This page is for reviews of Monte Nido’s residential locations. For reviews of Monte Nido’s PHP and IOP locations, click here: Monte Nido: IOP/PHP Affiliate 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: Agoura Hills (aka Monte Nido Vista), Lafayette (aka Monte Nido East Bay), and Malibu (aka Monte Nido Mountain Nest, formerly called Little Nido). They also have Los Angeles and Newport Beach locations with PHP & Supported Living (aka Monte Nido’s Eating Disorder Center of California and of Newport Beach). *Separate review page for Monte Nido’s California locations here
- Illinois: Chicago (opened 2020) *Separate review page for Monte Nido’s Chicago location here
- 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.
Any reviews? Please post in comments below! You can check out the FAQ and Guidelines for suggested questions and a review template.
Please be sure to specify which location you are reviewing. Thank you!
Hi! I’m thinking of doing the virtual BED program for the Monte Nido, looking to know what everyone’s experience was like.
I am considering virtual php in wa. Can anyone give me good advice if this is a good place to go for virtual program?
[I don’t recommend it**]. They don’t help anybody. They’re lazy and disorganized and gaslight people into thinking they are doing one thing then switch it last minute. I’ve had several rounds here already. They defrauded my insurance and stated I completed the program successfully and then changed it later to saying I was not discharged with successful completion bc I was still purging *** and they said well your insurance only covers this so we have to end services sorry and they did not help me
get to higher level of care. It’s not your best option. Look elsewhere
**sentence rephrased per site rules
***numbers redacted per site rules
Hi, I am considering Monte Nido Atlanta PHP or residential. Could anyone tell me a bit more about their experience at this location? How is the food in residential?How soon do you start portioning/how does their portioning work? How manageable did the meal plan/speed of increases feel? How did you find the therapy? I know that you have to bring your own lunch and dinner in their PHP program. Was that challenging? Thanks so much!
Let’s make a running list of the best Monte Nido locations currently!
* If you (or a peer) had a good experience at a Monte Nido recently, which location(s) was it?
* If you (or a peer) had an okay/decent experience at a Monte Nido recently, however overall you found the program beneficial even if not ideal, which location(s) was it?
* If you are tapped into advocacy or recovery communities (etc), which locations have you heard positive things about recently? Keeping in mind that there is no such thing as a flawless treatment center or a treatment center that is perfect for everyone.
* Etc
Thank you!!
I had a really good experience at Irvington in late 2024. Leadership has changed since then, but I cannot imagine its much different!!
I had a horrific experience at MN Chicago. Lots of bullying in the milieu and little staff support. I will say though that it is a good option if you’re extremely independent (as in not in need of any staff support during meals) and if you’re very motivated for recovery upon admission.
I was recently in res in Conroe(houston) and I’m finishing up PHP in Houston. I have been in treatment many times with other places and I, by far, have had the best experience to date with MN. I plan to do a whole review in the next couple of weeks, but for now I’ll say that the Houston location was amazing.
Hey are you still open to doing a full review?
*TW: involuntary treatment*
tranferring hospitals to the boston location bc where im at is horrible. Whats the ama proccess like if you are transfering. I like feeling like i can leave. Will they court . It’s a direct transfer so am curious., help!! Thank you
Hello, I am in Texas and wondering if anyone has recent reviews on the Houston/cypress location? *TW* I’ve heard they can use NG tubes here. Is that still true? *end TW*
*TW: tubes* They drop it, bolus you, pull it. Before meals. They make it hard to get off tube protocol once you are on it.
im admitting to monte nido residential tomorrow and am wondering what the starting meal plan is if anyone knows
Has anyone done the Virtual PHP? I am interested in how the day to day is and if there is flexibility to be able to work while in the program
Hi Anonymous,
[I do not recommend this program.] I just did their virtual IOP program and discharged in less than two weeks.
The program itself is terrible. It’s more than unhelpful — it’s actively harmful. Facilitators don’t show up for group and so they loop in other providers with no plan to cover. When they do show up, patients bully one another and the staff refuse to step in. Once, a patient told another patient to “grow up” when she had a panic attack at dinner, saying that she wished she were so fortunate that an eating disorder were her most serious problem. [*TW: harmful statement by provider about trauma*] The facilitator’s hot take was that some people have just experienced more trauma than others, and people who have more serious trauma just cannot relate to people with less trauma, y’know? [*end TW*]
Patients share detailed medical information, behaviors, numbers, you name it.
It was so bad in the first week that I asked to switch “tracks.” For virtual-IOP, there are two groups of patients. The program immediately switched me from one group to another group, insisting that they took the situation seriously and that the other group would be better. It wasn’t.
Multiple patients complained during group about being dropped from someone on their primary team with no notice. They would join a Zoom link for primary therapy or to meet with a dietician and it would be a completely new person whom they’d never met, and that new provider would tell them the previous provider left the company.
What’s more, since I’ve left the program, they’ve tried to fraudulently bill me.
When I was looking to enroll, two different admissions officers told me the out-of-pocket cost would be $0. They said the program was fully covered by insurance.
I received a surprise bill in late June. I emailed immediately and asked what the charge was for, given that I was told multiple times by the program that the cost would be fully covered. I received no response. I emailed multiple different departments (admissions, billing, accounts) – four separate times — to ask what the charge was for. No response.
I finally received a response from their private pay collector stating the bill was for coinsurance. I replied – to the collector and copying all the same divisions listed above – asking about the disparity between the $0 out-of-pocket cost guaranteed at the start of the program and the bill. No response. I followed up multiple times. No response. All calls to their billing division go to voicemail.
The private pay collector responded two days ago and admitted that their billing paperwork never disclosed or specified a co-insurance percentage as patient responsibility. The collector said I was still responsible. Multiple people have told me they’ve escalated the issue to the program director. I’ve still heard nothing.
The best part? Both admissions officers who told me there would be a $0 out-of-pocket have since left the company.
I honestly think their virtual program is a scam.
You’re right they have been scamming people just like you experienced. I had a friend in IOP who also received a late bill for services never received. Be careful guys. These people are sick.
hi, does anyone know the status or wait lists for any location? also, how are the boston and chicago locations currently? thanks!
hi!! i’ve been speaking with the monte nido admissions team and they told me as of this morning (7/10/25) that the following locations have immediate availability!
-Monte Nido Western NY in Victor, NY
-Monte Nido Rockland in New City, NY (1 bed)
-Monte Nido Miami
-Monte Nido Vista in Agoura Hills, CA
-Monte Nido Houston
otherwise i’m not sure about waitlists 🙁 but i hope this helps at least a little!
Has anyone been to the Miami or Georgia location? Or recommend any other location? Pls do a full review! Can you go outside at anytime?
i’ve been to the atlanta location! lmk if you have any questions!
hi Marissa! I am considering the atlanta location for either residential or php. How is the program? Do you feel like it helped you? I would be going primarily for referring. Thanks so much!
did you have a good experience there? Have you been to other locations of so how did it compare.
i was just at miami- it was a great program but a bit different from other monte nido locations as you travel to and from apartments every day for programming. you can go outside when an RC is with you and only when its not too hot
Considering admitting to Monte Nido Houston residential within the next few weeks. Has anyone been there recently and are willing to answer questions? I’m really trying to avoid having to go back to ERC for the millionth time and I’m wondering how they respond to people that are struggling with completion in the program. Trying to reach out for help early ish in a relapse but not doing well at the moment.
in my experiences, Monte Nido is not very accepting of not completing. they get pretty annoyed by it and then transfer you.
I’m going to one of their locations that doesn’t do ng tubes. What are the chances of them sending me to inpatient if I can’t complete? How strict are they?
how is chicago right now? is there a wait?
hi does anyone have experience with inpatient as a nonbinary person with ptsd? my insurance (medicare) only covers inpatient and only in Dedham, MA. can anyone tell me anything about it and average wait time for admission?
main questions are safety/staff-patient dynamics/cell phones & electronics/what kinds of treatment/their approach to people with preexisting cptsd.
Hello! I recommend cross-posting this to the Walden review page, because the Monte Nido Walden inpatient unit in Dedham only recently became part of Monte Nido so there will be people on the Walden page who can help too!
https://edtreatmentreview.com/walden/
Anybody know if they have availibity for Arizonas inpatient location?
Does anyone have thoughts/information on the inpatient program in Boston?
Hey! Anyone been to the glen cove location?
is houston different? cause its not inpatient but they can do ng tubes? im confused
admitting to miami this week has anyone been there recently/care to share their experience? thanks!
How has your experience been?
thinking of coming here and very unsure since its transition from Oliver Pyatt to Monte nido
I am admitting to Miami this week…any updates on the residential program would be appreciated.
hi! i just recently left miami- do you have specific questions? happy to answer anything 🙂
would you mind doing a full review? i’m considering monte nido miami and it would be really helpful!!
Can you do a full review? How does completion work if no supplements? Any consequences?
do they still have the pb banana overnight oats on the breakfast rotation?
does anybody know how the atlanta and florida houses are currently or if anyone has been to them i would love more information on them! and potentially have a look at the menus haha thanks!
Anybody know what any of the Monte nido locations for adult residential waiting list look like?
Not long they have openings
i just got referred to monte nido east bay and the wait is ~2.5 weeks
have you gotten in yet? whats it like?
any reviews on the miami location? i havent heard much and am curious
I give this whole admission process 0 stars. I did the consult, went for “mandatory “ labs that totaled $600 only for them to only offer me the residential package. I asked if I could at least start with over the phone or in person sessions and they said residency is the ONLY option they can give me. Why wasn’t that explained before I spent $600 on lab work?! They told me they would find the perfect fit for me and it would be customized for me. They lied and offered no help. Utterly ridiculous and I wouldn’t recommend them to anyone!
In case no one has mentioned it, Monte Nido Malibu is now Monte Nido Clementine Calabasas and treats female identifying adolescent girls. So sad to see the loss of an adult treatment center especially one which had a small more intimate patient population.
Location: ?
if you are going to listen to any review to protect you or your child, please let it be this one. the staff was not properly trained, most claimed that they didnt fully know what they were getting into when they were hired. living areas were not properly cleaned between groups so we found puke numerous times from MONTHS before us. you are treated inhuman and are forced to tell very private things in order to have therapists trust you to “level up”. I had to tell my sexual assault experience so that they could try to figure out the “root” of my eating disorder. (which was already predetermined.) FOUR PEOPLE got food poisoning from a dish served and it was served again. I was given real meat by mistake and i have been vegetarian for five years which caused me to freak out and receive an incomplete. The police arrived while i was there and we were told that we could not inform our parents. I had a therapist call me unnatural and disgusting. They worked like hell the day before the state evaluation and that was the only time things were fixed. This is not a place to send your children or yourself. Please put them somewhere else before they decide to let themselves become traumatized in order to come home. not only could they mentally suffer, but i was in FEAR FOR MY LIFE of another client who bashed her head into the wall until she after two weeks of screaming, was sent to another facility. they do not take into account the mental state of patients and put everyone together. i was left alone in my room for eight days without therapy or human contact because i had covid. in this time i relapsed because i was left in a small room by myself with no one to speak to. if the owner is reading this please fucking treat your clients like people. never in my entire life had i felt so alone.
Hi Milo, I am a journalist looking into eating disorder treatment centers. I would love to talk to you for my piece if you are open to it.
Hello! I thought I’d give some info on the Monte Nido Western NY location since I know I was desperate for information before I went and there wasn’t much.
I was there from start of May 2024 to end of June 2024
Honestly no. There’s a staircase in the house that the handicapped accessible route for involves going outside and down the driveway :/ .
Can be up to 12 but seemed to be around 6-10 while I was there. Its definitely better the less people there are, in my opinion.
All genders
Yes. We would always do names & pronouns and they were always respected.
Psychiatrist 1x a week; she was a bit of a nutcase and we would always call her Dr. Letdown. Sometimes said triggering or invalidating things to other patients. Therapist 3x a week, nutritionist 1x a week, nurse every day. Many of the nurses were incredible, so kind and gave the best hugs.
Weekdays there are usually a handful of clinicians (therapists) in as well as 1-2 RCs. Seemed like there was some sort of staffing cutback when I arrived where they went from 2 RCs to 1, and then everyone complained so they had 2 but only some of the time.
There is a DBT, ACT, and CBT group. Exposures are offered to fear foods, take out, clothes shopping, etc. CPT also offered.
Describe the average day:
We all sat around the table and everyone was served the same meal. You were only allowed 3 exceptions at any given time so lots of “exposures” to different foods, as it were. Breakfast & lunch were 30 mins and dinner 45. Snacks were 15 mins and you chose from a set list each morning. Meals were on a 4 week rotating schedule. We played lots of table games, had music, and 1-2 RCs or clinicians sat with us at each meal, and ate whatever we ate, which was nice. Honestly thought meals were done pretty well here. They would offer sides and desserts in the last 15 mins of the meal. Usually 1.5-2.5 hours between meals and snacks.
As I said above meals are a 4 week rotating schedule with 3 exceptions allowed. I know they did serve seafood in many of the meals which was a big no no for me, but oh well.
If you didn’t think you could complete you could ask for a supplement in the last 15 mins of a meal, or the staff would offer you a supplement. It was always vanilla ensure and they would give you an amount based on what % of the meal you had completed. It was nice not to have to stay later than others with a supplement and we would do cheers and things to make it easier.
If you don’t sit for meals or don’t eat, you’d have meetings with your clinician and eventually be sent elsewhere/ HLOC.
There was someone who was vegan and it was respected.
Yes, it works on a level system. It was more time to work through the levels than other places I’ve been. As you went up the levels you would have less observations and be able to go to bed earlier. On level 1 I believe you went to bed at 9:30. Everyone is allowed to ask for sharps no matter your level but their approval is at your teams discretion. More exposures and passes are available at the higher levels. At level 3 you were allowed free reign of the house/grounds so I hung out at the lake a lot. Lots of fishes :3
Yes. I knew many people had co occuring PTSD. While I didn’t receive this care I know it was offered and you work closely with your therapist and do CPT.
The mileu and my therapist. Just made my time there bearable. I loved hanging out with them and just being understood. My therapist was super good, best I’d ever had. Actually believed me about things.
There were a lot of changes to the program right as a left. The main chef quit which sucked because the food quality was good when she was there. They were looking for a replacement when I left but not sure how that panned out. They changed how some of the exposures worked so that if you left on a pass you could co with a therapist anymore and had to go by yourself (?!?!?).
Yes. My second time in residential and the first time I made any progress on my co-occuring depression and social anxiety. Felt like I could take what I needed from the program. They didn’t expect perfection, in fact, it was discouraged. First time in treatment that I wasn’t taught to avoid my emotions but face them head on and really feel them. Life changing.
Yoga is for everyone if medically cleared, happened 2x a week. Walks if you completed 24 hours previously, 3x a week. On level 3 you got to do MNA move which was either a weird video or you could choose to shoot hoops (which I did (and slayed at)).
Group outings on Saturdays to wherever we chose to go. Target was a popular option, or Barnes and Nobel; we went to an animal shelter and the best was going to a cat cafe where we got to pet cats for like 45 minutes. On Sundays we had “Innings” which was usually just working on art projects or laying around outside. Other than that groups/meals were as normal, oh but breakfast started 30 minutes later, so we got to sleep in.
Blind weights, I think you could do it as an exposure but why would you lol.
I’d say 2 months was pretty average. Apparently on admission they say 4-6 weeks. Ha. More like 8-12.
Mostly early 20s but we ranged from 18-50ish.
Phone is available during any free time. Theres just one phone in the hallway. Visitation was on Friday afternoons from like 2-3:15 and then 3:30-5 (break for snack).
Phone and electronics get locked in the sharps closet. At level 3 you get your phone for a couple hours at night but I found myself not really wanting it. I was allowed to have my laptop when I first got there for a few hours a day to finish the school year, which was nice of them.
Reply with any questions, I’d love to help ppl out. This is a scary process but you can do it <3.
Hello,
I’m looking into going to the western NY location for ARFID. Was there anyone there with arfid when you attended there? Do you know if allowances will be made if someone won’t eat what’s on the menu?
They honestly aren’t great with ARFID at western ny but try to accommodate . You are allowed 3 exception foods that you will never see but the meals are the same for everyone and you don’t choose your options ever other than snacks . Everyone eats the same entree unless you are vegetarian and have that option . They might be able to work with you as they are able to take vegans and celiac
That sounds like it is the same thing that everyone is offered, correct? Corporate Monte Nidos are supposed to have a separate ARFID protocol/meal plan for meals, that’s a basic treatment service the corporate medical director requires everyone to have. The ARFID protocol is still cookie cutter, but it is cookie cutter specifically for ARFID. If they are admitting patients with ARFID or suspected ARFID, they need to be able to offer the protocol. Do you know if they just straight up didn’t have it or refused to provide it, or if there just weren’t any patients being treated for ARFID while you were there? Sorry to be so specific! This is something I am really passionate about, so if they are refusing to do the protocol I am going to let the national director know, but I need to be completely factually accurate with why they aren’t doing it, otherwise I lose credibility in the future.
This isn’t about the NY location, but I was at Laurel Hill about 2 years ago (I think it’s still the same dietitian and chef now) and they were honestly amazing about ARFID. I don’t know if they followed the MN protocol, or if it’s changed in the last 2 years, but they were better with accommodating ARFID than anywhere else I had ever been (and was my last ever residential stay for that reason!!)
Hey Jay…the Emily Program in Durham is opening an ARFIFD center in january.
I’m actually admitting to wny tomorrow maybe things have changed since the last time I was there ?
when were you there last?
Hi! I’m considering admitting to this location. Any information on how it is right now would be super helpful!
CHICAGO LOCATION *TW*
Haven’t seen many people on here discussing the psychiatry aspect of the Monte Nido locations so I wanted to share my experience as a warning to others. This may be Chicago location specific as each psychiatrist is different, but for those with low BMIs or who are in need of significant weight restoration, the psychiatrist will put you on Olanzapine whether you need it or not and claim that it will “help with your eating disorder thoughts.” Even when I was completely oblivious of this drug’s side effects, I refused to take it because I felt it was unnecessary, and the facility purchased it with my credit card and gave it to me claiming it was a “refeeding medicine” without my knowledge even after I, my parents, and my outpatient team told the facility I was not permitted to take the drug. This is highly illegal behavior, and I will be filing a lawsuit against Monte Nido Chicago as a result. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GO ELSEWHERE!!!
is there a wheelchair accessible monte nido
*moved to monte nido page from client general forum per site guidelines – admin
Has anyone been to Monte Nido Houston? What is it like? Are you allowed in your rooms? Can you have your phone and technology?
I have not personally been there but I’ve been to many of the other Monte Nido locations and please be aware that the Houston location is one of the few (if only) of their residentials that administers tube feeds for noncompliance 🙂
What are the differences between Monte Nido Miami and Atlanta? Which one is better? Can technology be used at night/mornings?
in Miami you have your phone essentially from 8:30pm-8:30 am
Does anybody know what the waitlist look like for any of the locations in New York, Georgia, Arizona, and Chicago for adult residential?
Hi, the Atlanta adult Monte Nido center does not currently have a waitlist.
Does anyone have an opinion on the Houston IOP?
Full Review: Monte Nido Chicago – Adult Residential
When were you there? Late 2023
What level(s) of care did you do (e.g., inpatient, residential, PHP, IOP)? Residential
How many patients are there on average? The facility can hold up to 12 clients
Does it treat both males and females? If so, is treatment separate or combined? Yes! Treatment is combined but different genders are roomed separately.
How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, nurse, etc? Monte Nido Chicago does not have a medical doctor, but they do have a nurse practitioner (who is actually so useless…only good for prescribing Senna) who you see in person once per week on Wednesday. Same deal with the psychiatrist…useless and in person once per week on Wednesday. You see your therapist 3 times per week (depending on who you have though you may see them more or less). Dietician you see once per week and nurse you see everyday for vitals, meds, PRNs, etc.
What is the staff-to-patient ratio? On weekdays, there would be two RCs (recovery coaches), all of the therapists, the dietician, the clinical director, assistant clinical director, and one nurse there. On the weekends, there would be two RCs, one therapist, and a nurse. At night there would just be an RC and a nurse.
How was the staff and therapists? Clueless, pointless, useless, money-hungry
What sort of therapies are used (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR, ACT, exposure therapy, somatic experiencing, etc.)? CBT, DBT, ACT, exposure therapy upon request, art therapy, mindfulness, movement therapy (yoga/walks), and nutrition therapy
Describe the average day:
6:00-7:15 wake up, weight (M, W, F), vitals, hygiene
7:15-7:30 breakfast portioning
7:30-8:00 breakfast
8:00-10:15 reflection/group/sessions/assignments
10:15-10:30 AM snack portioning
10:30-10:45 AM snack
10:45-12:00 reflection/group/sessions/assignments
12:00-12:15 lunch portioning
12:15-12:45 lunch
12:45-2:45 reflection/group/sessions/assignments
2:45-3:00 PM snack portioning
3:00-3:15 PM snack
3:15-6:00 reflection/group/sessions/assignments
6:00-6:15 dinner portioning
6:15-7:00 dinner
7:00-7:15 reflection
7:15-7:30 daily wrap up
7:30-8:15 free time
8:15-8:30 HS snack portioning
8:30-8:45 HS Snack
8:45-9:00 snack sheets are passed out for snacks to be selected for the following day
9:00 bedrooms are unlocked
10:00 lights out
What were meals like? [***TW***] I actually did not eat a single time in my three weeks at this facility so I cannot speak to this [***END TW***]
What sorts of food were available or served? Breakfast was served on a weekly rotation and included things like cereal (always with chopped almonds on top), frozen waffles, yogurt, bagels with peanut butter or nutella. Lunch and dinner were on a four week rotation and consisted of pastas, fish, chicken, and soups. You got to select your three snacks for the next day every evening, but could not choose the same snack twice in one day. Snacks were things like banana with peanut butter, crackers and cream cheese, fig newtons, pop tarts, snack of the week (milieu chooses each week at contract group and is approved by the dietician for the following week), and bakery items (cookies, puppy chow, cupcakes, ice cream sandwiches). There is a lunch outing every Tuesday.
Did they supplement? How did that system work? Yes. For meals, you are given one Ensure (given the choice of chocolate or vanilla) for completing >50% and two for <50%. Snacks you are given one.
What is the policy of not complying with meals? Things get a little complicated here. Yes they claim that you are “required” to complete 100% of meals and snacks (supplementing counts as a completion), but they truly don’t care if you don’t. If your labs, weight, or vitals fall into an “unacceptable” range and you are being marked with consistent incompletion, you will be hospitalized at Central DuPage (but you have to meet certain clinical criteria for this to happen). If the treatment team feels as though you need a higher level of care than residential, they will send you to Alexian Brothers (which doubles as SI treatment — very much like a psych ward). If the team feels like the residential level of care is a good fit for you, but you are consistently refusing food and fluids, they will administer a lateral transfer to Monte Nido Houston or Walden Behavioral Care (the one in Massachusetts) where you can receive “involuntary” tube feeds. If labs, vitals, etc remain in an acceptable range, all that will happen is that you will lose any privileges you might have (phone time, airpods for music, walks, yoga, stairs).
Are you able to eat vegetarian? Vegan? vegetarian yes, vegan no
What privileges are allowed? listed above!
Does it work on a level system? Yes! Entry level: bathroom observation at all times; Level 1: bathroom observation 2 hours after meals and 1 hour after snacks; Level 2: bathroom observation 1 hour after meals and 30 minutes after snack, can portion snacks and meals; Level 3: independent meals and snacks, either bathroom observation 30 minutes after meals or none; High Observation: very rare (only if you have active SI), constant eye line of staff at all times and must sleep on the couch in the milieu instead of your bedroom.
How do you earn privileges? I hate to say it, but gaining weight. If you gain weight without eating somehow, great…privileges are yours.
What sort of groups do they have? Process group, ACT, CBT, DBT, mindfulness, nutrition, recovery reading, relapse prevention, art, yoga.
Do they have exposure group? Food and exercise? Is running an exposure? No exposure groups but you ask your therapists to do individual exposures if you want.
What was your favorite group? Process group
What did you like the most? the nurses (although absolutely clueless) were super sweet and always open to talk to if you wanted to vent without getting in trouble
What did you like the least? There is little to no meal support for it being a residential eating disorder treatment center. Also, they really don’t give a crap if you don’t eat, so I only got sicker by being here.
Would you recommend this program? Absolutely not…literally go anywhere else
What level of activity or exercise was allowed? You could earn walks and yoga
What did people do on weekends? Coloring books, puzzles, board games, movies. There were still two groups per day on weekends and an outing on Saturday (have to be approved to go), and an “inning” on Sunday (never really happened though lol)
Do you get to know your weight? No. They will tell your referring providers and caregivers though.
What was the average length of stay? Between two weeks and five months
What was the average age range? 18-45
How do visits/phone calls work? You can use the house phone if you want to call anyone and can have visitors (must be approved) on Friday afternoons.
What is the electronics policy (e.g., cell phones, iPods, Kindles, laptops, tablets)? You’re allowed to bring whatever electronics you want, but they are locked 24/7….and good luck being allowed to use them.
For inpatient/residential: Are you able to go on outings/passes? if so, where? Lunch outing every Tuesday (everyone goes), outing to craft store, book store, something like that on Saturday (must be approved to go)
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team? They will almost always recommend that you step down to their PHP program or send you to Monte Nido Miami’s PHP. If you make it clear from the beginning that you do not want to do a PHP program after residential, they will keep you in res longer to ensure that you are ready to be independent in the outpatient setting.
Any additional comments? I cannot stress this enough…just don’t. I have so much trauma from this place. So many medical issues that arose from being here. So sad and so hard and so stressful. Go literally anywhere else.
Thank you for the full review! If you have anything to compare this to, would you say that their acceptance of non-completition is similar to that of other residentials that don’t tube? Was it common for people to rely so heavily on supplement?
I’m an adolescent and I’ve been to the Clementine in Georgia twice and the PHP in Alpharetta once, I have anorexia and belemia and while treatment has been very beneficial, I feel that monte nido is VERY unorganized and stingy. And while part of the reason my stays at Clementine were shortened was because of insurance I also was made aware part of it was because They were not sending my paperwork to insurance when requested. This made me feel like Clementine had more important things to do than care about me and the other kids their, and trust me it’s hard enough being a 14 year old with an ED, so then showing that they don’t care made it even worse [*TW*] and caused me to Purge much more frequently [*END TW*] after i left my inappropriate amount of time because I had not planned out leaving. Their also was a girl their; 17 who would constantly mock me and say extremely hurtful things about how I miss social cues. To this day I still get flashbacks from it and what did monte nido do? NOTHING! I talked about it on my contract multiple times, I talked to the director, multiple RC’s and both my therapist and no changes were made what soever. Now I’m not writing this to say Monte Nido is a bad place to receive treatment, but rather to list ways they need to improve on the environment in both the facilities I’ve been in. That being said N**** the clinical director, AMAZING person, she just needs to work things out with many of the employees their. Thanks for reading, bye!!!
Has anyone been part of the Free to Be virtual IOP for binge – compulsive – emotional eating? I’d appreciate any feedback on your experience.
does anyone know anything about the chicago adult residential
The Chicago location is an amazing program
thanks.. the most recent full review wasn’t exactly glowing so glad that you had a good experience 🙂
Hi Liv!
From my experience, Monte Nido’s Chicago location is one of the best, most effective treatment centers to go to for those who are EXTREMELY motivated to recover. Despite it being a residential environment, you are expected to be 100% medically stable (they will quite literally send you immediately to the emergency room upon arrival if you display any signs of bradycardia, orthostatic hypotension, lab abnormalities, dizziness, etc). There is also VERY limited staff support at meals (and honestly in general), so you are really on your own with the safety blanket of being monitored 24/7 if you struggle with behaviors. With that being said, the RCs (recovery coaches) rarely, if ever, put a stop to eating disorder table behaviors. The only behaviors taken seriously are exercising and purging. Thus, choose elsewhere if you are not far enough along in your recovery journey to be pretty much on your own. *TRIGGER WARNING* If you believe you may require tube feeds, please also choose elsewhere. The clinical director will pick up pretty quickly if you are someone who is going to need an NG tube to help you through recovery, and will present this information in a very harsh, traumatizing way. Monte Nido Chicago does not administer tube feeds. However, Monte Nido Houston and Walden Behavioral Health both do (Walden administers involuntary tube feeds I believe) and when I was continually struggling to complete I was told “we are working on facilitating a lateral transfer where they will strap you to a restraint table and place an NG tube.” *END TRIGGER WARNING* I left Monte Nido Chicago against medical advice due to this incident, was admitted to the ICU upon leaving from the medical complications they caused me (on that note, no medical issues are taken seriously if nothing shows up in your labs/vitals…hence the ICU admission), and am now receiving biweekly trauma therapy. Please take my warning, if you lack motivation to recovery, PLEASE go elsewhere or you will only get worse by coming here. Most of the other clients I encountered were lowkey crazy and so drama-hungry, and I don’t think anyone wants to go to treatment just to feel like they’re back in high school, so do with that information what you will. Good luck and feel free to reach out with any questions or for more information/a full review!
The Chicago residential program is fantastic and honestly life changing. After struggling for a decade plus with my ED, I finally feel like I have my life back.
Any recent reviews on Monte Nido – Miami?
I also was looking for a review. I went to it when it was Oliver Pyatt and now that it fully changed to Monte Nido I’m not sure how it changed. I really like how OPC was about intuitive eating and no levels or supplements, just natural consequences. I also appreciated having access to my phone at night in the apartments.
they still do this! no supplements or levels and same access to your phone
?Full Review?
Location: Monte Nido Chicago
When were you there? Prefer not to say
What level(s) of care did you do (e.g., inpatient, residential, PHP, IOP)? Residential
If applicable: Is it wheelchair accessible? Yes
How many patients are there on average? The facility holds up to 12 clients and was at capacity the whole time I was there
Does it treat both males and females? If so, is treatment separate or combined? Yes and it is combined
If applicable: Do they support the gender identities of transgender and nonbinary people? Yes
How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, nurse, etc? You see the nurse practitioner and psychiatrist in person once per week (typically on Wednesday), your therapist three times per week, dietitian one time per week, and nurse everyday. You can also see the nurse practitioner and/or psychiatrist virtually as needed.
What is the staff-to-patient ratio? Typically 1:6
How was the staff and therapists? With the exception of *** and ***, the RCs (recovery coaches) were pretty inexperienced and didn’t seem to enforce the 100% completion policy at meals and snacks. The head day nurse *** was also super scary and kind of mean if you were having any dizziness or ED-related physical symptoms. In general, all of the staff played favorites and if you were not a favorite, you would be called out for everything you did no matter how small. For example, I was called out by my own therapist for not talking at dinner one evening because I was struggling to complete, and was told that me not engaging in discussion was triggering for other clients.
What sort of therapies are used (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR, ACT, exposure therapy, somatic experiencing, etc.)? DBT, CBT, and ACT
Describe the average day
Monday-Friday:
6:00-7:15 AM wakeup, vitals, meds, hygiene (rooms are locked at 7:00)
7:15-7:30 portioning
7:30-8:00 breakfast
8:00-10:00 walks/yoga/MNA move and group
10:15-10:30 portioning
10:30-10:45 snack
11:00-12:00 sessions/assignments
12:00-12:15 portioning
12:15-12:45 lunch
12:45-2:45 sessions/assignments or group
2:45-3:00 portioning
3:00-3:15 snack
3:15-5:00 sessions/assignments
5:00-6:00 group
6:00-6:15 portioning
6:15-7:00 snack
7:00-8:15 relaxation/movie night/game night/free time
8:15-8:30 portioning
8:30-8:45 snack
9:00 rooms are unlocked, vitals (if applicable), meds, hygiene, skin checks (if applicable)
10:00 lights out
Saturday and Sunday: wake up at 7:00 instead of 6:00 and there are only two groups on Sunday instead of three
What were meals like? Lunch and dinner were on a 4 week rotation and breakfast was on a weekly rotation. I really enjoyed the food 90% of the time. The RCs always prepared breakfast and all meals on weekends, but there was a chef who made lunch and dinner Monday-Friday. Every Tuesday we went to a restaurant for lunch that the group selected during contract group.
What sorts of food were available or served? For meals, there was a good bit of pasta, fish, and rice. You got to select your snacks from a snack sheet at the end of each day. Snack options included fruit with peanut butter, crackers with cream cheese, snack mix and juice, fig newtons, pop tarts, bakery items, and snack of the week. When I was there, the snacks of the week included things like cupcakes, sugar cookies, and goldfish.
Did they supplement? How did that system work? Yes. If you do not complete your meal or snack, staff will measure how much supplement you must drink based on how much of your meal/snack you completed. You could choose between chocolate and vanilla Ensure.
What is the policy of not complying with meals? You must complete for 24 hours to be able to have any of your privileges or go on the weekend outing. Depending on your labs/vitals, they may send you to Central DuPage for hospitalization/inpatient treatment or (for severe cases) Alexian Brothers for extended inpatient/SI treatment. They may also recommend a lateral transfer to Monte Nido Houston where they can administer tube feeds. In my experience, however, if you were medically stable they really did not care if you did not complete with the exception of revoking privileges.
Are you able to eat vegetarian? Vegan? I believe vegetarian but not vegan…not 100% sure though.
What privileges are allowed? You can apply for passes on your weekly contract including less bathroom observation, AirPods for music with phone locked away, and sharps without staff observation.
Does it work on a level system? Yes. The only real differences between the levels are bathroom observations, phone usage, and portioning privileges. Everyone starts on Entry Level which means you are on “all-obs” aka bathroom observation at all times (door cracked and staff checks before you flush) and must be in constant line of sight of staff at all times excluding when you are sleeping. On Level 1, you are on bathroom observation for 2 hours after meals and 1 hour after snacks. Level 2 you can portion your meals/snacks and are on bathroom observation for 1 hour after meals and 30 minutes after snacks. Level 3 you get your phone between dinner and HS snack and are only on bathroom observation for 30 minutes after meals. You can also be moved up to high observation (typically only for those who are on the verge of needing inpatient treatment or those with active SI) where you must be in constant line of sight of staff at all times including at night (so you are not allowed to sleep in your bedroom and must sleep on the couch in the milieu).
How do you earn privileges? Completing meals and snacks, participating in groups, and not engaging in behaviors
What sort of groups do they have? DBT, CBT, ACT, process group (they called it primary), art, yoga, cooking, recovery reading, mindfulness, special topics, relapse prevention planning
What was your favorite group? I honestly didn’t find any of the groups interesting or helpful but if I had to pick one I would say process group
If applicable: Is the program trauma-informed? Yes
What did you like the most? The nurses (with the exception of one day nurse) were super nice and always open to talking if you needed to vent without getting in trouble.
What did you like the least? Staff played favorites, clients were lowkey crazy (one threatened to kill me in my sleep), so much drama in the milieu for no reason, very low level of staff support for a residential environment.
Would you recommend this program? It depends; If you are extremely motivated to recovery and require little to no staff support at meals and snacks, then yes. However, if you are lacking recovery motivation, need a significant amount of support, struggle with self harm or SI, or may require tube feeds to get you over the initial hump, I would consider ERC or Veritas.
What level of activity or exercise was allowed? You could be approved for yoga or walks
What did people do on weekends? There were 2-3 groups per day on weekends, an outing on Saturday (if approved), and an inning (aka crafts, karaoke, wii games) on Sunday. Other than that, weekends (and days in general) were super long and boring so I would definitely recommend bringing lots of coloring books, word searches, and kitting/crocheting supplies to help pass the time.
Do you get to know your weight? No
If applicable: How fast is the weight gain process? Depends on the person, their goal weight, and their meal plan
What was the average length of stay? Between two weeks and five months (or until insurance cuts you off), so it really varies from person to person
What was the average age range? When I was there, ages ranged from 18-mid 40s
How do visits/phone calls work? You can have visitors on Fridays from 2-5 and can use the house phone to make calls in the evenings.
Was there family weekends and if so, how did it work? No
What is the electronics policy (e.g., cell phones, iPods, Kindles, laptops, tablets)? You can technically bring whatever electronics you want, but must be approved to use them.
For inpatient/residential: Are you able to go on outings/passes? if so, where? There is a meal outing every Tuesday (everyone goes), an outing that the group decides on every Saturday (you must be approved to go aka 24-hr completion and no self harm or engaging in behaviors, and cannot be on refeeding protocol. There are also certain outings that are not “rest accessible” so it really depends on where the group is going and what level of movement you are allowed). You can request to go on passes but they honestly don’t usually get approved.
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team? They help you get into a PHP program before you leave and ensure that you have an outpatient team (doctor, therapist, psychiatrist, dietitian) established.
Any additional comments? If you consider yourself to be a pretty “normal” person with limited self harm/SI issues, eating disorder behaviors aside from restriction, and don’t want to walk on eggshells all the time because everything you say is “triggering,” I would go elsewhere. Also would 10/10 not recommend for anyone seeking ARFID treatment, as I came in with an ARFID diagnosis and staff kept trying to convince me I had anorexia (B/P type) despite not having any symptoms of B/P anorexia and no history of bingeing or purging. They instead said that AFRID was not widely researched enough to confirm a diagnosis. Additionally, do not come here if you struggle with significant physical symptoms from your eating disorder, as staff (including nurses) really has no clue how to handle physical issues. They will just either take your vitals, give you a PRN, and send you on your way (and blame it on “anxiety”) or send you to the emergency room. No in between. Finally, they claim that they are a voluntary program and that (and I quote) “no one is barricading the door,” but it is an absolute pain to get someone to talk to you and/or listen to you if you are seriously wanting to leave against medical advice. All I can say is if you come here, GOOD LUCK! Feel free to reach out with any questions!
Any recent reviews on the Miami or glen cove location?
is it correct that monte nido gives you a water bottle that you have to drink out of? would they be willing to do a non-reusable water bottle or allow you to use their regular drinking glasses?
i have contamination ocd and do not have issues with hydration, but know that using that reusable water bottle would lead to issues with hydration in treatment
When I was at Monte Nido Miami/Vista and Rainrock no water bottles were allowed. We drank out of glasses at meals.
I was at Rainrock and MNP in 2020 and 2021 and they did give you a water bottle but you are not required to drink from it. It’s just for in between meals since you can’t bring them to the table. I never used mine and always got cups of water from the kitchen if I was thirsty.
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!
I just reopened the separate Monte Nido page for Boston/Laurel Hill. There aren’t any recent posts on it yet, because they were moved to the main Monte Nido page when Faith and I were trying to streamline review pages, and I haven’t moved them back yet —- but just in case seeing the name pop up on the sidebar helps someone to reply, I am going to cross-post this there!
I’m currently at the Laurel Hill/Boston location. We have a chef and he is amazing.
any reviews for laurel hill?
I’m currently at the Laurel Hill location. Ask anything!
hi! i am currently in the admissions process to go to laurel hill (hopefully!) I was wondering if you would be able to outline a typical day and specifics about meals/snacks. also- is there any visitation/contact outside of the facility, my dog is my saving grace and whenever i think about leaving her i am in hysterics ?
i am super nervous about doing res, but i’ve finally come to terms that i’m not improving recovering on my own.
Would you mind providing an updated review when you leave? I’ve been considering laurel hill for awhile but am terrified about the prospect of going in blind without knowing what to expect. Thanks and good luck!
Any info on the Georgia (Atlanta-Sandy Springs) location for residential?
Also, for step down, do you go to the Monte Nido or Walden location in Alpharetta, GA? It looks like they are the same address, but Walden is the second floor maybe?
if applicable, does anyone have any thoughts on this program vs the veritas (Dunwoody, GA) program?
My most recent experience with MN was at Sandy Springs, mind you this was when it was originally opened and shut down due to milieu size at the time. I know it has since reopened, but I must say I had a very positive experience when I was there! I also know someone who was there since they reopened and they agreed! I would advise against Veritas IMO
I wondered why that was shut down. When did it come back? I was approved for residential at Monte Nido and am hoping that location has openings. I also noticed it’s listed on Walden’s website as “Atlanta (served through Monte Nido).” I know Walden and Monte Nido are affiliated now, but I’m not 100% sure how.
Do you know the current waitlist at the Atlanta location?
I don’t, sorry.
There must be one spot, since my daughter crashed out of it this week. She was only there for a week. She didn’t take to the program.
Would it be possible for you to do a full review of your time there? Much appreciated 🙂
Are there any Monte Nido locations that allow at least some access to personal electronics? Sorry, I’ve been trying to search through reviews, but there are so many locations that it’s getting overwhelming :/
I’m interested in the answer to this as well! I swear I remember hearing about a location that allowed at least some access to electronics before reaching the final level/stage (3 or 4 I think?), but I can’t remember what it would be or if it was just due to Covid. It’s hard to do a keyword search/site search about electronics since every review shows up.
I do know that Oliver-Pyatt allows electronics! It’s a Monte Nido affiliate, and was started by the same person who started Clementine and later Within.
I know at least for the Monte nido vista, nido, they only allow phones at level 3 (the final stage) but during COVID, people could have their phone during visiting, don’t know if that’s still valid though.
I think OPC is now Monte Nido Miami, so I bet their policies are the same :/
Also, Wendy Oliver-Pyatt opened one in Miami in called Galen Hope (https://galenhope.com/). It’s technically a PHP, but they more or less present themselves as residential because it’s 12 hours/day, 7 days/week. I’m not sure what the deal is with her opening another treatment center in Miami, though. I’m guessing she is no longer affiliated with Monte Nido?
I’ve been trying to get in touch with Monte Nido to at least find out about insurance but no luck yet.
Yep, she left Monte Nido a few years ago. Afterwards she did a lot of speaking and presentations around the country and worked as a consultant before opening Within and Galen Hope in 2021 (the two aren’t affiliated with each other). Galen Hope must have only recently opened a PHP. Intriguing, because that structure of 12 hours/day with housing is the same that OPC had. I wonder if they take insurance now too? Previously they only did wraparound care, only took private pay, and were a bit of a mess. It’s hard to find objective information about what the clinical program itself is like because they are very concerned with SEO and in the past (I know this from experience lol) threaten legal action against websites that contain any negative reviews. They tried that here and… well it did not go well. Haha.
Interesting. I’ve been back and forth with them, and it’s kind of shady. Initially it sounded like they were out of network just with my insurance (BCBS) in particular but were offering me a “deal” by me paying the OOP max (for out of network.) I asked how that’s any different from what other places do, and this was the response: “When other facilities do that, they have a contracted rate with the insurance that they have agreed to accept. We are not there with insurance companies yet and therefore usually balance bill the client whatever the difference is from what the insurance pays out of network. The deal here is we wouldn’t balance bill and just accept whatever the insurance pays for out of network.”
Also, housing is an additional cost of $2k-$5k per month.
I have heard good things about Galen Hope lately. They aren’t structured quite like OPC because the housing isn’t fully supported (no night nurse). There is a staff in the apartment at night though. They are now in network with three insurance companies and working on expanding. They also just opened an adolescent program. They are trying to take a community approach to treatment which is cool. I know this all from peers I was in treatment with elsewhere.
It is still very inaccessible to most due to the lack of wide-range insurance coverage. They also don’t do well with SCA’s.
Oh, and I spoke with MN this morning and was told that all locations have the same policy. “Very limited” access to any personal electronics (I got the feeling she meant basically zero access) but you do have access to the phones there.
anyone been to the portland location? What’s it like? Are there outings and passes? Do you get your phone? Are you allowed to smoke?
You can’t smoke at the Portland location. There are outings every week. Not sure about passes. Those were stripped with COVID and since MNP opened up right in the middle of that, those were never built into the level system. At Rainrock there were passes up until March of 2020.
Asking for rain rock Oregon, can you vape? What is the average length of stay?
Alright one of yall has to have the 4 week menu rotation. Pleaseeeee ill email you or text u
Monte nido atlanta?
Wondering about meals ? What are examples of some of the meals they have and can you sub out or make exchanges to the meals? For example, If the meal has a potato can you sub for rice? I saw there are a lot of options for snacks, what are the options of the snacks that they have? Is the system based on exchanges? If weight restoration is needed, what do they do differently than with other patients?
Meals across all locations are pretty much the same… breakfast rotates weekly between yogurt bowls with granola and fruit, oatmeal bowls with nut butter and fruit, bagels and cream cheese, egg sandwiches, cereal, etc. Lunches are often wraps or sandwiches with fruit and chips, pasta, bulked up salads. Dinners are usually heavier dishes – stews, veg/protein/rice, meat and pasta, pizza, chili. Unless you have an exception (you’re allowed to have 3 for your whole time and they usually make you pick day 1) you can’t sub out a meal component unless you’re choosing the veggie option of a meal made with meat, or choosing like soy milk v. Regular milk. Or if for example potatoes were your exception, they might give you rice in place of potatoes at meals that include potatoes. If it’s more than one thing, or it doesn’t make sense to sub out the component, they’ll give you a sub meal (pbj, chips, apple…something like that). Snacks are usually pairs of things: fruit and cheese, crackers and cheese, carrots and cottage cheese, but can also be things like a pop tart or cookies with milk or a portion of ice cream. Usually there’s a special snack each week that the milieu chooses, and as you move levels you can also bring in your own special snacks.
the system is not exchanges. It’s calories based but they don’t tell you the calories. It’s relatively easy to figure out [the system] though. If you need to restore weight or maintain on a higher meal plan they just increase the portion of the meal or snack, or add on a “side” which is often just an extra portion of something or a snack portion with a meal or a caloric beverage (juice) at a meal.
Sorry I have lots of questions because I might be going soon and I’m nervous… Do they do oatmeal every week or is it sometimes overnight oats? Also did they get rid of the day with scrambled eggs and toast? And how many sub meals can you have each week? Do they allow phones at all? and do they still do pb & j on Saturdays and pizza on Fridays?
Thank you in advance!!!
Hi, does anyone know if Monte Nido allows adult patients to stay on stimulants? Particularly the MA location in Laurel Hill
Hi,
I’m considering admitting to Monte Nido Laurel Hill Residential, and I have a couple questions. If anyone has any info, I’d really appreciate it!
1) Do they allow patients to stay on stimulants?
2) How lenient are they with completion?
3) What is the electronics policy? Do patients get their laptops during free time during the day if they have school-related or work-related things to do on their electronics?
4) Are the groups any good, and also are they mostly the typical coping skills type stuff?
When I was there briefly in 2020(?) electronics were locked up until you reached a certain level/earned that privilege. There is a desktop computer that you can use during free time. Usually, they encourage you to focus on recovery.