As someone who reads all the reviews before doing something, I'm going be as detailed as possible so you can really understand why this program is so special.
1. Program/Clinical: So many programs advertise that they focus on both mental health and addiction, but I feel like at 12 South, they REALLY do. The group therapies really support your progress and the topics go hand and hand with your individual therapy. They have processing groups, meditation groups, educational groups, nutrition groups, music therapy groups, hiking groups, inspirational speakers and more. Every facilitator REALLY CARES that I felt supported and succeeded. Additionally, every facilitator was not only qualified and excellent, but they also had a history of either addiction or mental health struggles. It made a massive difference to know how much they empathized with us. My favorite facilitators were Miss Keisha, Wendy, and Steven.
2. Therapy: At 12 South they really recognize the importance of therapy for both mental health clients and addiction clients. For mental health clients (like me), I was able to partake in both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and EMDR/Trauma therapy. I received wonderful journal prompts that reflected my conversations in therapy and ultimately learned incredible coping skills. If you are motivated to get better, they will match the motivation and give you all the tools you need for success. For addiction, the therapists really help you understand why you turned to a substance of choice. They focus on the root cause, while also coming alongside you with tools for cravings, self-control and planning. Shoutout to Dillon and Ken my therapists there for changing my life and brain for the better
3. Staff: I have never met a staff more caring about your success than the those working at 12 South. Each staff member/case manager/clinician personally assured me their door was open for any and all concerns I had. Not only was this open-door policy re-assuring, but they ACTUALLY listened to me. On numerous occasions I went into the program manager (Sean) and operations manager's (Sam) office with questions or needs I was worried about, and they immediately got back to me. They both (Sean and Sam) earned my respect and it made a huge difference when I felt the respect reciprocated. Another thing I want to point out is they look at the whole person when they make decisions. I think it would be easy in a program to view all clients as a number, but here they know YOU, and take everything you have been through into consideration when planning your care. I felt truly known and loved by the staff there.
3. Housing: While I only stayed in the housing a short time (I became a commuter), I want to speak on it. No matter where you come from, living in a new environment and with a stranger is nerve racking/anxiety provoking. Don't let that deter your progress. The staff really listen and care and will hear your concerns. All that to stay, they are reasonable and if you and your new roommate aren't getting along, you aren't stuck with them! Voice the concern with respect and they will listen. The housing was very nice! I was pleasantly surprised (Oh and they are strict on cleaning which is awesome!). The staff keeps your meds and you can get them day and night. You also Breathalyze twice a day (to keep a sober living quarters even if you are there only for mental) and do urine drug testing 3 days a week either at clinical or the house. There is a free gym membership included and rides to the gym and AA/NA meetings often!
Overall, my time at 12 south was life changing. You really do get what you put into it—I can't say that enough! The clients will all seem so unique at first, but if you push against isolation, I assure you, you'll find your people. It was the those clients most different from me who made the biggest impact on my journey. Every program has things that are not perfect, but if you want a program that really cares about you, choose to spend your recovery at 12 South. I couldn't recommend it more.
