I did socal empowered almost a year ago. This was my first time in residential but not my first time in the mental health world. Overall, my experience was good. Staff members of all levels protected confidentiality and were very respectful, chef made good food but you were also able to make your own food, and rules were all fair. My only gripe with the program was my concerns about therapy weren’t taken seriously. At the beginning of the program I felt I didn’t connect with my therapist, Gwen, and expressed this very early on, around the first or 2nd week. I was told to just give it a shot and I’d change my mind. Around the 4-5th week I still couldn’t connect with my therapist and expressed again I wanted to switch. I was then told it was too late in the program and I never gave her a chance. Considering the whole point of residential was to get therapy I needed, this made my experience not as good as it could’ve been. I stayed in the program for about 12 weeks give or take. I didn’t have a single productive session with Gwen because we simply didn’t connect. I now struggle with therapy even more than before because I feel like I won’t get my needs met even with expressing how I feel. However, I don’t think Gwen is bad. Despite her knowing how I felt, she was always kind to me and at least tried to meet me halfway, even if it wasn’t always received well. I think she just wasn’t for me. The psychiatry side of the program was a little funky, but not bad. Whenever I had concerns over my meds they were addressed fairly quickly. The outings were always a nice change of pace, the house was very clean, and when repairs were needed they were fixed fairly quick. My favorite techs include Charlie, Ana, Bella, and Kyle. They were always looking out for me and I truly don’t think I could’ve got through the program without them. Melina and Melanie are great and lead very fun groups.
Overall, I would recommend SoCal empowered, but I would not attend again if I had to.