ABOUT TELLURIAN
In business for more than 35 years and set amidst parks and nature centers in a woodsy part of Madison, Wis., Tellurian is a nonprofit agency that addresses substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. Programming is gender-specific, and treatment is available at both inpatient and intensive outpatient (IOP) levels. Medical detox services are available at the agency’s Detoxification Center at 2914 Industrial Drive, a short drive from the main campus.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Tellurian’s 29-bed medical detox facility is a first step for many clients. Registered nurses and a board-certified physician who specializes in addictionology supervise round-the-clock detox, which is typically completed in 72 hours or less. Next, state certified counselors meet with each client to determine an optimal and appropriate entry point to treatment. Treatment is individualized and completed with an admissions counselor.
Beyond individual and group therapy and optional 12-step NA and AA meetings, residential treatment takes a holistic approach. Clients may participate in yoga, expressive arts, and canoeing. Clients also have access to spiritual care groups and behavioral modification. The multi-faceted program further includes a range of evidence-based treatment modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, relapse prevention, and addiction and cravings groups.
Outpatient therapy is highly individualized and based on specific needs of the clients. Services include individual and group counseling, as well as specific relapse prevention. Treatment and schedules are determined by clients’ progress in a treatment plan agreed upon by both clients and staff.
Tellurian also works with the University of Wisconsin-Madison to provide two-part addiction education courses, available in both the afternoons and evenings.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
Tellurian is directed by an M.D. who has more than 25 years of experience in addiction treatment and education. The facility also employs a consulting psychiatrist, master’s- and Ph.D.-level clinical supervisors, spiritual advisors, administration counselors, and a nurse practitioner.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Residents of Tellurian’s main campus are encouraged to take advantage of the adjacent Aldo Leopold Nature Center that sits on 110 acres of conservancy land. Pictures depict colorful rooms for clients, well furnished conference rooms and lounge areas, and gardens and trees outside. Four reviewers to date rated Tellurian’s cleanliness an average 3.75 out of five stars.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Four alumni polled by Best-rehabs.com to date gave Tellurian mixed to positive reviews. One rated the facility mostly four out of five stars in metrics including exercise and leisure options and cleanliness, and three stars in staff support. The other three rated the facility highest in connectivity at four, four, and five stars and lowest in counseling options and holistic treatment offerings at four, three, and two stars.
In their commentary, alumni praised the serene accommodations and great staff, but felt treatment should be longer than what it was. Alum C.K. wrote: “It’s in a very peaceful and serene environment. Not long enough treatment time it would be more effective if time of stay was longer.”
On Google, eight reviewers rated Tellurian an average 3.8 out of five stars, with two negative reviews, one mixed, and five positive, suggesting mostly positive reviews.
WHAT FRIENDS AND FAMILY SAY
To date, the one loved one polled by Best-rehabs.com gave Tellurian mostly positive feedback, rating it lowest in exercise and leisure options and holistic treatment offerings at three out of five stars, but higher at four and five stars in all other metrics, including five stars in family participation. The anonymous loved one wrote that staff and treatment structure were strong points of the program, though they wrote: “Should have bars on the windows and doors to prevent addicts from leaving before they should.”
WHAT STAFF SAY
On Glassdoor, three former employees to date rated Tellurian two, three, and three out of five stars to date, suggesting mixed reactions. Though employees appreciated the time spent with clientele, they felt upper administration staff were not in touch with clinical staff. A former human services assistant wrote: “Poor leadership, lack of appropriate staffing, not enough resources to assist clients.”
FINANCING
Tellurian’s website features a “Pay My Bill” page, but only mentions major credit cards as an acceptable form of payment. Tellurian is categorized as a nonprofit organization. Both CiteHealth and HealthGrove state Tellurian accepts military insurance as well.