ABOUT THE WOODS AT PARKSIDE
Set on eleven acres in a residential neighborhood in Gahanna, Ohio, just outside of Columbus, The Woods at Parkside offers a comprehensive suite of treatment services for individuals struggling with substance abuse. These services include residential treatment, partial hospitalization (PHP), and intensive outpatient (IOP) treatment programs. Continuing care is also offered.
Additionally, specialized care is available for individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Clients begin treatment with a clinical assessment, the results of which form the basis of an individualized treatment plan. The Woods bases much of its treatment on 12-step principles, incorporating psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and individual and group therapy. Emphasis is also placed on family programming and involvement.
PHP, the most intensive level of care, consists of eight-hour sessions seven days a week. Most clients remain at this level of care for 10 days. IOP may be used as a step-down option and includes three three-hour sessions each week. Most clients stay in IOP for six to eight weeks. The Woods also offers up to two years of free continuing care, which meets twice weekly for two hours at a time.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The Woods’ clinical team includes a family physician, registered nurses, licensed social workers, licensed chemical dependency counselors, and licensed professional clinical counselors.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
According to its website, The Woods at Parkside is a 50-bed facility with scenic views of a neighboring golf course. On-site at the 23,000 square foot center is a communal dining hall, a theater/auditorium, and multiple recreational areas. Both private and semi-private rooms are available, and all meals are prepared by an on-site dietary staff.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
15 of the 25 alumni to have completed Best-rehabs.com surveys to date recounted positive recovery experiences, while the rest offered accounts of disappointment or frustration. Alumni satisfied with the program felt that staff were well-trained and genuinely caring, calling the program itself “eye opening,” “terrific,” and client-focused. “This place saved my life!!” wrote Ms. TRB in one ecstatic five-star review. On average, 14 former clients gave the facility 3.93 stars out of five for the staff’s level of training and experience.
However, others described their time in treatment as “horrible,” awful,” and “unfortunate,” telling Best-rehabs.com of a facility that was understaffed, dirty, and disorganized. “The facility was old and run down,” S.L.G. wrote, while another alum, Rachel, pointed out a that staff were rude from the very beginning as well as stained bed linens, uncomfortable beds, and dirty bathrooms. B.B.’s experience of the facility was “total chaos and confusion,” adding, “Day to day staff had no management.”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Eight of the nine friends and family members polled by Best-rehabs.com were disappointed with the treatment their loved ones received, many issuing warning to prospective clients. “This place is to be avoided like the plague. It is no place for a person to heal,” wrote one anonymous reviewer.
Several mentioned a high rate of staff turnover and ineffective treatment for heroin addiction. “My brother has been there 2 weeks and they completely changed staff to times. stability is key and parkside seems unable to provide it at all,” A.R. wrote. Similar to alumni, alum B.K. wrote, “From my wife’s experience the place is a dump on the inside.”
Jessica shared a more mixed story. “I was able to stay in contact with my loved one and his counselor,” she told Best-rehabs.com. “It was disorganized at times…I felt like they were churning people in and out.”
FINANCING
According to its website, The Woods accepts self-pay and most major insurance plans, including Medicare. The seven individuals surveyed by Best-rehabs.com on program affordability gave the facility an average rating of 3.43 out of five stars.