This page is for reviews of Monte Nido’s Boston locations. Reviews for the other Monte Nido residential programs can be found here: Monte Nido – Multiple Locations. Reviews for Monte Nido’s PHP/IOP programs can be found here: Monte Nido: IOP/PHP Locations.
Monte Nido is a nationwide eating disorder treatment program that offers residential, partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient (IOP), including a virtual PHP option. It is known for its focus on the body-soul connection. Monte Nido was founded in 1996 by Carolyn Costin. Monte Nido changed ownership a few years ago; it now has new leadership, new clinical directors and more locations.
Monte Nido currently has residential locations at:
- California: Malibu (Little Nido), Agoura Hills (aka Monte Nido Vista) & East Bay. They also have Los Angeles and Newport Beach locations with PHP & Supported Living.
- Illinois: Chicago (opened 2020)
- Massachusetts: Boston (aka Monte Nido at Laurel Hill)
- Maryland: Glenwood
- New York: Glen Cove & Irvington. They also have New York City & Westchester locations with PHP & Supported Living.
- Oregon: Eugene (aka Monte Nido RainRock), Portland (West Linn) *Separate review page for Monte Nido’s Oregon locations here
- Pennsylvania: No residential, but they have PHP.
Chicago (opened 2020)
Glenwood
Boston (aka Monte Nido at Laurel Hill)
Glen Cove & Irvington. They also have New York City & Westchester locations with PHP & Supported Living
Eugene (aka Monte Nido RainRock), Portland (West Linn) *Separate review page for Monte Nido’s Oregon locations here
No residential, but they have PHP
Does anyone have any recent reviews? My only choices are here or Walden due to insurance. I’m in my 30s not an adolescent.
I don’t have a review for here, but I went to Walden as an adolescent and don’t recommend it.. it may be different for adults though
I understand what you’re going through in regards to insurance.. it’s hard getting help in new england. Good luck to you and sending hugs ur way 🙁
I had a great experience here a few years ago, I was there for a very short period of time recently and did not have the same experience. The staff are mediocre, house is very small/crowded, and I struggled with the limitations. That being said, again I was not there for long, and I have not been to Walden so I can’t speak to their program.
Did you only stay a short time because it was bad? I took leave from work and I’m scared this won’t help at all. I don’t like the limitations either but I can’t afford self pay for a better treatment center. These comments are making me think it’s better to go into immense debt that do a program that won’t be helpful.
Loved one was there very recently. Seemed understaffed. Groups frequently cancelled. Low level of supervision. RCs drinking energy drinks. Cluttered and crowded. Lots of opportunities to engage in behaviors. Was not a good fit for loved one. Positive feedback on the food.
Honestly all the things people are saying are making this feel like a mistake but I don’t have any other options…I’ve had an ED for almost 20 years I need supervision and help
Can you look at Columbia in NY? They do not charge. I hear that the program is good with high level of supervision. No direct experience with the program. I am a supporter of a love one.
I would recommend Walden in Dedham over laurel hill. At Walden you have more of a say in your meal plan and menu planning. Laurel hill doesn’t have any menu planning and every meal is a surprise basically
does anyone have a recent review about residential here??
I’m looking into the Laurel Hill/Boston location and am trying to figure out if they have a chef now or are still doing mostly takeout? I’m trying to search through everything, but it’s getting confusing!
*cross-posted by admin
This place changed my life. I could never thank the people who work here enough for helping me in those first steps to getting my life back. I could never recommend a treatment center more.
Does anyone have experience with trans residents at MN Laurel Hill? We are considering sending our trans son and wondering how open the staff and program are.
I saw their new clinical director in private practice for a few months and really liked her. I’m nonbinary and we didn’t focus that much on gender but I felt very respected by her. At one point T was causing me to gain a lot of weight and I wanted to stop it; she talked with me about how outside of my ED I really did want to be on hrt and the benefits of it were much better than what my ED was freaking out about.
Ok, I apologize. I didn’t read all the way down, I guess. Can someone clarify for me the following….
Is this THE SAME facility where Klarman once was?
I was almost positive that Klarman was still there (as well as only took adolescents). I am so confused because when I went, there was just that one building…. and there were like 3 other options in the state of MA… One or two in Boston, I want to saw Walden and maybe Silver Hills (although I think that is NH).
Does this facility take adults or just adolescents?
Klarman and Laurel Hill are and always have been separate and very different programs. Klarman is on the McLean campus in Belmont MA, Monte Nido at Laurel Hil Inn is in Medford MA and has no affiliation with Klarman. Klarman’s age range changed and they now accept ages 16-27, I believe. Laurel Hill Inn accepts adults and adolescents.
Silver Hill is in CT and no longer has an ED program.
I’m a bit confused where you are finding a Monte Nido at Laurel Hill? Laurel Hill, as far as I recall as a former McLean Klarman patient was a derivative of a program that began in New Orleans and then expanded to McLean Hospital and was referred to as Klarman / Laurel Hill. Are you sure it is Monte Nido you are referring to? Just looking at Monte Nido’s website tells me the programs are very different. Klarman does not have an alumni group unless that is something new.
My God, I’m really showing my age. I just looked up Laurel Hill and all my frantic treatment searches from 10 years ago came flashing back. If anyone wants to still answer my questions to further clarify, I’d love to hear it. But yes, I now see Laurel Hill is completely different, lol. I never knew it as Monte Nido.
…It’s such a shame that it is nearly insurmountable to find a place that does not have consistent negative reviews.
Any recent reviews of mn in Boston would be much appreciated and if you know how it compares to their California and/or New York locations?
Thank you.
Jen
Late to respond but if you’re looking for information of MN Laurel Hill/Vista because I’ve been to both and would be happy to help.
Hi Jen,
I am currently in the process of being admitted to MN Laurel Hill. I saw how recent your comment was and was wondering if you might be open to telling me a little bit about what your experience there was like? Anything would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much.
if you could add an updated review that would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Jen, I was at Vista in 2015 and did not have a great experience. I am now being admitted to Laurel Hill and wanted to know if you would be able to tell me about how the locations differ and how you found your time in LH. I’m exceptionally nervous about being with new staff and it being under different ownership. Though I heard there was an amazing support and Clinical Director.
*edited for names
MOVED POST BY L:
This is NOT true. Laurel Hill is most certainly Monte Lido. the original Laurel Hill was closed years before MN purchased the residence & re-opened it as MN.
Same MN philosophy, same schedule, etc. when I was there Carolyn Costin herself was there as well as other higher-ups from the CA sites to ensure the programs all were aligned. Minor differences will be inherent…but overall Monte Nido is nido nido no matter which site you are at.
Believe me, Carolyn is not the type of person to allow a program to operate under her name without lining up to her specifications!!!!
Also…yes, the RD I’d very thin, but she openly shares that and has a MEDICAL condition associated with muscle wasting. She is a healthy, normal eater.
She is amazing at what she does.
No one should be discriminated against for their size/shape—big OR small.
I was at Monte Nido Laurel Hill November-December 2014. Stay away from this place, it is near impossible to discharge yourself (they make so many hoops for you to jump through even if you put yourself here to begin with and if you’re on insurance good luck getting released before your insurance lapses… they will kick you out however the moment it does).
Things I didn’t like about MOnte Nido Laurel Hill:
– the Program coordinator and head is the most intimidating, two-faced, fake person you will ever meet. When she walks she stops in her heels and the whole house quivers. She loves when people cry and is one of the most manipulative people I have met.
– The Dietician is skinnier than over half the clients or patients which I personally find a sick joke since this is an eating disorder facility.
– They keep everyone past 10 weeks and try to keep you at least 3 months. They will tell you that you can leave whenever before you’re admitted but don’t kid yourself, they will require speaking with both your parents, an outpatient team and will even tell your outpatient team not to work with you if you leave before they are ready to release you… every girl I saw leave was begging to get out of there.
– It is not realistic at all.. there are no mirrors, they will take away any mirrors you have and confiscate your adderall or any amphetamine type medicine so watch out if you have ADHD/ADD.
– You NEVER get your computer/phone at all.
– You will be on Observations and have to leave the door open when you use to bathroom until you reach your ten pound goal (first weight goal) regardless of whether or not you purge after meals.
– You cannot have caffeine or coffee that is not decaffeinated.
– The food is junky and unsatisfying, you will end up eating ice cream about 3 times a week and if you’re vegetarian pizza 2-3 times a week. You will still be left hungry after meals a lot of the time but they put the ‘weight on’ by making you ‘choose from’ the snack menu that is mostly all junky foods (graham crackers were actually a healthy food compared to the Oreos, various ice creams, etc).
– They don’t actually have a lot of the things on the menus and only have artifically sweetened yogurts, soy milks, etc (the menu lists plain but don’t kid yourself).
– Mostly you have free time and can’t leave the living room because you aren’t allowed upstairs or to your room or outside or anywhere by yourself.
– When we did have grouips they were horrible and often weren’t what they were meant to be (we never actually did CBT in CBT). We actually made a stupid bracelet one day and made cards like preschoolers with coping mechanisms when under stress like ‘take a shower’ ‘breathe.’ They force you to talk in groups and the groups and if you aren’t feeling anything they will keep asking you until you get mad or cry and just want some space. You will feel very claustrophobic.
– The doctor and psychiatrist come once a week and you will wait forever to see them sicne you aren’t even allowed OTC things until approved by the doctor.
– Nobody trusts you and that doesn’t change regardless of anything. I really thought I was given more freedom at Klarman which is ridiculous. They actually threatened to call the police when I asked to discharge even though I had completed all meals without supplementing, had followed all the order and rules (of which there are far too many) and have no history of self-harm.
The food is horrible and ultimately the staff are not for you, it felt like I was a dollar bill rather than a human.. they couldn’t care less what happened after recovery.
It’s actually really interesting for me to read the last review, because I have had a completely different experience with the program. I’ve been out nearly a year now, but I go back almost every Saturday for the alumni group and it’s been a huge support for me. I credit my time at Monte Nido as the kickstarter that got me into sustained recovery for the first time.
I actually started at the IOP in Andover Oct-Nov 2013, and it was just a stop-gap measure to get me through the semester. That consisted of check-in group (except on Wednesdays when it was nutrition), dinner, group (which could be a skills group, continued check in, family group).
I was at Laurel Hill in Jan-Feb 2014. Insurance discharged me before I was ready, but my four weeks there was enough to interrupt the behaviours and get me going on the right path again. Jen’s review is still accurate as far as the level system and all of that stuff.
I just want to share what I think based on what the last reviewer said. The program is not a fit for all people, and it’s absolutely okay that the person had a negative experience, but nearly every single person that I’ve known who’s gone through the program has only good things to say.
a. The Clinical Director of the program is honestly incredible. She can be incredibly intimidating, but she has a heart of gold. She’s recovered herself, and often speaks about her recovery, and I had a couple individual sessions with her which always left me with new personal insights to bring to my usual individual sessions.
b. The dietitian is really, really, really good at what she does. I may be slightly biased because she’s also my outpatient dietitian, but she’s got years of experience in the field and genuinely cares about the clients and celebrates their progress in very real ways. She’s flexible with dislikes, but won’t give in to your eating disorder, and she can lay down the law when she needs to.
c. They absolutely do not keep every person past 10 weeks. The ideal length of stay allows you to make it to level four so that you’re able to practice with a lot more independence, but a lot of people end up being discharged before they even hit their first weight goal due to insurance. As I said, I was only there for 3 weeks. Some people do stay a very long time though, and private pay patients can be there even longer. Once someone’s been there for two months, it starts to make a person go stir crazy, which is to be expected wherever you go.
d. There are mirrors in every bathroom, and for a while there was even a little note on the toilet lid from the dietitian that said “This is not for standing” because people were body checking. When we are out on outings, our reflections are everywhere, but I really don’t think it’s necessary to have full length mirrors in residential treatment.
e. As far as computers and cell phones, they are taken and put in the cabinet. You get to have your phone when you’re going on pass, and occassionally, you can request permission to have cell phone privileges if there is an important phone call that you need to make or receive. It is rare, but it happens. Also, when I was there (this may have changed because they were still figuring out what discharge level looks like), you were allowed to have your cell phone if you were on discharge level. As well, the clients got their cell phones on New Years Eve because it was a holiday. As far as computers go, personal laptops could be requested to do banking on, or schoolwork for minors, but they had to be checked out and returned. The length of time that you’re allowed to have it has to be agreed upon by you and your therapist. Also, they allow you to use your personal laptop to write your eaters agreement or find a grad song if you get special permission. There is an iMac available for client use as well as a house phone. Depending on the group, both can be difficult to access at times and are often sources of conflict.
f. The length of time you are on obs varies from client to client. My obs decreased quickly because I hadn’t been struggling with purging a lot before I got there. I definitely didn’t have to wait until I hit my first weight goal to get off obs because I never hit it while I was there. There were times that i had urges and wasn’t on obs that I asked them to obs me, and that is actually respected. There are indeed some people who are on obs for their whole stay for one reason or another, and sometimes it’s even 24/7 obs except before breakfast, meaning that that person’s bathroom is even locked overnight (which really sucks for the roommate).
g. There is no caffeine, except for on Sunday when you are allowed one caffeinated beverage of your choice – depending on location. Most girls had a coffee drink of some kind, but there was one girl who got special permission to get a coke every week instead of coffee.
h. For a treatment center, the food is really good. There is a chef that comes in to prepare most meals and I’m pretty sure it’s a four week rotation. As I mentioned above, the dietitian works with you about dislikes, and they are able to accommodate allergies for the most part. The snack and breakfast options are the same every day, so that can get a bit repetitive after a while. There are a variety of “healthy” and ‘unhealthy” snack options to choose from, but those terms really don’t mean that much in my opinion. A snack could range from fruit and nuts to 2 or 3 cookies to trail mix to ice cream. After a while, I did find myself feeling extremely hungry by the end of the day. I talked to the dietitian and asked for an increase and I felt much better.
i. As far as free time goes, the main spaces are the living room, dining room, and nurses area. In the summer, girls hang out on the front porch, and if you’re a smoker, there’s an area in the back for smokers. You’re only allow upstairs after PM snack (or when your obs for that snack are over which when you first arrive is 10pm). Once you reach a certain level, you may be granted upstairs privileges which means you can go upstairs whenever you’d like.
j. Groups were hit or miss. Primary group is where people share assignments and also can occasionally be more of a talk group or check in group. Depending on the day, it’s either really boring or really good. We did have actual skills group when I was there – CBT and DBT both happened once a week. We also made coping cards, and I know some people that find them very helpful. Creativity group was never a fun group for me. I don’t like that kind of thing. My favourite group was Body and Soul by the person who facilitated that group moved to work at Vista over the summer so I don’t know what it’s like there now. There is also family and alumni group on Saturdays. A lot of the clients find it really boring – I know I did as a client. But, Monte Nido is the only program I know of that lets past clients come back to a group for free, and that gives me access to the clinicians as well, who I occasionally check in with, so that’s a huge perk if you live nearby.
k. They have switched psychiatrists since I was there, but he only came on Thursdays and we would all see him – sometimes even very late at night depending on his schedule. However, I appreciated him very much. He was the first psychiatrist to take the time to listen to me, and he got me on the right medications for the first time in my entire life. I was a different person after that…everyone commented on how…stable I was. That really speaks to the caliber of doctors that they work with. It’s true that you’re not even allowed OTC meds unless they’re approved by the doctor the first time, but after that, you can take them whenever you need to. They’re able to call during the week if a need arises and typically the doctor gets back to them fairly quickly so you can get whatever med you need.
l. As far as trust goes, that really varies from client to client. You have to earn their trust, but they will extend it to you to an extent. You are in residential treatment for a reason. You’re not supposed to be trusted with everything right off the bat. While it can be excrutiatingly frustrating to feel like no one trusts you with anything, it just makes the little freedoms that you earn that much sweeter.
m. The mental health workers and nurses are all pretty great. There’s been a lot of turnover, but both of my favourite mental health workers are still there, and so is one of my favourite nurses. The staff are actually humans there. I’ve been in other programs where they were essentially blank slates and I wasn’t able to connect with them at all. I’ve had many one on one conversations with the mental health workers that have helped shape my recovery into what it is today. And, when I go back for groups I’m able to hug them and catch up and it’s really fun to see the staff’s eyes light up because they love seeing past clients again.
n. The therapists have also had quite a bit of turnover. My therapist is still there, and so is one other one from when I was there. Two other two whom I adored (one went back to Walden in Braintree and the other one moved to California to work at Vista) have moved one. Their replacements are also really great. The program director of CEDC’s partial program left there to come to Monte Nido and will be the director of the new partial program that will open at some point (who knows when at this point), and she’s currently a therapist which is awesome cuz she’s great, and then the director of the IOP now has clients in residential as well. She’s super great too.
o. Finally, there’s the outings. There’s lunch outing on the day that they have staff meeting. When I was there it was Tuesday. The dietitian would pick a place and we weren’t supposed to know what it was until we got there or were just about to leave. Sometimes we’d find out a bit ahead of time but that wasn’t supposed to happen. After we had lunch – the dietitian would approve our order and help us with portioning if we needed it – we would go to another place and get dessert. When I was there, we had ice cream 3 out of 4 times, then we’d get back and go straight into contract group. On Fridays (i think), we would go to either CVS or rite aid, and then to a coffee place to get decaf coffee. On Sundays, we go on outing after lunch. That can be anything from Harvard Square to painting pottery to a trip to Michaels and a bookstore. We’d also stop at a cafe of some sort – usually starbucks – to get our long awaited caffeinated beverage and eat snack (depending on what level you were on, it was either packed from the house or you bought it at the cafe). Overall, not too bad. Sometimes I get like I was part of a herd of animals or something, but it was usually quite fun.
After MN, I went to CEDC for partial, and back to the IOP. Now I’m doing really well. 🙂
Out of all the treatment faciliaties in the Greater Boston Area, I would recommend Monte Nido at Laurel Hill in a heartbeat. Money is a factor – treatment is a business just like everything else, but clearly it’s not JUST about that because they allow alumni to come back for free. Please, if you have any questions, feel free to ask and I will do my best to get back to you in a timely fashion.
Everything that Lex said above rings true for my time at Monte Nido as well. I was there from June 2013 to July 2013 and had a great experience. I learned so much about myself and met many amazing people (clients and staff) whom I still think about to this day. Monte Nido is by far the best treatment center in the New England Area, and I would recommend it to anyone in a heartbeat.
thank you so much for your great review
questions:
1. i have heard in the past that Walden’s IOP was a joke (sorry to be blunt)
do you know any people who went and had a god experience ?
2. do you know the exact name of the iop in Andover ?
thanks- have a 3rd question that will add in later
thanks for the review again !!!
hi Jen,
so glad you were able to do the review…
My other questions are ( guess are really just your opinion based of what you saw and from how you saw the program work / what you saw when you were there….)
1. Do you think if (as you mentioned b/c of insurance limitations or self pay as only option) someone was to only be able to attend for 1-2 months but really need to be there longer – that they would still get a benefit from going or do you really need to do the whole program to feel like it was “successful ?” i.e.- like taking 1/2 a class and having to stop half- way though term – ok bad analogy …
2. how did they determine your target weight or did they have a weight range? (b/c trying to guesstimate how long ideally if $$/ insurance were not an obstacle) how long ideally i might need to stay .
3. and are the levels (sorry if you included this) based on a persons weight overall AS WELL as the things you mentioned- finishing meals, making progress o things thou mentioned etc….
4. Asking the above b/c goes back to my question #1- that if someone was to go (and you mention a general rate of weight gain so i can calculate somewhat how long (if $$ were no issue ) i might be expected to stay ……but if one goes in and is totally following the rules and really wants to change/ help and follows the meal plans – will they still advance your levels / privileges or do they take you overall weight onto consideration as well …….even if you are gaining weight?
For example – will they not let you go on walks b/c they think your weight is too low (not like your in danger ) but if they know you might be able to only stay for a month do they then try to conserve you energy so you can leave at a healthier weight and keep you on a restricted activity level ? not sure if you can answer but maybe you can from what you saw from other people who were there for only a limited time.
Any input would be greatly appreciated b.c I’m really stuck in that i love – and always have- their (MN’s) overall philosophy and my insurance will not cover residential.
And i have no ed groups or good therapist where i am currently living – so I’m soooo desperate to get some help and hope back that (we have limited $$ at this pt for treatment out of pocket b.c I’ve had this for 20 plus years. However, i and am so ready to have a life/ ready for change etc..) So can pay for a month or so and then housing for a PHP (insurance will cover a PHP)
SO…… when you mention that some women were there for 2 months – I’m not sure if maybe you know how they felt when they had to leave (not happy I’m sure if they liked the program)
-BUT maybe you know if they felt it was a good “foundation” for them to then go on from …or if they felt “cheated” bc they could not do whole program?
-or, if as i ask in another place if the program knows up- front a person’s time is limited b.c of self-pay..then do they structure their program/ and rate they move up in levels any differently ?
-so, I’m trying ti determine if going for part is better than nothing and they will work with me the best they can for the time i can stay ….and then some of the tools can obviously take with me ….
-or if I’m being overly optimistic and you really need the time to internalize any change to make to really help.
– or if it will feel worse to go and only be able to get so far and then have to leave (and i wont have learned that much b.c i have not been able to reach the higher levels where you get to try things on your own for the day with the support of still being there.)
so asking b/c been to numerous “hospital based programs ” b.c of insurance and clearly it has not helped (being stuck in regular hospital with ED unit or psych hospital with ed unit) or nor were their philosophies helpful. And then no good after care program. So not my first time in treatment, also been to some day programs years ago and groups in NYC when younger and in very different placer, I’m older, very motivated (gotten to pt where something has got to be better than this- how I’m living now and clearly i am not doing very well navigating things AND i so fed up wit the drs I’m working with i want to scream …..so thats where I’m at this pt. So just adding that so you know I’m not “new to treatment”/ id have some idea as to what id be committing to etc…but i may just be thinking i can change this all to quickly ……
Sorry if this was not written very clearly and hope what I’m asking makes some sense =) And as i said, any input would be appreciated. B/c i know i also the program itself might/ will have some concerns (i spoke quickly to intake )….but would help to hear from someone who had been there.
thanks so much !
TO ANYONE ELSE who might read this…..any other suggestions of help/ treatment places or anything are welcomes as well….=)
Thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to respond!
ps- cant do the fight insurance route or get single case agreement – already been there (and insurance is from a state that has parody)ugh!!! =(
but any other thoughts or if anyone has been to the php at WALDEN of late?
Treatment Center: Monte Nido Laurel Hill in Medford, MA
Level of care (IP, Resi, IOP, PHP, etc): Residential
When were you there: July 2013-October 2013
Describe the average day:
6:30-7:30 vitals, weights (Mon & Thurs), shower, meal prep if on appropriate level
7:30-8:00 breakfast
8:00-9:30 either yoga, walks, circuit training or free time
9:45-10:00 snack
10:30-11:45 process group M, W, Th, Fri walk Sat free time Tues & Sun
12:15-1:00 lunch
1:15-2:15 groups (Sat multifamily group 1:30-3 & outing on Sun)
2:30-2:45 snack
3-5:30 either free time, individual sessions, session with psychiatrist, contract group (Tues) or outing (Sun)
5:45-6:30 dinner
7-8 group (CVS on Fri and free time on Sat)
8:45-9 snack
9-10:30 free time
10:30-11 room time
11 lights out
What were meals like?
You sit at a long table. New clients or those who are struggling tend to be seated on the end to have greater support and supervision. The conversations weren’t very limited (no one talked about calories) and we were allowed to talk about treatment and food (although not in a negative way). We played word games but mostly just laughed until someone peed their pants (i’m serious).
Everyone has a place setting made by a client and an envelope for people to leave you notes and inspirational quotes. We even did a little Secret Santa (in the summer) and left little DIY gifts every morning.
What sorts of food were available or served?
Monte Nido does not go off of the typical exchange meal plan. They emphasize eating well rounded meals and the flexibility to go out and have “a bowl of pasta” for dinner and not need to count exchanges. I LOVED THIS!
The meals rotate on a 4-week schedule. You pick all of your lunches and dinners the Sunday before and there is always a vegetarian option. A typical lunch was some type of salad with chicken and bread or a wrap/sandwich. Dinner could be anything from stir-fry to fajitas. After PM snack, you pick your breakfast and snacks for the next day. Breakfast options included cereals, toast/english muffins, granola, yogurt, cottage cheese, oatmeal, etc. Snacks depended on meal plan but was very varied (cottage cheese and fruit, bars, granola, trail mix, ice cream, etc). The food was really good and the chef is such a character.
On entry and level 1, you do not go into the kitchen or clear yourself. On level 2, you’re allowed to do those things. Level 3 & 4 allows clients to begin portioning their own meals and snacks.
Did they supplement? How did that system work?
They do supplement but only if absolutely necessary. They kind of expect you to be finishing 100% after your 3-day Grace (if you even get that). You get 5 minutes at the end of the meal to finish your Ensure and, if you refuse, you cannot attend your next exercise. 3 refusals will have you “staffed” and likely a push to a higher level of care.
What privileges are allowed?
Privileges are based on level. You can have your razor & sharps on a check out basis once you reach level 1 (1-2 weeks). Everyone can have gum/candy after meals. All clients attend the lunch & Sunday outings. You request privileges on your weekly contract and the team decides in their meeting if you get what you want. Typical requests were , sharps/straighteners in bedroom, early bedtime, Skype sessions with family, portioning, passes (level 2+), circuit, and independent outings/days once on level 4.
Oh yes, smoking is allowed. They hold onto your cigarettes and lighters. You can take out two at a time, anytime as long as it doesn’t interfere with meals and groups. It was a pain to ask but most staff were really accommodating.
Does it work on a level system?
Yes. You are automatically on entry level upon admission. You have to complete a binder of paperwork and get it signed off, meet with the doctor to be cleared, present letters to your parents in process group and your Life Map (a creative expression of your life and ED). You are on 2hr observations after meals and 1hr after snack. You cannot go upstairs, go on walks, or yoga. Most people get off entry level within their first week.
Level 1 is similar to entry except you can do yoga, go on 15 min walks (if cleared), and roam around without supervision. Observations typically stay at 2-1.
Level 2 includes passes for small gaps of time with family only (no meals or snacks out yet). You can clear your plate and do dishes. You MAY get 30 min walks and more yoga. Observations are reduced to 1hr after meals, 30 min after snack (but vary by client).
Level 3 is when it gets good. You can ask for upstairs privilages so you can go up to your room during the day. No more observations. You can have sharps in your room. Passes are allowed and you can go out to eat. You can portion more and have “pick at the time” snacks. You’ll likely have two 30min walks, some circuit and level 3 yoga.
Level 4 is very independent. They may grant you entire days to prepare your own meals. You can go on passes alone. You can have your computer & phone. Independent exercise. You can bring your car to program and leave it there.
What sort of groups do they have?
Process group is exactly what it sounds like. It is typically run by the Clinical Director or a clinician but other staff tend to sit in, which was always great. Food & Feelings (another process group), Nutrition, Body & Soul, CBT, Meditation, and Creative Therapy. It’s rare to see a worksheet. They rely on clients talking their way through their process.
What was your favorite group?
Process group was great if the group was talking. When clients were vulnerable and honest, the groups were incredible. Body & Soul with Ally was a nice start to the week. Oh yea, family & alumnae group on Saturdays was such a great group. I loved everyone’s families and how open everyone was. My parents even befriended other parents and now support each other outside of group setting.
What did you like the most?
Everything. After being at Monte Nido Vista last year, I have to admit that I like this MN better. Although it was still very new, they did a great job following Carolyn Costin’s philosophy and really making it feel like a place to heal. I loved the neighborhood, the clients, their families, the staff. I loved it all!
What did you like the least?
Some of the staff had a hard time finding a balance with boundaries. Not sure if it was because they weren’t accustomed or comfortable to being allowed to hug and reveal their own struggles. I could have used more hugs. Also, they were a little inconsistent with rules (likely because of the newness of the program). I hated the psychiatrist but they replaced him the week before I discharged and now have a fabulous, renown doctor.
Would you recommend this program?
Absolutely. Without a doubt, the best residential in New England. I wouldn’t be actively in recovery and thriving if it wasn’t for MNLH.
What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
Anywhere from 15-30 minute walks 2-3x a week, to multiple rounds of circuit training (I never went so I can’t say much about it). They’re pretty tough about pacing and “playing”. I was never allowed to toss a ball around or even stand when smoking.
What did people do on weekends?
There’s a lot of free time on Saturdays (except during family group) and, if you can’t go on passes, you’re limited to whatever you can do to keep yourself occupied at the house. Most girls had movie marathons, painted nails, slept, or spent time on the computer. Sunday afternoon is for the group outing from 1-4:30. The girls submit a few choices prior to the team meeting and the team decides which the group can or can’t do (they rarely said no). Outings included pottery, the mall, nails, Barnes & Noble, the movies, bowling, and other fun things. Sunday night includes a group after dinner.
Do you get to know your weight?
You do not get to know your weight. You may be told that you have goals (usually 10lbs increments) and the nutritionist will tell you each time you reach a goal (you’ll need to do this to move up levels) but you won’t know your weight. You have blind weights 2x weekly on entry and level 1 (Mon & Thurs) and on Mondays only for level 2+ (although they might weigh you more depending on the client).
How fast is the weight gain process?
Weight gain is gradual. They like to see 1-2 lbs per week and factor in water retention and hyper metabolism. I gained very slowly despite a gain meal plan. They are not looking to get your weight up quickly but rather that you consistently take in food.
What was the average length of stay?
It depends on insurance. Some girls stayed months (private pay) and some days (shitty insurance). I had a PPO and was there for 2.5 months after insurance cut without much notice. The average was 6-10 weeks.
What was the average age range?
The youngest client was 15 and the oldest was 40. Most girls were in their low/mid twenties.
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an OP treatment team?
You begin planning for discharge at admission. They arrange appointments with your OP team and help you find treaters if needed. They do not currently offer a PHP yet so most girls stepped down to CEDC or Walden. The sister IOP program is in Andover and is amazing!
Hi Jen. Would you be willing to chat with me? I have also been to Monte Nido in California and am most likely going to Laurel Hill because of insurance. I’d love to hear from someone who has experienced both. Is everything the same? For example is the menu the exact same? I have a lot of questions I guess and am nervous because I really trust the team in CA. I’m not sure how they hook us up on here but you can have my email or phone. Thanks.
How are they trauma and self harm?
They will restrict your sharps upon admission and, if you have a history, restrict the use of sharps for your stay. If you are actively self-injuring, you’ll likely be stepped up to a more appropriate level of care. As far as trauma, they don’t have any specific groups or therapy but you can use your individual sessions to process it. One client was sent to McLean’a trauma unit because her trauma was prohibiting her from actively participating in groups and following the meal protocol. She returned after a few weeks when they felt that she could participate in the program without the need for intense trauma work b
Jennifer-
is it possible for you to do a overall review? i know it takes time but id be really grateful……(i am familiar w/ MN philosophy for CA(well from a bit back but was never able to go )….
but for this location was just wondering about specifics like if the staff is mostly “ed recovered ” as well/ the age range when you were there / severity of ed symptoms and other symptoms that people had ….
and the level of moral of staff and pts and over all feeling when you were there …..ie if people were just going along to get out (and if so was that apparent to staff and were they called on it or were people wanting to really make changes and if so if they did struggle but ultimately it was clear they were there there to get better ….was staff supportive? /** the amount of individual therapy and if you thought therapists were good one on one or were groups more helpful / cant recall the system at MN-CA now but what is the level system there and ***do you get any “real world ” preparation like passes etc…or do they expect you to follow with a day program or intensive ed therapy back where you live to get that ? and lastly did you feel that the atmosphere was one of hope – even when people were a having a hard time or too much drama? oh…and do you know the average length if stay ,,,yes i now they make it individualized….but just wondering in general if you knew or b.c just opened hard to say?
Sorry – now lastly is their program so “set” ie has levels etc… that you need to really do the whole program to get any benefit or would you say if one was desperate for making a change but insurance wold not pay for much that some time there is better than none- like it could be start back to getting hope back ? not sure what you experience was like or how long you were there or what other places you have been – so hope get what i mean w/last part – sorry its not worded too well=(
thanks so much – your overall review and / or answers to these questions would be most helpful =)
Thanks…would you be able to do a full review?
I’m working on a review. We only have limited time to use the computer but I will do the best I can to finish it as soon as possible!
J,
thanks so much. i do know they keep you busy and you need to focus on yourself (most importantly) so thanks in advance for being wiling respond – even if it takes a bit.
Sending you good recovery wishes 😉
Sorry, just got to review this place. My apologies for keeping people waiting!!!
I will post a current review of resi later today!