https://www.unyed.com/partial-hospitalization
Sol Stone Center is a holistic eating disorder treatment center located in Elmira in Upstate New York. It treats adults of all genders and has a 6-day/week PHP program. Optional residential housing for PHP patients is offered at the Hoffman House nearby.
They also offer a 3-day/week virtual Intensive Outpatient program (IOP) for New York residents of all genders ages 16+. Partial scholarships are available. Outpatient nutrition services (including body-comp testing) are offered through their regional Upstate New York Eating Disorder Services offices in Elmira, Ithaca, Liverpool, and Vestal.
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Full Review
When were you there? Sep-Nov 2024
What was your length of stay? 8 weeks, 3 days
What insurance do they take? I can’t speak to all insurance, but they were able to set up a SCA for me with Medicaid, HealthFirst.
What level of care did you do? PHP
Is it wheelchair accessible? No. The PHP is on the second floor of an old Victorian house, and there’s no way to get there without using the stairs. There are also a lot of little steps on the second floor itself.
How many patients are there on average? Full capacity is 12, but when I was there, it was 5-8.
Do they treat males and females? Yes.
Are they respectful of patients’ religious beliefs? Very much so. I’m Christian, and my therapist (who wasn’t Christian) was encouraging of my faith, and did her best to incorporate it into our individual sessions.
How often do you see a medical doctor, therapist, dentist, etc.? There is no GP on staff (the “medical director” is a psychiatrist). A non-medical staff member checks weight and body composition 5 days/week, and the nurse checks blood pressure and resting heart rate weekly. If patients need lab work done, they’ll send them to the hospital nearby (5 min walk). There is no dentist on staff. Patients will be assigned a therapist (when I was there, there were 1-2 therapists on staff) and meet for one session weekly, plus a short weekly check-in (15 min). Patients meet with the psychiatrist weekly. There are no recovery coaches on staff. Normally, there are two dieticians – one meets with patients weekly, provides meal plans, and supervises meals, whilst the other is the programme founder and meets with patients downstairs each week. However, the former dietician was on medical leave for most of my stay, so the programme founder met with patients bi-weekly and drew up meal plans, whilst support staff provided all meal support and supervision.
What is the staff to patient ratio? It ranged from 1:4 to 1:2
What sort of therapies are used? IFS, CBT, DBT, ART (individual only)
DESCRIBE THE AVERAGE DAY
What were meals like? We were allowed 1 hr for breakfast and lunch, 15 min for morning and afternoon snack, and 45 min for dinner; this time included prepping and eating our meals. One of the support staff would prepare a meal for lunch and dinner, but patients were also allowed to make something else for themselves. Meal plans were based on the exchange system. For any given meal, patients would go into the kitchen, prep their food, check it with one of the support staff to make sure it met their meal plans, and then eat with everyone else in the dining room. Once everyone had plated their meals, the support staff would join the patients with a meal of their own in the dining room. If patients finished early, they could be excused from the table. Seats were mostly assigned. Occasionally, we played table games, but mostly we just conversed. On Tuesdays for lunch, we ordered takeaway from a pre-determined restaurant; we could only order $15 worth of food. For Friday dinners, we chose our meals from the prepared food section at the supermarket, and were also given a $15 limit (were not allowed to buy sushi, salad, or drinks). For Saturday lunch, we would go out to a pre-determined restaurant, and were given a $15 limit on how much we could spend on our meal. For Wednesday afternoon snack, we would make a recipe as a group, and were encouraged to eat the snack we made. For Friday lunch, we would make the meal as a group, and we would all (mostly) eat the same meal; we were also joined by all the staff at this meal.
What sorts of foods were available or served? Vegetables included cherry tomatoes, romaine, cucumber, peppers, and frozen veg; fruit included apples, oranges, occasionally strawberries, bananas, frozen berries, frozen mango, frozen cherries, apple sauce, prunes, raisins; grains included oats (rolled & quick), white bread, flour tortillas, bagels, white pasta, quinoa, white rice, granola, and a variety of breakfast cereal; legumes included tofu (upon request), chickpea pasta, black beans, red lentils, and chickpeas; nuts included almonds, peanuts, pecans, cashews, sunflower seeds, almond butter, peanut butter, and sun-butter. They also had cow milk, oat milk, soya milk, almond milk, vegan cheese slices, a variety of cow cheeses, chocolates, fruit snacks, Doritos, juice, iced tea, cold cuts, cream cheese, lots of condiments and spices, pickles, ice cream, various snack and protein bars, and eggs. Prepared menu items included a lot of chicken, cheeseburgers, Cobb salad, red lentil soup, and baked ziti. Patients could request items they wanted in the kitchen, but these weren’t always met. I personally requested several items (greater variety of fresh fruit, fresh berries, limes), only to be told they were “too expensive.”
Did they supplement? How did that system work? They had some supplements on hand (Boost, Carnation, possibly Ensure?) and patients could choose these to meet their exchanges; they often did if they struggled with volume or solids. However, patients were never held accountable to supplement a meal if they were unable to finish it. The idea of supplementation was never proposed by staff (sometimes, patients would ask the meal support staff to supplement if they couldn’t finish their meals). What’s more, none of the supplements were vegan, so this was flat out not an option for vegans.
What is the policy of not complying with meals? Meal completion percentage is noted by staff and reflected on patients’ weekly treatment reviews. However, there weren’t any immediate consequences for not complying with meals, and often times, failing to complete meals didn’t affect patients’ treatment or length of stay in any way. The worst that might happen is patients might be threatened with residential if their meal completion was particularly low.
Are you able to eat vegetarian? Vegan? Yes, but they didn’t go out of their way to be accommodating. For most of the community snack and meals, a vegan option of the meal everyone else was eating was not supplied, and my dietary needs were mostly an afterthought. Similarly, many of the restaurants we went to for Saturday lunches did not have vegan options (at one place, the only things I could order were french fries and a fruit smoothie; another place didn’t have any vegan options). Also, with few exceptions, were were no vegan lunches or dinners prepared for me by staff; thus, I was expected to prepare my own meals, when everyone else had theirs made for them. With dinner being only 45 minutes, I often had to leave group early to cook my dinner, so that I’d have enough time to eat. There was also a gluten-free patient, and this was accommodated slightly better, but one of the restaurants we went to on Saturdays had absolutely no gluten-free options, and we actually had to leave and go somewhere else.
What privileges are allowed? There was a lot of freedom. People could have unlimited access to their phones from the start, could drink caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks), were expected to prep and plate their own food from the start, and could do pretty much what they liked during non-programming hours.
Does it work on a level system? No.
How do you earn privileges? Exercise privileges are given when patients are fully complying with their meal plans and show a certain amount of progress with their physical health markers, as deemed by the dietician.
What sort of groups do they have? Weekend processing, weekend meal planning, weekend planning, outing to the supermarket, nutrition education, snack prep, community lunch prep, IFS, art therapy, art processing, DBT, CBT, yoga, expressive therapy (a lighter artistic group – usually art or writing), reflective writing, PREP (working on a packet of sheets meant to provide support outside of programme and upon discharge), recovery group, focus group (wildcard), and rec. skills (we played games).
What was your favourite group? I really like nutrition education, but only the one that was lead by the programme founder, which was very science based. Most of the other nutrition ed. groups felt like a waste of time.
Was it trauma informed? Yes.
Was it autism informed? Although the staff tried their best (and one staff member was neurodivergent), there was a definite lack of understanding of how to support autistic patients, especially during meltdowns, or recognising neurodivergent needs. When I needed support the most, I was left completely alone.
What did you like the most? I really liked my therapist; I only wish I’d had more time with her.
What did you like the least? I didn’t like any of the meal prep groups. We didn’t end up doing much cooking, so most of the time we just sat around doing nothing.
Would you recommend this programme? Yes and no. As far as PHP’s go, it’s one of the best in the state, but that’s not saying much. I feel the bar has been set very low for day treatment. I feel this programme has a lot of potential, and the staff truly care, but there are some major flaws which need to be remedied.
What level of activity or exercise is permitted? Nothing beyond what they deemed “activities of daily living.” Exercise for travel (walking or cycling places) or recreation was mostly withheld until the very end of a patient’s stay (and even then, wasn’t always permitted), regardless of whether he struggled with overexercise.
What did people do on the weekends? Saturday was a half-day of programming (9-14). After that, patients were free to do what they liked. Most went home, but some stayed at Hoffman House. Towards discharge, patients were given a transition period of about 3 weeks, during which they would go home for longer on the weekends (first they would have Saturday & Sunday off from programme, then three days, then four days).
Do you get to know your weight? No. Weights are taken blindly, and patients are not told what the number is. However, some patients might be told if they were gaining/losing/remained the same; also told other numbers of their body composition (changes in water – both intra and extracellular – phase angle, lean tissue, adipose tissue).
What is the average length of stay? When I was there, it ranged from 6-11 weeks, but trended closer to 8.
What is the average age range? During my stay, it ranged from 19-56.
How do visits/phone calls work? Patients are free to visit and phone whomever they like during free time and outside of programming hours. If it’s an important call, patients may also be excused from group to talk on the phone.
What is the electronics policy? Patients have unlimited access to their electronics, including during meals and groups.
What support do they provide during non-programming hours? They have a “warm line” which was a phone number patients could call or text if they needed extra support (available till 10pm). However, this line wasn’t always manned by a therapist (often, the person who had the warm line phone was a young woman who only had her BSW). What’s more, patients were often given the impression that they shouldn’t have phoned the warm line, and were a burden on the therapist.
Are there any resources for patients coming from out of state/country? There are very few resources for patients who are from out of town. They do provide a residence for patients to stay at, but even this is very limited and poorly run (see notes on Hoffman House below).
PROS
The staff (with one exception) truly care about the patients.
Patients have a bit more freedom and flexibility than some other centres; they’re allowed caffeine, access to their phones, and access to their personal belongings at all times. They’re also permitted (with some exceptions) to excuse themselves from groups if they need space for therapeutic reasons.
Patients’ religious beliefs are encouraged, and they aren’t told to censor their beliefs during groups (so long as they’re respectful of everyone). Patients who are atheist or agnostic are also met exactly where they’re at and not made to feel differently from anyone else. Of course, staff keep their personal beliefs to themselves. I loved that there was space for everyone to be themselves.
We stayed away from political discourse, which was very helpful (especially given the recent election).
They really emphasise the science of phase angle and body composition. They perform a metabolic test on patients during their first and last week of treatment, which shows how many calories the body is using at rest, and how the body is using protein/fat/carbs. They also test body composition daily, which is very helpful in determining dietary and fluid intake needs.
The therapist(s) is very good.
The dietician(s) is very capable.
They take a HAES approach. They don’t discriminate based on body size, and make those in larger bodies feel welcome and cared for.
The support staff are kind, and go the extra mile to show up for the patients (to the extent that they can, with limited training).
CONS
They are extremely short staffed. When I was there, the dietician went on medical leave for several weeks (she’s still out), and her replacement was not a registered dietician. One of the therapists (they only had two) left for another work opportunity, and it was a few weeks before they hired a second therapist. There’s no doctor, dentist, or recovery coaches on staff. Because they were so short staffed, patients were unable to receive the support they needed and were owed. What’s more, many of the groups were run by either a support staff member (with no qualifications as an MD therapist, dietician, or recovery coach) or the intake coordinator (who only has a BSW); oftentimes, we just watched a children’s movie for the group.
Patients only receive one therapy session per week; this includes family sessions.
They squeeze five meals into a 9.5 hour day, with afternoon snack at 15.15 and dinner at 16.45.
There’s no rest time, and when I asked to be excused from a group I was getting nothing out of in order to meditate, I was told I’d be marked absent and get in trouble.
Patients are allowed phones during meals and groups, which can be distracting to others, and also takes away from the group aspect of treatment. Patients were also allowed to leave meals early, even when others were still eating (instead of being asked to stay to support their peers).
The psychiatrist is very irresponsible. She lectured some patients about their use of medical marijuana (which they used for chronic pain conditions), while openly vaping during sessions. She was lackadaisical about patient histories, and irresponsible in prescribing meds which were contraindicated. She pushed med increases and new meds on patients who were hesitant about them. And she absolutely did not understand how to treat patients with eating disorders. When she was on vacation leave for a couple of weeks, they hired her ex-husband to fill in (which was ethically questionable), who was extremely triggering with certain comments, and failed to update himself on my chart before my appointments with him. They would also pull patients for sessions during meals, meaning they were unable to eat that meal, or had inadequate time to finish.
The staff often discharge patients before they’re ready, setting them up for relapse and having to go back to a HLOC. This was not only the case for me, but with a few other patients who were there with me. Despite me advocating for a longer length of stay, saying I did not feel ready, despite no improvement on physical health markers and ED thoughts, despite only slight improvement on behaviours, despite participating in the programme to the best of my ability, I was discharged. Discharging patients before they were ready seemed to be the norm, rather than the exception to the rule.
Staff offers little support with discharge planning. I know of one patient who was discharged to an IOP, only to find out – after discharge – that her insurance wouldn’t cover the IOP. She’s now struggling severely with inadequate care and support.
There aren’t many practical groups where patients can learn skills to apply in the here and now.
The only mind-body group is yoga, and the yoga instructor can be triggering.
The importance of self-advocacy is emphasised in groups, but when patients actually practice it with the staff, their concerns are often brushed off, and sometimes they’re threatened with a HLOC or given a shorter LOS when they try to advocate for their needs.
HOFFMAN HOUSE
This is a residence which can be utilised by patients who aren’t local to the area. The cost is $30 per week night and $50 per weekend night. This is not covered by insurance. Hoffman House is painted as a resource and supportive environment for Sol Stone patients. However, I would not recommend it if patients have any other option, for the following reasons:
Although Saturday nights cost extra, there is actually less support (no RA).
The RA’s aren’t qualified to offer much of any emotional support, and half of them don’t even try (one is actively unsupportive, and makes life there uncomfortable for the residents).
The house itself is in disrepair, and fairly dirty. There are cockroaches in the basement and squirrels in the ceiling. Although the RA’s clean, the floors are dirty and the furniture is dusty. In one of the upstairs bedrooms, there’s a portion of the floor which is in danger of falling through. When staff were alerted to this, nothing was done. There is a washer and dryer, but no ironing board or iron.
Residents are only allowed access to the house when an RA is present (except Saturday night from 10pm to 10am). This means that if the RA is late, residents are forced to wait outside for however long – no matter the weather – until someone shows up to let them in. If someone from out of town is unable to attend programme due to illness, they’ll have no place to go, and will be forced to make immediate travel plans (whilst ill) to go home. It also means that patients wishing to transition to shorter programme days towards their end of stay cannot do so unless they have someplace else to stay nearby. What’s more, Hoffman House is often closed without notice if they don’t feel they have enough people staying there to justify the cost of paying the RA’s, leaving residents in the lurch. The day of my discharge, I needed to access the house after programme in order to collect my things, before getting a coach back home. At the last minute (after being assured I’d be allowed in), I was told that this wasn’t possible, and that I should instead go immediately to the coach station (which was closed) from Sol Stone, where I would have to wait for my coach outside in the dark, in the cold, in the snow, in a dangerous neighbourhood, with all my luggage for an hour. When I communicated concern for my safety to the woman who runs Hoffman House, I was treated like a petulant five year old, and my concerns were completely dismissed.
Knives and scissors are kept locked away, and can only be used with permission from the RA.
Residents are given a 10pm curfew.
Residents all share rooms (people may have as many as three roommates), with up to seven people sharing a bathroom, and they’re all given rickety (cheap) twin beds to sleep in, and insufficient blankets (I was always cold).
The heating/cooling system is very poor. The ground floor is always cold, and the upper floor is often hot, regardless of season. They should have two thermostats – one for each floor – but they don’t.
One of the RA’s takes over the entire living room, and often watches scary content on the TV. Even when residents clearly wish to utilise the living room or are triggered by what she’s watching, she does what she likes. She also gives patients a hard time about things, and most residents go out of their way to avoid her because it’s not a friendly or welcoming environment when she’s around.
There are lots of mirrors in the house – big ones in the bathrooms, and a couple of full length mirrors. Despite being triggering for residents, they remain up, and these concerns are always dismissed.
It’s assumed that residents will have their own cars, and there’s no provision for those who don’t (such as someone to drive residents to and from programme, take them to run errands, take them to church; or outfitted bicycles for residents to utilise).
There aren’t any up to date resources available to residents, in regard to places of worship, markets, shops, various services, or sources of recreation.
All in all, Hoffman House residents are given the limitations of children, without the support that children are provided to cope with such limitations. For the cost, it really isn’t worth it. If you can rent other accommodations (such as an airbnb) or stay with a friend or relative nearby, I would absolutely do that instead. The woman who runs Hoffman House is cheap and selfish, and she has no concern for the residents if their needs interfere with her bottom line of saving money anywhere she can.
do you have any more info on the rooms at hoffman house? i’m going there soon and would like to know if they have dressers or what the storage options are!? also are you able to bike if you bring your own bike or allowed to carpool with others?
The rooms house 2-4 people, depending on the room. All of the beds are twin beds (not the nicest, tbh – a lot of people when I was there had trouble sleeping in them). Towels & linens are provided, but it does get pretty cold in the house year round, and the blankets provided I found insufficient; there are electric blankets available, but they aren’t always clean, and sometimes they don’t work. You’re allowed to bring your own bedding if you wish. As far as storage, everyone has a chest of drawers, and bedside table, and a trunk. Each room has either a closet or wardrobe for everyone in that room to share. I found the storage sufficient, but I would pack lightly – 1-2 weeks of clothes (I packed 1 weeks’ worth and that was fine) should be plenty, as there’s an on-site washer & dryer.
As far as cycling goes, they don’t typically allow it until a patient’s near discharge because they count it as exercise, and when I was there, they were pretty anti-exercise (whatever the reason, no matter a patient’s ED or physical state) until a patient’s transitioning out of the programme. The distance from Hoffman House to Sol Stone is 1.2 mi, and closer to the end of patients’ stays, they often allow them to walk to/from programme, but it’s on a case by case basis. I actually donated a bike to Hoffman House – might still be there – for patients to use, which I used while I was there. They made a big deal about me cycling to get places, even though I don’t drive. I cycled anyway, but was technically breaking the rules, ad was told off by the dietician.
Carpooling is pretty typical. A lot of the Hoffman House residents have cars, and are encouraged to give those without cars rides (I never had trouble getting a ride). That being said, Sol Stone staff don’t facilitate rides and don’t provide them, and if you were to have trouble getting a ride from someone else, I don’t think they’d make any effort to provide transportation (but still would likely tell you not to bike or walk). When I brought this particular hypothetical up to staff, I was told that in that case, the patient would be expected to pay for a car service or taxi ride to and from programme.
When were you there? May 2023-July 2023
What level(s) of care did you do (e.g., inpatient, residential, PHP, IOP)? This review is about PHP. I’ve also gone to the IOP and outpatient, but wasn’t actively engaged long enough that I feel qualified to write a review
If applicable: Is it wheelchair accessible? No, php takes place on the second level of the building
How many patients are there on average? It can vary, but you will at most get 2 new admits a week. I think we had around 8?
Does it treat both males and females? If so, is treatment separate or combined? Yes, and groups and meals take place together. However, if you stay at Hoffman house opposite sexes can’t share rooms.
If applicable: Do they support the gender identities of transgender and nonbinary people? As far as I could tell, yes, though staff could do a better job making sure pronouns are correctly used among patients.
How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, nurse, etc? You will meet with your individual therapist once a week (though when I was a harm risk to myself I was checked in on briefly each day), dietician once a week, psychiatrist once a week, and the program director who was also a dietician, would go over your phase angle results. There was a nurse who took everyone’s pulse and blood pressure every Wednesday before program. If you have labs that are ordered you have to get yourself over to the hospital behind the place to get them done. Those were annoying for me because I didn’t have a car. For any regular standard doctor appointments, you would have to talk to the staff ahead of times to get clearance to go, which I am unsure of what the guidelines on that are.
What is the staff-to-patient ratio? 3 therapists, one dietician, and usually one extra helper for meals. After 5, usually only one or two staff members were around.
What sort of therapies are used (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR, ACT, exposure therapy, somatic experiencing, etc.)? DBT, CBT, and IFS. Art was also incorporated a lot.
Describe the average day:
What were meals like? 3 meals, 2 snacks(+1 that you were responsible for after program hours) and you would eat these all together (minus the one) at the tables in the dining room. You prepare breakfast and snacks by yourself, usually someone would cook lunch and dinner, but you had a choice of making something else if you didn’t want what was served, as long as it met your meal plan. This worked on an exchange system, your second day of admission the dietician will meet with you and create a meal plan. Staff would check your food and let you know if you need more of something before you go sit down. The dietician would sit with us during most meals and eat as well, which I found super helpful. Table games were played a lot but you can choose not to participate in those. Tuesday is Takeout Tuesday, and you order off of a menu at whatever restaurant is picked, it will be brought back. On Thursdays if I remember correctly, we had snack prep, where we all participated in making something for snack. You could still pick something else to eat but you were supposed to try to push yourself. On Fridays, we had community lunch that we all helped make, and the three therapists would also sit and eat this with us.
What sorts of food were available or served? Kitchen was very well stocked with all sorts of food.
Did they supplement? How did that system work? It wasn’t forced, but highly suggested (and I’m not sure what happens if you refuse the supplement) that you drink a Boost if you are unable to finish your meal. You can also carry your food into group as well as your boost if you still intend on eating it but need a little more time. I don’t think that’s counted against you.
What is the policy of not complying with meals? I’m really not sure, as I always supplemented, but they never publicly shamed anyone for it and a lot of this was handled privately. I do know this effected your discharge date/weekend program/ability to leave on weekend privileges
Are you able to eat vegetarian? Vegan? Yes
What privileges are allowed? You can have your cell phone at all times and I kept my laptop at the house. Exercise was done on a very individualized basis, I’m not entirely sure how far they go with that as I only know the amount of time allowed for myself and one other person who shared that with me. Basically though, other than the exercise and the whole having to follow program, you had free privileges. Bathroom isn’t monitored at all and although they ask you to try not to use it 30mins after meals, they do not punish you. You are also allowed to have coffee, tea, water, etc, whenever you want, the dietician will talk to you if you drink a lot of coffee though. You have full kitchen privileges right off the bat. It really is up to you to monitor your behaviors during program and they make that clear if you ask about it.
Does it work on a level system? Not really. But gradually they will stop making you go to Saturday program, then let you go home, then not make you attend php 5 days a week. It all varies based on the individual’s life circumstances because they don’t want you to relapse but they do want to challenge you and give you an idea oh what life looks like post-treatment
How do you earn privileges? Finish meals, follow your exercise restrictions, take prescriptions properly, participate in groups and be honest.
What sort of groups do they have? DBT, CBT, Art therapy, Music therapy, Expressive group(I think it was called, very similar to art therapy a lot of the time) IFS, Recovery group(tackled your inner thoughts and also did practical things like making flash cards with your safe people’s phone #s), Writing, Nutrition Ed, Yoga
What was your favorite group? I loved IFS and found it super helpful
If applicable: Is the program trauma-informed? I can’t speak from experience, but I know a fellow patient was working on her trauma with her therapist
What did you like the most? The respect the staff treated us with, and how involved they were. Therapists also ran group so you were around them all the time. C and A are my favorites and they still work there! Also probably because people aren’t being humiliated, it’s not so competitive here, and I made incredible friends.
What did you like the least? Fridays could get too challenging. We had community lunch, and then we also had to go to Wegmans to grocery shop for the weekend. Always personally hard for me, also the staff turnover. 2/3 therapists no longer work there. I discharged just before a lot of this happened but I know it was upsetting to my fellow patients. The fact that Hoffman house can’t be covered by insurance sucks.
Would you recommend this program? Yes, if you think you can handle the freedom. Please be honest to yourself and go to res if you think that’s what you need.
What level of activity or exercise was allowed? We had Yoga on Mondays(which you could ofc just sit if you were uncomfortable) but it’s completely dependent on your situation. I’m pretty sure most people are put on ADLs when they arrive.
What did people do on weekends? They either went home, or they had to attend Saturday program, fun if K was doing it. AWFUL if S was doing it and it alternated each week. Basically Saturday morning to afternoon you will have a main activity and then go out to eat. Most I’ve ever had with me was 3 others. After Saturday program, if you were allowed to go home you could but if not, you could still explore the community. Elmira has lots to do and so does Corning. The house was also available for you to go back to sleep or do art in the basement. If you are staying at Hoffman you need to tell the RA where you are going and what you ate. Mark it down anyway though because you will be asked on Monday to remember all of that.
Do you get to know your weight? Nope, it’s done blind each morning.
If applicable: How fast is the weight gain process? I don’t think they specifically put people on a process, as this is PHP, but I was weight restored by the end of my stay. It’ll be different for everyone though of course. I do think if you aren’t restored by then, they likely will try to admit you to res.
What was the average length of stay? They will tell you it’s 4-8 weeks, but I don’t know many who didn’t have to stay 6-8
What was the average age range? Young adults, but anyone 18+ can come here
How do visits/phone calls work? You can call whenever you want as long as you aren’t in a group(but if it’s a very important call you can). Visits aren’t allowed at Sol Stone or the Hoffman House, your family can come see you on weekends even if you aren’t allowed to go home but they’ll have to go out somewhere with you. This is to protect others privacy.
What is the electronics policy (e.g., cell phones, iPods, Kindles, laptops, tablets)? You can use them, they provide WiFi at the house. They ask that you don’t go onto triggering websites, I am unsure if they actually monitor you though, so just be on top of yourself.
For PHP/IOP: What support do they provide outside of programming hours? You have a hotline number, the therapists take turn taking that phone home with them. However, I’m pretty sure you couldn’t use it after 10pm and would need a county hotline, which they did also provide. RA is always there if you need someone and most are decent to talk to, L was my absolute favorite. You have a binder that all your group papers and therapy resources go into and that can be really helpful. Overall, this was one of the harder parts for me to deal with until my co occurring issue was treated, so keep that in mind.
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team? There was a whole form you had to fill out, and they have to verify that you make appointments with your outpatient dietitian, your therapist, your psychiatrist, and your GP. This personally didn’t work out well for me due to the area I live in lacking in good care, but that is not Sol Stone’s fault. The psychiatrist was very understanding that I might have difficulties getting med management for a while and offered to write a script for 3 month supplies. Also, I expressed my financial concerns about seeing my dietitian through them again and they offered to charge me a lot less money.
Are there any resources for people who come from out of state/country? I would assume so, since I was with two different people from out of state, however I do not know what those resources are, and I know the pharmacy was an issue sometimes. PS about the pharmacy, go to Wegmans, not the other choice. You will face way less problems and you have to go to Wegmans anyway so it’s very convenient.
Other?
I would be happy to provide my email if that’s allowed and anyone needs, since this is a scary decision and the woman who talked me through intake is no longer there. I’m happy to answer any question that I am able to.
Complete review
When were you there? 2022
What level of care? PHP
Is it wheelchair accessible? No. The PHP is on the second floor, and is only accessible via stairs.
How many patients are there on average? Their max cap is 12. When I was there, we only had 12 for about a week. We had as few as I think 5-6 for a week. Usually, we hovered around 8-10.
Do the treat males and females? Yes.
How often do you see providers? They do not have a GP on staff, which is not great imo, as many patients are from out of town and can’t see their normal doctors. They will have you go to the local hospitals for blood work about once a month (more often if necessary), but it’s evaluated by the dieticians and psychiatrist. They have the nurse check your BP and RHR once a week. They also weigh you (blind) and check your phase angle daily. They do not have a dentist on staff, and people who have dental problems had to find a local dentist (most people come from out of town). You see a therapist for individual sessions twice a week – once for a full session and once for a short check-in. You see each dietician (there are two – one’s the program founder) once a week, but the junior dietician is available throughout the week for quick questions. You see the psychiatrist once a week.
What is the staff to patient ratio? When I was there, there were usually about five staff who were regularly around for most of the day, and two in the evening for dinner. There are other staff, but they either weren’t upstairs with patients, or they only came once a week.
What sort of therapies are used? CBT, DBT, IFS
Are they respectful of patients’ religious beliefs? Yes.
What were meals like? Everyone had an individualized meal plan, set by the dieticians. They used an exchange system, but were flexible about it. Everyone prepared their own breakfast and snacks. Lunch and dinner were prepared by staff, but you always had the option to make your own and weren’t penalized for it. You have an hour for meals, half hour for snacks, but that includes time to prep food. The food variety was decent. The dietician was usually willing to take requests for items, within reason (cost and overt “diet” items were factors). They do not let you bring in outside food. You eat meals in the dining room, and you have to stay even if you’re finished eating in order to support everyone. We played games a lot. A staff member always sits with the patients and eats, too. One meal a week, all the staff and patients share a meal together, which is prepared by the patients.
Are you able to eat vegetarian? Vegan? Yes. Also pescatarian, flexitarian – any diet, so long as it’s not not part of your eating disorder. They also accommodate gluten free for those with celiac or gluten sensitivity, and any allergies.
What privileges are allowed? You’re always allowed your phone, but it’s discouraged during groups and meals. You’re allowed to smoke or vape, but only in designated areas.
Does it work on a level system? No.
How do you earn privileges? You don’t, really. They will sometimes give patients exercise privileges, but it’s based on health markers, rather than behavior.
What sort of groups do they have? CBT, DBT, IFS, art therapy, music therapy, yoga, nutrition education, snack prep, lunch prep, recreation (games), self-care (i.e. break), journaling, mind-body.
What was your favorite group? Nutrition education. It was really helpful to learn how food and ED behaviors affect the body.
Was the program trauma informed? No. I struggled with PTSD, and there wasn’t a lot of support. I was told that they didn’t do trauma work there, and actually got in trouble when I experienced PTSD symptoms.
What did you like the most? The peer support was amazing. Everyone was very close and supportive, and it was really nice to be around others who were going through the same things I was. I finally felt understood.
Would you recommend this program? Overall, yes.
What level of activity or exercise is allowed? Until you’ve earned additional privileges, very little. Yoga (it’s supposed to be gentle, but it’s does push you) once a week, a daily 5 minute mindful walk, stairs as necessary, grocery shopping weekly, laundry, cooking…that’s about it. You spend most of the day sitting down.
What did people do on weekends? Until you’re ready to start transitioning out of the program (usually a weeks long process), you do a half day of programming on Saturday. Saturday afternoon and Sunday are free. Some people go home, some go shopping, some just relax.
What is the average age range? 18+. When I was there, the age range was 18-66.
What was the average length of stay? Patients stayed anywhere between 4 weeks and 6-7 months. Average was probably about 8 weeks.
How do visits/phone calls work? Evenings and weekends you can do whatever you want. Visitors are not allowed inside the treatment facility (just the second floor of the house), nor in the boarding house where out-of-towners stay. Phone calls can be made anytime outside program hours, or during break or self-care time. If the call is urgent and important (for discharge planning, to make an appt.), you can be excused from group to be on the phone.
What support do they provide outside programming hours? They have a phone number you can call to speak to one of the therapists if you’re having a hard time. If you stay at Hoffman House, there is an RA who is technically there for support if you ask for it, but I never found the RA’s to be helpful in this area. They don’ have any qualifications or training in mental health.
Do you get to know your weight? No.
What kind of aftercare do they provide? If you live in the area, you can see some of their dieticians outpatient. They did not provide much – if any – help in discharge planning. I had to do all of that myself. It was very stressful. I think for some patients, they might help with discharge planning, but I don’t think they do much.
Are there any resources for patients coming from out of state/country? When I was there, a few patients came from out of state. They provide housing for anyone living out of town, which most patients utilise. Other than that, they don’t provide any resources.
PROS:
CONS:
This is so helpful, wow, thank you!!
they Want you to be around XX*
*admin note: number redacted from public post here, but for those interested just send us an email (admin@edtreatmentreview.com) and admin will provide you with Tj’s unredacted answer
Yes they do.. I was turned down for php until I reach their minimum.. am I allowed to post what it is?
Does anyone know if they have a bmi requirement for php ?
They quoted a BMI requirement to a friend of mine, but they allowed me to admit at a value lower than what they said she had to be.
I also saw another participant who there who had a lower BMI than myself.
This makes me think they may set a standard of medical stability per individual biometrics rather than a blanket policy that applies to everyone.
Does anyone know how they would handle medical complications w/ refeeding and cessation of purging?
I’m admitting in a week or two and this is a whole different region of the states I’ll be traveling for care.
They were on the edge of taking me. I have only had edema once with refeeding, but it was the last time I went through the process, so I’m starting to worry a bit. I’m afraid that asking them directly may tip them away from completing my admission. I’m just waiting for an opening and lab results for my official green light.
I know they have a better ability to monitor the body’s response to stabilize nutrition through the body composition analysis they offer, which is a significant draw for me choosing them.
I’m hoping that since they’ve been at this so long that they can respond to each person’s situation more quickly without guessing whether it’s acceptable Edema or refeeding Syndrome.
However, if anyone who has been there had complications or witnessed another client have reactions, I’d love to know whether they ship you to an ED inpatient or a local hospital.
thanks!
Do I need to bring my own towels/blankets/sheets, or do they provide that at Hoffman House? Anyone know?
Do you happen to know how much the housing is and whether Elmira has a waiting list?
The housing is $250/week. I’m not sure about the waiting list, sorry; but if you call the number on their site, I’m pretty sure they’ll tell you.
Does Sol Stone take Medicare?
Not sure; the PHP takes medicaid, but I don’t think the OP does.
Hi all. I’ve been to Sol Stone (Hoffman House) a few times, between 2014-2017, or thereabouts. Wondering if anyone that’s been there recently (2021-2022), would tell me about their experience/time there. Are they still pretty “relaxed” in the kitchen? When I was there, there wasn’t much monitoring of people in the kitchen, while preparing their food in the kitchen before meals. I would prefer (and need) more structured/direct observations of meal time and prep; basically, not having the freedom to control what food I place on my plate. Anyone mind giving feedback on this?
Sorry, this is quite rambling, but my mind all over the place. Thanks all.
Hate to repeat my last post (just kind of desperate to find a place!):
When I was at Sol Stone (Elmira) in the past, there wasn’t much monitoring of people in the kitchen, more of an independent vibe.
I’m looking for something structured, more controlled, with direct observations of meal time and prep. Would Sol Stone provide that level of care?
Thanks for any help on this!
Did you make it back to Sol Stone? I’m trying to decide if it’s worth trying treatment again, especially b/c I’d be traveling over 12 hours away.
I won’t have private insurance after this year.
My disorder has been very resistant to treatment, so I’ve never had hope. However, I’m very motivated to stop b/p behavior and think the body comps testing may help me trust the team, program, and process so much more due to the science.
I want to eat, manage anxiety, but [redacted].
I’m curious what aspects of the program appeal to you enough to return to the same place.
Thanks!
I admitted last week. The metabolic testing, and scientific explanation of the impact of the eating disorder has been helpful for me. But, to be fair, it’s only been a few days. I’ve been in treatment multiple times, here and elsewhere; the program itself is extremely unstructured. Each person has to hold themselves accountable. You go into the kitchen, with your exchange list, and you pick food from the pantry. If you don’t get enough proteins, lipids, carbs, etc., it’s noted in the book by whoever is in the kitchen. No ensure/boost for leaving food on your plate.
Bathrooms are not closely monitored. Like with the food, not engaging in behaviors is really up to each person. Let me know if you have other questions.
Thank you for this information, it is all incredibly helpful. I am admitting to IP soon, far away, but live in Upstate, NY, so considering this program as a possible step-down after that.
Any other info you can share—how the apartment living is, do you have roommates, how much time is spent there, etc. Just anything you would want to know before going. 🙂
You’re really not at the house much; go to Sol stone at like 745am, head back after program, around 7pm. Everyone is in bed by like 10pm. The days are long, lots of groups, on top of you the meals, emotional work, etc., so I’m pretty exhausted by the end of the day.
The house right now is very quiet; no conflict/fighting with the current group, although i admitted last week. There’s someone that stays at the house each night, stays in the background really; keeps the place clean, writes down if you’ve had snack.
2 floors, 2 rooms downstairs, I think 2 upstairs, as well. My room is downstairs, generally you have to be there awhile (and be doing well medically speaking) before going upstairs.
10 people in the house right now, which is the max capacity (I believe). I have 1 roommate. 3 people stay in the larger rooms.
I haven’t been there for a weekend yet, but Saturday program goes from 9-2ish, breakfast at the house (each person prepares whatever they want for themselves), then either an outing, or activity at the house. I’ve been told we go out for lunch, or cook something together at the house with whoever comes that day. No program Sunday, so you’re free to do whatever you want.
Here to answer any other questions you (or anyone else) might may have.
Anonymous – just wanted to drop a quick message to say that I am so proud of you. You got this! Recovery is yours.
Thanks, Rachel!
Are you still in PHP at Sol Stone?
I should be started the week after this next week.
It sounds even less structured than I imagined. There seems to be quite a bit of autonomy.
Would they keep people who are struggling or are they quick to refer out to a HLOC?
In other words, would it basically be up to the client if / when to step up levels of care or would they encourage it pretty quickly?
is Saturday programming at the Hoffman House rather than the clinic on Walnut Street?
Do they provide the meals on Saturday while in program (I.e. breakfast and lunch)?
It sounds like the only outside food the clients are responsible for are nightly snacks, Saturday dinner, and all meals on Sundays. Is that correct?
Do you find the quality of 1:1 sessions to be sufficient? Having an enduring ED myself, I think my 1:1 work will need to be in depth as I doubt it would be appropriate to bring up my existential issues in groups!
Do they require exercise prescriptions or can people go to the gym between 7-10 in the evenings?
Thanks for whatever feedback you can offer!
No, it’s pretty lax. If you directly ask the dietician, “Is this enough/the right amount?” she’ll tell you, but otherwise, you’re on your own. The dieticians won’t watch you the whole time, and if you need them to, you’ll likely “get away with” a lot and they won’t necessarily know. Meals/snacks at Hoffman House, there’s absolutely no observation nor meal support (some of the RA’s might sit/chat with you if you ask).
You might need residential.
Do they take MedicAid insurance for the PHP Program or only for Outpatient?
I might be reading your comment wrong, but do they take Medicaid for their outpatient program?
Also, forgot to ask: does Syracuse have a PHP program, similar to the one Elmira?
They’ll work with medicaid for the PHP.
By the PHP program do you mean the one in Elmira?
Does Medicare or Medicaid cover the Hoffman House? If not, how much does it cost? How long do people stay?
I have Excellus Managed Medicaid, which they accept for the program itself, but doesn’t cover Hoffman House. It’s $250/week to stay at the house.
Currently at Sol Stone Elmira. Haven’t been here long enough to post a full review but here is the current schedule:
Monday:
-body comps – 8am
-breakfast
-community meeting
-weekend processing
-snack
-CBT skills training
-break
-lunch
-DBT skills
-recovery group
-snack
-reflective writing
-expressive therapy
-self-care
-dinner
-wrap up – 6:30
Tuesday
-body comps – 8am
-breakfast
-community meeting
-IFS group
-snack
-art therapy (IFS)
-break
-lunch
-group therapy/ art processing
-nutrition education
-PREP group (recovery maintenance plans)
-focus group (varies each week)
-mind/ body (meditation/ mindfulness)
-dinner
-wrap up (6:30)
Wednesday
-body comps – 8am
-breakfast
-community meeting
-focus group
-snack
-recovery group
-break
-lunch
-nutrition education
-nutrition skills: snack preparation
-snack
-prep group
-recreation skills
-self care
-dinner
-wrap up (6:30)
Thursday
-body comps – 8am
-breakfast
-community meeting
-DBT skills training
-snack
-art therapy
-break
-lunch
-group therapy (art processing)
-nutrition education
-snack
-reflective writing
-music therapy
-mind/ body
-dinner
-wrap up (6:30)
Friday
-body comps – 8am
-breakfast
-community meeting
-mind/ body
-snack
-nutrition skills: meal preparation
-community lunch
-expressive therapy
-weekend planning
-snack
-meal planning
-grocery trip
-dinner
-wrap up (6:30)
Saturday
(Breakfast before program)
-art therapy (9am)
-snack
-art therapy (cont)
-lunch
-snack prep
-wrap up (2pm)
Sunday
On your own
When you get into the swing of things, I’m curious about how body comp impacts your treatment and meal plans.
If you could also describe meals and foods available, I would be thankful.
Can you practice yoga on your own at Hoffman house?
What can you drink during the day?
What is the quality of the groups?
Do they have a buddy system?
Body comps tell them whether you’re losing/gaining fat and/or muscle mass, the integrity/health of your cells, how much intracellular and extra cellular water you have – they can tell if you need more/less water, if you’re ready to handle movement (and how much), whether you need increases on your meal plan (and possibly which macros) – they learn a lot. What they don’t do, which I like, is emphasise body weight – or factor it at all – in relation to your health and recovery progress. What’s more important to them are the health of your cells, reduction of behaviours, how well you’re sleeping, energy levels, mood, preservation of muscle mass (they don’t want you wasting muscle, which is a sign things aren’t great), etc.
Meals are pretty flexible. Breakfast you always make yourself. Lunch and dinner, someone cooks, but you can always make something else if you prefer. Once a week, they order take away, and once a week everyone prepares and eats the same meal together (ditto for a snack once a week). The dietician will create a meal plan for you, but take your preferences into account. They use an exchange system. If you want a specific item, they’ll usually buy it to have on hand, unless it’s a real “diet” food (lite cheese, skim milk, halo top ice cream, etc.). They’re very good at accommodating food allergies and sensitivities (so long as it’s not part of your disorder and is a genuine medical issue), as well as all kinds of diets, like plant based, pescatarian, vegetarian, and flexitarian – so long as it’s not based in your disorder and is a genuine moral or taste based choice. They’re very against keto diets, but that’s with good reason (unless you have epilepsy, I imagine).
You can practice yoga, so long as the dietician approves it. There’s a space for exercise/yoga/stretching.
You can drink whatever you like, just about. Water, coffee, tea, crystal lite, etc. Juice and milk fine with meals/snacks. They might limit caffeine if it’s excessive, but they’re fine with a few cups of coffee and tea. They’re very generous with water patients are allowed free access at all times.
Most of the groups are great. Art groups are pretty independent (you’re making art), but the therapist is always on hand for questions and help. Self care group usually just amounts to a break, but it’s a long day, so that’s usually welcome. Music therapy could be better – it’s just listening to each other’s song choices and guessing who picked what. The writing groups, like art, are pretty independent, but again, the therapist is on hand if you need more direction.
They don’t have a buddy system, but it’s a small, tightly knit group, so most patients are very support of each other. People tend to buddy up organically, and there tends of be a lot of peer support.
Do they still have outings on Saturdays? They used to organize a trip to places (eg. craft store) for people that stay at the house with a staff member.
Yes, they still do a Saturday programme. When I was there, it was a mixture of outings, and crafts + cooking at the house. If we had an outing, sometimes we’d have lunch at a restaurant or bring a packed lunch, but sometimes we’d eat lunch back at the house. AM snack was never at a cafe or anything like that; either we’d pack one to bring with or have it at the house.
Thanks for this. Good to know they arrange something for Saturdays, because I was worried about the long weekend without much distraction, stuck around the house, etc. I don’t have a car, so that is worrisome, the thought of being stuck at the house all weekend. This is helpful to know going in–much appreciated!
Hey there,
Are you able to complete a full review of your experience with Sol Stone?
I am going to Sol Stone next week!! ?
Has anyone had any recent experience there and at Hoffman House? Do they allow cell phone usage? I am 50 and just diagnosed with anorexia and ready to do the work to recover. I’m hoping for a good experience there.
How’s it going at sol stone? Can you write a review with the experience you’ve had so far?
Would anyone be able to provide a recent review of the Sol Stone PHP? I’ll be going there soon, thank you!
Pros – body comps and metabolic testing are very helpful. It showed my that I was really sick, even once I was weight restored. Most of the staff is incredibly caring. They believe in and support health at every size.
Cons – I think their approach is better suited to an adult who is used to living on their own. They try to make you eat on your own on the very first weekend – which of course is exactly what my ED wanted. I was there for 8 weeks, and my weekends were always a disaster. I’m a 21 year old college student (nearby college), and they basically cut my dad out of my treatment (I have always only lived with my dad – and he’s always been my main support with my ED). They wanted me to do it all on my own, but I had already been through other treatment programs and knew how important support from my dad was. Of course my ED hated my dad’s involvement, but I know recognize how important it was. Sol Stone didn’t agree with this. Again, they are very caring but really geared towards a much older adult. Also, my therapist was like 2 years older than me. She was nice, but not very experienced.
Thank you so much Barbara! A few more questions, if you’re up for it. What were groups like? What were the meals that you ate in treatment like? And one more, did you stay in the supportive living house?
This is super helpful! I am a very independent adult used to living on my own and don’t do well in the really controlled environments because I need more autonomy. This might actually be a good option for me.
Sol stone pretty much sucks. The people are rude. The fews therapists that are good usually get ran outta the place. Sol Stone Syracuse was were I had recently been. They need a new program director asap! The one they have now is condescending and could care less about the clients. Pretty sure she still has an eating disorder herself. Just take the time to go somewhere else. Not worth the time, $, and relapse.
A waste of money. Everyone in the “group” of people I was in, relapsed within a few months.
The groups were the typical ones found at any center – nutrition, DBT skills, meditation. They also use IFS (Internal Family Systems), which was new for me. Some of the others like it, but I didn’t. The meals were actually quite good! We also did some community cooking, and on Fridays we went to nearby supermarket to do our shopping for the weekend. I did stay at their “house,” and I didn’t mind it. You get to know the other patients really well. We all had a roommate. Oh – but the residential house is a mile from the treatment center, so you will need a car. For some reason they don’t advertise this, and I only knew because a friend of a friend had gone there.
In the end, I found a much better program for me (one that gave me higher goal weight -which led me to recover fully).
**Edited for names per guidelines
I was not impressed by their services at all. First thing is money, you would think they would talk to you about this before admission but no. It’s a nice way to set someone off on their first day. It’s not a real world setting. Their method of therapy (IFS) made me feel like I was becoming schizophrenic by naming all my parts, talking to them and all. The majority of the staff was friendly, my counselor was great, but they are concerned about their goals for you and not any of your own are taken into consideration. The food there was good when doing your own meal prep and learning correct portion, the food is unrealistic though because most of the food is so expensive.
Hoffman House was the best part of my experience. We all bonded well and that was where most of the “treatment” occurred.
I hate to talk badly about any “business” but that’s just what it is, is a business. Constantly hearing about money, if you don’t this or that insurance won’t pay for today. “X” (edited for names) and some of the girls downstairs made you feel more like a paycheck than a person.
I do not recommend treatment here. It is well known by other patients I met and the community that after leaving that most patients relapse within a few weeks. The unrealistic setting does not prepare you for life on the outside.
Not sure if you still need one, but I was there spring 2016 and it helped me a lot.
Weights / vitals were taken M-F at ~8:15. Breakfast 8:30-9:15 and you prepare it yourself. At all meals, a staff member writes down what you pick and tells you if you need to get more of something.
9:30-10 is community meeting – logistical stuff and everyone sets an intention for the day.
10-10:45 is either art therapy, yoga, or meditation.
10:45-11:15 snack
11:15-12 DBT group
12-12:30 open studio (basically free time / time to work on anything you need to work on)
12:30-1:15 lunch
1:30-3:30 different groups depending on what day it is
3:45-4 snack
4:15-5 poetry therapy / nutrition education / other kinds of groups depending what day
5-5:30 open studio
5:45-6:45 dinner/ wrap up
Everyone meets with the dietitian, psychiatrist, and their individual therapist at least once a week. The staff were all very respectful and willing to hear / act on patient feedback – for example, while I was there, a lot of people were struggling on fridays so the director talked to all of the patients and ended up significantly changing (and improving) the friday schedule.
As for food, they have a cook who makes a few options for lunch / dinner most days. You order from a restaurant for lunch one day a week, everyone prepares Friday lunch together, and you get prepared food from Wegmans Friday dinner. They listen to patient requests for food too (as long as it’s not super expensive or like… zero calorie diet food) and it’s a fairly even mix of healthy stuff and “challenging” food. they don’t really use supplement drinks to replace meals — they have ensure that they can add in addition to a normal meal plan if you physically need that, but they try to discourage people from using it to avoid eating.
I will try to write a more complete review soon, but just so you know — I was absolutely terrified before I went, and it was definitely hard, but it helped me so much. I felt safe, supported, and cared about while I was there and I’m beyond grateful for the people who work there and the other patients I was with.
Please:((
Would anybody be willing to provide me with the typical day for php:) how meal plans work and just general info?:) it would be reaaallly appreciated:) thanks
Not sure if you still need one, but I was there spring 2016 and it helped me a lot.
Weights / vitals were taken M-F at ~8:15. Breakfast 8:30-9:15 and you prepare it yourself. At all meals, a staff member writes down what you pick and tells you if you need to get more of something.
9:30-10 is community meeting – logistical stuff and everyone sets an intention for the day.
10-10:45 is either art therapy, yoga, or meditation.
10:45-11:15 snack
11:15-12 DBT group
12-12:30 open studio (basically free time / time to work on anything you need to work on)
12:30-1:15 lunch
1:30-3:30 different groups depending on what day it is
3:45-4 snack
4:15-5 poetry therapy / nutrition education / other kinds of groups depending what day
5-5:30 open studio
5:45-6:45 dinner/ wrap up
Everyone meets with the dietitian, psychiatrist, and their individual therapist at least once a week. The staff were all very respectful and willing to hear / act on patient feedback – for example, while I was there, a lot of people were struggling on fridays so the director talked to all of the patients and ended up significantly changing (and improving) the friday schedule.
As for food, they have a cook who makes a few options for lunch / dinner most days. You order from a restaurant for lunch one day a week, everyone prepares Friday lunch together, and you get prepared food from Wegmans Friday dinner. They listen to patient requests for food too (as long as it’s not super expensive or like… zero calorie diet food) and it’s a fairly even mix of healthy stuff and “challenging” food. they don’t really use supplement drinks to replace meals — they have ensure that they can add in addition to a normal meal plan if you physically need that, but they try to discourage people from using it to avoid eating.
I will try to write a more complete review soon, but just so you know — I was absolutely terrified before I went, and it was definitely hard, but it helped me so much. I felt safe, supported, and cared about while I was there and I’m beyond grateful for the people who work there and the other patients I was with.
Thank you! This was Extremely helpful
Would you be willing to complete a full or partial review of Sol Stone? TY 🙂
Can someone please post a detailed recent review of Sol Stone please?
Can anyone give a detailed recent review of Sol Stone please?
Does anyone have any recent reviews on Sol Stone as well as the intake process?
Also, are they a treatment center that follows the “18.5 BMI rule” and the “5 pounds for ever inch you are above 5ft?” Philosophy that other places emphasize? Or, are they more individualized and work with the patient on a goal weight?
Any recent reviews of this place?
I can do a full review on sol stone! I was there in February 2014 for a month and they changed my life. This place is not like any treatment place i have ever been to, i felt safe, and cared for there. I am now the healthiest I have been in years!
nicole would love to hear about your experience!!
Nicole! I would love to hear about your experience here!!
Can you please write the current review? Really contemplating going here and want a better idea of what to suspect.
Would you be able to do a full review:)
Sol stone is amazing. Best treatment program of MANY I have been through. I can answer questions too! 🙂
Hi! This is the anon who last posted. Thanks, when were you there? can you possibly do a full review? i will be so thankful. Why do you think sol stone is the best place you have gone to, whats separates them from the rest of the treatment centers? Thanks again:)
Would you be willing to do a full review of this place?
Would you be able to do a review for me:) like a typical day?:)
Hi, would anyone be able to do a recent full review on sol stone? Im going there soon and am really nervous about it.
I am going here in the next few weeks! Wondering if someone can share their recent experience there? Also, do they incorporate exercise or movement of some kind?
Hi, how was your experience here?! I’d love a recent update of their program
Old Reviews
—
2010
Pros:
they said straight forward to feel those feelings. I went to one ED recovery place and the therapist said straight out I don’t know what you are talking about when i asked if I should be more in touch with my feelings…..ick
The groups were helpful, to just sit in a circle on couches and vent. I made some f the best relisations about myself/ family during group. I learned a lot about myself.
Relaxed setting – Its like being in a house, which is nice. We played letter games, etc while eating so it felt like being with your family at times.
The staff is pretty nice — I really like Brandy the nurse. I LOVED my therapist. She had an ED once before, so she really gets it. Didn’t like doctor, but eh, no place is perfect.
Elmira was nice in the fall — verrry pretty 🙂
Making and putting together meals yourself. Major components, like cooking were done by a cook offsite. But to plate your own food was great — you could learn how much is enough.
I loved the Hoffman House! verry clean, and i got along with every house aid. I have trouble sleeping but they were usually up too so we would just chat.
The staff was VERY sweet when my birthday came around. Mini cupcakes, with candles!! made me feel special 🙂
I really appreciated the lack of exercise. Not going to the gym and just walking and doing yoga was refreshing. Eat enough gave me the same feeling as a workout high, but better. Invaluable lesson. Plus the osteopenia tests are good. I wouldn’t have known if i didn’t have it done.
Cons:
The use of ‘diet-y’ food.
The only yogurt available was fat free…which was disturbing. I was in a different phase in my ED, so I really preferred a little fat in my yogurt, but you had to request something different. Also, i heard that requesting a food was fast, but it took at least a week before my request showed up…namely more fatty yogurt 🙂
There isnt any food that would be in the “real” world — like pizza, ice cream, or bagels. Everything was high – fiber, veggie, whole grain stuff. Which was delicious, but not exactly realistic. The exposure to these different foods would have been really amazing.
Nutrition therapy was really depressing. Hearing of stories of women whose lives were ruined by Ed’s, saying that craving food was purely emotional and not physiological….it got annoying fast. But a few questios were answered, so it wasn’t horrible. I thought that i saw a version of a calorie counter book on the nutritionists desk, tho….
It was early and I tended to sleep during things…but thats cause I dont sleep at night all the time…oops
walking to the clinic in bad weather. I was dumb and did not pack rain boots, so it was miserable to walk back and forth in moccasins. Some people bring cars, but a ride from the clinic would be sooo helpful, man.
The days can drag, man. Maybe it was my depression, but some days would last foreverrr. Your days are spent mostly in the group room, so I got really stir crazy after awhile. Everyone did, tho.
Not everything is in perfect working order. This isn’t a resort, man. The couches are from a few years back, the toilet upstairs stopped working at one point, but they kept it clean, tho.
Ah a BIG con : getting essential toilitries/supplies. I could have really used a set time for going to wegmans, or target to grab things. It was up to the patients to organise rides etc, but on the weekends when the people with cars went home, you were left with no ride to get what you need. I wish that this was a part of Saturday program — to shop for food for the weekends with the nutritionist, to expand food choices outside of “safe” foods. It was up to us to feed ourselves for the weekend, But there was never a set plan for getting food. VERY stressful to me.
I remember at one point having a feeling that hey, get me out of here they won’t take proper care of me, this isn’t the right place, but by the third week, I knew that it was a good place. I can get paranoid about treatment, considering the crappy one that I went to
2009
I’ve been here multiple times in the past few years, mostly because I have a connection there (see the head nutritionist OP):
When were you there: Summer 2008, March 2009, Summer 2009
Describe the average day:
Get to Clinic at 8:30, have weight and body composition done/vitals on some days.
9:00-ish: Breakfast
9:30-ish: Community meeting/goal setting
10:00-10:45: group
10:45: AM snack
11:00-11:15: Group
12-Open Studio
12:30-1: Lunch
1- Group
2:45: snack
3:00-Group
5-Open Studio
5:30(-ish): Dins
What were meals like? You prepare your own plate, get your own svgs etc. You check with the staff to make sure it was appropriate before sitting at the table. Your plates can be plated for you if it makes you too anxious. Meals sometimes people would all read magazines or do puzzly books but this sometimes annoyed others so then just music or conversation or table games. Sometimes very awkward and quiet given the community.
What sorts of food were available or served? Basically anything and everything. All diets are accomodated bc it is a very personalized meal plan that you follow.
Did they supplement? How did that system work? Yes, but only if the nutritionist deemed it appropriate. Usually as an AM/PM snack but more if necessary.
What privelages are allowed? Lots of freedom. 10 PM curfew, 7-10 you can really do anything you want. The Hoffman house is more of a halfway house than a residential center.
Does it work on a level system? Not really, but they “approve” you to go away for a day/weekend/long weekend. Even though they’re “techinically” a PHP and not a residence, if they disapprove of you going away and you don’t miss programming they “technically” can’t do anything but label you as non-compliant.
What sort of groups do they have? Body image, poetry, journaling, general group, recovery workshop…
What was your favorite group? General group, the rest were too touchy-feely for my liking
What did you like the most? Smoking porch and nutritionist
What did you like the least? The “illusion” of control that they hold over you, feeling forced into this particular setting
Would you recommend this program? Only if you’re really ready and can handle a bit of a slack leash.
What level of activity or exercise was allowed? Daily Activity or else “prescribed”/approved by the N.
What did people do on weekends? There is a half-day Saturday Program. Besides that….Knit, watch movies, go to the movies, go to target…theres nothing to do in Elmira.
Do you get to know your weight? If you were able to convince the N.
How fast is the weight gain process? Varies.
What was the average length of stay? VARIES. (emphatic, reealllllllyy wide range, from 10 days to like 10 months?)
What was the average age range? Over 18
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an OP treatment team? They try…maybe.
How many IP beds? How many patients in PHP or IOP?
No IP, this is PHP with a staffed residence which has 12 beds.
I go to the Nutrition Clinic associated with Sol Stone, and I find it to be horrible and lacking. First of all, the staff can be very rude and don’t seem to really care very much.
The nutritionist there isn’t very good either, i found her to be lacking in knowledge, she never gave me a proper meal plan or anything. She even at one point told me i could weigh less, and I am at a perfectly healthy weight for my height, and that is something you should NEVER say to an anorexic patient. All she ever told me was to eat more protein that is all, and she told me by doing so i could lose weight, which was very triggering.
They aren’t very organized, they say you see hte doctor monthly, however, i’ve only seem him twice in my 4 months going here.
I find this place to be very unhelpful, and can be very triggering at times. I would STRONGLY NOT recommend going here.
I just wanted to add that Sol Stone has an IOP near Syracuse, which has been really great for me as I’ve been able to stay in school and out of Centre Syracuse. It’s located in Ophelia’s Place, which is an (unaffiliated) nonprofit dedicated to ED awareness and such. They have a cafe so we order meals from there, which is scary but, in all honesty, really helping my recovery.
Anyway, it runs 4:30 to 7:30, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Monday is group therapy, Wednesday is art therapy, and Thursday is DBT/education and yoga. On Thursday the aforementioned Bruce comes up from Sol Stone.
One really important thing that I don’t think is mentioned in the first review is the whole body composition thing. Even to be admitted to IOP you first have to go to Sol Stone and get metabolic testing, which just involves some electrode tests and a breathing test. Then everytime you meet with the nutritionist he re-does the electrode thing and yells at / praises you accordingly. I find this a lot more helpful than simply focusing on weight.