Monte Nido is a national eating disorder treatment center with a number of locations across the country. This page is for their Chicago location. (For reviews of their California locations, please click here. For reviews of their Oregon locations, please click here. For reviews of their other residential treatment locations, please click here. For reviews of their PHP/IOP and virtual programs, please click here.
Monte Nido is known for its focus on body and soul. They mostly focus on residential treatment, however some locations do offer PHP, or PHP with housing. It was founded in 1996 by Carolyn Costin, who left after 20 years in 2016. Monte Nido changed ownership a few years ago; it now has new leadership, new clinical directors and many more locations.
Monte Nido Chicago opened in 2020 and is the first Monte Nido eating disorder treatment location in the Midwest. It drew clinical experienced staff from all over the Chicago metro area. It is located in Winfield, Illinois, and treats adults of all genders.
Any current reviews or information about Monte Nido’s Chicago location? You can check out the FAQ and Guidelines for suggested questions, and post your Chicago review or experience in the comments below!
When were you there?
Still am! Aug-Sept 2025+
What level(s) of care did you do (e.g., inpatient, residential, PHP, IOP)?
Res
If applicable: Is it wheelchair accessible?
To a point – they have one three-bed wheelchair-accessible room on the ground floor
How many patients are there on average?
8-12, max 12 but normally we have around 10
What genders does it treat?
All
If applicable: Do they support the gender identities of transgender and nonbinary people?
Yes, although some misgendering happens with nonbinary people
How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, nurse, etc?
Nursing daily, dietician 1x/wk, nurse practitioner 1x/wk, therapist 3x/wk,
What is the staff-to-patient ratio?
We were short-staffed for a little, but have been doing a lot better recently with around 1 RC (MHT, BHT, DC, whatever) per 4-6 patients, plus nursing and clinical
What sort of therapies are used (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR, ACT, exposure therapy, somatic experiencing, etc.)? DBT, CBT, ACT, exposure therapy, some schema therapy and other random stuff the therapists find helpful. Groups are run by the actual program therapists.
Describe the average day:
6-7: Wake up, hygiene
Rooms locked at 7
7:30-8: Breakfast
8-9: meds, free time
9-10: group
10:30-45: snack
11-12: group
12:30-1: lunch
Sometimes group at 1 or 2, usually free time until…
3: snack
3:15-5: free time, outside time, sessions/assignments…
5-6:group
6:15-7: dinner
7-8:15 & 8:30-9: movie & TV time, free time, etc
8:15: snack
9: rooms open, hygiene
10: must be in rooms
10:30: lights out
What were meals like?
Sit-down meals around the dining table in a homelike dining room. The milieu has been pretty conversational the whole time I’ve been here – not a lot of awkward silences. If it’s uncomfortably quiet, RCs will usually initiate table games or conversation.
What sorts of food were available or served?
All kinds! The lunch and dinner menu is on a four-week rotation and includes curry with rice, glazed salmon, ravioli in tomato sauce, baked ziti, greek bowls, green goddess bowls, burgers with sweet potato fries, teriyaki chicken with fried rice, et cetera. Meals (except breakfast) are prepared by the in-house chef, who occasionally goes off-menu and makes something special for us. Breakfast is a two-week rotation mostly prepared by RCs and has waffles with nutella, cereal, toast, pancakes, overnight oats (SO GOOD), bagels, quiche…
There’s another review describing Monte Nido’s nutrition philosophy that I won’t type here because it’s long and well-worded. You should read it. Accurate.
Did they supplement? How did that system work?
You can ask for supplement with 10 minutes left in the meal/snack. RCs are pretty good about offering supplement, but they won’t force you. You don’t have to sit afterwards, but you can have an extra minute or two if needed. Supplement counts as regular completion and you still earn privileges.
What is the policy of not complying with meals? Do most people complete their meals/snacks?
They very much have a “completion culture”, which is incredibly helpful and supportive. When you don’t complete, you lose privileges (including coffee), but you get them all back once you’ve completed for 24hrs. If you don’t improve or get too many refusals they’ll discuss sending you to inpatient, but you get a few weeks’ grace.
If applicable: Do they treat ARFID? If so, do they have a separate approach to meals for ARFID?
Yes; unsure – they do a lot of exposure-based treatment no matter what though
Are you able to eat vegetarian? Vegan?
Not to my knowledge – maybe vegetarian, definitely not vegan.
What privileges are allowed?
Headphones, sharps access, coffee in the mornings, less bathroom observations (you start on all then go to 2hrs after meals 1hr after snacks and progress more later), movement, portioning your own meals/snacks (with guidance), and more
Does it work on a level system?
Yes. You start on entry level, and it goes to level 1, 2, 3, and discharge. Discharge is just whatever privileges your team wants you to have, really.
How do you earn privileges?
Applying for levels/privileges during contract group on Mondays (except for coffee- you just get to have that if you complete for the full day before and are medically cleared for it)
What sort of groups do they have?
Process, body image, CBT, ACT, DBT, special topics, aftercare planning, family and relationships, art, yoga, etc
What was your favorite group?
Process
If applicable: Is the program trauma-informed?
Yes, moreso than most in my opinion
What did you like the most?
This program is wonderfully holistic. The homelike environment (it’s literally a renovated house) is great. We also get to go outside and sit on the porch whenever we want as long as a staff member is available to supervise.
What did you like the least?
Limited phone access/access to the outside world
Would you recommend this program?
Absolutely!
What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
Two yogas and three walks a week once approved. There’s also MN Move but I have no idea if they actually do that.
What did people do on weekends?
Groups, inning, outing, and stuff like reading, board games, and watching a movie
Do you get to know your weight?
Nope
If applicable: How fast is the weight gain process?
You don’t get to know. Fairly typical, I’d imagine.
What was the average length of stay?
It’s pretty consistently 6-8 weeks, but I’ve heard of someone staying 12 and some staying 4.
What was the average age range?
Skewed younger, with most around 18-25, but there are some people in their 30s-60s as well.
How do visits/phone calls work?
You can sign up for time to use the landline in 15 minute increments every day, and there are three hours for visiting on Friday.
What is the electronics policy (e.g., cell phones, iPods, Kindles, laptops, tablets)?
Typically you don’t get your devices until you’re level 3, when you get them from dinner to HS snack. On 1, 2, and entry, you can only use your phone to play music to Bluetooth headphones while your phone stays in the drawer. All other device use must be approved by the clinical director. I’ve seen facetime during visiting hours approved, some phone-related exposures and “cleaning” for lower levels, et cetera.
For inpatient/residential: Are you able to go on outings/passes?
Passees- Yes, but they’re not as commonly approved and certainly not as frequent as ERC. Most are accompanied by a treatment team member or at the very least your family.
Outings- There’s a Saturday outing we vote on every week (Target, Half Price Books, the park, the zoo, movies, Build-a-Bear, etc) that you can go on if you’ve completed the day before and the day of (up until the outing) and you aren’t on “rest protocol” if it’s a non-rest-accessible outing. There’s also a lunch outing on Tuesdays that everyone goes on unless you’re a safety risk or medical risk.
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team?
They’ll help you with referrals, and are very intentional with setting up aftercare. They check in with you within a week from discharge, have virtual support groups, and have PHPs in the area as well as others in the USA.
Are there any resources for people who come from out of state/country?
Not that I’m aware of
Some random cons:
-some timeliness issues
-food was sometimes room temperature
-one therapist isn’t very popular/experienced with EDs, though I find them helpful
Other?
As someone who’s been in a few treatment programs (not a ton), this is the best I’ve seen. The staff are compassionate, the meals are intuitive, the setting is comfortable and homelike, et cetera. I wouldn’t recommend this program for very medically compromised folks or people that may require tube feeds, but otherwise I think it’s stellar. The staff truly want to help, the groups are a step above random skill groups, et cetera. It definitely helps that my milieu is so supportive. Overall, if you’re considering it, I’d call Monte Nido Chicago a wonderful program. It honestly helped me more in my ED than years of outpatient, other res, PHP, and IOP. I can say for the first time ever that I’m motivated to recover, and for the first time in years that I am excited to live again. Of course, residential has its downsides – it’s not perfect – but I hope anyone who goes has a similar experience.
How is the dietitian? Is it still J?
yeah – from what i’ve seen, she’s improved, although still not spectacular
Ah that’s too bad – it’s such a good program, I just wish they had a competent dietitian because that’s so important
So good to hear!!! I feel like we rarely get positive reviews, so it’s wonderful to feel like there’s a place to go. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Thanks so much for this review! I have a few questions.
Thank you so much!
1- Most people that I’ve seen start completing pretty fast. If you don’t eat at ALL, you’re off to inpatient. If you’re consistently struggling to complete for a week or two, you’re probably going to be recommended to step up. I agree that it’s super triggering, and honestly it’s been super helpful to be here, because almost everyone completes.
2- She’s fine, just not the most educated on the science and whatnot. Definitely not a dealbreaker.
3- They redirect clear exercise. Staff struggled with spotting excessive movement non-exercise at first, but I brought it up and they did a training and it’s been better.
Monte Nido Chicago literally saved my 19-year-old daughter’s life. I cannot say enough good things about the treatment she received and the care provided by Monte Nido’s Chicago’s team. Her care team was amazing, especially her therapist, Dr. M******. Further, the food and meals provided were of the highest quality, and helped her begin to enjoy food again thanks to the D****** – the facilities’ chef.
This was my daughter’s second stay at a residential facility (the first was at a different company’s site in Ohio) and she is truly in a better place than she has been since her diagnosis.
She is headed to Monte Nido’s PHP program in Miami and then will follow the step-down protocol and go to IOP following her stay there.
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!
If you are looking for an eating disorder treatment center with your best interest at heart, Monte Nido Chicago is the place to go. I was so pleasantly surprised by what a comfortable, home-like environment it was and even more, that everyone working there really does care about you and your recovery. The staff are all so nice! The therapy, discussions and assignments were really insightful. I learned so much abut self care. My experience there was exactly what I needed for my recovery. Yes it was challenging, yes it was hard, but they know what they are doing and what really works. I trust them completely. They taught me how to live better, to live a bigger more fulfilling life! I have been home a month now, and I couldn’t be happier. I have learned to relax, to nourish myself and built up my self confidence. I can tell people how I feel and what I want/like/need. I am so grateful that I chose Monte Nido Chicago for my recovery! I hope you do too.
This is good to know! How many patients does it hold? Also, what is the current electronics policy? I’ve been approved for residential with them but still waiting to hear which locations have availability.
Hi! I am considering Monte Nido Chicago residential. Has anyone been here recently and could give a detailed review of their experience? Thank you so much in advance! 🙂 Also, if you could answer these questions I would be so appreciative!
When were you there?
What level(s) of care did you do (e.g., inpatient, residential, PHP, IOP)?
If applicable: Is it wheelchair accessible?
How many patients are there on average?
Does it treat both males and females? If so, is treatment separate or combined?
If applicable: Do they support the gender identities of transgender and nonbinary people?
How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, nurse, etc?
What is the staff-to-patient ratio?
How was the staff and therapists?
What sort of therapies are used (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR, ACT, exposure therapy, somatic experiencing, etc.)?
Describe the average day:
What were meals like?
What sorts of food were available or served?
Did they supplement?
How did that system work?
What is the policy of not complying with meals?
Are you able to eat vegetarian? Vegan?
What privileges are allowed?
Does it work on a level system?
How do you earn privileges?
What sort of groups do they have?
Do they have exposure group? Food and exercise? Is running an exposure?
What was your favorite group?
If applicable: Is the program trauma-informed?
What did you like the most?
What did you like the least?
Would you recommend this program?
What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
What did people do on weekends?
Do you get to know your weight?
If applicable: How fast is the weight gain process?
What was the average length of stay?What was the average age range?
How do visits/phone calls work?
Was there family weekends and if so, how did it work?
What is the electronics policy (e.g., cell phones, iPods, Kindles, laptops, tablets)?
For inpatient/residential: Are you able to go on outings/passes? if so, where?
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team?
Are there any resources for people who come from out of state/country?
Any additional comments?
Hello! I was at MN Chicago in the spring of 2023 but I thought I’d answer some of your questions even though it’s not super recent! I’m sure things are mostly the same as when I was there:)
March-April 2023
Residential
Yes!
it really varies, over the month that I was there our milieu went from 15 to 5 and then back up to 8 or 9 again. There are positives and negative to all different sizes of milieu so I wouldn’t worry too much about it.
they treat people of all gender identities which is wonderful! When I was there we had one individual who was non binary and one individual who was male and they were treated with everyone else but got to have their own rooms,
kind of answered this above but yes! They are very understanding and accommodating.
medical doctor was 1-2 times a week I believe though there is nursing staff on hand 24/7 so they address a lot of medical issues.
for psychiatrist it was 2 times a week as well though it sometimes varied
for therapist they aimed to have you see them 3-4 times a week, but in reality it was mor like 2 or 3 max.
you also see your dietician 2 times a week!
an important thing to note with this is that, while you only have an allotted number of scheduled appointments per week with your therapist and dietician, they are on site and around the house either leading groups, taking us on outings, or helping with supervising almost every day and sometimes on weekends which I found incredibly nice, as it allowed for them to keep an eye on you and what you might be struggling with, as well as providing an opportunity for you to speak up or address your needs in certain situations.
This is where Monte Nido, as most Res treatment centers, struggled a bit]
mind you, I was there about a year ago when they were going through some transitions so this might be different, but it was on average about a 6-8:1 ratio
the staff was absolutely lovely and the therapists were really great and professional. I think they were making some hangers to their staff while I was there so it was a bit hectic, but overall the atmosphere and vibe of the staff made me feel very comfortable and seen at all times.
also I don’t know if Gary the chef is still working there but honestly I would go back just to see him because he made my time there like 15 times better:)
they are really well versed on a wide variety of therapies so it’s kind of all over the place and really boils down to what your specific needs are and how you chose to address them with your assigned therapist!
Describe the average day:
meals were three times a day for 45min. We would sit down and then go around the table and say what our intentions were for the meal and then set a goal. After that everyone would start eating and we would play table games or just chat. If it was breakfast then we would read the daily horoscope which I loved! There are two staff at either end of the table for supervision but everyone there was so down to earth that it honestly just felt like eating with your peers. When the meal was done we would conclude by saying how we were feeling and if we met our intention, and then we were excused.
They had an amazing variety! My memory is kind of spotty but I’ll try and relay as much as I can.
breakfasts during the week were on rotation and varied from things like oatmeal and fruit, eggs, cereal, smoothies, waffles, etc. very standard stuff (but omg do I miss the overnight oats, god they were so good)
Lunches were somewhat on rotation, we would have certain days of the week marked off for certain rotation meals, and then the other half of the lunches would be different each week. There was so much variety that I couldn’t really lay out a ton of examples.
Dinners were the best, Gary, the chef, would work with the staff and come up with some seriously creative and delicious dishes!! They were seasonal and touched on all sorts of different cuisines, and always had elements of freshness which I really really appreciated in contrast to places I’ve been in the past.
snacks came of a list that you would decide from the night before, and also had tons of variety which I loved.
I have been to allot of different treatment centers and I can honestly say that montenido put all of those places to shame in terms of not only the type of food that was served, but the way that they addressed meal planning and nutrition in general.
They did supplement and it was a pretty standard percentage supplement system. If you didn’t finish by the end of mealtime, A staff would come and asses how much you’d completed, and then bring the corresponding supplement amount.
it’s much less punitive than many other places I’ve been at. If you refuse one supplement, the main things that will be taken away include ability to go on walks or outings, and my least favorite, no coffee the next morning. The more that you refuse the more privileges will be taken away. Your therapist will work with you directly as soon as refusal happens to try and work through it with you on an individual level which I thought was really nice
vegetarian is fully accommodated but no vegan
when you get there it’s pretty standard first entering treatment protocol. Full bathroom observation, need to be within line of sight with staff, etc.
they don’t allow any electronics as well.
privileges that you slowly gain include goin for walks and doing yoga, going on outings, having access to electronics, no bathroom observation, individual outings with staff, going to bed early, etc.
I thinkkkk, I honestly can’t remember super well, but it definitely was some sort of titration system where you slowly move up and you can also move down, but it’s not super set in stone like other places
mostly by compliance to the program and demonstration of progress over time. It’s equal parts just how long you’ve been there, and how committed you are to recovery.
a bunch, art therapy, DBT, CBT, process group, yoga, family and relationships, nutrition, and a few more that I am not remembering super well
they do individual exposures once you’ve been there for a bit and those revolve around food and exercise and will be completed with either your therapist or dietician, but I will say very straight forward that running is definitely not an exposure. I’m not sure it would be at any treatment center regardless of your personal case.
My favorite was process group and Art therapy!
Yes!!
this is a loaded question so I’ll try and be concise, but I think what I liked the most was how Un-clinical it felt. The house was beautiful and such a peaceful and comfortable environment. Mealtimes felt like a family dinner in a nice dining room with friends. We would go out and sunbathe in the yard and draw with chalk and do groups outside when it was nice out. The property was beautiful as well and I spent a LOT of time outside which was something I never had the privilege of doing at treatment in the past. It just felt like a home, which is so rare to achieve in treatment settings.
I would say what I liked the least was the amount of free time. A lot of afternoons we would have long stretches of time allotted to complete it assignments, but sometimes i would go a little stir crazy. I do think that if I had committed more to actively working on things during that time I would have been in a better position though.
100%
there were walks three times a week and yoga twice I believe !
we would have some groups, outings, and innings on the weekend! Sometimes we would play games, watch shows or movies, do art, sit outside, read, etc! Lots of movie marathons for sure
not until very late in your completion of the program, but I truly think it is better that way.
it is standard I think with most res protocol but also depends from person to person. I will say that in comparison to other places I’ve been it was MUCH slower and more manageable, and any times I had concerns they were addressed with my dietician and therapist promptly.
1-3 months, but likely somewhere in between
I was the youngest when I was there but at the time of my stay the range was 19-50
visits are on Saturday’s for two hours, and phone calls can happen everyday during periods or free time, your just have to sign up to use the phone the night before!
just whoever visits during visiting hours
nothing with access to the internet, I had a little iPod that I got from best buy that just played music I downloaded which was approved,and I think kindles are approved as well. There is a computed in the living room with full internet access that you can use at any time to respond to emails, listen to music, watch YouTube, print things, or even make some fun Amazon orders!
outings were I think once weekly plus one meal outing, they have a SUPER long list that is always changing but every outing I went on was super fun:)
they are extremely helpful and committed to making sure you are receiving the right level of care once you leave !
I came from out of state as did many of the people in my milieu and they are very very helpful in the process.
I would just say that I would 100% recommend Monte Nido Chicago to someone seeking residential care. Sure there are some drawbacks to it, but overall in my journey so far they have helped me more that four years of treatment as an adolescent ever did. You’ve got to commit to the program, and it’s not going to be the most comfortable at times, but it is soso worth it in the end, and everyone deserves a fair shot at recovery
You are amazing, thank you P! We haven’t had a full review of Monte Nido Chicago in over three years, THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!
Is J****** still the dietitian? She was brand new and very inexperienced working with eating disorders when I was there back in late 2022, and I wondered if things had improved, because while I agree that most of the staff was really wonderful, having a dietitian who didn’t really know what she was doing made things challenging. Thank you for taking the time to write this review, and wishing you all the best!
Hi P!
yes J is still there and I don’t think it has improved much. I was there July 2023 and the girl is still lost, she wasn’t very help during my stay.
Do they also have diet techs (or something similar) who help out with meal/menu planning? I know from my experience at least that a good diet tech can make a big difference in the recovery process, especially when the actual dietitian isn’t up to par.
They have amazing RC’s and a amazing clinical director who is very very helpful during meal times or anytime really.
I’m sorry to hear that – I overall had a pretty positive experience at MN Chicago and thought most of the therapists, RCs, and chef were helpful, but unfortunately that key aspect of having a good dietitian (especially in eating disorder tx haha) was lacking 🙁
If this is not allowed, please delete. I wanted to let other people know about my recent experience at MN Chicago, so they do not go through what I experienced. I was not told during the admissions process that they do not allow you take stimulants for ADHD while there. No one at the facility told me my first day. It wasn’t until I went to take my morning medication that someone finally told me wasn’t allow to take it. During my meeting with the psychiatrist, he was smirking the entire time, was extremely condescending, and didn’t listen to me at all. He refused to call my regular psychiatrist, refused to hear my outpatient therapist that taking this medication for 10+ years was not contributing to my ED, refused to let me sign a contract stating I will complete every meal and snack, refused to contact the residential facility I went to in the summer that allowed me to take this medicine and completed all but one meal, and refused to see how I would do on the medicine during my first few days of treatment. The only option was to go through withdrawals (he would not let me wean off it) and, in his words, “see what happens.” As of last week (last week of October), there is a new clinical director. I have a feeling that things at this location is going to change drastically with her in charge. This is not to say this particular facility isn’t worth looking into or attending. Every person will have a different experience. I want to let others know about the medication issue, so no one else has to experience it.
So sorry this was your experience anon. In general (I’m sure there are exceptions) I think the MN psychiatrists suck. There used to be an amazing psychiatrist at the Phillie site but she left and was replaced by a man that was absolutely clueless and inept, and the guy at the NY one was bad too.
Thank you so much for sharing!!! That is so frustrating. You should have gotten the chance to learn how to work with the medicine while you were there, because you are going to need to be able to do so at home. I’m so sorry that didn’t even give it a chance! Can I ask which residential you went to before that allowed you to take it? Also, medication issue aside, how was your experience otherwise?
I take Lyrica and Klonapin, both controlled substances and made the sales rep check with the facility to make sure it’s okay. She tells me it is but I’m scared. Had to withdrawal at the last in patient facility. Finally got meds after a seizure, wtf?!
Do not go if the Admissions person tells you she checked with her team that it’s okay to take controlled substances there. WASTE of time, energy and money. Admissions must be on commission.
Wow, this is such a backward way of looking at ADHD, and I am disappointed. Recent studies show that ADHD and ADD often manifest as anxiety and, yes via disordered eating, especially in women. This is particularly the case with respect to adults diagnoses. These are disproportionately women whose childhood symptoms were overlooked because the traditional model of ADHD regards its manifestation as being one of acting out. With some of us, yes particularly the ladies, ADHD manifests as acting in. When I have been the most severely symptomatic with my own AN, it has always been while off my medication or when taking a lower dose then I am prescribed.
Any recent reviews on Chicago location?
Yes! I was just there and actually gonna have to step back up. It’s the most beneficial program I’ve been too. I’ve been to center for discovery and ERC and monte is by far the best. It’s 12 beds there’s not a ton of staff so you get close with the staff and comfortable pretty easily. They are short staffed but it doesn’t affect treatment they really do have an amazing team working there. You feel like an actual human being. You can go outside onto the porch and into the front yard, we do groups outside all the time, they do outings on Saturday’s! Starbucks on Sundays! Mobile target orders on Tuesdays. To receive the Starbucks you need to be completing for a a full 48hrs regular coffee in the morning and outings are 24hrs. We do walks and yoga you also have to be completing 48hours for that! I cant speak highly enough of this program and the staff. The clinical director is amazing as well as the assistant clinical director who is also a primary therapist. You can always add my Snapchat avery_112319 if you want to know more I’m stepping back up to that location within like two weeks. Only reason I was discharged is because of insurance issues!
thank you so much! i think i snapchatted you!
Would you be willing to provide some info around how they do the food here, like as far as how much choice there is for snacks and breakfast, how do they do and what do they serve for meals, is the food decent, is there much autonomy and variety as far as snacks and breakfast or is it pretty limited and what’s typically available with those? Also, what’s the electronics policy, can we have phones/computers? And do you know if can they accommodate dairy free alternatives to those who can’t have it due to allergies/intolerance?
I know that’s a lot of questions and pretty specific so sorry to o overwhelm. Any info you could provide in regards to those things would hugely helpful! And of course just whatever you’re comfortable with, no obligation to share anything. 🙂
So there are a lot of snack choices that’s the one thing I do love is the variety with snacks! Breakfast is on a 7day rotating schedule it’s not bad. Food is actually pretty good! Yes they use vanilla soy milk usually, I had it as my alternative to regular milk! The meals vary there’s a chef and he’s really cool and makes good food! Electronics you earn. Every Friday we get our phones and computers for a few hours but for the most part you don’t get them much but once you’re on level 3 you can have them every night after dinner! Personally it’s the better program I’ve gone to. I actually re admit tuesday and at no fault to the program I just didn’t want recovery fully at that time!
Thank you so much for responding and being willing to share your insight. This is all super helpful to know and I really appreciate it. I hope everything goes well with your admission on Tuesday, I know it’s really hard to go back to treatment, no matter how determined or motivated we might be. I wish all the best for you with your treatment and recovery and just want to emphasize how brave you are just in making this decision. Thank you again for the info. 🙂
Location: Chicago
Hey all, I’m looking into possibly admitting at Monte Nido Chicago. Has anyone been here? Thanks!
I have! What would you like to know? I’d be happy to answer any questions:)
Anything about the general experience that you’re willing to provide really! What was your time there like? Would you recommend it?
And any of the day-to-day stuff that you can remember? What’s their meal/supplement system, electronics policies, how are therapy groups?
Anything would be appreciated 🙂
Overall it’s definitely a great program and I recommend it. In addition to Monte Nido Chicago, I’ve been to 2 Clementine (the MN adolescent programs) and I’ve found all 3 Monte Nido programs much more helpful than the other places I’ve been.
Hope this was helpful, lmk if there is anything else you want to know. I’d be happy to give more specifics 🙂
This is super helpful! I’m looking into Monte Nido.. how do they handle food intolerance? Are there any dairy free supplement options and how do they handle GI stuff?
It probably depends on the dietician at the specific location, but at Chicago, they required documentation from a doctor of food intolerances to accommodate them. The dietician tends to really push for incorporating all foods because she claims that EDs/restriction can cause temporary food intolerances that can be healed with refeeding. However, if you have an allergy or are celiac or something similar they will honor that. Yes, they do have a dairy-free supplement, but use Ensure if you are not dairy-free. For lactose intolerence, they typically give lactaid instead of giving dairy-free options.
For the GI stuff, they do have various medications, hot packs, mirlax, etc. available. They also usually start you off at a pretty low meal plan and gradually increase it, but you can definitely expect to feel bloated and have some digestive distress when you’re here.
Hi! Chiming in on this thread. Were there any males in the program while you were there? How did room assignments work with males/females? Were you able to request specific exposures (i.e. things you really wanted to challenge with your eating disorder)? Were most people needing to gain some amount of weight? Also, were you able to request exercise beyond yoga and walking (also, were walks daily)?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Hi! When I was there weren’t any males, so I’m not sure how the room assignments work. We were able to request specific exposures and the staff was pretty good at accommodating them and helping to brainstorm individualized exposures. When I was there most people were actually on a weight maintenance meal plan, but I needed to gain quite a bit of weight and I know some others also needed to gain some weight. The walks are usually 4 days a week (the non-yoga days). Once you get to level 2 you can also do MNA move — basically weights and circuit training — a few days a week. Some people also did other exercise exposures, runs, etc. depending on what they needed to work on.
Thanks for your response! Did you like your therapist / dietitian? What about the RCs….were they helpful during meal times? Can you give me some examples of exposures people did?
Could you say more about the exercise exposures? When can those start? Is the team willing to work with you individually based on what kind of exercise behaviors you are struggling with or want to do in a healthy way (I.e. I’m a runner)?
Nathalia, can you speak to how the exposures with food and exercise work? Did you get to do a good number of them before you left? Did you feel adequately prepared for discharge?
Review of Nutrition/Meal Plans at Monte Nido
Hopefully this helps someone who is browsing to understand how MN does nutrition, because it is THE BOMB.
Nope, Monte Nido doesn’t use exchanges. It’s all based on eyeball portioning. So when you get in to res, you just select meals from a menu, they make it, and just put them in front of you. You try to eat 100%. The idea is that they’re introducing you slowly over time to what a “normalized” meal should look like. So instead of something like, a a scoop of mashed potatoes + a slice of chicken + a cup of fruit + a cup of carrots (which is clearly based on the exchange system, e.g. you can COUNT the exchanges), Monte Nido will do something like, a broccoli Mac and cheese casserole with a chicken noodle soup. Like sure you could try to figure the exchanges, but it’s not as easy to separate them out. Monte Nido’s philosophy is that most people will usually eat more like the latter than the former – when you order a plate of chicken pesto pasta at the restaurant, you’re not asking for a scoop of pasta, a slice of chicken, and a dollop of sauce on the side. No, you’re asking for everything to come as one complete, delicious meal ? I personally love this philosophy because it got me away from counting calories (because let’s be real, it is so easy to figure out how many calories are in an exchange, and then it’s just trading one unit for another).
After a few weeks of just picking meals, you get to plate your own and/or bring your own (if you’re in higher levels of PHP or IOP). When they check your meals, they don’t say, “Hmm, it looks like you only have 3 grains and not 4 grains, can you add a grain?” Instead, the staff will say, “Can you take a look at your plate and let me know what you think about the portion?” They will gently guide you to recognizing that portion sizes may be too big or too small. And then you can choose something from the pantry to add to your meal to make sure you’re getting the portion size right. And get this – you can choose ANYTHING from the pantry! It’s not like you’re missing a grain so you need to pick a grain. They just want you to choose something, anything that sounds good, and put it on your plate to make the portion correct. Isn’t that awesome?! That’s what intuitive eating should be like ?
For snacks, you get to choose whatever you want. Same thing: in the beginning they will plate for you, and then after a few weeks you will go plate yourself. So let’s say today I go in the kitchen and I’m really feeling some grapes and Oreos. In exchange programs, they will tell you, “Okay, so a B snack is 10 grapes and 4 Oreos” and you just put that on your plate. Nope, not at MN. They don’t tell you anything. You put what you *think* is a B snack portion on your plate and they will either nod to confirm or ask you to put a little more. They don’t say, “Oh Cee, you only put 8 grapes, please put 2 more.” There is no counting of the grapes. It all focuses on what it looks like on a plate and what a normal portion is. Because duh, sometimes you have huge juicy grapes and sometimes you have smol grapes, and it would be dumb to count out 10 grapes (hello, isn’t that what we did in our eating disorder?) So you just put the damn grapes in a bowl and eat it and go about your day. And eventually you get used to what a “normalized” portion of grapes looks like and you don’t even think about it, just grab a handful and plop em down and there you go. For folks who are really struggling, they may put you on measured portion or reverse portion, where you can use measuring cups and spoons to prep your snacks, but even then it is very lenient. It doesn’t need to be EXACTLY one tablespoon of peanut butter – a little more, a little less, that’s fine, because we’re trying to break the habit of needing to be super exact with our food ?
I know I sound kooky but MN really did teach me how to intuitively eat, and I am forever grateful for that.
Location: Chicago, IL
When were you there?
September 2020 – October 2020
* How many patients on average?
Their milieu is currently running smaller, I think about 5, but they can go up to an 8 bed.
* Does it treat both males and females? If so, is treatment separate or combined?
Treatment is together. However, you can choose on intake if you prefer to room with same gender, different, or have no preference
* How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, etc?
Medical doctor & psychiatrist you see 1x / week each, therapist 3x / week in scheduled sessions plus check-ins as needed, nutritionist 1x / week
* What is the staff ratio to patients?
It depends! On an average census 1-2 RCs, 1 therapist, 1 nurse, and usually either the Program Director and/ord Clinical Director are there.
* What sort of therapies are used? (DBT, CBT, EMDR) etc?
CBT, DBT, and other modalities. They’re very flexible about what seems to help the current milieu the best.
* What were meals like?
Typicall started with a checkin and/or quote and a deep breath. Time allotted stated at the beginning for pacing — it was 30-50 for meals (depending on the meal, breakfast was always shortest and brunch always longest) and 20 for snacks.
The staff (and occasionally clients) facilitated table games and conversation. They were gentle about redirection, check ins and offering supplements.
* What sorts of food were available or served?
Rotational menu, with more variety available as you get snack privileges. They were open to buying new snack options and you could ask for “challenge snacks” on your contract/ask for different flavors of things to be bought. Lunch and dinner was awesome in variety, especially with the RD’s picks for the menu which was local recipes and having take out. However, breakfast was usually the same each week.
Sunday is brunch now, which means there’s five meals. but two of them were portioned differently and you start the day with a snack.
There was always one pizza dinner and one take out lunch/week.
* Did they supplement? How did that system work?
Yup! It depended upon completion how much.
* What is the policy of not complying with meals?
Asking for and finishing the supplement was no penalty, but not finishing the supplement or meal in the allotted time several time throughout a week is enough to warrent a conversation about a higher level of care.
* Are you able to be a vegetarian?
Yes! I don’t think vegan would be wholly possible, however.
* What privileges are allowed?
….Way more than I expected. Gum and candy, less obs, sharps and hot tools with/without supervision, exercise privileges, early bedtime, phone with or without SIM, upstairs privileges, portioning, pick at time snack, off menu snacks and meal preps, independent meals/snacks, passes and independent days. There’s a community computer that, at least while I was there, was very readily available.
-Especially being there during COVID19, getting phone/laptop priveleges on was pretty easy on my contract.
* Does it work on a level system?
Yes – entry through level 3 (or 4 if your insurance allowed it)
* How do you earn privileges?
Mostly meal compliance and refraining from behaviors. Staff constantly assessed your progress and transitioned you into bigger responsibilities during each contract week (or sooner sometimes!!)
* What sort of groups do they have?
Primary, ACT, Nutrition, Pre-Contract/Contract (w treatment goals and privileges), CBT Group, Special Topics, Body and Soul, Yoga, DBT Group, Outings, Reflection, Expressive (usually art/movement)
* What was your favorite group?
Ooooh, usually Body and Soul and/or Special Topics!! they were on the same day with the same therapist, so they were great about bringing them together and it was very helpful.
* What did you like the most?
The staff is AMAZING. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the staff there, like, they’re glorious.
* What did you like the least?
The schedule has been moved around since, but some days were SUPER busy and some days had SO much downtime it was painful lol. But I think they moved the schedule around a bit since I left to help!!
* Would you recommend this program?
Y E S .
* What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
Not a TON outside of scheduled movement. But, theres two levels of yoga available 2xweek, up to three rounds of circuit 1xweek, and up to 3×20 minute walks! It’s honestly more than I expected.
* What did people do on weekends?
There was starbucks run, we got our target order, there were groups until about 3pm most days!! After that was outings and phone time (and visitation if it wasn’t COVID19)
* Do you get to know your weight?
Defintiely not.
* How fast is the weight gain process?
I’m not sure! I requested my records after, so I know (but it’s individualized so numbers aren’t super necessary on this review), but it was as comfortable as it could be. They have three “weight goals”: gain, maintain, restore metabolism, depending on what you need to do.
* What was the average length of stay?
Between 4-8 weeks! I was only there just under 3, but that was insurance.
* What was the average age range?
People varied from abotu 19 – 40, it was very ranged, which was actually really nice!!
* How do visits/phone calls work?
Visits are at specific times if it wasn’t COVID19. Phone calls can be made from the phone booth which is checked out in 15 minute increments. You can request calls/facetime on your contract! During anytime designated for outing/vistation we were allowed to have our phones during COVID19.
* What is the electronics policy? (ex: cell phones, iPods, Kindle, laptop, tablets)
They lock that up pretty much right away. You can request your phone and other electronics as you move up the levels. You also can get them on passes and as requested! They are willing to work with you if you need a computer for work or school though. There’s also a community computer that clients share.
* What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team?
Absolutely! They make you chose a PHP you’re very comfortable with and have appointments set up if you decide to not do PHP and/or need additional appointments.
* Other?
While it wasn’t fun, for sure, it was somewhere I felt seen and welcome. It was integral to my recovery and I thoroughly can say it 100% saved my life. There’s several recovered staff as well which is always awesome.
bump for a potential recent review please
Hi! I just posted one. Feel free to ask any questions!
any recent reviews from here? I am considering going later this year
Hi! I just posted one. Feel free to ask any questions!
It’s crazy to think that pretty privilege would exist in an eating disorder treatment facility, but let me tell you….IT DOES. This is the worst care I have ever experienced and I have never witnessed such pronounced favoritism in my life. Don’t give this place your money. They are not equipped to deal with even slightly high acuity patients and provide zero meal support. This was the first residential facility I had ever been to so I don’t have anything to compare it to but I will never be going back. I was called cliquey, mean, told I wasn’t allowed to sit next to my only friend in the milieu, and heard THE ASSISTANT CLINICAL DIRECTOR telling another client that I was a bad influence and was “only going to get sicker” because I wasn’t motivated to recover at the time. Higher acuity patients are also not allowed to have unsupervised showers and are simply just belittled by the nursing staff. They don’t tube so they will just continually threaten to send you elsewhere to try to “scare you into eating” but how are you supposed to find motivation to eat with no meal support? Beats me. Find somewhere else…I heard The Emily Program was nice.
Can anyone let me know how their PHP location is please? I know it’s recently opened and I don’t see any reviews on Google
How is the overall vibe at this place? Is it fairly recovery focused or is there a lot of competitiveness among EDs?
I haven’t been to this location, but I’ve found that most people at Monte nido are motivated to recover because it’s an adult res program, not like inpatient where some patients might just be there for harm reduction. However, when I was at the Laurel Hill location I did find that they had “favorites” clients that they allowed to stay at the res level despite having extreme behaviors that truly needed inpatient care. It honestly isn’t fair for that client because that isn’t enough support for them, or for the others that have to watch them engage in it.
Does anybody know what the waitlist looks like for the adult residential?
I’m admitting to Monte Nido this week. Just have a couple questions…do they allow you to vape during breaks and do you ever get access to your cellphones?
Looks like they allow cigarettes but not vaping: https://edtreatmentreview.com/monte-nido-chicago/#comment-28397
Hi! For Chicago, what is the smoking policy?
is vaping nicotine allowed?
also, how long does it take to get off of bathroom observation?
Are we allowed to go to our rooms during the day to just rest?
What is the usual length of time in residential?
thanks!! Hoping to admit soon
21 and over are allowed cigarettes during specific break times, usually out side of groups & not 15 mins before or after meals. No vaping at all. Bathroom obs really just depends but most people stay on some level of observation their whole stay. I’d say plan on 2:1 {2 hours meals 1 hour snacks} for several weeks. You are not allowed in your room during the day & rooms are locked. Average time really just depends. If you can, go. It’s an incredible facility with a WONDERFUL staff.. wishing you all the best!
When were you there?
Last spring
Oh that’s really great to hear! I was there in the fall of 2022 and towards the end of my stay they were going through a rather rough transition period, so I’m glad that things have improved 🙂
I’m at the Chicago location. Ask me anything!
How good is the program? Do they do trauma work? Are the staff supportive? How many patients are there maximum?
Trying to get in as a compulsive overeater. Is this primarily anorexics?
Unfortunately that’s how it was for me back in June. I struggle all over the place and came in w a milleu with that diagnosis being the main focus. The team is great all over, love the staff and the chef was interacting with us a lot.
-how are the therapists/dieticians?
-are the groups good?
-what happens if you aren’t complying with meals?
When this thread says Chicago location which location are you referencing? Naperville? Winfield?
Are there other supplement options than ensure?
sorry to hop on this thread I’ve just struck out at so many places and I’m incredibly frustrated because I finally got my brain behind the fact that residental is the best choice, I alway don’t want to come out with more trauma than I had before. Any thoughts would be appreciated
All threads are always open for hopping on to! ? You are also welcome to post on the Client General Forum if you are interested in residential treatment center suggestions from the community. Monte Nido Chicago refers to the Winfield location. If you scroll to the top of the comments on this page you’ll find the most recent reviews. The location in Naperville is Monte Nido’s adolescent-specific Clementine program and that program has a separate review page. (Location information is all very muddled on Monte Nido’s website right now, they are trying to streamline their websites, but personally I think it is making it all more confusing.)
Any recent reviews for this location?
Hi! I am in the process of admitting for a residential eating disorder program, and I am deciding between Center for Discovery in Glenview and Monte Nido Chicago. Does anyone have any recent experience at either place? I am 18, so I would be in the adolescent program (14-21) at CFD but the adult program (18+) for MN. From what I have gathered, a main difference between the centers is that CFD uses exchanges while MN uses a different plate-like approach. I am independent, motivated to recover, and looking for a team who is compassionate yet will also push me to be my best. Any recommendations between these two programs?
*note: this post has cross posted by admin from CFD’s page to increase visibility! click here for original post.
CFD is kind of going through it right now. Go with Monte Nido if you want to stay local. They are more stable at the moment.
Any recent Chicago MN reviews?
does anyone have any recent reviews? I know that now you don’t need to wear masks and outings are finally back instead of innings, but anything else that I should know?
Does Chicago Monte Nido offer PHP or res only?
MN Chicago is residential only. Their PHP locations are in CA, NY, Boston, and Philadelphia, but I think they also have virtual PHP still running if I’m not mistaken? I know they were beginning to go back to in-person/hybrid PHP but do not know when that was starting.
hey! any recent reviews on MN Illinois?
I am possibly going to the Chicago location soon! Wondering how doing my college classes online would work? Would that accommodate with me and let me work?
Any recent reviews for monte nido Malibu?
Hi, looking into Monte Nido Chicago. I was wondering about what it’s like there now. Daily schedule, meals, staff info. Would love some feedback. Thank you!
Are there any recent reviews?
Do they offer weightlifting still at their residential locations?
I’ve been going down the rabbit hole of reviews of my top choice centers and I’ve landed with Monte Nido. I’m undecided about Rainrock vs. Malibu location, and possibly even Chicago (which I know just opened up). My parents are paying out of pocket because I’m no longer on their plan (I’m 27) and I’m not doing anything with my life at the moment. They’ve also been doing their research, which I have gathered to be a lot of Glass Door reviews for vetting purposes. The feedback seems to be variable as to how helpful treatment was for any one person and it could largely depend on who you’re assigned to. Is there a way to make requests? Could I request to be placed with a senior therapist or director or will I need to fail with the graduate students? *** What kinds of COVID privileges are there if no passes or visitors are allowed? Are you allowed to have your phone in lieu of no visitors? I’m okay with lackluster groups. I just need to be surrounded by supportive individuals and I NEED to have a decent therapist. I can work with the rest. If anyone has any feedback or can answer my question, I would greatly appreciate it.
Typically while you can ask for a therapist, it depends on other factors. For instance, if a therapist you like already has a full caseload, you wouldn’t be able to have them, for instance. Sometimes they also want you to work through something and will have some sort of agenda you’re not aware of, and will assign a therapist based on that. I have found MN programs to not be very receptive to input on therapists, or to changing therapists once they are assigned.
I can’t speak to the current electronics policy, I’m sorry. I can say that since Rainrock is a larger facility than Nido (12 beds to 6) they have more staff, so you have a larger pool of therapists to choose from. When there are only 3 primaries, it can be slim pickings, so to speak. I don’t know anything about Chicago, I’m sorry.
Have you been successful in asking for a certain therapist at a MN program? Was it before or after you admitted and how did you approach the situation or make your desire known? I’d like to do so but don’t want to seem like a pushover.
What’s the deal with caffeine or coffee?
You get one cup of caffeinated coffee with breakfast if no refusals for 24 hours
Did you go to MN chicago? Could you talk about how they do individualized exposures?
What is the treatment like for overeaters?
God awful. I was at chicago and struggling with bulimia, I constantly wanted to binge and they practically let me. Second and third servings whenever. And once they realized hey! This might be bad! They didn’t talk to me, instead asked in front of the entire group if I really needed to eat so much
We finally have a separate review page specifically for Monte Nido’s Chicago program. It’s about time, I know! 🙂 If you have been to Chicago and haven’t posted a review yet, please post one here.
Hopefully this helps keep the Chicago posts from getting buried on the main Monte Nido review page. I am in the process of moving all Chicago threads and reviews to this page. You will notice that there are also a LOT of yet-to-be-answered questions and posts from awesome EDTR folks who are considering admitting to this location. If you have been or know the answers but aren’t able to write a review please help out by replying to people’s questions. Just like when posting reviews, you can answer questions anonymously too!
I know this seems like a trivial question but can you smoke at this facility?
Could someone who’s been to monte nido Chicago talk more about how their food and exercise exposures work? Curious because this isn’t something I’ve heard about at other MN locations but it sounds really helpful from what others have commented!
Does anyone know the waitlist times for the Chicago location? also what is the average length of stay? I’m probably going to be going to Chicago since it’s covered by my insurance.
I second this! Will likely also be going to Chicago and would love to ask a few specifics about the program to someone who has been recently.
Hi N! Can you please ask your questions here on the site, rather than replying to everyone’s post asking if you can contact them personally to ask them about the program?
For sure Rachel, I’m so sorry! I’m just trying to make a decision between a few programs and am feeling super anxious about making the right choice and wanting to try and get all the information but I totally understand
No worries whatsoever! That’s definitely what I figured, and trust me I completely understand that! I actually ask because I think it will be more useful to you in getting the answers you need. First because many people aren’t comfortable connecting with someone when it involves having to give them their personal contact info, so you are more likely to get an answer if they can reply to it on here with that added layer of privacy. Second because when you ask on here it makes it so that even if the OP doesn’t see/answer your question, someone else might, which also makes it more likely to figure out the answer! And then third, because most people going to treatment are also scared out of their minds and many will have the same
questions as you, and the great thing about you is how brave you are in actually asking the questions so many people are too scared to. So when you ask them on the site and let people answer them on the site, you inspire and get to help out sooo many other people find out the answers too.
N, since you’ve been waiting so long for someone to answer questions about the food and exercise exposures, I am just going to reach out to the clinical director of Monte Nido today to ask how he describes it. He is the one who told me about the food exposures they do at Clementine (Monte Nido’s adolescent program), which clients there love. I generally only ask him a question when it has been awhile and somebody hasn’t gotten an answer to theirs yet on here – which is now the case! He usually gets back to me, but I’ll let you know.
On a separate note, did you try Snapchatting the person who included their Snapchat username a couple posts below for people to contact them and ask questions! Even if you don’t have Snapchat, it might be worth downloading the app to your phone just to be able to reach out to them.
Thank you Rachel! It seems to me like this is something Chicago focuses more on than the other MN locations, which is why I was curious to find out more, as it seems like it could be very helpful. I did also try snapchatting, yes, but unfortunately have not received a reply.
Did you guys get any feedback as I had similar questions.
When I was at Rivertowns when they first opened they had strength training 3x a week when you got to that level and I was wondering if it was still offered?
As well as meal outings and weekend outings.
Thank you!
I haven’t heard back yet. Hopefully some of the people who have posted here over the last few months have admitted or discharged by now and can help us out!
Thank you Rachel (from a fellow Rachel)
I’ve looked and asked around everywhere. Having a hard time finding answers.
I know for sure that the Chicago location does tailored exercise exposures for those interested! They are unique among the Monte Nidos for their emphasis on exposure work, including food exposures and exercise exposures. You work directly with the dietitian on your exposures. I just don’t know the nitty gritty details.
That was my experience in 2017- it sounds like a lot has changed since. That’s why I was hoping to verify with some one who has actually been there recently 🙂
I actually didn’t even know that Monte Nido used to be like this, so good to know! However, and I know you want to hear this directly from someone who has been to Chicago recently, everything I said is something that someone on EDTR who went to MN Chicago said. I wouldn’t have said it otherwise. If you scroll through the comments here on the Monte Nido Chicago page, as well as do a site search (some of the discussion is on the General Forum or on other pages), you can see posts from the past couple years discussing it. Monte Nido Chicago only opened in 2020.
Can anyone who’s been provide recent reviews for Monte Nido’s Chicago residential? I have experience with Monte Nido but it’s been several years and I’ve heard they’ve changed some things since then and I know every location is super different so any updated info/reviews (specifically for the Chicago location) would be extremely helpful. Thank you!
Location: Chicago
I am 22 and considering the Chicago location for residential potentially. I have been to treatment in the past at more hospital-y programs and I am thinking maybe doing a more house- like one could be helpful, especially since I struggle a lot with not getting to go outside. Has anyone been to Chicago and had a good/bad experience or have any thoughts on general? How many people are usually there at once? Also, the exercise approach at MN is very different to any treatment I’ve done in the past and makes me nervous but I think it could be helpful- any feedback with that?
Thank you so much!
Chicago has an amazing team
Chicago is absolutely amazing! Exercise is usually more of “exposures” it’s something you can request. It’s very nerve racking but it is so helpful, they do yoga and walks though as long as you’re cleared for it and completing for 48 hours. The “homey” program is So much better. I was at erc and even center for discovery, and this program is SO much better. I’d love to talk to you more if you want my Snapchat is avery_112319
Could you say more about the exercise exposures? When can those start? Is the team willing to work with you individually based on what kind of exercise behaviors you are struggling with or want to do in a healthy way (I.e. I’m a runner)?
Locations: Laurel Hill Boston; Chicago
anyone have a recent review of laurel hill or chicago locations? was at monte nido in new york in 2020 but before the pandemic, what are things like now?
Any recent reviews of Chicago? I’m on their waitlist. Also has anyone been allowed to be vegan while in a monte nido residential?
i’ve had a few friends remain vegan while at Monte Nido res!
Does anyone have recent feedback on Monte Nido’s Chicago location OR Oliver Pyatt in Miami ?? Full reviews would be appreciate !! <3
Do not go to Oliver pyatt. They don’t tell you when your weight has overshot by a ton. I left mentally so much worse bc I came in really underweight and left technically overweight. I had trusted the program. They never lowered my meal plan and kept me on weight gain meal plan for months. Truly traumatic. I want to be transparent bc I know I’m not the only one that had this happen at OPC
Monte nido chicago was great. therapist and clinical director was amazing. Didn’t love their nutritionist at all. Lovely brand new home.
What did you dislike about the nutritionist & could you please give some examples of meals + snacks / approximate portions ?? & then do you have a sample schedule by chance ??
are there any new reviews on monte nido Chicago? I realize it’s newer than some of the other locations, but I’d really appreciate any feedback since I know their programs tend to vary pretty significantly based on location.
Are there some locations that are better than others (any ones to stay away from)? Are the ones in California more experienced or just more “corporate”? Has anyone been to MN in Illinois recently?
Has anyone heard from anyone on this page?
I’ve been to the one in IL recently and would be happy to answer any questions. Overall I had a great experience!
Does anyone have an updated review of the Chicago location? And COVID related protocol there? Thank you!
Has their cellphone policy relaxed at all during covid?
Location: Chicago, IL
At least at the chicago location — yes. Time usually allotted for visiting are now times where you have your phone! So that’s a decent increase.
Can I ask you a few more questions about the Chicago location via email?
Has anyone been to the either of the Monte Nido locations in Illinois? Reviews would be helpful 🙂
Monte Nido Chicago officially opened on March 2nd. Please share your experience!