Life Healing Center treats mental health, PTSD, substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders. It is not an eating disorder-focused treatment center. Any updated reviews? Please post in comments below! You can check out the FAQ and Guidelines for suggested questions. Thank you!
Just wanted to update the page to reflect that Life Healing Center closed permanently in December 2023.
Thank you! Do you happen to know why?
Unfortunately I’m not sure why, I did a brief Google search but nothing specific really came up. I wish I had a better answer for you!
Any recent reviews?
I was in LHC from April to May 2011. I had items stollen from staff and medication that mysteriously came up missing right after it had been picked up from the pharmacy. I was also told they were going to work with my insurance to get an agreement and that didn’t happen. In short, I’m glad I left. I’m a therapist myself and this was less than stellar treatment and some borderline unethical treatment. I would not reccomend this place.
I’m calling them. There’s more about this place – and not all good, not all bad – than any other I’ve seen. Especially since if its good for trauma, which few people seem to understand (along with the other whatnots),
I get suspicious when I see nothing except positive. Or just nothing, if it is a well-known or large service place. Like where I was, apparently no one has the guts to critise them in any ways, because there is nothing – and I know from talking a bit to the other people who ‘dont go there anymore’ – and it wasn’t their choice.. that there are some serious wrongs going on.
Being suspicious is kind of good – except if you tell the wrong doctor.
Anon:
You are right on!
I feel very uneasy and suspicious when I read all of the glowing reports. I want to ask; “Are you SURE you were in Santa Fe?” Last time I gave an honest opinion, all I got was blasted for being too picky and disregarded as being just plain wrong.
If at all possible, visit the facility you are considering before checking in. Also, interview the doctor / therapists and check out credentials and length of time in the field. Sometimes, staff listed on the website are on leave or on vacation or are part-time.
So anyone been to LHC lately? As in with in the last 3 months? I’m thinking about going for PTSD, but i’ve seen so many negative reviews that i’m a bit hesitant. My issues are very recent but have connections with my childhood and my life until now. Some of these reviews I’ve seen on a different site, like word for word, which heightens the suspicious factor.
what is the cost of this program, do they take insurance at all?
Krissie…they do take insurance if your insurance will pay for residential care…alot do not….check with your insurance and also ask them if they will pay for EMDR,Somatics,Breathwork,Acupuncture, Reiki,Hakomi….these are all adjuncts that are offered at LHC and they are amazing for Trauma healing. You could also call LHC and ask them to check with your insurance for you because sometimes they have special agreements with insurance companies….
My stay at LHC was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. The somewhat petty issues I’ve seen on here disturb me. Although I do understand some of the concerns, if they are truly looked at, I feel like people may see the reason for certain rules. The limited internet time and limited phone times are for a really good reason. As Suz said in her replies, it keeps you focused on ourselves and can sometimes keep us away from the drama outside in the real world. I needed each and every single second I had at LHC for myself. For once in my life I was able to be selfish and totally focus on me with no outside distractions. Did I miss my family and friends? Yes. But was it worth having minimum contact with the outside world so I could focus on myself? Absolutely. Reference to the food issue, no matter what facility you go to, it’s hard to find some place that can cater to so many different tastes at one meal. They do the best they can. In my experience, I was there to work on my trauma, not my palet. Jump in with both feet and get your life back. I did.
Fawn, Thanks for the info. I am a 31 year old guy with a history of alcohol abuse and severe trauma (non military). Could you tell me about the daily schedule at LHC and what the groups are like?
Thanks
Thanks for your reviews, Suz. Could you speak more re: your experiences at River Oaks and LHC? I’m deciding between those two places (and possibly a third) and would love to hear more about your experiences at both and why, ultimately, you’d recommend LHC over River Oaks.
Also the use of personal computers, PDAs, I-pods etc is again to not only keep you focused but to keep you and others safe and working on your issues…some people have drug, alcohol, sex/relationhip addiction, shopping, gambling issues–innapropriate material, lyrics, websites can obviously be accessed through those means so the rule is for your recovery…my feeling is I spent 50 years screwing up my life because of some of these things..I can and should certainly stay away from them for 60 days…. Limited phone time although hard if you have young ones is also beneficial because alot of us have toxic people back home that don’t want us to get better….and actually if something is going on at home there isnt much you can do about it if you are in treatment so sometimes it is better to not know. Also gives you a chance to just be with yourself…I am sorry I am rambling but I would not be here today if it was not for LHC so the few things that are “wrong” with the facility are really things you will find anywhere…
I am sorry to hear you didnt have a good experience at LHC but other than your comment about the therapists being over booked ( which I agree with but if you speak up or talk to the Director you will get results) you said nothing about the overall program itself…No it is not Sierra Tuscon or The Meadows as far as the facility , food etc.. which for information CRC who took over LHC owns one of those places also…..however these people DO know and understand trauma…. the food was kind of boring but the chef Ken will fix almost anything you ask for…if your room is not clean enough you can talk to the housekeepers yourself coz they are around constantlyno offense Sue but I would rather put up with and tolerate some inconsistencies and annoyances than be in a program that does not know what they are doing… As far as the rules they are not unreasonable and are to keep you focused and for your safety and learning boundaries…the chores in the kitchen, your room etc are what make the place feel more like a community in my opinion….as I said I have been in so many places over the years and although some might have been a bit more organized , not one compares to what LHC provided me….River Oaks does have a great program but it is not residential care and I found this to be less restictive. It is hard to see the Psychiatrist but again if you speak to the Director it will get taken care of.. A nurse is on 5 days a week but the counselors do distribute meds so you really should know what you take–I know they are changing those procedures also..I would cut the facility some slack while they are
transitioning because once they get all that straightened out this facility will be one of the best in the country. Again Sue I am soory that you were not able to get the help you needed there…
hey sue—
i’m considering going into LHC within the next few weeks. (deciding between LHC and River Oaks or possibly even back to Mirasol). Could you elaborate a bit more about the administrative changes that are going on? that doesn’t sound very promising…. strong community support is pretty important too :/
I entered LHC in June 2011. I lasted almost 2 weeks, but had signed up for the 35 day program. I found that the few therapists on site were overbooked, the Counselor Assistants (CA’s) spent most of their time making certain the rather oppressive rules were being followed; only 20 minutes on the telephone per day, no talking to members of the opposite sex or people in other therapy groups different from your own, make your bed, do your ‘chores’, etc…
Unlike “suz” (June 24, 2011), although I found the place safe, there was no feeling of community whatsoever, it was not well-maintained and the cabins were not clean. Menu was boring with the same breakfast every day (fried eggs, fried potatoes, and pork bacon) and the majority of evening meals included either fried fish or chicken breasts. Snacks included bags of Fritos, Dorritos, and Lays potato chips. Coke machine on site. In season fruit was also available.
Recent administrative changes were going into effect while I was there, which would explain some of the inconsistancies and general confusion. I would hesitate to recommend this facility.
was at the Life Healing Center for 2 1/2 months in Feb 2011 for childhood trauma issues. I have been in many different programs in the past 20 years that helped me at the time but the Life Healing Center has helped me become a different person. They are going through changes administratively so there are a few things that can be a little frustrating to deal with but the program, the groups, the assignments and the staff are by far the most knowledgeable professionals when it comes to trauma work…these people truly understand and care for the clients….they understand addiction, trauma, PTSD,Dissociative Identity Disorder and helped me get through issues that I have been working on for years.
The facility is safe, clean and well maintained . It is a small facility so everyone on campus knows everyone ..it is like a small community and the team approach is wonderful and very helpful.
The Director **** listens to your concerns ( most places you can’t even talk to the Director) and takes action if there is a problem. The adjunct therapists are awesome to work with…as well as the individual therapists. I cannot say enough about the Life Healing Center and would highly recommend it. I think people who give it negative reviews maybe are not ready to do the work they need to do. LHC does not hold your hand or force the program on you….if you are willing to go deep into your work, be committed and perservere through your issues then LHC is your answer…Thks Lhc for helping me turn my life around.
I am sorry to hear that there are people who did not benefit from the Life Healing Center. I personally took my friend there and the transformation is amazing. I watched my friend struggle for years with her addictions. She tried doing on her own but the wounds were too deep. Night after night I would go to her house because she knew she needed help but we did not know where to go. We called many treatment centers in our area but no one could treat both the PTSD and the alcoholism at the same time, which is what she needed Somehow we found out about the Life Healing Center and we called them. After talking with them we realized this was the perfect place for her. My friend was literally hanging onto her life by a thread, until she finished her treatment at the Life healing Center. Her treatment took a lot of reflection of the past, which anyone suffering from any trauma knows it is hard to look back, and it also took a lot of tears. By no means was her treatment easy but it was a life healing and more importantly it was life saving
Can someone please do a recent review?? Thanks…
Can someone do a recent review of the program? Can they handle someone with an ed or just truama? My ed was caused by trauma. Is there a minimum BMI? Does everyone get to do the acupuncture, massage, etc? And do they offer Reiki? Can you choose your own menu? And do you have a preference in your meal plan? How do they work with weight gain? And lastly can someone give a sample of a typical days worth of meals and snacks? Thanks so much. I’ve placed a call into them and am waiting to hear back. And one last thing. Can you use cell phones and laptops?
No cell phones or laptops allowed. No DVD players or i-Pods, PDA’s or Kindles, etc. There are 2 phones available and there’s a sign-up sheet allowing for 20 minutes (total) of phone time per day. No ‘meal plans.’ Food was not top quality…in my opinion, this facility would not be appropriate for someone with an eating disorder. No oversight regarding food quantity or nutritional balance.
There’s one psychiatrist on staff but was available just partial days / not full time. Meds were dispensed by ‘counselor aides’ in a “count & pour” capacity only. One part-time nurse was supposedly on staff as well.
Everyone has access to ancillary offerings at LHC including a variety of massage therapies, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Acupuncture, Breathwork, etc. Included in the daily rate is a selection of ANY TWO of these therapies. Additional services beyond the 2 are available at additional fees. I suggest asking for a price sheet for these services in advance to avoid misunderstanding.
thats awesome that you found recovery there fawn! Is it only labeled as residential? id love to go but dont havea resi benefit, just inpatient and partial
I admitted into the Life Healing Center January 24th and discharged April 27th. I went in for PTSD, alcoholism and gambling addiction. It was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. The staff was caring, compassionate and understanding. They treated each client with respect and they treated them on their individual needs. LHC saved my life and gave me a life I never imagined possible. From the first call until my discharge, it was nothing but miracle after miracle. I did the work and was supported 24/7 by the staff. It was an amazing journey.
Life healing Center is GREAT for trauma and seems to have a long term recovery as far as most addictions go. As for eating disorders not the best if you are in the thick of ED behaviors. Food is not monitored..and it is very easy to purge or restrict if you want. But life healing Center is really good with getting to Core issues that drive ED’s and are willing to help you uncover what is causing the behavior. If you have an ED and are admitted you will be asked to keep a food diary and meet with the dietician. You are also asked to stay accountable about any acting out.And do the buddy system for after meal times if you want one. Life healing center does not advertise that they are an eating disorder treatment center but can assist with ED. I went to a different center that focused on eating disorders before I went to Life Healing. I was able to break my ED habits and by the time I got to life healing center I was stable enough in my recovery to stay accountable with ED behaviors and do the Trauma work that drove them..I really do recommend it to anyone who is interested..my only advice would be go somewhere you can stabilize first and then go. It is one of the top in the country for trauma so if you have a trauma background I highly recommend! Hope this is somewhat helpful!!!!