviewers left treatment early.
Two alumni polled offered polar ratings of one and five stars out of five respectively for general accommodations, meals, and exercise and leisure opportunities. However, they both agreed that the facility’s cleanliness, counseling options, treatment for co-occurring mental health concerns, availability of options for holistic treatment, and family participation each deserved five-star ratings.
Other commonly cited strengths among the positive reviews were the effectiveness and individualization of treatment, and the compassion and level of training and experience of staff members.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Five loved ones also provided feedback, almost all of it highly positive. Metrics measuring affordability and admissions and discharge procedures received somewhat lower ratings averaging three and 3.75 stars respectively. All other features, including family participation, were rated more than four out of five. Two noted that the staff was overly busy and untimely in responding to communications.
WHAT STAFF SAY
The sole staff member polled by Best-rehabs.com endorsed the facility’s treatment approach, calling it “comprehensive” and “progressive.” They provided ratings of five stars across the board.
CONCLUSION
While no details regarding the facility’s fees or payment options are provided on its website, the 2015 Vanity Fair profile reported an average cost of $50,000 to $75,000 per month and a 2012 Bloomberg and May 2016 East Hampton Star article both reference $45,000 with the possibility of scholarships.
The rehab center has been involved in disputes regarding residential zoning and access to services since its first year in operation. The Star article reported that the facility’s parent company, Star Harbor Retreat, is appealing a U.S. Court of Appeals decision denying its case against the city of East Hampton alleging violation of the Fair Housing Act.