It is the mission of Lighthouse Care Center of Conway to provide therapeutic mental health and drug & alcohol addiction recovery services to adolescents and adults who are exhibiting high-risk behaviors of a severe or persistent nature and/or are emotionally disturbed as evidenced by a DSM-IV diagnosis. Lighthouse Care Center of Conway is dedicated to nurturing patients and residents in a manner that is conducive to positive change and personal growth. We strive daily to give our patients and residents the tools they need to overcome the obstacles they are facing. We provide a highly structured program that empowers each participant to reach their maximum potential through positive reinforcement.
ABOUT LIGHTHOUSE CARE CENTER
Set about 10 miles from Myrtle Beach, S.C., Lighthouse Care Center provides psychiatric inpatient care for children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric adults struggling with mental health disorders and/or co-occurring substance abuse disorders. It is one of only eight short-term, non-hospital inpatient treatment facilities in the state. Detox services are available within the facility’s dual diagnosis unit.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Lighthouse Care Center of Conway provides family, group, and individual therapy, medication management, and therapeutic recreational therapy across its various age-specific programs. Adults aged 18 and older achieve stabilization through a brief stay of eight to 10 days in the facility’s Acute Psychiatric & Behavioral Health Services unit, whereas older adults experiencing anxiety, paranoia, and other major life changes may enroll in the Acute Geriatric Program.
Between Lighthouse’s Adolescent Residential Treatment Facility and its Acute Children’s and Adolescent Unit, youth are afforded opportunities “to test new behaviors, improve self-confidence, and demonstrate internal self-control.” As they progress in treatment, children and teens are rewarded with trips to local state parks and amusement parks. The facility is among the 42.6 of S.C. facilities to treat adolescents.
For those struggling with serious substance abuse concerns, the center also runs an intensive, 28-day residential program centered around 12-Step. Beyond attending daily Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) support groups, clients enrolled in this voluntary program participate in intensive group therapy sessions focused on cognitive restructuring and altruistic recovery.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
Lighthouse Care Center’s staff is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of board-certified psychiatrists, registered nurses, licensed professional counselors (LPCs), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), master’s level counselors, and certified recreational therapists, among other trained behavioral health professionals. To date, the five individuals polled by Best-rehabs.com on the matter appreciated the aptitude of staff.
Staff Experience and Training: 4/5
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
There is currently no information provided by the facility regarding its living arrangements and related offerings. However, the six individuals polled by Best-rehabs.com to date awarded Lighthouse above-average ratings of four out of five stars for both its accommodations and quality of meals. The five individuals polled on the matter also approved of its cleanliness.
Facility Cleanliness and Upkeep: 3.8/5
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Reviews from the 18 alumni polled by Best-rehabs.com to date were highly polarized. Alum R.J. called Lighthouse “the worst place ever,” while Susan called group therapy here “a joke,” listing issues of understaffing, inattentive staff, and poor food. “NEVER SEND A LOVED ONE TO THIS HORRIBLE INSTITUTION,” Susan warned others.
Yet other clients, such as Joe, experienced an “involved and attentive staff” and doctors who “truly care.” “I could not ask for better clinical care and attention to my needs,” Joe wrote. Taking a slightly more nuanced stance, alum wrote. “It’s not the nicest place, but it did it’s job and the staff was caring and understanding.” Of out of five stars, the two alumni polled on the matters gave three- and four-star ratings for the facility’s ability to treat co-occurring disorders, counseling options, and family participation.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Three loved ones polled to date also offered mixed reviews of Lighthouse Care Center as of this writing. Though reviewer G.G. shared alumni complaints of unreturned calls and neglectful staff, Kristi described a “helpful and polite” and “very caring” staff. Overall the staff’s level of experience received two four star-ratings and a five-star rating from the three loved ones who responded to the Best-rehabs.com survey. When asked if they would recommend treatment at Lighthouse to others, the two loved ones polled on this metric gave a four- and a five-star rating.
WHAT STAFF SAY
Though Best-rehabs.com has yet to receive alumni feedback to date, secondary sources revealed mixed staff opinions. On Indeed, 18 employees gave the facility an average rating of 2.9 out of five stars. [1] While some reviewers appreciated the dedication of co-workers, others were critical of management. “I have noticed that supervisors do not display the same professionalism that they would expect of an employee,” one representative reviewer wrote.
FINANCING
While no information is available on the facility’s website or otherwise regarding cost, the website does state that Lighthouse Care Center of Conway accepts Medicare, Tricare, and most commercial insurance plans. The center is among the 37 treatment facilities in the state to accept federal military insurance.
[1] https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Lighthouse-Care-Center-of-Conway/reviews