This was my first time ever being in treatment, and I truly could not have had a better experience. I researched a lot of different places for 24 hour care, but Center for Change had the best balance of being structured and serious when it needed to be, yet still comfortable and supportive. A lot of smaller treatment centers I looked into did not have nearly as many resources, staff, or the level of observation and care that this one did. Overall, the staff members were incredible. I got so attached to some of them that it was genuinely hard to say goodbye when I left. There were a couple of moments where I had concerns about a staff member, but once I and a few other patients shared our feedback, it was taken seriously and addressed immediately, and I really appreciated how quickly things improved after that.
I truly feel like this place saved my life and gave me a second chance. My therapist, Rian, was amazing. In just two months, I did more deep and meaningful work with her than I had in years of therapy before. On my last day, I felt genuinely sad to leave, even though I knew I was ready and had worked hard to get there.
I will never forget the incredible staff and patients I met. Thinking about it still makes me emotional. I am so eternally grateful that this was the place my sister chose for me. She had gone through eating disorder treatment elsewhere and was familiar with the options, and she said this was far better in every way. The groups were impactful, the food was surprisingly good (you could tell the kitchen staff cared about us), and every person there seemed genuinely dedicated to helping us heal.
The CEO, Nicole, is amazing. She even led one of our groups every single week, and her family week presentation was so impactful for me and my family members. It helped us get educated and understand each other on a deeper level. You can tell she truly cares and takes the time to be personally involved, which says a lot about the kind of environment she has created.
That said, I struggled with substance abuse along with my eating disorder and did not feel very supported in that area while I was there. We had one substance abuse group a week, which did not feel like enough. I have been pretty successful in recovery besides that aspect, but my only advice would be that if you are struggling more with substance abuse than an eating disorder, it might be better to find another program that focuses more on that side of recovery.
If anyone in my life ever struggled with an eating disorder, I would recommend this place to them without hesitation. Center for Change will always hold a special place in my heart.