Memorial Hermann Prevention and Recovery Center

Memorial Hermann Prevention and Recovery Center Houston Texas

PaRC brings its award-winning experience and depth of expertise to the forefront of alcohol and drug treatment. Incorporating the newest medical approaches along with proven treatment models and methodologies, our clinical team and the entire staff are dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care experiences. Our goal is to improve the behavioral health of individuals and families in the community by assisting all persons adversely affected by alcohol and substance abuse onto the path of recovery and long-term sobriety.

ABOUT MEMORIAL HERMANN PREVENTION AND RECOVERY CENTER

For over 30 years, Memorial Hermann Prevention and Recovery Center (PaRC) has provided a full continuum of substance abuse treatment services, including inpatient residential treatment, intensive outpatient treatment (IOP), partial hospitalization (PHP), detox (available at only 9% of Texas facilities) and aftercare services. Services are available to adults, in addition to specific programming for adolescents, which is offered by only 137 (28.1%) of facilities in Texas.

The center also offers specialized tracks for executives and professionals, as well as individuals struggling with chronic pain.

TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT

The detox unit at PaRC is open 24 hours a day and can provide same-day treatment. While in detox, clients remain under constant supervision. They are administered symptom-relieving medications and regularly meet with counselors for support and guidance.

Clients who move on to residential inpatient treatment typically stay at PaRC for 30 to 90 days. During this time, clients are introduced to the 12-Steps and participate in individual, group, and family therapy. Holistic and alternative offerings include equestrian therapy, aquatic therapy, drum/music therapy, acupuncture, and physical therapy. Workshops focus on addiction education and relapse prevention. Though the program is structured, clients are allotted free time for relaxation, exercise, and recreation.

For those who require less intensive treatment, PaRC offers outpatient care at two levels. Partial hospitalization clients receive counseling and education during business hours, Monday through Friday, and for two hours on Saturday mornings. PaRC’s intensive outpatient clients participate in similar activities, but attend four three-hour sessions a week. Intensive outpatient treatment typically lasts between four and six weeks. All clients, regardless of their treatment program, are eligible to participate in one year of aftercare services.

Detox, residential, and outpatient treatment are also all available for teens ages 13 through 17. In Texas, the median number of teens in this age group participating in illicit drug use is 3.16%, and 3.06% of teens needed but did not receive treatment at a specialty facility for illicit drug use in the past year. The typical stay for teens at this facility is 30 to 45 days and it follows similar programming to that of adults.

STAFF CREDENTIALS

According to the facility’s website, the treatment staff consists of physicians, psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and counselors.

ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES

Clients share modestly furnished bedrooms with one other resident. Meals are prepared on-site by PaRC’s dietary team, and clients have access to snacks day and night. When not in therapeutic or educational sessions, clients may use the on-site fitness, computer, and recreation rooms. Outdoor amenities include serenity gardens and a functioning greenhouse. Services are offered in the campus chapel, but participation is voluntary.

WHAT ALUMNI SAY

The alumni surveyed at the time of this writing by Best-rehabs.com reported mostly positive treatment experiences. 12 alumni indicated that they were very pleased with the treatment they received.

I would recommend this facility to a friend or family member who was considering treatment: 4.7/5

“The steps they have you work to get sober and to handle detox are amazing,” Shaun wrote. These alumni generated extremely high rankings for many of the other categories on which they were polled as well.

Family/loved ones are able to participate in treatment through facility programming: 4.4/5 stars

Facility staff are experienced and well-trained: 4.5/5 stars

Kathryn noted the “understanding, non judgemental enviorment” and “amazing counselors.” Alumni were also impressed with the facility’s level of cleanliness and the center’s connectivity/visitor policies.

While no evaluated aspects of the center received under three stars, alumni were least impressed with the center’s holistic offerings.

The facility has high quality holistic offerings: 3.2/5 stars

Additionally, some alumni mentioned overcrowding and inadequate staffing. One anonymous alum wrote that “there were not enough doctors for one-on-one.”

The one former client to comment on Google gave a perfect five-star rating.

[1]

This individual praised the staff, the programming, the extracurricular activities, and the food.

At the time of this writing on Yelp, five reviewers also generated a high average of four out of five stars.

[2]

Each of these users commented on the intensity of the program and noted that outside communication was limited, especially in the first few weeks of treatment. Some criticized this, but most felt it was both a necessary and helpful part of the treatment process. Former client S.S. representatively commented, “A solid foundation was built for me to recover successfully.” One otherwise satisfied reviewer noted, “You must self-pay or have good insurance to be admitted.”

WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY

Overall, the 13 friends and family polled by Best-rehabs.com to date were pleased with their loved one’s care.

When asked, on a scale from one to five, how likely they were to recommend the facility to others, 12 survey respondents provided an average rating of 4.5 out of five stars. Karen described her son’s experience as “positive” and the family groups as “powerful.”

Loved ones were also impressed with the staff’s level of experience and training, the program’s counseling options, the facility’s affordability, and the program’s level of family participation, which received respective ratings of 4.67, 4.08, 4.25, and 4.42 out of five. “Offered family meetings, family aftercare, three-day family program, Al-Anon meetings. Best place to send a loved one,” one anonymous loved one wrote.

The sole reviewer on Citehealth to date gave five out of five stars.

[3]

This parent remarked on having two children who both received support in this facility and gained all the tools they needed to stay sober.

WHAT STAFF SAY

To date, two staff members provided positive reviews of the facility, while two staff members provided more mixed reviews and one provided a negative review. The staff members gave four out of five star ratings for the facility’s holistic offerings, family participation, affordability, and available counseling options.

However, one staff member commented on the lack of management encouragement to receive training and certification “outside the facility.” The staff member wrote: “Too much of a cookie cutter program. Not enough use of alternative evidence based therapies for related problems such as insomnia, tension, etc.”

FINANCING

According to the facility’s website, many insurance plans are accepted, including those from Aetna, Blue Cross, and Cigna. Additionally, the facility’s HealthGrove page indicates that state insurance other than Medicaid is accepted, as well as Access to Recovery (ATR) Vouchers, which only 5.9% of Texas facilities take.

[1] https://goo.gl/Ab7Bfa
[2] https://www.yelp.com/biz/parc-houston-drug-and-alcohol-intensive-outpatient-rehab-houston
[3] http://citehealth.com/rehab-centers/texas/cities/houston/memorial-hermann-based-at-3033-gessner-street

Memorial Hermann Prevention and Recovery Center Reviews

  • Treatment Effectiveness
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  • No treatment center can help someone that doesn't want the help. If you are motivated to take control of your life and your addiction then the PaRC can put you on a path of lifelong recovery. The best thing you can do is check-in, close your mouth and open your ears. Do what the professionals here tell you to do. If you think you know what's best for you and feel the need to argue with suggestions given to you then you should rethink your decisions. After all, your best thinking turned you into an addict/alcoholic, The facilities here are very nice and comfortable. The counseling staff is great and very experienced. If you really want to change your life then this is the place to do it.
    My loved one has been in treatment here for two weeks thus far. It seems (mostly) like a good program, although there are some 'bad eggs' that get in the program and are not really interested in being there (court / parent ordered to be there) and so make it harder for those trying to succeed. Overall it seems ok, as long as the patient/person chooses to work the program and stay focused on themselves and avoid troublemakers.
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  • The business side of the facility is a train-wreck. Good luck getting a straight answer from them. If you call, they will interrupt you before you can finish your question, hijack the conversation, and start dunning you for money -- before you've even received an invoice. If you speak up to object, they will say you are being rude and hang up on you. Other than their substandard business office, the PaRC is a wonderful place. You must self-pay or have good insurance to be admitted. One really needs to count their blessings if they are admitted to the PaRC. The clinical side of the facility is top-notch -- caring and effective.
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  • I attended the adolescent program. It claimed to be "12- step" based but really they just had the 12 steps hanging up on the wall. Honestly, just felt like a hospital/day care center for teens. For step work, we were just given packets and no one explained to us what the disease of addiction was or anything. Most of the staff was very nice and helpful.
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  • I recently attended PaRC's detox program. I cannot say enough great things about the program and, in particular, the staff. The nurses and therapists are compassionate, upbeat and friendly. The program is focused and the schedule is full. The sessions were very helpful and the food was very good. It should be noted that while the amenities are good this is a rehabilitation hospital and not a 5 star hotel. There are no TVs in the rooms and no electronics allowed. The schedule is tight and the rules are strict. This, in my opinion, is important. When you or your loved one goes to rehab you want success not a vacation. The place is relaxing and the staff is attentive to needs. Overall, I could not have asked for a more positive experience for a very bad illness. I feel more empowered, educated, and prepared to tackle my disease and move forward productively. Finally, the after care and alumni group keep PaRC members connected and working toward success. I am grateful we found PaRC and thankful for my time there.
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  • This place saved my life 8 years ago. The process makes it possible to survive your issues and get back to the person you once were--if you need help, please please go to PARC and let them help you be joyous and excited about life again!!!
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  • I admitted my son to what I thought was the best substance abuse program in Houston. My son was assigned his counselor, Every day that I spoke to the counselor, he continued to reassure me that my son needed to be inpatient and needed further treatment. I spoke to the counselor on a Monday and he was still telling me that he recommended further treatment there at the PARC. He then was out of office until Friday. When he returned he called me to tell me that they were discharging my son after only 9 days of treatment. When I asked how their decision to keep my son inpatient turned to discharge 3 days later all he had to say was that the insurance said they aren't paying anymore. So I called the insurance and spoke to the case manager who was handling our case. She stated that they never called the PARC to tell them they weren't going to pay anymore. So I called the counselor to let him know this and he changed his story to that they can no longer help him. They were recommending a different type of treatment but no suggestions or recommendations were given. While he was out of the office that week, I called the Dr. who is the Psychiatrist on staff there (and he's proud of it) and we spoke about my sons situation. Or should I say, he spoke. I had to raise my voice to get him to stop talking in order to get a word in. He told me at least 3 times during that one 15 min conversation that he is a child psychiatrist. See what happened is, my son mentioned to him that he had been diagnosed with aspergers autism when he was 11. After my son let them know that, that is all that these people saw in my son. I had the counselor and this "doctor" telling me my son was "off" and "weird". That he would say things that were shocking. Hello Mr. child psychiatrist of how ever many years (I should remember, you told me like 3 times), if you're such a expert then you should've been able to deal with this minor issue! Instead you just gave up on my son and sent him home before he was ready. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone. They want easy patients, if there's any work involved you can expect them to just throw you out! From the admission process there was poor communication. Every time they would contact me for my son, they would call random people in the emergency contact list before contacting me, his mother. Even after correcting this with them, they still just used the any many miney mo method to contact someone. These people are incompetent and need to be replaced with more experienced and qualified professionals.
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  • Teens need some compassion when trying to be rehabilitated from drugs; however, most counselors had no compassion in dealing with patients. They used humiliation as a tool in group therapy sessions which is opposite of what should be required.
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  • Absolutely a wonderful place!! One of the women was instrumental in helping us get into the PARC. She was just wonderful, so supportive, compassionate, yet was a real professional and let us know how serious the disease of addiction is. This disease is no joke and I would tell anybody that the PARC is about the best place for treatment.
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  • The consoles are loving and compassionate, they do not stand for any bullshit that cane out of my mouth. The steps they have you work to get sober and to handle detox are amazing I can't think of anything besides some of the staff approach situations innopropriatly and childish. When I was detoxing off heavy benzodiazepines they weened me off of them and help really manage the seizures and made it a whole lot beetle experience than anywhere else. They saved my life, and I have a little over 15 months sober today.
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  • For a place this expensive, I'm shocked at the lack of individual care. There is no one-on-one counseling and the twice weekly groups are led by Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors. All it takes to be an LCDC in TX is a GED, 7 weeks in class and an 8 week internship. I assume that most nurses are NOT RNs, because they don't sound educated. And as for seeing an MD - not easy. There are no psychologists or psychiatrists. And dealing with them administratively is a complete nightmare. Is it effective? Too soon to tell, but like everywhere else, it's just more 12 step. I chose this place for a loved one basically because my insurance covered it and they did answer the phone on a Sunday night. Addiction is the only health problem whose treatment hasn't changed in 70 years.
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  • The facility was well maintained, the food was excellent. The staff was friendly and very attentive. Not enough focus on physical activities such as exercise, yoga, etc. Not able to choose a counselor that aligns with your views. Not enough time daily to use the phone, several hundred patients, 4 phones and a two hour window once a day. I have two kids, a wife and other family to talk to. Most of the counselors were great. I happened to get one that had many problems with patients and they would not allow a switch. The staff that had the most interaction with the patients were wonderful (security and support). Overall it was a very good facility. I was pleased with the program.
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  • The PaRC saved my life. They are serious in using the time, you're there to the fullest. I have friends who went to other rehabs and described their experiences and schedules. I told them it sounded like they went to summer camp and I went to summer school. But I came out and my life is so much better.
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  • The staff, the Alumni Program, the environment, the gift shop, having AA meetings at the facility, were all strengths. Cost was a weakness. The PaRC provides an all-all-encompasing rehabilitation environment. From Detox to Aftercare which is every Saturday after discharge, they provide you with the knowledge of addiction on the mind and body as well as an introduction of spiritual health.
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  • Clean, organized, personable, patient. More family involvement. I wanted to do more and be involved, but followed their rules
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  • They Care the doctors spoke to the family and assured us they where ok. they made sure the family was good.
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  • All the staff are very nice and knowledgeable. They are always there one way or another; by phone or in person.
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  • Excellent and staff cares about everyone. They care about you. Want to make sure you are getting better and health.
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  • good facilities for rehabilitation and fitness. Perhaps the only thing that would change is the schedule of visits are rare and short
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  • Rehab doctor was a strength but the Lock down was a weakness. Good food.
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  • There is no escape. Really didn't stay there long enough but the people was well managed maintain the peaceful environment
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  • A good experience
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  • food was good but not enough activities. It took a long time to get meds.
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  • counseling programs were strengths of the facility.
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  • good services of alternative therapies.
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  • payment facilities were a strength of the facility.
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  • I enjoyed the facility.
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  • It was a very good facility.
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  • They have an experienced staff. It is effective and shows progress through time.
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  • Understanding staff, and they are able to accommodate. They where able to diagnose the problem in a quick time frame and come up with a solution that was beneficial and they actually cared.
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  • They were really great with my family member; they gave great support and there were great counselors. This facility did a wonderful job; my family member been sober for over 2 years now.
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  • They have great treatment and payment facilities. It is a good place to recover and love yourself.
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  • Strengths included: Program, alumni association, and the number of 12 step meetings. It saved my life.
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  • Family friendly, 12 step programs, aftercare program. I was actually taught how to live a whole new life. It has worked for 7 years now. However, there were not enough doctors for one-on-one.
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  • Seemed to be engaged.
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  • Great therapist. I loved going there, I just wish it closer to home and more convenient to get to. It was also overpacked.
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  • It was a very clean facility but other than that I believe it needed many improvements.
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  • The entire program is great and they also include family help (family program). It's an awesome place: trained staff, a wealth of information, assisted detox and fantastic nurses and doctors.
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  • I think it was a really positive experience for my son. Family groups were very powerful. Staff are very caring and are very experienced. Staff, treatment modalities, reputation, community connections and outreach.
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  • Addicts helping addicts, from the director on down. The staff CARES about each person. They have an understanding of addicts, very compassionate and caring. Alumni participation is a blessing and well utilized by the PARC.
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  • I would recommend this facility for those living in the Houston area.
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  • After 10 years of benzodiazepene prescription use (all legal)...I had tried doctors who didn't have a safe tapering program and noticed a pamphlet at a prescription addiction specialists doctors office for PaRC (memorial Hermann). I visited with hopes they'd have all the answers for benzo addiction and a proper method to taper safely. Memorial Hermann accepted me and then did a ultra fast 6 day cold turkey detox before sending me home with anti-seizure meds. I spent 10 days in bed barely able to eat or get to the bathroom...seizures, zero sleep, lost weight like crazy.....with a steady fear of losing my mind, (scary as hell!). It obviously was a complete disaster they said was all my fault, but a few years later I found (another) method and noticed no one ever tapers off benzo's without a long term tapering approach....usually 6-18 months...or longer. That's the science, not my opinion....I was the only benzo person at the facility, and while I saw everything from alcohol, street drugs, cocaine, heroin and everything else you can imagine, I was on a legal prescription I wanted off of....I was treated like a street drug addict. Bottom line is they didn't have a clue how to treat prescription benzo addiction and still don't. I discovered (another method) and successfully tapered in 2013...that worked for me and has worked for thousands of others. I wouldn't be so pissed off at Memorial Hermann if they hadn't of blamed me for being weak, non responsive and flat out a drug addict by choice. They don't have any kind of safe or effective benzo plan for tapering...I'm glad I am recovered, but what they did to me should be illegal.
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  • The facility has an underunderstanding, non judgemental enviorment, and amazing counselors. I enjoyed the group sessions, aftercare and the nice facility. Downfalls were that there was no holistic approach and I felt it focused too much on 12 step.
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  • The last time my spouse was in treatment, I had been attending Al-Anon for a little over a year. The hospital has a very involved Alumni that come back to assist the patients, sponsor, etc. The alumni organization also has many recovery events during the year to help stay connected. The hospital has many meetings, AA, CA, NA that patients attend as well as their check in meetings. They check on how the patients are doing, where they're at emotionally, spiritually, etc. You learn about the disease and there is a lot of family programs and suggestions for family to get help. They teach that it is a family disease. There is aftercare for patients and family as well.
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  • The PaRK is extremely well staffed by top people that understand how to relate to and help people. The overall level of all people attending the facility helping and supporting each other is outstanding. The education of all issue related to dependency is exceptional. Its is like receiving Human Program Upgrade and delivers the needed tools to improve your life.
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  • Mostly 12 step based. CEO is excellent. Not enough use of alternative evidence based therapies for related problems such as insomnia, tension, etc. Not enough specialized tracks.
    ,