Gateway Rehabilitation Center, a private, not-for-profit organization, is a positive force in the prevention, treatment, education and research of substance abuse and alcoholism. Since 1972, our center has thrived under the guiding spirit of its founder and medical director emeritus, Abraham J. Twerski, M.D. This renowned author and physician first opened Gateway Rehab as a 28-day, abstinence-based alcohol and drug dependence treatment center for adults. Today, Gateway Rehab is an internationally recognized leader in addiction treatment, offering an array of services for adolescents, youth, and adults with a compassionate and individualized approach.
ABOUT GATEWAY REHAB — ALIQUIPPA
Founded in 1972, private nonprofit Gateway Rehab operates a network of substance abuse treatment facilities in Ohio and Pennsylvania. This center, 30 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, is its main campus and offers medical detox and residential treatment for adolescents and adults struggling with substance abuse. On-site detox is available.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
The inpatient program provides a bio-psycho-social-spiritual approach that incorporates the 12-Steps with evidence-based practices, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and pharmacotherapy, including Suboxone and Vivitrol programs. Residential treatment also includes individual, group, and family therapy.
Treatment is individualized, and there are specialized programs for clients 13 to 25 years of age and adults over 40, as well as gender-specific treatment for people of all ages.
Outpatient care — offered at other campuses — is available five days a week, in the day or evening. Gateway also operates sober living homes, such as the Tom Rutter House for men on the Aliquippa campus and nearby Cece’s Place for women.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The medical director is a psychiatrist. Gateway Rehab is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
There currently is no information provided by the facility regarding its living arrangements and related offerings. However, the 39 reviewers polled by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing provided a rating of 3.7 stars out of five stars for the facility’s cleanliness.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Reviews from alumni were mixed, but largely positive. The majority of alumni polled provided four- and maximum five-star ratings for the overall effectiveness of the program. Many commented upon the caring and competent treatment they received from staff and credited the rehab with making a meaningful difference in their lives.
Among the praiseworthy remarks, M.W. wanted Best-rehabs.com to know that going to Gateway “was the best decision I ever made. I learned allot there and I am clean. The people were great and the staff was excellent.” An anonymous alum shared with Best-rehabs.com: “It’s a great facality with a caring staff, what you put in is what you get out.” Dwayne wrote: “Thanks Gateway for saving my life.” K.H. summed up the experience by remarking: “Really helped me out.”
Nevertheless, opinions about the staff were split. Although many commended them, others described staff as unqualified or lacking empathy. One anonymous reviewer wrote that although most staff were very nice, certain members “can be known to treat people bad at times (even when not deserved).” And in an otherwise positive review, Charles reported to Best-rehabs.com: “The counselors seem like they were very much overloaded.”
Negative comments also concerned the need for updating the physical facility as well as the need for more holistic, exercise, and extracurricular options. An anonymous reviewer wrote: “They help you realize your potential. They were very compassionate. The only downfall was the length of the program.” Several others echoed this wish for longer treatment.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Reviews from loved ones were mixed, with most aspects of the program receiving mediocre ratings. Of the 22 individuals who responded to the Best-rehabs.com survey question on whether they would recommend the facility, the rating was 3.5 stars out of five, on average. Family participation and exercise options received comparable ratings of 3.4 stars and 3.5 stars from 21 loved ones, respectively. Holistic offerings fared lower, with only 2.6 stars from the 18 friends and family members who responded.
Several reviewers praised the staff and family program. An anonymous loved one said: “My cousin was treated with respect the entire time she was coming off her habit of drugs..they saved her life.” Mary Ann told Best-rehabs.com: “The family program is wonderful if you get involved with the program.”
Yet, much like alumni, loved ones indicated that treatment is standard. “They are a general facility and do not offer added amenities other than basics,” one anonymous reviewer reported to Best-rehabs.com.
WHAT STAFF SAY
The two staff members polled by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing gave mixed reviews as well. One of these employees gave accommodations, family participation, and counseling options each five out of five stars, but overall treatment effectiveness only two stars. This anonymous respondent wrote, “The Staff Is wonderful with the job they do and are there any time the patience need them.” The other staff respondent, Jay, gave treatment effectiveness five stars, and called the staff “very dedicated.”
FINANCING
The facility’s website does not provide information about fees and insurance. Third party site HealthGrove indicates that some insurance is accepted.