The philosophy of White Deer Run is simple and direct: We are dedicated to ensuring that each patient is treated as an individual, receives a treatment plan tailored to his or her specific needs, and is provided with the optimum opportunity to realize a full and rewarding lifestyle, free from chemical dependency.
ABOUT WHITE DEER RUN OF ALLENWOOD
Located on 150 acres in the mountains of central Pennsylvania, White Deer Run of Allenwood is a dual diagnosis rehab facility that provides treatment for alcohol and drug abuse in a peaceful residential setting. The facility offers gender-specific adult programs (ages 18 and older) that are personalized to suit each client’s unique needs, taking into account mental health and behavioral issues that might impede treatment if not addressed concurrently, and detox services are available on-site.
White Deer Run operates nine locations throughout the state, including an additional residential center in Blue Island.
TREATMENT AND ASSESSMENT
According to the center’s website, treatment at White Deer Run typically lasts 28 days and is gender-specific — men and women participate in separate process groups in an effort to make them feel more comfortable speaking about sensitive issues. The program uses 12-step principles in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI), and it provides daily individual and group counseling. Recreational and holistic activities include art therapy, yoga, Tai Chi, Reiki, meditation, and hiking.
White Deer Run of Allenwood also emphasizes the importance of family in recovery and offers weekend family programs and outpatient counseling for loved ones. Discharge planning — considering what to do after treatment ends — begins at the start of recovery at this center. As the facility believes recovery is a lifelong endeavor, continuing care is offered.
Residents in need of detox usually spend three days under medical supervision and seven days tapering down in the center’s residential rehabilitation program. The medical team monitors each resident in the detox program for withdrawal symptoms, and gives medication when it’s necessary. Counseling and treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders is also available to clients on this track.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
White Deer Run of Allenwood’s website states the facility is licensed by the State of Pennsylvania and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Staff includes a medical doctor, registered nurses, and physician assistants, along with psychiatrists, therapists, and certified addiction counselors.
ACCOMMODATIONS AND AMENITIES
The center’s website indicates the 264-bed rehab houses men and women in separate, gender-specific residences.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The more than 30 alumni who were polled by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing provided mixed reviews. On average, alumni gave the center 3.7 out of five stars when asked if they would recommend White Deer Run.
A number of former clients praised the facility for its comfortable detox, knowledgeable staff (many of whom are reportedly in recovery themselves), and structured schedule. The 22 alumni polled to date on the staff’s level of training and experience gave an average rating of 3.5 out of five stars. In a representative review, Charles wrote to Best-rehabs.com: “If you are serious about recovery this is a good place to stay at. The detox program is very effective and all the counselors do their best to keep you happy.”
The 22 alumni polled on additional metrics provided average ratings of 3.5 out of five stars for exercise and leisure provisions, 3.6 stars for cleanliness, and 3.7 stars for affordability. Lower average ratings of 2.4 and 2.6 out of five stars were given for holistic treatment offerings and the connectivity/visitor policy, respectively.
One common complaint was a lack of personalized care — a number of alumni reported oversized groups and minimal one-on-one counseling. R.S. described the treatment as “generic” and wrote to Best-rehabs.com that the program’s “tough love type of counseling” was not worth the money.
WHAT FRIENDS AND FAMILY SAY
Over a dozen loved ones surveyed by Best-rehabs.com at time of this writing also provided mixed reviews. A number of loved ones echoed alumni complaints, including Sherry, who wrote to Best-rehabs.com that her boyfriend received only one hour of individual counseling during his 30-day stay.
Lori, whose sister attended the facility, added that the rehab offered next to no family programming. She wrote: “During her 30 day stay, only two unprofessional calls were shared between her counselor and her family. All attempts made by family to get answers were met with total indifference and disregard.”
Loved ones rated the center’s staff’s experience and cleanliness the highest with 3.9 out of five stars. However, they rated White Deer Run’s holistic offerings the worst with 2.7 stars.
WHAT STAFF SAY
A former staff member who was questioned by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing provided a negative review of White Deer Run. They wrote they wouldn’t recommend the center, and the management was a weakness. They also wrote overall, the center was “very poor.”
FINANCING
According to the facility’s website, a number of private insurance plans are accepted.