Carol's Story

The decision to seek residential treatment for my daughter did not come easy. She had dual diagnosis needs that could not be met at a program in the state we reside, so we went out of state. She needed to be safe and it was clear she could not do that at home or in an outpatient program.

I was familiar with residential treatment as I had been a therapist in a residential treatment center in the past for eight years. On admission day I was anxious to leave my daughter at the program and let other’s take over her care for the next several months. I was leery of the therapist who seemed young...did he know what he was doing? Could I trust him? Would he be able to help my daughter and our family get through this? It took about 15 minutes into the conversation that I started to relax and feel like yes this will be ok. I trust him. He was genuine and real.

My daughter also connected to him and he was able to work with her and our family intensely. Her father and I had divorced and there was much stress, conflict, and discord between us. The therapist was able to work with all of us through many difficult conversations and stressful moments. It was not easy. I am eternally grateful for that process and the movement towards healing that occurred that lead to us being able to parent our children together.

A few months after my daughter was discharged, her father died suddenly of a heart attack at age 45. Needless to say, this was extremely difficult. It was clear my daughter had gained skills, and insights at the program that helped her to deal with the extreme grief and loss. It again reminded me how thankful I was for the healing that occurred at the program.

My daughter is now 22 years old. She has more ups than downs. She is resilient, strong, and is a survivor. She lives independently, has had jobs that include caring for others with needs, taking care of children, and is now going to school to be a mechanic. She continues therapy with a community therapist.

The program helped her grow, gain skills, learn about herself and kept her safe. I will forever be grateful for the therapist at the program for his guidance, competence, and his caring.