Established in 1989, Synergy Treatment Center provides an effective one year program to individuals who have a primary alcohol and drug and/or co-occurring problem and a desire to overcome their addiction. The name Synergy is derived from the Greek word synergos, meaning a combined action or operation. Synergy has formed synergos in the Memphis community by creating an extremely effective and necessary public-private partnership model. Synergy is licensed by the State of Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities to provide residential, outpatient and intensive outpatient substance abuse services to adult men and women in need of treatment. Synergy also provides treatment to individuals with co-occurring disorders.
ABOUT SYNERGY TREATMENT CENTERS
Located in Memphis, Tenn., Synergy Treatment Centers offers a one-year residential treatment program for adult men and women seeking treatment for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. Aftercare planning services and transitional housing are available for clients that complete the residential program. Social non-medical detox is available on site.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
The admissions process at Synergy Treatment Centers begins with the client demonstrating his or her desire for treatment. Clients must submit a letter describing their addiction problem as well as their criminal, medical, legal, psychiatric, and family history of issues with substance use. Clients must also include why they think long-term treatment is appropriate and contact information. Then, clients participate in an intake evaluation with an admissions coordinator to determine eligibility. If approved, clients are admitted to the residential program.
Synergy adheres to a multi-faceted treatment model based on a combination of motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and milieu therapy. The 12-step recovery principles are also used to manage treatments. Treatment consists of an initial intensive program segment that lasts up to 6 weeks, and a therapeutic segment lasting the rest of the program. Clients participate in intensive group therapy, individual therapy, and 12-step meetings.
Aside from counseling, clients participate in educational courses as well. These courses focus on teaching clients about addiction and addiction behaviors, as well as coping skills. Anger management and processing emotions are a critical component of education work.
After the initial phase of treatment, clients undergo another assessment. If the client is ready, then the client participates in the job placement program. Clients hold jobs as a form of physical and communal therapy. Clients can expect to participate in jobs including landscaping, equipment maintenance, janitorial work, and retail support work.
Once this program is completed, Synergy treatment centers also provide an aftercare program, which includes a sponsor and 12-step recovery meetings. Transitional housing options are available to those who, after completing the program, are at risk of being homeless.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The treatment team at Synergy Treatment Centers consists of 50 full and part-time workers, including administrative personnel, counselors, and licensed social workers.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Synergy Treatment Centers is in a 40,000-square foot, three-story brick building. The building features a center courtyard with plenty of foliage for atmosphere. The facility houses up to 84 clients at any one time in shared residential suites, each of which includes its own bathroom. The treatment areas are a mix of clinical and relaxed comfort styles. Individual therapy rooms use plush couches and soft light to help clients relax and focus on therapy. There are dining areas, a laundry room, and an outdoor patio. Residents may also utilize the center’s basketball court and picnic area during downtime.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Of the seven alumni surveyed by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing, five had positive feedback regarding the accommodations, staff, and affordability of Synergy. Four alumni rated the facility’s cleanliness 4.25 out of five stars and holistic treatment offerings 1.5 out of five stars, while two rated its affordability and counseling options a five out of five stars.
Two of the alumni would recommend the facility to others. Alum Derek wrote: “This is a year long program but if you really want to change your life for the better then i would recommend.” He continued, “To be completely honest my opinion is that they don’t have a weakness. That place really saved and changed my life.” Similarly, alum Sandra noted that “its hard but it works.”
Conversely, one alum, Greg, who entered Synergy as an “alternative to prison,” told Best-rehabs.com that he would not recommend the facility to others seeking treatment. He described Synergy as being “all about the money” and wrote: “(they) kicked me out because I couldn’t work.” The largest complaints among most alumni were lack of family participation and holistic offerings, which averaged ratings of 1.5 and two out of five stars, respectively.
On CiteHealth, Synergy Treatment Centers received one four-out-of-five star review and one one-out-of-five star review. [1] Both alumni complained about strict rules.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
At the time of this writing, three loved ones provided feedback about Synergy Treatment Centers. Two loved one polled at the time of this review found Synergy Treatment Centers effective, while the other loved one warned others to “consider all other rehab facilities” instead of this one. The negative reviewer did not submit survey results.
The positive reviewer did offer criticism regarding its aftercare options. Loved one O.D. described Synergy as a “good program where the benefits definitely outweigh the negatives.” They listed the strengths of the facility as “Interest in each client, individual; assistance with job post discharge.”
O.D. continued, however, that the greatest weakness of the facility was “no aftercare or follow- up after discharge; little family involvement.” In addition, O.D. had mixed opinions of the staff, at one point citing “great counselors” but later adding that “some employees are not very professional in their actions.”
Loved one Sheena, though offering no ratings, warned prospective clients and loved ones to consider other rehab programs, while father C.V., though praising the program for successfully treating his son, stated court issues forced his son to leave treatment halfway through the program.
FINANCING
Synergy Treatment Centers accepts private insurance. The facility also receives funding from several major grant organizations. Entrance to Synergy includes an admission fee, which may be covered by private insurance policies accepted by Synergy. The remaining program fees are paid for by the client through the therapeutic work program. The facility partners with a wide range of work partners from different industries.
[1] http://citehealth.com/rehab-centers/tennessee/cities/memphis/synergy-treatment-centers