Any current reviews? Please post in comments below. You can check out the FAQ and Guidelines for suggested questions. Thank you!
Center for Discovery has multiple locations. This review page is for their locations in Fairfield, Southport, and Greenwich, CT with houses for adult women and for adolescents:
- Fairfield: Residential treatment for adult women ages 18 and over.
- Fairfield (Wellington): Residential treatment for young women aged 18-26 years
- Greenwich: Outpatient location for adolescents and adults (IOP/PHP)
- Southport: Residential treatment and partial hospitalization for male and female adolescents from 10-17 years of age
- Southport: Outpatient location for male and female clients of ages 11-17 (IOP/PHP)
For reviews/questions about all other locations, please go to this page: Center for Discovery.
Hi I am very interested in the program on Congress Street. Is anyone there now or has been there recently that can share their honest opinion and experience? I really would like to hear from someone. Please let me know, thank you!
Hi would you be able to please share?
Yes I also interested in the program. Has anyone been there recently?
I’m also about to admit and would love a recent review.
Hi, I am also interested in Congress street. Are you already accepted?
Yes, I am actually going tomorrow!
Hi I would love if anyone can tell me anything about both programs currently? Such as the CT locations both on Wellington and Congress. I am very interested in the program and would love to admit to one of them soon? Please
? Please do you have any information?
I would NOT recommend Congress at this time. Program was a mess; they are undergoing lots of program changes and no one had any clue as to what was going on.
Going to either Wellington or Congress soon.. if anyone has any recent reviews
Did you end up going? How was your experience?
does anyone have an updated review of the Wellington house?
Any updates for either of the Fairfield locations? Are they very strict on phone usage?
Describe the average day:
5:30- wake up and vitals
7:30- breakfast
8:40- walk for level 2+
9:00- group
10:30- snack
11:00- group (typically process)
12:30- lunch
1:00 group
2:00- group
3:30- snack
4:00- group
5:00 responsibilities
6:30- dinner
7:15- assignments and calls
8:55- snack
9:15- prep for bed
10:00- lights out
does anyone have any current updates on the CFD Fairfield Wellington house? I’m probably admitting there this week
Looking for feedback on CFD Greenwich IOP for adults. Anyone been recently? Looking for IOP to start beginning of may in southwestern CT or westchester county NY.
I know this is late (hoping all is well, Wendy!) but wanted to add for people looking. LIFT Wellness in Westport now has adolescent and adult IOP/PHP, as another option for CT/NY. I haven’t done the program but know several of the providers and they’re stellar.
Hi everyone, I am kind of thinking going back to HLOC is needed soon. Does anyone know of facilities that have 24-hour nursing care? My insurance plan will not pay for a stay if they do not have this component. I am open to any center in the country really, except ERC Denver. I am trying to go somewhere that I haven’t gone to before. Bonus if the facility provides treatment scholarships, Thanks!
I see that you did post on General Forum, for CFD specifically, they do not have 24 hr nursing care.
Can anyone share recent experiences at Wellington or Fairfield? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
I was at the Fairfield Congress location and have nothing but great things to say. Every staff member is so compassionate. The treatment team is SO knowledgeable. I got to the roots of my illness in a way that changed how I see everything honestly. The staff treat you like a human being, nothing feels forced. The dietitian is the best I’ve ever had. She can challenge the ED distortions like no other. I don’t know if I can say enough about the therapists and program director. I love love the doctors as well, nurses… counselors… everyone lol.
I hope that helps?!
Hi! When were you there? Would you be willing to answer a few questions? I am admitting soon and am so nervous!
i was there in 2022 and I’d be so happy to help.
Oh gosh, that would be amazing!!!
I’d love to know your overall thoughts on the program….how long before you were able to meal prep? Go for walks? Have cell phone privileges? Passes? How was the treatment team? Was there a lot of downtime/were groups beneficial?
Thank you x10000 for helping to calm my anxious brain ?
I can only speak to the Fairfield Congress site (highly recommend if you get the choice).
Meal prep – I was prepping snacks 2 weeks in, then everything pretty soon after.
Walks – my memory is they don’t keep you from walks unless you seriously restricted that day or were dizzy.
Cell phone – I noticed most people had cell phones two weeks in but it didn’t matter. There is a block almost daily where you can have whatever you need to complete important tasks even cell phone.
Passes – there’s client outings and personal passes. It was rare for a client not to go on the client outing. Passes were a bit longer. Maybe 3 or 4 weeks.
Treatment team – their team is wonderful. I could talk forever on this one. They treat you like a human. They GET IT. They care. They understand EDs with so much depth. Just a lovely group of people.
Downtime/groups – I found groups SO helpful even looked forward to some. I think you get out of all of them what you put in. not a lot of downtime during the day but things mellow out after dinner.
I can honestly say my fears subsided really quickly after coming here. They meet you where you are. It may sound crazy but some of the best moments of my life happened here because of the people and just the joy of finally seeing clearly.
Please let me know if there’s anything else I can answer to help and so much support for you making this decision.
Oh my goodness, this makes me feel light years better. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions! I was going back and north between CFD and Monte Nido, and it sounds like I made a solid choice with CFD. I’ll be admitting within the next two weeks. Thank you again, and I hope you are well ?
? Location: Fairfield, CT Adult Residential
I attended Center for Discovery Fairfield on Congress St. four summers ago. It was the best decision I’ve ever made. Being in my 40’s at the time, I had experienced many treatment centers. This one was different. The reviews that mention the word “magical” are spot on. I can’t think of a better word to describe it. They really do guide you through a whole “discovery” process.
For those with doubts, I want to tell you this place WORKS. Fast forward 4 years later ~ I am at the best place I could be in my life! I am doing things (and not doing things) I never thought possible. It’s the only program that’s ever “dug deep” and got to the root of my disorder. For the first time in my life, in my 40’s, I understood where, how, and why my ED started. It was eye-opening. Only then, was I able to address the real issues and begin overcoming my ED. I use the analogy of an onion ~ they peel away each layer until they get to the core.
Even in my recovery, doing exceptionally well, I sometimes long to be there. I truly believe you get out of it what you put in. There were many times when we were given assignments that I thought “What’s the point?” However, I threw myself into them and ALWAYS ended up seeing the value of them in the end. Trust the process and give yourself wholly to the program. They know what they’re doing.
Were there days I was upset and wanted to leave? Of course, but that’s par for the course at any treatment facility. It usually happened when I wanted to run away from the uncomfortable feelings that felt too hard to deal with. I’m so thankful I stuck it out. It changed the trajectory of my life. Recovery IS possible and let me tell you, it feels so good!
Thank you to CFD for all you’ve done for me. I will be forever grateful.
Any recent reviews on Center for Discovery adult residential locations in Connecticut?
*moved by admin to this page from client general forum
CFD Southport
i left this program about a month ago and it was one of the worst experiences in my life. there were only 3 good staff members (the education person and two of the nurses) and the rest of them were awful. we only had 15 minutes to get ready and then we would go downstairs at 6:30 and sit for an hour until 7:30 breakfast. we would get privileges (aka the only enjoyable things such as outings and tv) taken away for stuff we didn’t do. the doctors bullied a client about their acne. one of the therapists kicked a client under the table because they were engaging in a behavior. there was one time we had to do an “emergency process” and i, having autism, got really overstimulated and afterwards i was holding my friends hand and i got screamed at by X, one of the managers. they also forgot to pack my hygiene bin and didn’t mail it out to me until 3 days ago. this place is so bad, do not send your kids here
Can anyone share their (or their loved one’s) recent experience at Southport?
i left this program about a month ago and it was one of the worst experiences in my life. there were only 3 good staff members (the education person and two of the nurses) and the rest of them were awful. we only had 15 minutes to get ready and then we would go downstairs at 6:30 and sit for an hour until 7:30 breakfast. we would get privileges (aka the only enjoyable things such as outings and tv) taken away for stuff we didn’t do. the doctors bullied a client about their acne. one of the therapists kicked a client under the table because they were engaging in a behavior. there was one time we had to do an “emergency process” and i, having autism, got really overstimulated and afterwards i was holding my friends hand and i got screamed at by X, one of the managers. they also forgot to pack my hygiene bin and didn’t mail it out to me until 3 days ago. this place is so bad, do not send your kids here
Any recent reviews for CT adult CFD programs?
*cross posted from Center for Discovery – multiple locations by admin
Any recent reviews for CT adult CFD programs?
Has anyone been to CFD Wellington recently?
Wondering the same thing!
Hey are you thinking about going? Is there a way we could chat privately?
Hi! Do you have any experience at Wellington you can share. Thank you!!!
Does anyone have any recent reviews for the Greenwich PHP/IOP?
Does the Fairfield location allow personal cell phone use?
Yes! I can’t remember if there is a restriction the first couple days though. But I believe there are some recent reviews of Fairfield with more details, I will restore those comments next so you can check them out. Give me a few minutes. There was also a woman who posted a review with photos on her blog that she linked to here.
Actually, based on what I’ve restored so far, it looks like they don’t for a couple weeks. Sounds like no phone first three days, then only house phone for a couple weeks, then when you level up you get to use your personal cell phone
Yeah, they are VERY strict about phone use. You aren’t supossed to call anyone for the first 3 days – they even wanted to stop me from calling my 3 year old and I basically was like…no, Im going to do that. You have to move up a level before you can use your own phone, and its super short (20-30min) at one time at night. The top level used to allow you to use your phone as long as you wanted in the evening, but that is no longer the case and is also restricted. We also were not allowed to watch TV during the week, so you basically sat and stared at eachother.
Location: CFD Wellington
I do not suggest cfd wellington. They never had a nurse on staff so often patients in pain, in need of prn or any medication, would have to wait until 8 pm for a nurse to arrive. The psychiatrist has no idea what she is doing and oftentimes gave people medicine that caused emergency symptoms which sent the patient to the ER all alone. These happened to quite a few patients in one single milleau. Often times the psychiatrist forgot to refill medications and that left patients without the medicine they needed daily, which caused withdrawal symptoms, for numerous clients. Some counselors would break HIPPA and tell other patients were their “favorites” about certain behaviors a client would use. The overnight counselor told the patients she had a gun in her car during an active shooter drill. They do not require you to drink water, and or track it so dehydration occurred. They do not treat co-occurring disorders at all. Most groups never occurred, and groceries ran out often. This place should be shut down, please for your recovery choose another treatment center!
Does anyone have a recent review of the adult places? Would you all recommend CFD over places like ERC Denver?
My blog about my recent two month stay at CFD Fairfield Ct. I am 63.
https://jessicarant.wordpress.com/2021/11/09/another-world/
I thought I had responded to this already, apologies, but I want to say thank you Jessica for sharing your post here! This is so helpful, and it’s nice to get to see the human touches too.
My both sisters work there so you must of meet them . I’m a patient and I’m currently in php in alsana .
Eating disorders are incredibly pervasive illnesses that impact a higher percentage of the population than some may realize. These disorders can become all-consuming, leading individuals to require care beyond the outpatient
In June of 2020, I arrived at the facility. I stayed for a total of eight weeks, during which I learned more about myself, my eating disorder, and skills to cope with this illness, than I ever would have expected. Upon discharge, I felt that I had truly changed, and I was highly motivated to recover.
Unfortunately, life got in the way of my recovery. I was constantly moving, living in different places from week to week. My partial hospitalization program, a day program used as a step-down from residential care or a step-up from intensive outpatient programs, was not a good fit for me. Anxiety and depression, my co-occurring illnesses, kicked in. I quickly relapsed, and it was again determined that I required the residential level of care.
When I arrived back at Center for Discovery in Fairfield, I expected the same treatment that I had received the first time, which I felt would ultimately benefit me and lead me back towards finding myself, and my motivation to recover. What I received was the complete opposite.
On January 1st, I had a syncope episode and was transported to St. Vincent’s Medical Center. I was told that the head nurse from CFD would meet me there, so that I would not be alone. When I arrived, the ER staff questioned where she was, stating that patients coming from treatment centers need to be accompanied by a staff member. There was no staff member present for the duration of my treatment at the hospital, and there was no staff member there to transport me back to CFD when I was discharged. Because there was no one there to pick me up, I had to sit in the ER for 2 hours (not the waiting room—the actual ER). During this time, sitting alone, I witnessed a gunshot wound victim be brought in, surgically worked on, and pass away. This was followed by his family coming to see him. I had recently experienced loss in my own family, making this event even more impactful. Police were everywhere, I could see and hear everything, and it was incredibly traumatic. This trauma could have been prevented if the Center for Discovery staff had been diligent about keeping me safe and being there for me during what was already a difficult situation. I will carry this experience with me for the rest of my life.
After this episode, the doctor did not come to see me until a week and a half later. During that time, I passed out again. This experience was also inappropriately handled. I was left alone in a room after expressing how I felt. I was later told that I may have been unconscious for ~8 minutes, which is incredibly scary, and I was also told that my recent medication change was likely the cause of the fainting. I could have been taken off that medication if I had been seen by the doctor earlier, preventing the second episode altogether.
Center for Discovery is responsible for the trauma that I witnessed. I thought it their responsibility to help me through the PTSD following this event, and their responsibility to continue to treat my eating disorder until I was able to confidently discharge, with relapse seeming unlikely, and recovery seeming possible.
Center for Discovery instead put me through yet another traumatic experience. I was told that after the first hospitalization that everything in the staff’s power would be done to prevent my going a second time. Then, on a day that started just like any other, I was told that I was being sent. The staff put words in my mouth, saying that I had stated I had requested to go, when in fact, I repeatedly expressed that I did NOT at all want to go, nor did I need to. Despite my protests, I was sent off in an ambulance without reason, and was told I would be back in a few hours.
In the hospital, I was soon told by a nurse that a parent was coming to pick me up to take me home. I was very confused, as I was supposed to be heading back to the facility, and the staff had agreed upon my entry to the program that a discharge plan, for me personally, was necessary to my well-being (based upon what had previously happened post-discharge). Upon calling CFD to inquire about what was happening, I was met with them expressing that I could not come back. There was no discharge plan. I asked for even just one more week at the facility to create such a plan, and was denied. I spend a night in the hospital, another traumatic experience, and was sent home with no treatment team and no plan.
I was recently informed by an outpatient therapist that the reasoning behind my unexpected “discharge,” which she fought against, was due to a symptom of my mental illness that CFD could not address. I was unaware of this reason. The notion is intriguing, as I knew based on the care of other patients that this symptom could, in fact, be treated at the facility. Preferential treatment was given to other individuals over myself, their value placed above my own.
Center for Discovery manipulated both myself and my care, exposed me to more trauma, and refused to take action when I contacted them about what had happened. They rejected me when I needed them most; a situation in itself that has affected myself, my mental health, and my relationships. These were professionals that I trusted, and they sent me out with nothing. I felt worthless. Upon “discharge,” I quickly diminished, and it is because of CFD’s malpractice. I urge anyone to proceed with caution if referred to Center for Discovery’s residential program. I do not normally use my voice as one of complaint and negativity, and it is sad to do so with respect to a program that once helped me immensely. However, I believe it my responsibility to speak up and aid in preventing any similar occurrences from happening in the future
I’m sorry to hear about your experience Erin. Can you do a full review? This just addresses one aspect of the treatment program, and while in no way do I intend to diminish your suffering, on our page here we try to make sure reviews help people to learn the day-to-day aspects of what a treatment program was like. The suggested questions are especially helpful for this, as after a negative experience with a center it can be really hard to remember to talk about anything else in your post. But it’s important for people who come here to get to learn about the program itself, for example, what the schedule was like, what types of groups there were, which groups you thought were most helpful and which were least helpful, what food was like, how many patients, etc etc etc. Here is the list of suggested questions to answer: https://edtreatmentreview.com/how-to-write-a-review/
Of course, Rachel! While this, for me, was the predominant aspect of the treatment program, and speaks volumes about the program itself as a whole and how detrimental it turned out to be, I can share a bit about the day-to-day.
There were 6 patients at a time in the house. Wake up was around 6:30 am, and bedtime around 9:30 pm (though you could stay up later). Meal plans were individualized and based on an exchange system, with supplementation given if the meal isn’t completed (Boost or Cliff bar). There were 3 meals and 3 snacks per day. Groups held included Process Group (every day except for Contract day, where you’d get your weekly assignments, level within the program, meal exchanges, etc), DBT, ACT, art therapy, mindful movement, menu planning, adulting, current events, core feelings, etc. Patients were allowed to go outside on the back patio/yard anytime. Phone privileges are given when you move up in the level system. Individual therapy was 3 times a week, and meetings with the dietician were twice a week. Meetings with the medical doctor and the psychiatrist were each once per week. Food was prepared either by counselors or diet techs, and when ready, the patients would do their own meal prep. There was Group Cook several nights a week for dinner. They do accommodate vegetarians. Coffee and tea are allowed, coffee twice a day in the morning and tea at other meals/snacks. No outings or passes during Covid, and masks must be worn even inside. Based on my previous post, I would not recommend going.
Thank you Erin, I appreciate your willingness to add this extra info and really appreciate your bravery in sharing your story and your truth here.
Thank you Rachel, that means a lot.
Hi Erin, thank you for all the info you’ve given, and I’m sorry for your experience. I’m trying to figure out the situation with phones a little more clearly. I read that at first you can’t even use the house phone. How long does that usually last? Once you are able to use the house phone, what are the rules? Is it often that people get to the level where they can use their cell phone? I’m assuming there isn’t a house computer either. I have an 8 y/o son and really want to be able to talk to him. Thanks!
This is probably late now but if anyone comes across this. You arent supposed to be able to call anyone with the first 3 days. At the first CFD I went to, because I had a little kid, they allowed me to call him. At fairfield they werent going to. I told them in no uncertain terms that my 4 year old needed to speak with me and basically just went and called. The phone issue is so annoying. I really dislike this is a thing at all, but you dont get to have your cell phone for awhile, and then only a limited amount of time. They did have a house computer when I was there that you could use the internet after reaching one of the levels. They also didnt allow for video when I was there due to HIPPAA, but when you have a little kid, you just really need that. Would not recommend.
Honestly that sounds like a pretty standard ER/hospital experience. ERs and hospitals suck. People suck, for shooting other people and hurting them so much they need to go there. And eating disorders/EDs suck, for getting us so sick that we need to go there. It’s not the treatment center’s fault though, that our eating disorders can make us so physically ill that sometimes we have to go to the hospital. In that time and place, it wouldn’t have matter which treatment center it was that had to call 9-11 when you had emergency (which they are required to do), you would have been exposed to same horrible traumatizing stuff at that ER, because it would have been at the same time. Including having to wait in the ER for a couple hours past when you are done, and seeing the gunshot victim (that would definitely give me trauma too), waiting SUCKS yes, but the treatment center can’t predict the exact moment that the doctor will say you are stabilized and can go, and can’t drop everything and abandon the clients at the house in the middle of whatever they are doing. When they get that call, whenever the ER nurse gets around to calling them, the know though that because you are at a hospital there are nurses there, they know you aren’t alone – and they need to make sure they have enough staff at the house too before coming, so the extra staff can come pick you up and all the patients at the house won’t be alone either or understaffed. So of course you’ll have to wait. It’s really hard and horrible, I know. But two hours is pretty quick to get there. BUT they definitely shouldn’t have left you there with no CfD staff either time, as the hospital staff mentioned, and especially you shouldn’t have been discharged straight from the hospital with no warning the second time; with no discharge plan or step down plan is horrible. That shouldn’t be standard, it is a horrible thing to have done to you
I would say witnessing a gunshot victim be brought in, his surgery, his death, and his family’s response in the midst of several police officers, after 4 personal family losses, is not a normal experience. If a staff member had been there, as they were supposed to, i would not have witnessed this trauma— I would have been on my way back to the center. This has given me PTSD, and I don’t appreciate the gaslighting of the impact of that event, calling it standard. As for calling 911 in the first place, I completely agree that CFD had every right to call the first time. The second time, when they said I requested to go when I didn’t, and there was no reason to send me, they did not have that right. I appreciate your agreement that sending me with no discharge plan is not okay, thank you for that validation!
Oh gosh, I’m so so so sorry I did not mean to gaslight you! I’m so sorry! Looking back at how I wrote, I see that I did not choose my words well at all. I meant to write that being stuck in the ER forever and it being bad experience is standard ER experience (not standard experience though for someone in a treatment center brought to ER, bcos like you said that is different), and it being normal for treatment centers taking a very long time to get anything done when it includes dividing their staff into different locations, because they usually don’t plan ahead or are understaffed, but not NOT that seeing someone die is standard!! I have never seen someone die, I can’t even imagine the pain of that. I hope you can accept my apology.
I really, really appreciate that you took the time to explain more, I understand now and of course, apology accepted. Thank you for your responses, it means a lot to me that someone is seeing and validating my experience.
I went to Center for Discovery (Congress St) in 2020 and I had an amazing experience. There were challenges related to COVID but it was understandable. This place and the staff helped me see my eating disorder in a whole new way. They really individualize treatment and see you as a human being. I learned how the eating disorder was a way to manage trauma that I hadn’t healed from. The staff was so passionate about the groups and activities. It was one of the best experiences of my life.
I am likely to be admitted to the Wellington house this coming week and I’m wondering if anyone has any info on what it’s like there currently (COVID-19/program quality/etc.). I was in a adolescent (like 13-18) CFD residential years ago so I know some stuff but not how it differs to over 18 and how it’s changed more recently. Thanks!
You have to wear a mask at all times, for me i couldn’t start meal prep until 2 weeks but that may be different now, no passes, visitors, or outings, when you first come you’ll have your own bedroom
it sucks on the weekends with no passes or outings or visitors but you get longer phone time
Are there recent reviews on the adolescent Alexandria, VA house? My daughter is on the wait list for there and at Fairfax and I am so up in the air if this would be good for her. Her primary is depression but an ED has manifested from it. Just don’t want this experience to make her worse. She is 16….any thoughts??
Hi Heather,
I do not have explicit experience with either of these locations… however, have you considered alternatives to residential treatment? I am an adult who started being sent to residential facilities when I was 14 and I so desperately wish my parents had employed family-based therapy instead. Unfortunately, often these facilities wind up being more traumatic and detrimental to adolescents.
Hi Heather,
Here is some info about the treatment alternative K mentioned, Family Based Treatment (FBT)! It is also known as the Maudsley Approach, since that is where it originated, but I believe now it is more commonly just called Family Based Treatment or Family Based Therapy.
http://maudsleyparents.org/
Heather,
I’d recommend looking for a support group for your daughter for the eating disorder. You could also try to get help from a dietitian, or look at counseling methods that might help both her depression and eating disorder.
I’d discourage residential treatment until trying everything else unless you’re daughters life is at risk due to self harming behaviors or the eating disorder. If eating disorder is not the primary issue for her, the treatment is likely to not as helpful for her mood issue. Sometimes people get worse going to residential by learning behaviors they didn’t know.
Hi Heather –
When I was your daughter’s age my primary diagnosis was OCD that manifested into an eating disorder/disordered eating. When I was sent to residential treatment, I definitely wanted to go for my OCD but due to medical complications I was always placed on ED units. I believe this is the reason my ED became so out of control because among adolescents especially it becomes a competition of who can be the sickest. I cannot speak to how it will serve your daughter though. Have you looked into depression programs? FOCUS at Rogers in Wisconsin, Insight by ERC and Silver Hill all had programs I benefited from that deal primarily with depression.
Hey I am so new to this ED recovery thing I am supposed to be getting evaluated at Walden but I don’t want to go there. My therapist suggests Walden but I just don’t feel right about going there for treatment. I feel like a bad patient for wanting to go to CFD more but I really am pushing towards CFD at Southport for adolescence but I have questions. Like do you have to have roommates and if so what if your not comfortable with your roommate? If I am evaluated somewhere else can I still go to CFD would I just have to give them paper work? I also am very scared that I am not sick enough because of my weight and my behaviors are very different from someone that is considered “very sick”. Also what is it like there? Can you use your phone? What is it like with COVID? Do they order food out instead of outings because that is a fear of mine? Please let me know.
Hi Kenzzz
I am the mother of a 21 yr. old son who sounds similar to you. It is scary, but you need to advocate for yourself. Trust your gut, literally! If something does not seem right, then speak up. Do you have a support team, family, etc? My S does not fit the ED mold at all and that is why treatment has not helped him.
Hang in there
any updates on the wellington house? I was at the congress st house and left in october 2019 but have heard lots of things about the program have changed since then
Hopefully good things?? I was at Alexandria house a few years ago and it was amazing, and then I was at Congress St and it was terrible, but I really think it was totally due to the staff and the other patients (and also the house itself, Congress St was a dump)
Would be curious is actual changes within the overall CFD program have changed.
I left a comment on the general forum to hear some people’s thoughts, but I thought I would comment hear as well because I’m supposed to be going to the adult CFD house in Fairfield Connecticut. There was a mistake so I’m on the wait list for both adult houses there, the Wellington one and the Congress one. I just wanted to know about people’s experiences at either house? My biggest anxiety is the fact that I’ve been working with an outpatient team and I’m weight restored, but mentally I’m really struggling. I follow my meal plan but still have tons of issues with food. I won’t say much because I don’t want to trigger anyone, but I’m just hyper focused on numbers and measuring, and I’m extremely obsessive and rigid around my food and what I eat (I avoid many foods) I and have a lot of fears around it etc., and my body dysmorphia is absolutely terrible. Both my team and mom tell me nothing has changed much except I eat when my mom tells me to, and I’m no longer making progress. So I’ve been recommended for residential by CFD after completing an assessment with them initially trying to get into IOP. I’m dealing with so many thoughts about not being sick enough, mostly surrounding my weight and the fact that I’m on a meal plan. I also wasn’t sick very long (about 8 months) before trying to recover, and I didn’t deal with compulsive exercise (though I do have a negative relationship with exercise) and for some reason this makes me feel not as sick as well. I worry that the other clients will judge me on my weight and think I’m not sick enough, and I’m so terrified of being the biggest person there. I’m just curious to hear what people who’ve been there have to say, especially if you yourself have been weight restored/at a healthy or higher weight. And I would also love to hear about their general experiences there as well. What are the staff like, what are meals like? How are groups and how do staff keep clients from being triggering around each other? I worry a lot about seeing other people not finishing meals and wanting to do the same so I’m “still sick”. There is just a lot going through my head and I’ve never been in any sort of treatment like this, so I would really appreciate hearing from those with experience!
Hi Jane,
After reading your post, it’s like you are repeating everything I said and questioned of myself a year ago. I think it’s common to have many of your fears, but you know that needing treatment has NOTHING to do with weight, length of time struggling, or an absence of compulsive exercise.. I felt the same way, that I wasn’t sick enough and that people would wonder why I’m there.. The way you are feeling and struggling everyday is exactly why you need the support. I made the choice to enter treatment last summer and I have no regrets. Don’t worry about anyone else. Everyone at CFD, from counselors to clients, will know you need to be there. I recently posted a review in March, but I am happy to answer any questions if I can.
It’s nice to hear someone has similar fears, and hearing from other people with this experience helps me feel less alone. I did read your review and it was very helpful! I also just wonder about, what meal times are like and maybe tips to help stay focused on yourself? I get so anxious about being triggered and it’s hard for me to just worry about myself, and I tend to feel that everyone around me will not think I’m sick enough either. Plus I worry I’ll gain some more weight while I’m there because I’ve been slacking on my current meal plan a bit and how do they help you deal with that? I’m just so worried about all of it and truly don’t know what to expect!
The atmosphere during the meals really depends on the group at that time. Sometimes it’s very social and everyone talks casually. Other times it may be more quiet, but the counselors always try to start conversations and there are various “games” we would play (i.e. trivia, etc.)j We also were allowed to have things at the table to help us, such as puddy, squishy balls, motivational quotes, etc. I know what you mean about being triggered. This is actually an area I grew a lot in. Again, depending on the group, you may be triggered by some people. If it’s regarding things that are being talked about, the counselors will stop it quickly. If it is about others’ behaviors, that is where I learned a lot. I was often triggered by others’ behaviors, and at first I told CFD that I couldn’t handle it, it wasn’t good for me, it was interfering with my recovery, and I wanted to go home. It took me a little while, but they actually worked with me on knowing how to focus on myself, using my voice to express myself with other people and things that were bothering me, and how to handle others’ triggers in a safe, healthy way for ME. I ended up feeling very proud of myself for being open to learning and not using it as excuse to run away. I felt so much stronger and continue to practice these skills now in my everyday life.
Another thing I learned was that I was so worried what others were going to think of me (not being sick enough, etc), when in reality, people were so focused on their own recoveries that they weren’t spending their time thinking about me. (And I don’t mean this in an offensive way ~ the milieu cared very much about me, my feelings, what I was going through, etc. I created many wonderful bonds with friends that will last a lifetime ~ I just mean they were not focused on my weight and what I looked like.) Hope that makes sense.
I just read your review and saw that you left August 2019 and it clicked with me that i was the one who took your spot! Your name sounded familiar and then i realized that it was me who did take your spot hahaha. Small world!!
That is so funny! Wondering who was going to get that seat at the dining room table. 🙂
Are you still there
I am dealing with those same thoughts right now. i’m struggling tons with food and exercise yet my weight is the highest it has ever been. i was at the congress st CFD twice in 2018-2019, last time was from august-october 2019. i know they have changed things since i was there, though, so an updated review would be nice.
i have been debating about if i need to go back to treatment but feel like i’m not sick enough and need to lose weight in order to have treatment even be on the table. eating disorders are the worst
I always felt like I would be the only one at a higher weight at residential, hearing I’m not the only one relives my anxiety a bit. And I promise you deserve treatment! I’m most likely going to be going to the Wellington facility but I’m not sure yet, so I’d love to hear updates on bother places as well. If you want and need treatment you should take that step now and help yourself sooner rather than later. I wish you the best!
I am on the waitlist as well for both locations. I am also expericing much of the same things you are. I am weight restored but really struggling with the thoughts and i also have a lot of trauma. I hope i can get in soon. Ive heard they are a great program!
I keep saying this but hearing that other people have similar experiences as me and knowing I’m not the only one who is weight restored but still struggling so intensely with horrible thoughts really makes me feel less alone. Who knows, maybe we’ll end up at the same location at the same time! I was supposed to be there sooner but it kept getting delayed due to COVID. I hope we both get there soon and that you can get help for your eating disorder and your trauma, you deserve it! I’ve heard good things about the program too, so I’m hoping they are all true!
how long is the wait currently?
I’m still debating if i need to go and don’t see my dietitian for another few days so don’t know what she’ll have to say so i’m unsure if i should get on the waitlist sooner rather than later
Has anyone been to the Wellington location in CT recently that could post a review? Thanks!
When were you there?
June 2019- August 2019
How many patients on average?
no more than 6.
Does it treat both males and females?
No. Only females.
How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, etc?
Medical doctor 1x week
Psychiatrist 1x week
Therapist 4x week But I know it has since changed to 3X a week
Dietitian I believe it is now 2 or 3 times a week
What is the staff ratio to patients?
1:4
What sort of therapies are used? (DBT, CBT, EMDR) etc?
DBT, CBT, ACT, ERP, Expressive arts therapy, mindfulness, yoga/meditation therapy
Describe the average day:
Wake up at 6:00 AM. You share a bathroom with 1 to 3 other people, so you must coordinate the order of showers.
At 7 o’clock you go downstairs. You have free time unless you are prepping your own food. If so, food prep is between 7:30 AM to 8 AM.
7:30 AM to 8:00 AM is breakfast
8:00 short break/vitals
8:35 – 9:00am you go for a leisurely walk (this is a 20 minute walk that is certainly not a fast paced walk, but I was pleased with the pace we were able to walk.) Sometimes it depended on the counselor taking you.
9:00am – 10:00 AM we would have different meetings such as community meeting, expressive art therapy, mind-body group, shame, mindful awareness, relationship dynamics, and interpersonal skills.
At 10:00am it is time to start prepping your snack if you are doing food prep.
10:30 AM – 10:50 AM is morning snack.
10:50 AM to 11:00 AM is a break.
11:00am – 12:00 PM are different groups such as process group, contract group, flex group (where you kind of all decide together what you want to do), and cope ahead group.
12:00pm – 12:30 PM is food prep for lunch.
12:30 PM – 1 PM is lunch. Once a week you go out on a restaurant outing with the dietitian. One week it is more of a sit down restaurant and the other week it is more of fast food such as sandwiches etc.
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM break.
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM is another group such as CBT, menu planning, emotion regulation, creative expressions, core feelings, and distress tolerance.
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM is food prep for afternoon snack
3:00pm – 3:20 PM is afternoon snack.
3:00pm – 3:30 PM break
3:00pm – 5:30 PM will be either Assignment time to work on your assignments for the week, or another group such as living in your body, beauty myth,, yoga/meditation therapy, dietary exposure and menu planning, or ACT group.
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM is sometimes a flex group or fun and games. If you are on food prep there are a couple of group cook nights.
6:30 PM – 7:15 PM dinner
7:15 PM – 8:25 PM PERSONAL time
8:25 PM – 8:55 PM food prep for night snack
8:55 PM – 9:15 PM night snack
9:15 PM – 10:30 PM relaxation/ bedtime
11:00 PM lights out
What were meals like?
You have so many options and for the most part you choose your own food. Everyone will have different exchanges they need to meet, but you can choose how you meet those exchanges. Except at dinner. At dinner everyone has a family style meal.
What sorts of food were available or served?
Breakfast can be cereal, bagels, muffins, eggs, and/or yogurt.
Lunch could be a sandwich, soup, nachos, and/or salads .Anything you want is available. If they do not have it they will order it for you, as long as it’s not disordered or feeds into your eating disorder
Dinner included veggie tostadas, turkey burger or beef burger, chili, chicken and pasta, tacos, pizza.
You were allowed 2 caffeinated drinks per day. That can be coffee, tea, or I think there might be an option of soda, but I don’t remember ever seeing anyone have this. You can also have two non-caffeinated beverages a day. I would usually get coffee with breakfast and with morning snack. I would get tea (decaffeinated) for my afternoon snack and night snack
Did they supplement?
Yes with Boost
How did that system work?
They would look at your plate to see how much was left. They then calculated the amount of Boost you needed, using a calculator and your exchanges. I really liked that they were very specific with it. No guessing or just pouring into a cup. Very specific with regards to how many ounces you needed.
What is the policy of not complying with meals?
Supplementing with Boost. If you continue to not comply, they will move you down a level and you will lose some of your privileges. You also may not be able to go on the morning walks.
Are you able to be a vegetarian?
Yes.
What privileges are allowed?
Different privileges at different levels. Going for walks, being able to do movement and yoga, Going on weekend outings, and phone time. You start off with no phone and then you end up being able to use the house phone for a short time at night. Then you earn your cell phone, but you will always only have a half hour on it.
Does it work on a level system?
Yes there are three levels. You begin at exploration, the next level is discovery, and the last level is journey. Not everyone makes it to journey before they leave.
How do you earn privileges?
Comply with the rules, complete your meals, participate in groups, complete the weekly assignments given to you by your therapist.
What sort of groups do they have?
See above.
What was your favorite group?
Funny thing is, I have always hated art, because I believed I am not good at it and not creative. Art therapy ended up being my absolute favorite group! I could not believe how motivated I would get and how much I would get out of it. Usually for every assignment, I started out thinking “I can never do this. I don’t have any ideas” and then an idea would form and take shape and I learned a lot about myself through it. I’m still not good at it, but I love exploring and learning through it!
What did you like the most?
The level of support that was there. There was always a counselor, therapist, or nurse to talk to and help you with feelings. If you end up with a good milieu and everyone gets along, that ends up being very supportive and meaningful to.
What did you like the least?
Feeling like all I did was eat all day. But I know that is not unique to the Center for Discovery. I have felt like that at all treatment centers I’ve been in. Par for the course, I think.
Also, towards the end of my stay, they were going going through some staffing changes. Some of the counselors they hired needed a LOT more education and training. There were times when a counselor ran a group and I actually felt embarrassed for her because it was so awful. I was fortunate to spend my time there mostly with a great staff. I know it was changing and I felt differently about my experience by the end.
Your experience there really depends on the quality of counselors, the vibe in the milieu, and what you put into it. Hopefully they have straightened out the staffing situation a bit.
Would you recommend this program?
Yes absolutely. Two years earlier I went to another treatment center and I thought it was really good. It was not until I experienced the Center for Discovery last summer that I realized just how much better the Center for Discovery was over other treatment programs.
What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
Morning walks
yoga – everyone had different levels though and the yoga teacher accommodates and teaches to all levels
What did people do on weekends?
Once you have been there a little bit you will earn the privilege of getting passes on the weekend. This means you can go out on the weekend, with a friend or family member. On Saturdays there is a group outing. One Saturday is paid for by CFD and then the next week you go on a free one. Some places we went included: getting our nails done, the aquarium, The movies, the beach, museums.
Sundays you can have visitors or go out on a pass.
Do you get to know your weight?
No.
How fast is the weight gain process?
For me the process happened to be slow. They are not there to just feed you and get your weight up. That is not the focus like it is at other treatment centers.
What was the average length of stay?
About 2 to 3 months but it is all very individualized.
What was the average age range?
I happened to be there when there was a wide range of ages. 18 years old to 50 years old. Being in my 40s, it was a huge relief to not be with only teenagers. But you never know what the range will be when you go
How do visits/phone calls work?
Visitors can come on Sunday, but they are really good about working with you if that time does not work. As for phone calls, please see above.
What is the electronics policy? (ex: cell phones, iPods, Kindle, laptop, tablets)
Everything is the same as the cell phone policy – it is a privilege you earn when you reach a certain level.
Are you able to go out on passes?
Yes, on the weekends once you’ve earned the privilege. They will also allow you to go out on passes during the week in the evening if you have to attend an AA meeting or something like that.
Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team?
Yes they will, if you do not already have one. I must say that I came in with a full treatment team and was under the impression that they would keep in touch with my outpatient team on a regular basis. I was surprised and disappointed when I got home to discover this was not true.
Other?
I know there are all sorts of reviews out there, both positive and negative, and everyone has their own experience. Please keep this in mind when you’re making your decision. For me, the Center for Discovery saved and changed my life. I would highly recommend it.
When were you there?
– April-May 2019
How many patients on average?
– 6 maximum
Does it treat both males and females? If so, is treatment separate or combined?
– Both males and females but when I was there it was all females, and usually is all the times i’ve been to CFD
How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, etc?
– you see a medical doctor 1x per week, psychiatrist 1x per week, therapist 2-3x per week, and nutritionist 1x per week
What is the staff ratio to patients?
– not sure the exact ratio but there were ALWAYS two counselors on floor with the clients
What sort of therapies are used? (DBT, CBT, EMDR) etc?
– DBT, CBT, ACT, the works… no EDMR though. There were body image groups, nutrition groups, movement groups (if approved for movement/on certain exercise levels)
Describe the average day:
– Wake up around 6:00-6:30AM and get ready. You have to shower in the mornings
– Go downstairs at 7:00am and start meal-prepping breakfast. For those who are able to prep their own meals, two clients prep in the kitchen at a time, and if you don’t meal prep the counselors do it for you and in the meal time you just wait around and chill
– Breakfast from 7:30-8:00
– People get called up to the nurse for vitals and meds one at a time and there is a brief period of free time before a morning walk (for those who are approved)
– Group from 9:00am-10:00am
-I think snack was at 10:30am and you had 20 minutes to complete
– Another group from 11:00am-12:00pm
-Lunch prep at 12:00
-Lunch from 12:30pm-1:00pm
– I believe there was one group (process group) between lunch and afternoon snack, from 1:30pm-2:30pm
– Snack 3:00ish (or 2:30 I don’t exactly remember)
– Then there are three back to back groups until dinner at 6:00
– No one preps dinner, a diet tech does that and it’s a family style meal
-Dinner from 6:00-6:45pm
-Free time and phone time (if you have electronics privileges) until night snack which is at (once again I forgot the exact time) but I want to say 8:30ish
– Then after snack you can make a group decision whether to stay downstairs and chill or all go upstairs and start getting ready for bed. But regardless of what you do it’s lights out at around 11:00pm
What were meals like?
– Meals were fun sometimes unless everyone was in a bad place then its horrible. Everyone has different meal plans and can plan the foods they want for breakfast, lunch and snacks. Dinner is family style and you have 45 minutes. I’ve been to CFD residential multiple times and the dynamics really depends on the group vibes. There have been times where its been relatively silent and to break the silence we play table games, and there have been times where the conversation is so good and I have just laughed so hard food has come out of my nose. There is also a lot of support at the table if you want it. You also check in at breakfast with intentions for the day and how you slept (the check ins vary from house to house thought). There is a check in at lunch and dinner as well, and at dinner you state hunger and intentions for the meal. Night snack there is also a check-in and wrap-up of the day.
– I’m also going to mention that as you progress you can meal prep snacks and then meals eventually, you can also plan in the moment where you don’t meal plan prior to the meal. You can also get to the point of having exchange “ranges” (they use the exchange system) and sometimes you can get to eyeballing your food portions
– If You don’y eyeball your meals/snacks you measure everything out (most people don’t eyeball though)
What sorts of food were available or served?
– Literally anything and everything. They go grocery shopping at normal grocery stores an average family would go to. So on the east coast they usually did stop and shop. It was so funny because at one point stop and stop was on strike and we had literally no food for a week. There is a list where you can request certain foods and if it is reasonable and affordable they are happy to get it for you. Fresh fruits and veggies, all kinds of snacks, all kinds of everyday foods and it’s really great. There is AMPLE variety. There is a set dinner menu for the week and you have one sub per week for a dinner you don’t like. There is also a vegetarian version of each meal if you don’t eat meat.
– there is also a meal outing once a week
Did they supplement? How did that system work?
– If you don’t finish your meal, they supplement with the exact amount of boost that is equivalent to the portion of food you didn’t eat. So they don’t just randomly give you a boost, it is very calculated which is nice. you have 15 minutes to drink it.
What is the policy of not complying with meals?
– If you continually don’t comply with meals you lose privileges and will go on couch rest and eventually bed rest. With continued non-compliance, depending on medical stability they will send you elsewhere.
Are you able to be a vegetarian?
– Yes, even vegan at some of the locations I’ve been to
What privileges are allowed?
-Exercise/movement (not really REAL exercise)
-Electronics/phones
– Meal prepping, eyeballing food, planning your meals and snacks in the moment
-Outings on the weekends (paid and non-paid outings alternate weekly)
-Passes with friends/family/individual passes (range from 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, etc… up to day and even overnight passes)
Does it work on a level system?
– Yes there are 4 different phases/levels
– I forgot the exact names of phases (I think the first one is discovery and then there is exploration and two others)
– you have better privileges the higher you go up.
– Every week you have contract group and you can request to go up a phase
– I’ve only seen a select few people get on phase 4- it’s kind of rare
– with the level system comes with observations after meals and in general with bathroom usage. 24obs, 1:1, 2:2, and no obs. 1:1 meals one hour after any meals/snacks you have to either crack the door while going to the bathroom or count/sing. They also do toilet checks.
How do you earn privileges?
– meal compliance, challenging yourself with meals and behaviors, as well as progress in therapy
What sort of groups do they have?
– Body image group, yoga, nutrition group, a cooking group once a week, CBT group, DBT group, ACT group, process group, art therapy, sometimes equine depending on the location, and plenty more that I can’t exactly recall
-Groups were run by counselors and the only group that was run by the treatment team (therapists/dietitians) was process group and the cooking/nutrition groups
What was your favorite group?
– Art therapy and ACT. I only liked art therapy at the adult fairfield house because the art therapist was soooo good.
What did you like the most?
– I liked how everything was so individualized and the staff really really cared about you. I surprisingly have formed really good relationships with the other clients there, I actually met my current best friend 5 years ago in the Fairfield adolescent house. Some staff sucked, but it is like that anywhere you go. Overall though they were funny and caring. I liked how you can eventually meal prep your foods AND chose what you want to eat. It is also a very comfortable environment.
– Your therapist sometimes will take you out of the house individually for exposures and food challenges which is super nice.
What did you like the least?
– It was super controlled and strict at sometimes. I don’t have a lot of direct complaints. I don’t like the exchange system because it made me super rigid with food once I left. I also don’t like how they measure every little ounce of food, because that also made me super rigid with food. You don’t really get out of the house enough and it is kind of frustrating because acclimating back into the “real world” afterwards from a SUPER controlled environment is tough. My treatment team kind of sucked (therapist in specific) but the rest of it I liked. I’ve had some really fantastic therapists will other CFD locations though. It is a hit or miss.
– They also don’t let you stand and make you sit down all the time which is annoying but I get why they have that rule.
Would you recommend this program?
– Yes I would
What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
– There were different exercise levels (1-4 I think)
– You could go on 20 minute walks depending on the level and medical stability
– Yoga was allowed- it is light yoga though
– They have a movement group where sometimes you can do fun things if you are at a higher exercise level (just dance on the Wii, basketball, kicking around a soccer ball)
What did people do on weekends?
– There were some groups on the weekends but overall it is really low-key. If you are approved for outings, there is one on saturday (beach, movies, park etc…)
– You can have passes on Sundays and if not, there are visiting hours
Do you get to know your weight?
-Nope
How fast is the weight gain process?
– Not sure, 2-3 pounds per week. but it varies on the person
What was the average length of stay?
– I’ve seen people be booted out because of insurance. My shortest stay was 4 weeks and my longest stay was 3 months. I’d say average is 5-8 weeks
What was the average age range?
– I was at the young adult house, so 18-27
How do visits/phone calls work?
– Described above
What is the electronics policy? (ex: cell phones, iPods, Kindle, laptop, tablets)
– described above
– There is a house phone you can use at night though. They usually have a time limit on it (20-30 min)
Are you able to go out on passes?
– Described above
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team?
– They don’t discharge you until you have a solid aftercare plan, most likely to PHP. Unfortunately though I’ve been discharged to straight up outpatient before
Are there any resources for people who come from out of state/country?
– I’m not sure, I guess they are more accommodating with people who have issues coming from out of state/country
Other?
-it can be super triggering at times seeing other people straight up not eat their meals and snacks. It is a small group of people so if a couple people are really negative it can affect the whole dynamic of the house. I would say focus on yourself and stay positive- you are there for YOU.
Would like to get some thoughts on success with Center for Discovery in Fairfield or Greenwich
Jen
I also spent a month at CFD in Fairfield at the Adult House April/May 2019 and can provide information if anyone wants it:)
would you mind sharing your general opinion of the program? i’m thinking about going but it’s always so hard to find reliable information online. what was your opinion of the staff? did they generally seem experienced and knowledgeable? what were the meals like (catered, cooked on site, prepared by clients)? are there experiential outings, food-related or otherwise? would really appreciate any information!
Would you mind writing a full review? Here is a list of suggested questions to answer. Thank you! https://edtreatmentreview.com/how-to-write-a-review/
When were you there?
– April-May 2019
How many patients on average?
– 6 maximum
Does it treat both males and females? If so, is treatment separate or combined?
– Both males and females but when I was there it was all females, and usually is all the times i’ve been to CFD
How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, etc?
– you see a medical doctor 1x per week, psychiatrist 1x per week, therapist 2-3x per week, and nutritionist 1x per week
What is the staff ratio to patients?
– not sure the exact ratio but there were ALWAYS two counselors on floor with the clients
What sort of therapies are used? (DBT, CBT, EMDR) etc?
– DBT, CBT, ACT, the works… no EDMR though. There were body image groups, nutrition groups, movement groups (if approved for movement/on certain exercise levels)
Describe the average day:
– Wake up around 6:00-6:30AM and get ready. You have to shower in the mornings
– Go downstairs at 7:00am and start meal-prepping breakfast. For those who are able to prep their own meals, two clients prep in the kitchen at a time, and if you don’t meal prep the counselors do it for you and in the meal time you just wait around and chill
– Breakfast from 7:30-8:00
– People get called up to the nurse for vitals and meds one at a time and there is a brief period of free time before a morning walk (for those who are approved)
– Group from 9:00am-10:00am
-I think snack was at 10:30am and you had 20 minutes to complete
– Another group from 11:00am-12:00pm
-Lunch prep at 12:00
-Lunch from 12:30pm-1:00pm
– I believe there was one group (process group) between lunch and afternoon snack, from 1:30pm-2:30pm
– Snack 3:00ish (or 2:30 I don’t exactly remember)
– Then there are three back to back groups until dinner at 6:00
– No one preps dinner, a diet tech does that and it’s a family style meal
-Dinner from 6:00-6:45pm
-Free time and phone time (if you have electronics privileges) until night snack which is at (once again I forgot the exact time) but I want to say 8:30ish
– Then after snack you can make a group decision whether to stay downstairs and chill or all go upstairs and start getting ready for bed. But regardless of what you do it’s lights out at around 11:00pm
What were meals like?
– Meals were fun sometimes unless everyone was in a bad place then its horrible. Everyone has different meal plans and can plan the foods they want for breakfast, lunch and snacks. Dinner is family style and you have 45 minutes. I’ve been to CFD residential multiple times and the dynamics really depends on the group vibes. There have been times where its been relatively silent and to break the silence we play table games, and there have been times where the conversation is so good and I have just laughed so hard food has come out of my nose. There is also a lot of support at the table if you want it. You also check in at breakfast with intentions for the day and how you slept (the check ins vary from house to house thought). There is a check in at lunch and dinner as well, and at dinner you state hunger and intentions for the meal. Night snack there is also a check-in and wrap-up of the day.
– I’m also going to mention that as you progress you can meal prep snacks and then meals eventually, you can also plan in the moment where you don’t meal plan prior to the meal. You can also get to the point of having exchange “ranges” (they use the exchange system) and sometimes you can get to eyeballing your food portions
– If You don’y eyeball your meals/snacks you measure everything out (most people don’t eyeball though)
What sorts of food were available or served?
– Literally anything and everything. They go grocery shopping at normal grocery stores an average family would go to. So on the east coast they usually did stop and shop. It was so funny because at one point stop and stop was on strike and we had literally no food for a week. There is a list where you can request certain foods and if it is reasonable and affordable they are happy to get it for you. Fresh fruits and veggies, all kinds of snacks, all kinds of everyday foods and it’s really great. There is AMPLE variety. There is a set dinner menu for the week and you have one sub per week for a dinner you don’t like. There is also a vegetarian version of each meal if you don’t eat meat.
– there is also a meal outing once a week
Did they supplement? How did that system work?
– If you don’t finish your meal, they supplement with the exact amount of boost that is equivalent to the portion of food you didn’t eat. So they don’t just randomly give you a boost, it is very calculated which is nice. you have 15 minutes to drink it.
What is the policy of not complying with meals?
– If you continually don’t comply with meals you lose privileges and will go on couch rest and eventually bed rest. With continued non-compliance, depending on medical stability they will send you elsewhere.
Are you able to be a vegetarian?
– Yes, even vegan at some of the locations I’ve been to
What privileges are allowed?
-Exercise/movement (not really REAL exercise)
-Electronics/phones
– Meal prepping, eyeballing food, planning your meals and snacks in the moment
-Outings on the weekends (paid and non-paid outings alternate weekly)
-Passes with friends/family/individual passes (range from 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, etc… up to day and even overnight passes)
Does it work on a level system?
– Yes there are 4 different phases/levels
– I forgot the exact names of phases (I think the first one is discovery and then there is exploration and two others)
– you have better privileges the higher you go up.
– Every week you have contract group and you can request to go up a phase
– I’ve only seen a select few people get on phase 4- it’s kind of rare
– with the level system comes with observations after meals and in general with bathroom usage. 24obs, 1:1, 2:2, and no obs. 1:1 meals one hour after any meals/snacks you have to either crack the door while going to the bathroom or count/sing. They also do toilet checks.
How do you earn privileges?
– meal compliance, challenging yourself with meals and behaviors, as well as progress in therapy
What sort of groups do they have?
– Body image group, yoga, nutrition group, a cooking group once a week, CBT group, DBT group, ACT group, process group, art therapy, sometimes equine depending on the location, and plenty more that I can’t exactly recall
-Groups were run by counselors and the only group that was run by the treatment team (therapists/dietitians) was process group and the cooking/nutrition groups
What was your favorite group?
– Art therapy and ACT. I only liked art therapy at the adult fairfield house because the art therapist was soooo good.
What did you like the most?
– I liked how everything was so individualized and the staff really really cared about you. I surprisingly have formed really good relationships with the other clients there, I actually met my current best friend 5 years ago in the Fairfield adolescent house. Some staff sucked, but it is like that anywhere you go. Overall though they were funny and caring. I liked how you can eventually meal prep your foods AND chose what you want to eat. It is also a very comfortable environment.
– Your therapist sometimes will take you out of the house individually for exposures and food challenges which is super nice.
What did you like the least?
– It was super controlled and strict at sometimes. I don’t have a lot of direct complaints. I don’t like the exchange system because it made me super rigid with food once I left. I also don’t like how they measure every little ounce of food, because that also made me super rigid with food. You don’t really get out of the house enough and it is kind of frustrating because acclimating back into the “real world” afterwards from a SUPER controlled environment is tough. My treatment team kind of sucked (therapist in specific) but the rest of it I liked. I’ve had some really fantastic therapists will other CFD locations though. It is a hit or miss.
– They also don’t let you stand and make you sit down all the time which is annoying but I get why they have that rule.
Would you recommend this program?
– Yes I would
What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
– There were different exercise levels (1-4 I think)
– You could go on 20 minute walks depending on the level and medical stability
– Yoga was allowed- it is light yoga though
– They have a movement group where sometimes you can do fun things if you are at a higher exercise level (just dance on the Wii, basketball, kicking around a soccer ball)
What did people do on weekends?
– There were some groups on the weekends but overall it is really low-key. If you are approved for outings, there is one on saturday (beach, movies, park etc…)
– You can have passes on Sundays and if not, there are visiting hours
Do you get to know your weight?
-Nope
How fast is the weight gain process?
– Not sure, 2-3 pounds per week. but it varies on the person
What was the average length of stay?
– I’ve seen people be booted out because of insurance. My shortest stay was 4 weeks and my longest stay was 3 months. I’d say average is 5-8 weeks
What was the average age range?
– I was at the young adult house, so 18-27
How do visits/phone calls work?
– Described above
What is the electronics policy? (ex: cell phones, iPods, Kindle, laptop, tablets)
– described above
– There is a house phone you can use at night though. They usually have a time limit on it (20-30 min)
Are you able to go out on passes?
– Described above
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team?
– They don’t discharge you until you have a solid aftercare plan, most likely to PHP. Unfortunately though I’ve been discharged to straight up outpatient before
Are there any resources for people who come from out of state/country?
– I’m not sure, I guess they are more accommodating with people who have issues coming from out of state/country
Other?
-it can be super triggering at times seeing other people straight up not eat their meals and snacks. It is a small group of people so if a couple people are really negative it can affect the whole dynamic of the house. I would say focus on yourself and stay positive- you are there for YOU.
I spent this past summer, summer of 2019, at Center for discovery in Fairfield Connecticut. I had a great experience there and would be happy to answer anyone’s questions.
Would you mind writing a full review? Here is a list of suggested questions to answer. Thank you! https://edtreatmentreview.com/how-to-write-a-review/
Southport, Connecticut
This review is for the adolescent residential in Southport, CT
Wake Up – wake up is 6 am (on weight days, Monday and Thursday, wake up time is 5:45), and all clients are required to shower in the morning
Meal Times – Breakfast is 7:30, AM Snack is 10:40, Lunch is 12:30, PM Snack is 3:00, Dinner is 6:00, and FM Snack is 8:20. Meals are 30 minutes, dinner is 45, and snacks are 20.
Groups – ACT, CBT, DBT, Living in Your Body, Yoga, Mindful Movement
Movement Levels – Movement Level 1 – no moving but you can go around the house; Movement Level 2 – 20 minute walk each day and if it’s too cold you can do just dance!; Movement Level 3 – Movement Level 2 + 30 minutes of your choice of movement each day.
Clients – Ages 10-17; 6 clients; all genders
It’s a really AMAZING program and your meal plan is completely individual to you!
This review is for the adolescent residential in Southport, CT
Wake Up – wake up is 6 am (on weight days, Monday and Thursday, wake up time is 5:45), and all clients are required to shower in the morning
Meal Times – Breakfast is 7:30, AM Snack is 10:40, Lunch is 12:30, PM Snack is 3:00, Dinner is 6:00, and FM Snack is 8:20. Meals are 30 minutes, dinner is 45, and snacks are 20.
Groups – ACT, CBT, DBT, Living in Your Body, Yoga, Mindful Movement
Movement Levels – Movement Level 1 – no moving but you can go around the house; Movement Level 2 – 20 minute walk each day and if it’s too cold you can do just dance!; Movement Level 3 – Movement Level 2 + 30 minutes of your choice of movement each day.
Clients – Ages 10-17; 6 clients; all genders
It’s a really AMAZING program and your meal plan is completely individual to you!
I was at the older adult house in Fairfield in the fall of 2017. I had been to the CFD Alexandria house the year before, but it was full this time, so I went off to CT. I would say my overall experience was not good. I also had the comparison to the Alexandria experience which was really great, so that was part of the problem,
The house itself is large, but most groups take place in the same day room that you are in. Also, this room was not comfortable at all. There was only one large smelly old leather couch with not a lot of space to sit all day. I realize this isn’t related to your recovery, but you are simply stuck there all day and comfort really makes a difference. VA house had many different rooms to go in, comfortable furniture and PLENTY of it. You could sprawl out a bit instead of sitting up.
I also was not impressed with the staff. For examples, in the VA house, all the day staff were actually MAs in psycology/cousneling. The staff in CT were college students mostly and had no experience. I found them to not be very supportive and kind of mean. Also, the woman who runs the house was a big turnoff. She was not warm or approachable, and we had random rules, like you can’t watch TV at night because they wanted us to “bond”. Seriously, we are stuck in this room all day. – we have plenty of time to bond. It was so tedious and boring and I couldn’t wait to just go to bed every night. Also, we were supposed to have excursions on Saturdays, but almost always we would show up at a place and it would be closing, etc.
The best part was that they allowed for a lot of experiential stuff. I eventually ended up on intuitive eating, I went out for meals and outings by myself to see what happened. The dietician was really good at giving challenges and helping you along. I sat with binge foods at night unsupervised for periods of time. You start to eat snacks on your own to see how you do, that type of thing. The worst part was that they restrict fluids, which I thought was unwise given the weight differential in the patients and I drink tons of water. Not ED related, I’m just thirsty. They would not allow me to deviate from this. At one point I thought about leaving because I was so thirsty – no joke. In VA, my therapist and dietician knew this wasn’t an issue for me, so I was allowed to drink when I was thirsty.
I really don’t understand the restrictions on phone use. If staff trusted you in VA, you had a lot of freedom there. In CT, they were just stingy about it even if it caused no issues for you. I guess I was just SO BORED all the time I needed some kind of break.
I felt the staff in the VA house were nicer frankly, more supportive, but also def geared things to you as a individual. My therapist knew I had no issues with certain things, so they were fine. When there are only 6 people in a house, it should be this individual. I also did not connect in CT to my therapist AT ALL. VA also seemed more fun – in that there were more lighthearted things that happened and they treated us like actual adults. The CT treatment team did not, and it is REALLY hard for a grown person to have these necessary restrictions. I don’t understand why they wanted to make it worse.
Groups were about the same at both. I hated one aspect of CT in that they really liked to do things like have “rock group” where you picked rocks from a bin and then spoke about how it represented your ED or your recovery. It was the biggest load of bull ever, but I was SO good at it, because I wanted to get out of there. I literally just made stuff up about how the black in the rock is the depression and I am rising towards clarify or something like that. They ate that up. They also would always make you read inspirational quotes and then relate it to you, which also was pointless. I was disappointed in the daily process group in CT because we actually never processed. We practiced confrontations, but you had to do one EVERY DAY, and if not to another resident, you had to talk to someone who wasn’t there or your ED or whatever. I just thought they wasted a lot of time doing these strange hokey things that didn’t matter at all.
Because it is residential and a small program, the residents are usually a little more motivated than in inpatient. People kind of get annoyed when other people are not doing what they are supposed to or are causing a scene. I never connected to anyone when I was in CT, which was hard too. There was a great group in VA, but I understand that was the luck of the draw.
At any rate, I would NOT recommend CT. I literally can’t even think about that place, and when I think of VA I think of how supported and SAFE I felt.
Center for Discovery- Fairfield, CT, Wellington young adult womens house (ages 18 to 26)
I was at this location from September 5th, 2017 to November 20th, 2017
The house itself is gorgeous; 9 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, three living areas, gourmet kitchen, resort style pool, up-to-date renovations, comfy and inviting furnishings, full sized beds in all the rooms with an attached bathroom.
This location only allows 6 clients at once which is in my opinion really amazing and helpful. It allows you to feel comfortable and it creates bonds that are strong.
Food: They get you anything you ask for as long its within reason. They use exchanges but everyone makes their own meal plan and picks what they want to eat except for dinner. You are allowed one substitution for dinner a week and it can be stuff like soup and salad, soup and sandwich, sandwich and salad, pasta, chicken and rice etc. When you come in you are on low exchanges to avoid shocking your body but it moves up each day until you reach your set exchanges. There are three meals and three snack a day. How you met your exchanges is up to you. You are given more freedom as your stay progresses. Eventually you move to eyeballing measurements, picking meals and snacks in the moment, an exchange range (ex: 6-12 starch a day), and to making your own meals and snacks. The food here is really good because you get to pick what you want and its REAL food, not like cafeteria food. You’re allowed one cup of coffee with breakfast and morning snack. There is a restaurant outing once a week and the group decides on it together.
Outings: theres paid and unpaid outings every Saturday. they alternate each week. one week will be paid the next unpaid. outings include things like pottery, jewelry making, build-a-bear, pumpkin picking, apple picking, petting zoo, beach trip, and ethical puppy store visits.
You are allowed visitors on Sundays from 1-6 but they have to be approved by your therapist. eventually you will earn outings by yourself or with friends and family.
The therapists that were there when I was there were split, one being AMAZING and the other being HORRIBLE. the program director (her name begins with e and she has blonde hair) is a witch and stone cold. the primary therapist (her name begins with an s and she has red hair) is the best, I have never had such an amazing and helpful therapist. S really cares about her clients and she will do almost anything for you. I was threatening to leave AMA one night and she came back to the house at 9pm to talk to me for two hours! E on the other hand is rude, I really can’t stand her and she has no problem being a b-i-t-c–h to your face (don’t be afraid to give back the same attitude).
Groups- typical stuff like DBT, mindfulness, ACT, mindful movement, ERP, relapse prevention, family dynamics, body acceptance, expressive art, core emotions, shame resilience, process group, contract group, etc. The groups are half and half, they’re usually lead by counselors and sometimes they don’t know what theyre doing. When theyre lead by an experienced counselor or the primary therapist; theyre really good and helpful.
Typical stay is 6-15 weeks
Bathrooms are monitored, you have to keep the door cracked and someone else flushes for you, you will earn more privileges as your stay goes on.
no dress code as long as you aren’t wearing something excessively revealing and no PJ’s. I never had a problem with clothing. my daily outfits were leggings, yoga pants, sweatpants, t-shirts, and sweatshirts.
phones: on pre-exploration (first 72 hours) no phones. Exploration: you can use the house phone for 15 min a night BUT its not monitored, I typically spent 30 min on the phone a night. Discovery: 30 minutes of phone time including cell phone use.
Counselors are all pretty chill. some of them better than others, but you will get really close to a few. some of them share more about their lives than others and vice versa. these people will feel like your moms, seriously, one of them cried when I left.
You get bloods done once a week at a clinic.
Doctor visits the house once a week as well as a psychiatrist for meds.
you get walks every morning depending on exercise but typically everyone goes, even those who aren’t weight restored. its only 15 minutes though.
7 smoke breaks allowed through the day!
you have a lot of freedom here which is nice but you need to be able to keep yourself accountable. I got too comfortable here after two months and began to abuse the freedom which lead to me being discharged because I was going against the safety rules.
they try to make residental as welcoming as possible. during the holidays we decorate the house and during halloween we had a costume competition between the other three houses in Fairfield! I felt genuinely cared for and loved by my primary therapist S and the counselors.
Thank you for your thorough review!
a couple of questions:
1. Do you know anything about the adult houses/ differences in rules, etc.?
2. Any other exercise than walks allowed?
3. Are you allowed to see you weight? How often are you weighed? How much weight gain per week?
4. What about laptops/ intermet access?
5. Do you have your own room?
6. What kinds of foods specifically at BF and L and snacks? Can you be vegan? Are diet soda or gum allowed?
7. Can you have more/ unlimited computer time if you are taking online classes?
8. Can you even skip groups?
9. What is the policy on supplementing?
10. Thank you!
The other adult house is only for middle aged to elder women. Other than that there isn’t any difference.
There is no other exercise besides yoga once a week and walks in the morning.
No you can’t see your weight unless the therapist thinks it’ll be helpful. You can sneak into the room and weigh yourself but i don’t recommend it! Idk about weight gain because i never saw the scale but I’d guess 1-3.
You get phones and laptops when you go up to discovery.
No you don’t have your own room but there’s only two girls a room and you each get a full bed! The rooms are gorgeous and so are the bathrooms! The bathrooms are glass showers with tile and granite.
You can pick literally anything for snacks and lunch as long as it’s not weird. So whatever kinda snacks you like, you can have. Like granola bars, fruit, veg and hummus, pretzels w nut butter, milk, yogurt, mini muffins, smoothies. You can be vegan but only if you’ve been vegan for a long long time. And no gum.
No you cannot be in school while you’re here. They don’t accomidate that.
You can skip groups but it can lead to you getting kicked out for not following rules. If the group is triggering or you need a second to collect yourself, that’s fine but you can’t not go to group Bc you don’t like it.
They use boost, chocolate, strawberry or vanilla. They measure it based off of how many exchanges you ate/left on your plate. It’s really good bc they don’t use a lot of boost unless you didn’t eat your meal bc then you have to make up all the exchanges on the plate. You can refuse boost but if you do it daily for a month straight, you’ll probably be discharged.
What kind of dinners were provided? Do you have examples of some dinners that were served?
Center for Discovery- Fairfield, CT, Wellington young adult womens house (ages 18 to 26)
I was at this location from September 5th, 2017 to November 20th, 2017
The house itself is gorgeous; 9 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, three living areas, gourmet kitchen, resort style pool, up-to-date renovations, comfy and inviting furnishings, full sized beds in all the rooms with an attached bathroom.
This location only allows 6 clients at once which is in my opinion really amazing and helpful. It allows you to feel comfortable and it creates bonds that are strong.
Food: They get you anything you ask for as long its within reason. They use exchanges but everyone makes their own meal plan and picks what they want to eat except for dinner. You are allowed one substitution for dinner a week and it can be stuff like soup and salad, soup and sandwich, sandwich and salad, pasta, chicken and rice etc. When you come in you are on low exchanges to avoid shocking your body but it moves up each day until you reach your set exchanges. There are three meals and three snack a day. How you met your exchanges is up to you. You are given more freedom as your stay progresses. Eventually you move to eyeballing measurements, picking meals and snacks in the moment, an exchange range (ex: 6-12 starch a day), and to making your own meals and snacks. The food here is really good because you get to pick what you want and its REAL food, not like cafeteria food. You’re allowed one cup of coffee with breakfast and morning snack. There is a restaurant outing once a week and the group decides on it together.
Outings: theres paid and unpaid outings every Saturday. they alternate each week. one week will be paid the next unpaid. outings include things like pottery, jewelry making, build-a-bear, pumpkin picking, apple picking, petting zoo, beach trip, and ethical puppy store visits.
You are allowed visitors on Sundays from 1-6 but they have to be approved by your therapist. eventually you will earn outings by yourself or with friends and family.
The therapists that were there when I was there were split, one being AMAZING and the other being HORRIBLE. the program director (her name begins with e and she has blonde hair) is a witch and stone cold. the primary therapist (her name begins with an s and she has red hair) is the best, I have never had such an amazing and helpful therapist. S really cares about her clients and she will do almost anything for you. I was threatening to leave AMA one night and she came back to the house at 9pm to talk to me for two hours! E on the other hand is rude, I really can’t stand her and she has no problem being a b-i-t-c–h to your face (don’t be afraid to give back the same attitude).
Groups- typical stuff like DBT, mindfulness, ACT, mindful movement, ERP, relapse prevention, family dynamics, body acceptance, expressive art, core emotions, shame resilience, process group, contract group, etc. The groups are half and half, they’re usually lead by counselors and sometimes they don’t know what theyre doing. When theyre lead by an experienced counselor or the primary therapist; theyre really good and helpful.
Typical stay is 6-15 weeks
Bathrooms are monitored, you have to keep the door cracked and someone else flushes for you, you will earn more privileges as your stay goes on.
no dress code as long as you aren’t wearing something excessively revealing and no PJ’s. I never had a problem with clothing. my daily outfits were leggings, yoga pants, sweatpants, t-shirts, and sweatshirts.
phones: on pre-exploration (first 72 hours) no phones. Exploration: you can use the house phone for 15 min a night BUT its not monitored, I typically spent 30 min on the phone a night. Discovery: 30 minutes of phone time including cell phone use.
Counselors are all pretty chill. some of them better than others, but you will get really close to a few. some of them share more about their lives than others and vice versa. these people will feel like your moms, seriously, one of them cried when I left.
You get bloods done once a week at a clinic.
Doctor visits the house once a week as well as a psychiatrist for meds.
you get walks every morning depending on exercise but typically everyone goes, even those who aren’t weight restored. its only 15 minutes though.
7 smoke breaks allowed through the day!
you have a lot of freedom here which is nice but you need to be able to keep yourself accountable. I got too comfortable here after two months and began to abuse the freedom which lead to me being discharged because I was going against the safety rules.
they try to make residental as welcoming as possible. during the holidays we decorate the house and during halloween we had a costume competition between the other three houses in Fairfield! I felt genuinely cared for and loved by my primary therapist S and the counselors.
Thank you for your thorough review!
a couple of questions:
1. Do you know anything about the adult houses/ differences in rules, etc.?
2. Any other exercise than walks allowed?
3. Are you allowed to see you weight? How often are you weighed? How much weight gain per week?
4. What about laptops/ intermet access?
5. Do you have your own room?
6. What kinds of foods specifically at BF and L and snacks? Can you be vegan? Are diet soda or gum allowed?
7. Can you have more/ unlimited computer time if you are taking online classes?
8. Can you even skip groups?
9. What is the policy on supplementing?
10. Thank you!
This is a great review- is there any way I could get a few more details?
How old was everyone when you were there? Like on the young end or the older side of things?
How is the dietician? Are they reasonable and willing to work with you?
I am considering going to the Center for discovery in Fairfield Connecticut. Can anyone provide any updated information or reviews?
Anyone that can give a recent update? Is this inpatient?
Hi Kara! This is residential, not inpatient.
Southport, CT
i went to the house in southport ct and found it very beneficial! the staff was mostly very friendly besides a few and my therapist was very helpful! i did have a few bad experiences with rude staff but there’s always 2 staff members and most likely one of the will be great. the groups were great. meals are cooked by a diet tech so they taste much better than inpatient hospital food. i stayed from june 2016- september 2016 and would 100% recommend it
i went to the house in southport ct and found it very beneficial! the staff was mostly very friendly besides a few and my therapist was very helpful! i did have a few bad experiences with rude staff but there’s always 2 staff members and most likely one of the will be great. the groups were great. meals are cooked by a diet tech so they taste much better than inpatient hospital food. i stayed from june 2016- september 2016 and would 100% recommend it
Has anyone attended the residential facility for adolescents in Southport, CT?
Yes, do you have any specific questions?
Looking at both Southport and Clementine Briarcliff for our 17 yo daughter who *** restricts. So far, medically stable, knock on wood. Pros and cons of both places please.
Also, which one is better for keeping up with school?
Hi, wondering if anyone has a recent review of the adult location in Fairfield — especially as an “older” adult Thanks!
* No coffee allowed**
I would give this place a B+ overall. Environment/ house/ grounds is an A; groups and schedules are an A-; staff are a B+; a Tx is very slow but good and consistent. The best aspect is the exposure to food and taking responsibility for food prep and meal planning.
MD’s on site 2x a week; nurse’s 2x a day; psychiatrist 1x a week; clinician – every day – but doesn’t always happen ; dietician/nutritionist- on site every day , runs groups, meets 1:1 , 1x week; counselors available for checkins. Off grounds and community experience a few times a weeks depending on staffing.
Any reviews for this location? Also- do they allow coffee?
yes to coffee at least in the young adult house
The Fairfield, CT CFD is very well run. They keep to the schedule, have plenty of activities and therapy and I would recommend it. The CFD in Alexandria VA, I would not recommend. It is poorly run, way too much free time and many if not most activities including therapy are skipped or cut in half by the employees.