ABOUT THE OAKS AT LA PALOMA
Part of the Foundations Recovery Network, which operates five residential treatment facilities, The Oaks at La Paloma in Memphis, TN is a residential treatment facility for adults struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. The facility provides individualized, integrated care utilizing a range of evidence-based and alternative treatment methods. If necessary, the facility also offers medical detoxification services on-site.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Upon admission into the residential facility, clients undergo an initial biopsychosocial assessment to identify individual client needs. If necessary, clients may begin treatment with medical detoxification, which can last between 48 hours and a full week. The facility’s programming utilizes the Foundations Treatment Model, which employs integrative and evidence-based methods, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), to address both substance abuse and mental health disorders. Clients are also introduced to the 12-Step model of recovery.
During residential treatment, clients engage in individual, group, and family counseling, as well as educational sessions on relapse prevention and life skills. To address underlying issues that may contribute to addictive behavior, process groups focus on trauma resolution, forming healthy boundaries, codependency, and anger management. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) sessions may also be utilized to treat trauma, and the facility offers ongoing medication management.
The Oaks also incorporates a range of holistic and alternative treatments into programming, such as art and music therapy, equine therapy, guided meditation, therapeutic massage, and acupuncture. Family members are strongly encouraged to attend a monthly, weekend-long family program, which is designed to educate loved ones on the nature of addiction, the facility’s unique treatment model, and the recovery process.
Upon discharge, clinicians assist clients to form a comprehensive aftercare plan, which may include linkages to supportive housing, peer-led recovery networks, and other community-based resources. The Oaks also organizes bi-monthly recreational events for facility alumni.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The Oaks’ treatment team consists of physicians, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and licensed therapists. According to its website, the facility offers a low staff-to-client ratio. The six individuals polled by Best-rehabs.com on the staff’s level of experience gave an average rating of 4.5 out of five stars.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
The Oaks residential facility is a repurposed, colonial-style mansion, and clients are housed with one or two roommates. In 2015, the facility underwent a major renovation, which included the addition of scenic walking trail, a music recording studio, a basketball and a volleyball court, and an upgraded, on-site gym. The three alumni polled on the quality of accomodations all gave excellent ratings. “Just went to the grand re-opening, what a beautiful renovation,” alum Patrick wrote.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Reviews from alumni at this time are mostly positive, though somewhat mixed. Of the six alumni who have submitted reviews to Best-rehabs.com, four said that they would recommend the facility. Of these, three gave La Paloma perfect five out of five star ratings for treatment effectiveness. The staff also received notable praise from multiple alumni. “If you really want help this is the place!! The staff Cares and they show it. This place saved my life!!!” wrote alum David.
Two alumni, however, said they would not recommend the facility. “Horrible facility with nothing to do and you are treated like a child.” Wrote K.B. and another alum, D.O., added “too slow paced, hard to get individual attention.”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
The six loved ones polled by Best-rehabs.com to date also gave mixed opinions of the facility, and a few loved ones were highly critical of the facility’s integrated treatment model. S.A., a spouse of a client who struggled with depression, wrote: “There was inadequate professional contact for targeted symptoms.” Loved one C.P. added: “This dual diagnosis facility barely meets that standard.”
Some loved ones did praise the facility’s quality of staff and its programming. Offering a four out of five star rating for the facility’s ability to treat co-occurring disorders, one anonymous loved one wrote: “Great staff working together to assist the patients. Employees care about patients.” Although critical of the facility’s follow-up care, loved one Mary awarded the facility a five out of five star rating for the level of family participation. “Overall, it was a great facility,” she wrote.
FINANCING
The facility accepts most private insurance policies, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, and United. However, some survey respondents were critical of the facility’s high cost and reported incurred fees (not included in the program’s initial cost) for certain treatments.