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ViaMar Health
- August 14, 2019
- Accepts Government Insurance, Adolescent, Adult, Florida, IOP/PHP, Medicaid, Residential, Transitional Living, USA Treatment Center
- 113
I was at Viamar for a month and they kicked me out – on a Sunday in the evening, after telling me on Friday afternoon I needed a feeding tube. They just escorted me to the street, have a good life, no followup, not even a safe place to stay for the night. I was gaslighted by the staff and told lies. They don’t respect your history or achievements in life – and you are told repeatedly that you aren’t a “functional adult.” You are treated like a little child. If you were quiet and drank the kool-aide you could literally do anything you wanted, including engaging with your eating disorders.
The food was awful. lots of wraps and high carb foods. Rarely do you get warm foods, even things that should be aren’t. they had spaghetti and meatballs that was room temperature! Can you say “safe-serve?” You are supposed to get 2 foods that you don’t have to eat, but I was not given this opportunity. They also didn’t respect that I’m lactose intolerant and had no interest in the pills, as i don’t care about dairy (if you go decades without it, then who wants it? The dietician there is, in my opinion, the worse dietician I’ve ever had the misfortune to meet.
The individual TVs were turned off because of something that happened before I got there – each “suite” had one. I never found out why we were being punished, but it continued the entire time I was there. At the end, they wouldn’t even let the residents touch the remotes for the TV in the common area. You are not treated like a adult!
Unfortunately, it was not my first rehab. the first one i successfully did 3 months there. Viamar left me with treatment trauma and, even though it’s been months, I’m still not doing any. At this point I just won’t do anymore. Thanks for the help Viamar!
On the positive side, the MHAs are very nice. Many of the other residents were very encouraging, more so then my last rehab. I do wish them success in their recovery journeys, even if mine is coming to a end.
It is coming up on 5 years since I was first at Viamar. While I wish I could say that I was grateful for the time I spent there, the reality is that I entered with a lot of trauma and left with even more. This review will be about my time spent in their residential program, although I also spent time in their PHP and IOP programs.
It took me a long time to come to terms with the fact that seeking treatment with Viamar ended me up in an abusive cult. The culture was shame-based and often used group therapy sessions as a means to get patients to gang up on anyone who was struggling. Group punishment for the actions of one were common, resulting in patients turning on each other.
We were taught psychology concepts that were helpful in theory, but were weaponized by the higher-ups that taught them in order to keep us silent and complacent. For example, if any patient did not agree with something, or was having a difficult emotional experience outside of assignments like psychodramas or being made to beat a chair with a bat while the group watched, that patient would be told that they weren’t being a “functional adult”. It seemed that what was expected of everyone in order to be that “functional adult” was to act as a robot, always following, never questioning, and letting them build you in their image, not your own.
Having your own thoughts was highly discouraged, especially if they diverged from the group. The group and private conversations with higher-ups were used to break people down until they re-assimilated. We were often reminded of how lucky we were to have a seat at Viamar and that they were the only people who could save our lives.
I would not call Viamar trauma-informed. One of the assignments was called a psychodrama. In this assignment, one patient would get to position other patients in chairs to represent people in their life that they had unfinished business with. During the psychodrama, they would get to say everything they needed to say to the people in the chairs. Screaming was highly encouraged, and while I know it could be cathartic for the one speaking, it was incredibly triggering to require those of us with existing PTSD to witness it and even sit in the chairs ourselves.
Fights amongst patients were common, mostly verbal, several times physical. Only in cases of physicality were other patients allowed to leave the area, otherwise you were told you weren’t being a “functional adult” by wanting to remove yourself from the situation.
There was an exercise in which a patient was encouraged to release emotion by screaming and hitting a chair repeatedly with a therapy bat. Again, I can understand the potential merits of this, however being forced to watch as someone with PTSD was harmful.
During one group therapy session, I was pushed so hard by one of the therapists that, after repeatedly asking him to stop, I almost passed out from extreme emotional distress and was given an ice pack.
It seemed that Viamar ran on a one-size-fits-all policy, and if you found any of their methods unhelpful or even harmful, you were the problem.
All of our crucial personal items, such as wallets, car keys, and cell phones were locked away. Multiple patients attempted to run away in the middle of the night without their things, but were always brought back by the police. Viamar claimed to be a voluntary treatment program, but acted otherwise.
I was in the residential program for 4.5 months. At 2.5 months in, I was told that I was stable enough to leave, but was repeatedly denied the ability to leave when I requested to thereafter. I was gaslighted and manipulated and shamed. Sometimes they would lie and tell me I never asked, but not allow me to leave. Sometimes they would say if I really wanted to leave they would give me the paperwork, but never did. Sometimes they would break me down to prove how “unstable” I was and that I really needed to stay. They spoke about waiting for my insurance to cut before allowing me to leave, which is what ended up happening.
Viamar’s outside contact policy was strict. The first week of treatment, every patient was put on a “blackout” which meant no contact at all with the outside world. On subsequent days, full completion of 3 meals and 3 snacks without supplementation was required for one 10 minute phone call on a house phone, monitored by the behavioral health techs. My personal struggle with this policy began when I started to become physically ill from the stress of Viamar. I started to get sick during meals and was barred contact with my family. I could only have contact with them during family sessions with my therapist at Viamar. I attempted to tell them what was happening during one of those sessions, but my therapist told them I was just trying to manipulate them. I felt alone, trapped, and scared.
The evening I finally returned home, I experienced a mental collapse. I started screaming and crying uncontrollably. It felt as if I didn’t know which way was up. It has taken a long time to find my voice again, hence why this review is years delayed. I truly hope the program has changed since my time there.
On the positive side, I did form positive connections with some of the other patients there, my dietician was a lovely man who did funny impressions, one of the techs was incredibly sweet, and the assignment on the adaptive functions of the eating disorder was legitimately insightful.
Five years later, I still struggle with my eating disorder. Viamar did not save my life, but my time there did make me wary of ever seeking residential level help again
I was also at Viamar 5 years ago and this is 100% accurate.
I was at Viamar this year and all this accurate and true
I was there twice (almost a yr both times) and agree with every part of this.
I was at ViaMar on and off from 2019-2021, and I agree with everything you said.
Thank you for writing this, you have articulated the Viamar experience completely accurately. I was there about 4 years ago and it was exactly as you described.
I already had so many traumatic life events before I ended up in res at Viamar, but honestly… Viamar is a contender for the most traumatic thing I’ve ever been through. I was essentially held prisoner there for over 3 months, with no access to my phone or wallet, no way of contacting my spouse or anyone on the outside (the most I could hope for was the one 10 minute phone call per day, monitored by a technician who would hang up the phone if I told them what was really going on or said I wanted to leave). During those 3 months I was in a state of constant stress and sleep deprivation, being continuously gaslit by the “treatment team” who were all so inundated in the cult that they claimed they were helping me even as they psychologically abused me.
They went so far as to literally lie to my insurance, telling them that I was suicidal in order for them to keep paying and extend my stay. I know this because my “therapist” at Viamar actually admitted this to me – she explicitly told me, “we will keep you here as long as possible, as long as they keep paying us.” I was never suicidal at any point, before or during my time at Viamar, nor did I exhibit any indicators of that (this should go without saying, but just for the record). The only way I was finally allowed to go home was when the insurance eventually did stop paying.
I can’t stress enough how much my experience at Viamar has changed my life for the worse. I still think about it every single day, and probably always will. I’m still very sick with my ED and want help, but can’t bring myself to enter another treatment program because I’m so traumatized.
The only positive thing from Viamar were the friends I made there, but that turned out to be just as traumatic – my friends from there are all dead now (they took their own lives shortly after leaving Viamar, at least in part because of the trauma of the experience). I think about them every single day and I miss them so much.
Most awful experience. Not a place for someone who truly wants to recover. They’re aim is just to make you feel like one big failure, and that we are all dying. There was not one word about the positive aspects of recovering or why we should even choose recovery. All day we were just told off which felt like we were in school. No respect as a person. They treat you like someone with no heart. Therpaist and dietitian were extremely double faced, present themselves one way, or tell you things they will change for you but dont act on it and when you try talking to them you are just pushed away. They have no respect for people or religion. There aim is to brainwash you and make you feel like the most unworthy person. Groups are basically hours spent listening to everyone else share their struggles, which is so unhelpful. There is no-one to talk to at the res, they say there is but there unqualified, young people who dont really care about you. So, you are there trapped, with no way out, and no compassion, or true care.They just like to feel the powered one like they have their life altogether and we dont. But people who dont treat other humans regardless what they’re going though respectfully, is disgust and shame.
I dont recommend this place at all, recovery is hard in itself but Viamar look to make it harder and dont work with you at all. Dont get fooled, by their pictures, or their writing its a bunch of lies.
I was in ViaMar for only 6 days in the residential program. Things were actually pretty good and I felt like I could get help there, even though there were some things I didn’t like, mostly that there wasn’t enough time to get a good nights sleep and have time to shower or get ready in the morning, and there is literally no down time. Other than that though, the program itself was good. I liked my therapist, and there was a peer support specialist (I think that’s what she was called) that was nice. However, *TW: SI* I was particularly struggling one day with suicidal thoughts, and was baker acted and sent to the hospital. *END TW* I was told that I would be able to go back afterwards and would just be going to the hospital for a few days. Well, that is not what happened. The hospital said I was stabilized and that the treatment center had no valid reason to not allow me back. But ViaMar said that they thought I needed further treatment. I’m not sure that that was the real reason, but that’s what the intake lady told me. I wasn’t even able to talk to my treatment team over the phone or anything, and I was expected to talk to this intake lady who didn’t know anything about the situation other than what they told her. I have a lot of communication issues and trouble talking on the phone if it’s not someone I have a trusting relationship with, but I wasn’t able to talk to anyone else who I would have been more comfortable to explain things to. When I went to go get my stuff, it was all packed up and a lady I’d never even met was there. I had some belongings that were missing, and she said that was all of my stuff, when I know for a fact it wasn’t. No one from my treatment team even came to speak to me about why I wasn’t allowed back, which I think is inexcusable for them to not come face me after doing something like that. I have emailed the intake office several times asking for resources for a place to go, and about getting mail that I know was sent there, but they have not answered. Initially it seemed like a caring facility, but obviously I was fooled by that and once something happens that they don’t like, all compassion disappears. I wish I could give a good review and I’d still choose to go back if I got the opportunity, but the way this was handled was very unprofessional. This is the only treatment center that would accept my insurance, and I have no where to go now.
I was there from January 2025 till April 2025. I began in residential and after about a month was moved to PHP. I have ARFID and until maybe my last week I had been given no information on my disorder, I was the only person there with ARFID and felt alone with my struggles which was exacerbated by not understanding what my struggles even were. In residential the schedule is doable but feels very rushed other than when you’re sitting in groups or monitoring but meals and snacks were almost always late or cold or both. My dietitian in res (and many other people) would almost constantly remind me that I didn’t know what a balanced meal looked like, a lot of talking down to patients from staff. My experience with staff was interesting, in the course of my stay they let go their of their best therapist and had no system in place of how to replace her as she ran many important groups/family programming and that felt like a cluster. The rest of the staff was very hit or miss, some great people some truly not good people, techs and clinicians alike both were sprinkled with gems but overall not great. The food in res was things I had never consistently eaten in my life (huge deal for ARFID) and I was never offered any dietary changes but a fellow patient was allowed to have PB&J’s because they complained for long enough that they didn’t enjoy the food being served (and refused their meals/supplements which is something I did not do and was the reason my meals were never changed) moral of that story is they will not cater to you unless you make them. The food is great quality but not things I would say the average person eats every day as much of it is prepared by one of the two chefs. In PHP I had a much easier time as I shopped for and cooked my own food. At the same time the PHP schedule is much more demanding, 2 days out of the week you are at the center from 11am-8pm and have things to do once you get back to supportive living like the breathalyzer, Pm snack and inventory. To me it felt like a gamble every day, I never really knew what to expect and if anyone got in trouble it was always a group confrontation with their peers or with a bunch of staff, sometimes they did hold everyone responsible for the actions of one person which was met with a lot of tears and frustration from the other patients. In my experience they did not individualize my treatment although they were always telling me they were going to soon. I have anxiety (which is also a large part of my disorder) and other than it being medicated they never really treated my anxiety in therapy which is disappointing. my therapist was an intern both in PHP and res. in PHP my therapist explained that panic disorder (an anxiety disorder) was on my chart but anxiety was not and that was causing my lack of treatment for anxiety (make that make sense cause I can’t). Toward the end of my stay we let the staff know I would be leaving and they offered for me to attend virtually which I accepted so they couldn’t hold my possessions for 72 hours and I did virtual for about 2-3 weeks before getting settled in with my outpatient team. This place got me healthy and taught me a lot but I would not recommend staying for the whole program (12-18 months on average) and instead gauge for yourself when you’re ready to go home. Be honest with yourself as coming home is a huge challenge but once you’re strong enough don’t talk yourself out of leaving, it’s my opinion that if you stay too long it only makes the transition home harder as you get used to having a level of support that’s simply not offered in day to day life. Take what you need and leave the rest.
Im considering going to residencial can you tell me more about it?
please let me know if you can cancel any time? and if works for Binge eating? and if you dont want to continue the programado you can go?
I would *strongly* advise against seeking treatment at ViaMar. The staff are condescending toward patients, and a lot of the “therapeutic” work they have you do is a number of lengthy assignments that they expect you to share in front of people before getting loads of feedback. One of the clinicians, ***, routinely raises his voice during groups and actually starts yelling. The nurses and the psychiatrist are great, but it’s really problematic that the actual clinicians are subpar. There a so many other options for treatment in Florida alone. Cross this place off your list!
can you give me the name of other places that treat ED
When were you there?
December 2023-February 2024
What level(s) of care did you do (e.g., inpatient, residential, PHP, IOP)?
Residential
If applicable: Is it wheelchair accessible?
Both the house and the facility were both wheelchair accessible, however the ramps at the house did not seem safe.
How many patients are there on average?
The house held up to 14, on average we had 12 while I was there.
What genders does it treat?
All gender identities
If applicable: Do they support the gender identities of transgender and nonbinary people?
They support the identities of passing trans folk, as someone who is nonbinary they treated me as my assigned gender at birth, none of the staff cared to use my preferred pronouns. Was also told that I was lucky to be chosen to go there, in reference to me being nonbinary and complaining about the constant misgendering.
How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, nurse, etc?
You meet with the psychiatrist once a week, for about 30 min the first time and 15 or so there after
Therapist twice a week, my therapist changed 3 times while I was there as they could not keep a consistent staff.
Nurse for vitals and meds daily, as well as for prn meds when needed.
Medical doctor very rarely.
Dietician once a week.
What sort of therapies are used (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR, ACT, exposure therapy, somatic experiencing, etc.)?
Most of the therapy is group therapy, they really push their developmental models as well as their iceberg concept
Describe the average day:
What were meals like?
Everyone is given portions based on their exchanges, we ate together in randomized seating, sometimes at one large table others at our own smaller tables.
What sorts of food were available or served?
Generally speaking it was breakfast foods for breakfast ie: cereal, oatmeal, eggs
For lunch it was generally something cold as it was served at the center rather than the house.
Dinner was a meal that was supposed to be warm, however the food was almost always cold ie: chicken, beef, rice.
Snacks were always an odd gamble until they let you self plate and pick your own, within the exchanges given, an example of something that was somewhat common was dried fruit and nut butter on a spoon.
Did they supplement? How did that system work?
Supplements were given if a meal or snack was not fully completed, a full boost for 0-50% and half for 50-99%. They had two options: regular boost and boost breeze, however with breeze it’s 2 boosts for 0-50% and 1 boost for 50-99%.
What is the policy of not complying with meals?
Generally it’s just the boost, however if a patient doesn’t comply on a regular basis, a contract is signed. If you do not improve after that you’ll be moved programs or to a higher level of care.
Are you able to eat vegetarian? Vegan?
If you are a vegetarian or vegan for ethical reasons yes, if not they will continue to serve you meat/animal products.
What privileges are allowed?
Moving up in the level system allows you to have a 10 minute phone call rather than 5, occasionally have monitoring outside after meals at res, and a walk to a close by park on Saturdays and a water bottle.
Does it work on a level system?
Yes, you start at “blackout” for the first week in which you are not able to have phone calls, napkins and are on flush check for the week. Then you are level one in which you are off flush check, have a 5 minute phone call every night, and have napkins. You then go to level 2 in which you get the 10 minute phone call and occasional outside monitoring after meals as well as a water bottle.
You may also start to plate food and snacks at 2, however this isn’t always the case. There is a level 3, however no one I was at res with ever got there as you are usually transitioned to PHP before that much time has passed.
How do you earn privileges?
Complying with your meal plan and participating in groups.
What sort of groups do they have?
Process group, in which generally one individual processes about something ie: trauma, feelings in treatment, struggles. Psychodramas, a bit of a rare occasion but certainly interesting. Nutrition and meal plan groups, to get you familiar with exchanges. Assignment group, people present assignments ie: life story, relapse prevention plan, timeline, first step to EDA.
What was your favorite group?
Process group
If applicable: Is the program trauma-informed?
Yes.
What did you like the most?
My peers and the couple of therapists that truly did care. The therapeutic value in both process group and psychodramas were very good. Their financial team was very good about extending my case and keeping me there as long as I needed to be.
What did you like the least?
The lack of trust that the staff had in the patients, my personal issues there that came with being nonbinary, the odd group punishment mentality that staff had.
Myself and my peers were constantly reminded that we have an “impaired reality” and that we are sneaky and cunning. I understand the need for some level of skepticism from staff since we are at a residential level and people’s lives are at stake, but treating us as if we are always trying to get one over on them was exhausting. People were served foods on their dislike list and would have to argue with staff as they wouldn’t believe them. I was constantly misgendered by staff to the point in which my peers would correct them for me, but nothing really changed. Group punishments were somewhat common, one person hid a vape on them and so we all lost our smoke breaks until that person finally gave it up. I’m unsure how punishing a group of people for one person’s issue is productive.
Would you recommend this program?
If it’s your only option maybe. Viamar was the only facility that accepted my insurance and so it was the only place I could go. They generally have a cookie cutter sort of idea with treatment, which didn’t help me much as I have ARFID, most people are given the exact same food with the exact same portions. I have food trauma from being at Viamar, which made php at a different facility much harder for me than it needed to be. Viamar did save my life, the treatment kept me alive, but I’m still dealing with issues that they directly caused. No treatment center is perfect, however Viamar just does a lot wrong that honestly is quite easy to fix. Many people did not finish the program at Viamar while I was there, many got transferred somewhere else or were kicked out of treatment. In my opinion it has many more cons than pros.
What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
Walking from place to place as long as the person isn’t wheelchair bound. After a while they let you go on a walk on Saturday to the park, beyond that very little.
What did people do on weekends?
Saturdays were spent mostly at the facility, it was a family day. Families could come to the center or zoom in for some basic ED groups. We were supposed to leave at 3:30 but we honestly stayed until 4:30 almost every time.
Sundays were spent at the res house, we would have two groups and a lot of freetime to do basically nothing.
Do you get to know your weight?
No, we did blind weigh-ins.
If applicable: How fast is the weight gain process?
Depends on the individual but generally not very quick.
What was the average length of stay?
2 months seemed to be the average stay in Residential.
What was the average age range?
18-40ish
How do visits/phone calls work?
After blackout you get a 5 minute phone call in the evenings, then 10 minutes at level 2.
Visits only occurred on Saturday for family and loved ones.
What is the electronics policy (e.g., cell phones, iPods, Kindles, laptops, tablets)?
No electronics with internet access were allowed. Occasionally with the permission of your therapist you can order stuff off of your phone while being supervised.
For inpatient/residential: Are you able to go on outings/passes?
No.
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team?
They worked with another treatment facility to get me to their PHP, not much beyond that.
Did they tailor treatment at all for you with ARFID?
No, there was another person with ARFID there as well and they also did not tailor their treatment either. One of my peers said they had some accommodations for a past patient with ARFID though.
No, they didn’t tailor my treatment nor the treatment of other individuals with ARFID while I was there. One of my peers did say they had some accommodations for a past patient that had ARFID though.
My partner just admitted here. They are 3 days past the blackout. We went with ViaMar because they *needed* help desperately and none of the local places that take their insurance had residential options and would not admit at a lower level of care. In 3 out of 4 of the phone calls we have had, they have said they hate it there. I’m not sure how much of it is resistance to getting their ED challenged/healed and how much of it is real issues. They told me most recently that their therapist is lying to them about me contacting her to say I don’t want them home. That’s really concerning to me because the only contact I have had was their therapist giving me the zoom information for the Saturday family stuff.
I guess… I’m wondering how much I should listen to my partner. They say their ED is getting worse at ViaMar. I want them to try to stay at least a month, but if it is really bad, and hearing that staff ignore their pronouns (and let other residents ignore them too and get mad at them for correcting people), along with hearing you had a similar experience makes me really worried. Having gone through it, how much should I push for them to stay?
To preface, I cannot give medical advice as I do not know your partners situation. There are definitely similarities between your partners experience and that of my own, however, my peers were better about pronouns.
Personally, I would listen to your partner as what they say is likely true, regarding dodgy therapists and difficulty at Viamar; I did want to leave as early as one week in. Eating disorder treatment is very tough and the constant misgendering really got on my nerves.
I did end up staying at Viamar for a month and a week. Staying is necessary to get medically stabilized. Unfortunately, Viamar is the only option for a lot of individuals and it sucks because the program has a lot of shortcomings, especially for queer individuals. In my experience, they did not really end up helping my ED, in fact, my ARFID ended up being worse than when I was admitted. Viamar did medically stabilize me, which was necessary for me to step down to a program that did later help my situation.
I wish the best for you and your partner. Please let me know if you have any other questions in the meantime.
Thank you for your openness and response Logan. I really appreciate it. I know that I’m in over my head, but I also know some things seem off. In your experience either yourself or what you saw in other patients, was ViaMar able to appropriately care for people with chronic illnesses and/or did that affect their definition of medical stability?
One of my peers dealt with various chronic illnesses while at Viamar and they ended up being medically stabilized and were able to step down. They were there for longer than I stayed, however that also has many factors to it.
When were you there?
April 2023-June 2023
What level(s) of care did you do (e.g., inpatient, residential, PHP, IOP)?
residential & PHP
If applicable: Is it wheelchair accessible?
The office is but the house is not
How many patients are there on average?
14 for residential & around 20 for PHP
What genders does it treat?
All genders
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?
Medical doctor- never saw one
Psychiatrist- weekly
therapist- twice a week
Nutritionist- weekly
Nurse- daily for vitals & meds
What is the staff-to-patient ratio?
1:7 typically
What sort of therapies are used (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR, ACT, exposure therapy, somatic experiencing, etc.)?
exposure therapy, somatic experiencing, the iceberg model, the drama triangle, & talk therapy.
Describe the average day:For Residential
6:00am: wake up
6:00am-7am: get vitals, get shower caddy out of locked closet, shower, put all of toiletries back or risk losing privileges
7:30am: breakfast
8:00am-8:45am: sit around the cramped dining room, drink a coffee if allowed, and wait to leave for center
8:45am: leave in vans for center
8:45am-4:30pm (3:30pm on Fridays): Groups at center with am snack, lunch, & pm snack
4:30pm: drive back to house
4:30pm-5:30pm: free time at house
5:30pm-6:00pm: dinner
6:00pm-7pm: EDA meeting
7:00pm-8:00:free time
8:15pm-8:45pm: night snack
8:45pm-9:30pm: sit in dining room for monitoring
9:30pm-10:30pm: get night meds, check out toiletries, get ready for bed, & return toiletries.
10:30pm: lights out
For PHP
2:00pm: Group
3:30pm-3:45pm: pm snack
4:00pm-5:00pm: Group
5:00pm-6:00pm: dinner
6:00pm-8:00pm: Group
What were meals like?
For Residential
They used the exchange system & offered no choices for meals or snacks. Snacks were things that didn’t make sense together but fit the exchanges.
For PHP
You bring your own food, but it must fit the exchanges.
What sorts of food were available or served?
For Residential
A basic American diet
Did they supplement? How did that system work?
Supplement was typically Ensure or boost breeze. You would get 2 cups if you didn’t eat anything & 1 cup for 1/2 eaten.
What is the policy of not complying with meals?
They would tube you if you were super medically unstable or thin. If not, they just shamed you and told you that you weren’t being a functional adult.
Are you able to eat vegetarian? Vegan?
I don’t know. I do know you were able to be kosher.
What privileges are allowed?
5-10 minute phone call on house phone, smoke breaks, & Saturday walks
Does it work on a level system?
Level 1 must stay in dining room for monitoring & can’t plate. Level 2 can plate & go outside for monitoring.
How do you earn privileges?
Eating, following the arbitrary rules, being compliant, & talking in group. Basically buying into the cult that is viamar.
What sort of groups do they have?
psychodrama, process, assignments, nutrition, addictions, & family group.
What was your favorite group?
process
If applicable: Is the program trauma-informed?
Yes
What did you like the most?
One of the therapists who fought for me & some of my peers.
What did you like the least?
Being called out in the form of feedback loops for simply existing. The clinical director refusing to give me my phone if I AMA’ed, basically holding me hostage as I wouldn’t have money or a way to contact family. Staff not letting a patient use the restroom to the point where she peed herself & had to go back to the house to change. Being shamed for struggling. Not having medical concerns taken seriously. Not getting a phone call unless you complete 100% without supplement. Being told viamar is the only place that could help me. The house was tiny and not enough space for 14 people.
Would you recommend this program?
No, especially not residential. You are treated like a prisoner.
What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
Saturday walks if dietitian approves
What did people do on weekends?
Group from 8:00am-2pm on Saturday. Hang out at house on sunday.
Do you get to know your weight?
No
If applicable: How fast is the weight gain process?
I don’t know, but not very fast.
What was the average length of stay?
Some people were there for over a year. They keep you as long as they can.
What was the average age range? 20-40
How do visits/phone calls work?
One 5-10 minute monitored phone call if you complete 100% all day.
What is the electronics policy (e.g., cell phones, iPods, Kindles, laptops, tablets)?
No electronics except for approved mp3 players
For inpatient/residential: Are you able to go on outings/passes?
No
For PHP/IOP: What support do they provide outside of programming hours?
Supportive housing, which is expensive.
What kind of aftercare do they provide?
I don’t know as I didn’t finish the program.
That was not our experience. My daugther was there in 2022. She was doing PHP, but virtually. We did go down for one week, where she met with everyone face to face, and attended all sessions with all the other residents. She has no food allergies, so I cannot speak to that, but we were never asked to leave a 5 star review in exchange for a gift card. I have gladly left a 5 star review, because the people at ViaMar were the first ones to actually help my daughter. She is now in recovery, and doing well. In large part, due to the caring staff at ViaMar. Unless they’ve undergone a huge turnover and changed their mission, I can’t believe that you and I are talking about the same place.
I’m sincerely glad to hear that your daughter is doing well with her recovery.
Yes, it’s true that Viamar could be helpful to some folks if they’re only in the virtual PHP program, or possibly even the in-person PHP/IOP program. If your daughter was never in residential, then that may explain the discrepancy in our experiences with this place.
It’s unfortunate if you don’t believe me (or the many others corroborating my experience), though I do understand that my claims must seem a bit extreme – just how bad the residential program is, and the fact that Viamar does, in fact, bribe people with gift cards in exchange for 5-star reviews. The gift card thing is most often pitched to patients in residential (it was pitched to us every single day, actually); not so much to the families of patients, as I imagine they want to maintain their public image.
But I will defend myself and let everyone know that my review was 100% the honest truth, unfortunately. Believe me, I wish more than anything in the world that what happened to me there wasn’t real… but it’s the truth. My dear friends that I made in this res program are ALL dead now; I was held captive against my will, despite being an adult who admitted there voluntarily. It was all horribly traumatic. I’m scared to death of ever attending a treatment program again, because of Viamar.
– When were you there?
September 2021-December 2021
– What level(s) of care did you do (e.g., inpatient, residential, PHP, IOP)?
Residential
– How many patients are there on average?
Residential: 14PHP/IOP: Not sure exactly, probably also around 14 if I had to guess
– Does it treat both males and females?
Yes
– If applicable: Do they support the gender identities of transgender and nonbinary people?
They say they do, but not really. Anyone who was nonbinary would be misgendered and laughed at by staff, called the wrong name by staff regularly, brought to the wrong-gendered bathroom during bathroom breaks, etc. I’m a trans-man, and a few different times staff dead-named me in front of other patients and said it was such a shame that I’m trans, as my dead-name is apparently “so pretty.”
– How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, etc? What is the staff-to-patient ratio?
Medical Dr.: Once per week, or as needed if you seek them out
Psych: Once per week
Therapist: Twice per week
Nutritionist: Once per week
Staff to patient ratio: In res it was usually two techs for fourteen res patients (many of which were so sick they really should have been in an inpatient program). This place is SEVERELY understaffed, which is a major contributor to many of the problems there.
– What sort of therapies are used?
Typical groups/classes like CBT, DBT, art therapy, nutrition education, substance abuse (if it applies to you), art therapy
Describe the average day:
Disclaimer: not sure these exact times are correct, but giving the times to the best of my memory
5-6am: Wake up
– vitals must be completed by 7am, and if you’re a smoker, first smoke break at 6am; there was always a long line for vitals (nursing station severely understaffed) so if you wanted to make that first smoke break you would probably want to wake up super early
so go to nursing, complete vitals, and check out your toiletries from nursing so you can take your morning shower (the only time of day you’re allowed to use the shower)
7:30am: Breakfast
8:00am-approx. 8:45am: sit around in the cramped dining room waiting to leave for the other building, where the daily groups/classes were held. If you completed breakfast and you were lucky (chef was in a good mood that day, and time permitting before departing) you would be allowed exactly one cup of coffee.
8:45am-4:30pm Mon.- Thurs., 8:45am-3:30pm Fri. & Sat.: stay at the office location all day, various groups depending on the day, with AM snack, lunch, and PM snack interspersed.
5:30-6:00pm: Dinner
Depending on the day, after dinner you may be required to do an EDA group. Otherwise, just sitting around and chilling on “monitoring,” maybe going to a smoke break
8:15pm-8:45pm: Evening snack. Then have to sit around again in the cramped dining room for monitoring for 30min before you’re allowed to check out your toiletries from nursing and get PM meds
8:45pm-10:30pm: getting ready for bed (taking PM meds, using checked-out toiletries to brush teeth, etc., bringing toiletries back to nursing station, smoke break if you want it and if you completed 100% meals and snacks all day
10:30pm: lights out
– What are meals like/ What sorts of food were available or served?
Typical American foods
– Breakfast: oatmeal, cereal, pancakes, fruit, various types of eggs, sausage, bagels, muffins, yogurt, granola
– Lunch/Dinner: hotdogs, hamburgers, various sandwiches, sides of veggies, dinner rolls, rice, fish fillets, various types of potatoes, fries/tater tots, soups/chili, ranch & carrots
– Snacks: string cheese sticks, fruit, animal crackers, other crackers (Ritz/Cheez-Itz) cottage cheese, yogurt, cookies, ice cream
– Every Friday is “experiential” day, so for lunch that day it’s restaurant food they have delivered to the site (almost always from a fast food chain), then you have to fill out a worksheet about your experience eating it and share the worksheet in a giant process group afterwards.
– Did they supplement? How did that system work?
Yes, with Boost drinks
For a meal with <50% completion: 1 boost; 50-99% completion, 1/2 boost
Snack with any level of non-completion: 1/2 boost
– What is the policy of not complying with meals?
If you need to boost for any meal or snack during the day, you automatically lose ALL privileges for the rest of the day (including smoke breaks, nightly phone call, etc.). So if you’re struggling to complete something early in the day, those privilege/motivators are already lost for the rest of the day… not a great system, in my opinion.
They are also not afraid to tube you, so if you’re struggling with completing meals/snacks, and especially (but not necessarily) if you also aren’t supplementing, they WILL tube you. And some forewarning, they will charge your card on file each time they tube you, for the expense of having you CT-scanned (to ensure the tube is properly in place)
– Are you able to eat vegetarian?
Yes, not vegan though; and you will be constantly questioned about your motivations for this
– What privileges are allowed?
Smoke breaks
Ostensibly, nightly 5-10min. phone calls, but ONLY if you complete ALL meals and snacks the entire day. And only if the staff is available to sit there and monitor your phone call, which is rare.
– Does it work on a level system?
Again, ostensibly. Everyone starts out at level 1, and there’s really not much chance of going up to level 2 or 3. My therapist even admitted she had only seen one patient reach level 3 in her entire time working there (many years). I reached level 2, and she said I was also the only person she had seen reach that level.
– How do you earn privileges?
Complete all meals and snacks during the day, this is the most important thing in their minds
Participate in groups. A close second for the most important thing to Viamar, is that you speak and share something in each and every group during the day. Even if you have nothing of value or significance to share, they want to see you raising your hand and being a good little sycophant every opportunity you have.
– What sort of groups do they have?
Typical groups/classes like CBT, DBT, art therapy, nutrition education, substance abuse (if it applies to you), process groups
They’re big on their “iceberg model” and “victim triangle.” If you’ve been there, you’re probably chuckling to yourself… every single Monday we were made to sit through essentially the same exact class on these two topics, led by the clinical director. The only way the group changed each week was based on current events/drama in the community, which the clinical director would use to shame us about how we were all “playing the victim role.”
Community group each Friday before lunch, where you are encouraged (forced, really) to call out other patients on their behaviors
– What was your favorite group?
Art therapy, though I’m not sure if it’s still good because the art therapist left right after I did.
– What did you like the most?
The connections and camaraderie with the other patients. It was so nice to finally meet others I could connect with, who truly understood what I was going through
Art therapy group
My therapist, even if she was quite brainwashed by the Viamar cult-mindset
– What did you like the least?
Wow, so much to put here, not even sure where to start…
They trap you there. Immediately upon arriving, they confiscate your phone and wallet and lock them up in a safe. If you decide you want to leave, they will not give your phone or wallet back to you for at least 72 hours. If you’re like me, located on the opposite side of the country, this means you’re truly trapped there until they will give these items back to you. Unless you want to be essentially homeless for 3 days, with no phone or wallet, on the opposite side of the country from anyone/any place you know.
And keep in mind, I’m 30 years old (28 when I was there), and I was there voluntarily. When I decided I was ready to go home and do PHP, I had been there for about 6 weeks and had been completing every meal and snack 100% the entire time, truly committed 100% to recovery. But none of that mattered, they wouldn’t let me leave. I’ve never felt more trapped in my life. It was awful.
They constantly shame you, call you a “victim” for struggling in a residential treatment program, and actively encourage drama/calling out other patients for struggling
They cut off contact between you and the outside world. You’re not allowed to speak with family or friends, unless it’s in a supervised 5-10min. phone call once per day (literally a behavioral tech is sitting there staring at you, and if you say anything negative at all about Viamar or wanting to leave, they will end the call) – and that phone call is only allowed if you’ve completed all meals and snacks that day, and only if staff is available to supervise (which is not guaranteed at all, with how understaffed they are)
They go through your mail (both outgoing and incoming). They will throw out any incoming mail to you that they dislike, for whatever reasons, and never tell you they did this (I only know of this because I saw letters in the trash in the nurses station, and have talked with friends/family whose letter were never delivered to the patient). They will not send any letters you try to post if you say anything negative about the program or wanting to leave
They’re money-hungry, giving gift cards to anyone who writes a 5-star review online
The overall cultish mentality of the program
They’re preying on vulnerable people with no other options, which is why they take almost any insurance (including Medicaid), and people who are deemed “too sick” for other residential programs. Even though those people should really be in inpatient care, and Viamar is wildly underequipped to handle the acute level of many of the patients they accept.
They simultaneously preach about the importance of “community,” while also shaming you as being “co-dependent” when you make friends with other patients
– Would you recommend this program?
No. Absolutely not.
Please, do anything you can to stay away from this place.
– What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
None at all, for most people
If they deem you stable enough, you may be able to go on a walk to a local park on Sundays; this determination is left up to your dietician though
– What did people do on weekends?
Saturdays there was still programming at the office location from approximately 9am-2:30pm
Sundays there was really nothing to do. Hang out at the res location, read books, maybe play board games with other patients
– Do you get to know your weight?
No. Blind weights every morning at vitals in the nursing station
– How fast is the weight gain process?
No idea
– What was the average length of stay?
I was there for 3 months in residential, but I met several people who had been there for 6-9 months
All levels considered (res through PHP/IOP), it seems they want to keep people as long as possible. Some had started out at res years ago, and were still in PHP or IOP
– What was the average age range?
It varies a lot, but anywhere 18+ can be admitted
It did seem to be more on the young side though while I was there, a lot of 18-20 year olds
– How do visits/phone calls work?
Explained earlier, but I’ll reiterate:
You’re not allowed to speak with family or friends, unless it’s in a supervised 5-10min. phone call once per day (literally a behavioral tech is sitting there staring at you, and if you say anything negative at all about Viamar or wanting to leave, they will end the call) – and that phone call is only allowed if you’ve completed all meals and snacks that day, and only if staff is available to supervise (which is not guaranteed at all, with how understaffed they are)
– What is the electronics policy (e.g., cell phones, iPods, Kindles, laptops, tablets)?
No electronics allowed, really
Every Sunday (if you’ve completed all meals and snacks), you’re allowed 10min with your phone. Supervised, of course, per the above details
– For inpatient/residential: Are you able to go out on passes?
Not at all while I was there
– For PHP/IOP: What support do they provide outside of programming hours?
I wouldn’t know, as I haven’t done those programs
– What kind of aftercare do they provide?
They will try to keep you in the Viamar cult (“community”) as long as possible, so they will try to force their PHP/IOP programs on you (despite the fact their PHP costs $1200/month for housing). As I’ve said, some people I met had been in the overall Viamar “treatment program” for years, with no end in sight
For me personally, absolutely no aftercare was provided. I was sent home with zero referrals or appointments set up for any psychiatrists, therapists, or anything else. This was a total nightmare, especially considering that after 3 months in red they had me dependent on their prescriptions, so I went through withdrawal without aftercare.
This is the part where I just plead to you, if you’re considering Viamar, to please not go there. I was there over 2 years ago and am still incredibly sick with my ED (still pro-treatment though, and seeking out care for myself elsewhere). Every other patient I met there (some of the best friends I’ve ever met in my life), since leaving Viamar… they all have died. I really, truly, wish I was exaggerating, but I’m not. They went to Viamar seeking help, and they’re dead now.
I already had experienced so much trauma in my life, and it’s only been made worse from my time at Viamar. Please do not believe the positive reviews – they’re both being paid with gift cards, and also have likely have fallen victim to the Viamar cultish mindset. And yes, I understand how crazy that probably sounds, but please listen. If there’s anywhere else you can go, please explore other avenues. I am absolutely 100% pro-treatment – if you’re reading this, I want you to get help! Just not here… because Viamar doesn’t help, it just hurts you worse.
hello are the residencial instalaciones as seen in the web page?
Hello my daughter is considering going to residencial soon can you tell me about this program?
Unless ViaMar has gone through drastic changes in the last two years, the negative review was NOT our experience, at all!! We loved the set up, our counselor and nutritionist – everything! Our daughter is now WR++, and doing well.
Hi Lisa, my son is 26 and will be entering ViaMar in WPB. He has not ever been in any type of residential eating disorder treatment. Do you feel it was an appropriately administered? I worry about the comments above.
Thanks,
Susan
I hope this isn’t a dumb question. With all of the negative reviews on the residential level of care, I’m just nervous and wanted to ask whether or not anyone knew if those taking part in the PHP program from out of state, would be housed at the residential house? Is it completely separate? I can’t find anything about that on their website. If you can help, thank you!
I’m *pretty* sure they are housed separately, to my recollection, but if you don’t get a response from anyone on here by tomorrow evening I will reach out to one of our community members who has been to ViaMar — both res and PHP — to get the answer.
ETA – Forgot to also say that’s not a dumb question at ALL! Fantastic question actually
Thank you so much that’s really nice of you!
Definitely not a dumb question! I was out of state and did PHP. They have supportive housing for the PHP and IOP levels of care. This is separate from their residential program.
Thank you for letting me know! That’s great news! Do you remember if it’s in the same area of Fl?
Yes. They program in one building and their housing is 10-15 minutes away. They have people who drive a van that transports patients to and from the center to housing.
Is the daily schedule the same for inpatient?
Updated: 2023
How many patients are there on average?
Adult residential: 14
Adult PHP: 30
Does it treat both males and females? If so, is treatment separate or combined?
Yes. Meals/groups are together. Bedrooms/houses are separate, depending on level of care.
How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, therapist, dietician, etc?
Residential: psychiatrist 1x/week, therapist 2x/week, dietician1x/week.
PHP: psychiatrist 1x/week, therapist 1x/week, dietician 1x/week. Medical doctor as needed. IOP: patient finds their own outpatient psychiatrist, therapist 1x/week, dietician 1x/week, patient finds own outpatient medical doctor if needed.
What sort of therapies are used (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR, etc.)?
They use a variety of treatment modalities, including (but not limited to) DBT, CBT, Psychodrama, group therapy, IFS, EMDR, inner child work.
Describe the average day:
RES: Vitals/med pass, hygiene and breakfast at the housing. Programming from 9:30-4:30 Monday through Thursday. This includes a variety of process, dietary, psychoeducation, body image, meditation, mindfulness, etc. groups. AM snack, lunch and PM snack are provided at the center. Patients are brought back to housing for dinner, phone calls, HS snack, med pass and bed. On Fridays and Saturdays, they program from 9:30-3:30, and loved ones are allowed in person on Saturdays urging lunch to eat with their patient. Sundays they stay at housing. They have therapist led groups, mindfulness time, and time to spend out in the garden, doing arts and crafts, watching movies, journaling, tie dye, etc.
PHP Housing: All meals are eaten with peers. While at housing, peer accountability is promoted. Staff is there to assist. Morning groups and bonding activities, programming Monday through Friday from 2-8pm. Patients buy and prepare all of their food. Groups vary and include process, psychoeducation, dietary, body image, twelve step, meditation, grocery shopping outings, expressive arts, etc. Saturday they program from 9:30-3:30 and loved ones are welcome to eat lunch with their patient. At the houses, we participate in beach meditations, nightly check-ins, etc.
IOP Housing: Very similar to PHP, but the hours shorten to 5-8pm. Those in IOP work to hold a job, go to school or find volunteer activities.
What were meals like?
Residential: All meals are cooked and plated by staff based on individual exchanges. Towards the end, we got to plate some snacks and meals to practice with the guidance of a dietician.
PHP/IOP: We buy and prepare all of our food. We have a grocery shopping outing during the week where we go out with dietician’s and therapists to stores.They also have a meal planning group that helps us creat new meal ideas, create shopping lists, etc.
Did they supplement? How did that system work?
0-50% completion = 1 boost
50-99% completion = 1/2 boost
What is the policy of not complying with meals?
If a meal is not completed at residential, a boost is provided. From there, a patient may not progress on the level system if refusing boost, meaning they would not earn extra privileges. A behavior contract is often put in place. They truly try their best to avoid giving NG tubes.
Are you able to eat vegetarian?
Yes.
What privileges are allowed?
Residential: they have a level system, with varying time for phone calls, mindful walks, extra time outside, etc.
PHP: We have access to electronics and most privileges. We can get approved for weekend outings like trips to the beach, store, to see family/friends, etc.
IOP: We have access to a lot more. Less approval is needed as long as we follow the rules.
Does it work on a level system?
Yes, in residential.
How do you earn privileges?
In residential, basic privileges are given. More can be earned by refraining from behaviors, being involved in groups, respecting others, following the treatment plan, etc. Very similar for PHP. More privileges are earned when trust/honesty are built and established.
What sort of groups do they have?
A lot of different groups are offered like meditation/mindfulness, twelve step, process, assignment presentation, dietary, body image, guided topic, DBT, psychoeducation, developmental model, expressive art, etc.
What was your favorite group?
My favorite group is either process group or developmental model, but on the best days it is combined into one. They help us explore common day to day triggers and dig deeper into where the belief came from, how our inner child learned it and they help us get to our feelings and give us a space to feel and connect with the little kid inside us who first felt this way. It is really powerful to see and experience and there is a lot of relatability with many people’s stories.
What did you like the most?
I appreciate how supportive the staff is. Everyone is welcoming. Many of them have lived experience of and ED or substance disorders. All therapists lead groups so we get a good balance of perspectives and they all are on the same page. They seem to know a lot about us individually. Even if my team is off, I know I can go to any staff member and they can help me.
What did you like the least?
Sometimes the groups can be very big. They are going through some adjustments and moving groups around.
Would you recommend this program?
This is the hardest decision I have ever made in my life. That is, recovery and choosing to stay in treatment and follow the recommendations. Sometimes, when I am struggling it can feel like they are against me, but they really aren’t. This treatment is tough. They do not not treat behaviors, they treat the underlying causes too. We feel a lot of feelings and learn a lot about ourselves. It is so hard, but I’m starting to see the benefits of doing the underlying work. I now understand why I developed an eating disorder. I am following their recommendations and they have not led me astray. Many people may go and question the review. It is not perfect here. No treatment is. There are rough groups at times, chaos and some drama. There are days when the food is less than pleasurable (not my preference or my eating disorder’s preference) and there are days when my team and I don’t see eye to eye. It’s not a perfect facility but their intention is good. They help a lot. A lot more than any other facility has. Patients sometimes stay here a bit longer, but it is always voluntary. I have personally found it to be worth it. I am so grateful for my time here. I have the space to learn, mess up some but have support to get back on track and keep moving forward. I am not expected to be perfect. I won’t recommend it for everyone because everyone needs something different, but I have seen so many people leave and that are doing so well. So, I’d say if someone wants to do the hard work, wants support and wants to make the most of their recovery, then maybe this is the place. It is for me. They are easily saving my life and no, I’m not paid to write any of this. This is my choice.
What did people do on weekends?
We have family programming on Saturday. Sunday is pretty relaxed. In residential they have therapist led groups, but they are usually light and expressive, like team building, thought provoking discussions, etc. In the free time, we would do art, lay in the sun, play games, watch movies, tie dye, plant flowers, etc. In PHP/IOP we can chill at the house, meal prep, watch movies, play games, garden, etc or get approval to go out. Sometimes we go to the animal shelter, beach, stores, pumpkin patch, etc.
Do you get to know your weight?
No.
How fast is the weight gain process?
I don’t have any previous experiences, so I am not sure how to standardize it. To my eating disorder, it always felt too fast, but logically it probably was normal.
What was the average length of stay?
It truly is different for everyone, their insurances, the care they need, the levels they go through, their home life, if they have had past care, etc. This is my first time in eating disorder treatment and first time tackling any kind of underlying work.
Residential: 1-3 months
PHP: 1-6 months
IOP: 1-4 months
What was the average age range?
18+, the ages differ a lot!
How do visits/phone calls work?
Residential: Family can visit on Saturdays during lunch and family programming. On level one, you get 5 minute calls at night. Level two gets 10 minute calls and level three gets 15 minute calls.
PHP/IOP: No visitors at the houses, but we can get approval to go and visit on the weekends. We have our electronics with us, but turn them in during programming for privacy reasons.
What is the electronics policy (e.g., cell phones, iPods, Kindles, laptops, tablets)?
Residential: They collect them and store them in a spot labeled with our names. It is different for everyone, but sometimes approval can be granted for short amounts of time. Like I got approval for a religious service that was live-streamed.
PHP: We have access to everything.
Are you able to go out on passes?
In residential, no. However, we can get approved for outings on the weekends in PHP/IOP.
What kind of aftercare do they provide?
They have an alumni program that meets and provides a community once people discharge treatment. They also let alumni come back and share their story. It is really cool to meet people who were in a similar situation but who graduated and are doing well.
Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team?
Yes! Before we discharge, they help us find an outpatient team, support groups, EDA meetings, etc.
Are there any resources for people who come from out of state/country?
I am from out of state. I was really scared of leaving my state. In residential, everything is provided for us. They offer housing for PHP/IOP patients who can’t commute or want more support. They also drive us to the center and to appointments as needed. They have been really helpful at getting me the proper resources here, like food assistance, etc.
If applicable: Do they support the gender identities of transgender and nonbinary people?
YES! They are very supportive.
Other?
I’ll say it again, no treatment is perfect. They are human and they make mistakes. I have made plenty here and they have helped me through. Does everyone have a good experience? No. We come in at our breaking point and I know hearing the tough truth has been hard. This is the hardest thing I have ever chosen to do, but it’s been voluntary the whole time. They are here to help, but they have not forced me to do anything. It’s all been my choice. They give suggestions. There have been many hard days, lots of tears, not knowing if this is the right choice, wanting my disorder or old body back, feeling lost, etc. And I am at a point now, where I am starting to see it pay off. I am thankful now for the hard realities they gave me because I was living in a clouded mindset. I hated hearing it at the time and sometimes still do, but now I can see how much they care. They are helping me save my life.
Thank-you for the review !! May I ask what types of foods were served ?? If you wouldn’t mind giving a few examples of typical breakfasts, lunches and dinners I’d appreciate it a lot !! Also, do you know if they can accommodate gluten or lactose intolerance ??
In residential, typical breakfasts included eggs, oatmeal, yogurt and granola bowls, crepes, muffins, nut butters, etc. Lunches included sandwiches, salads, etc. Dinners included pastas, potatoes, chicken, beef, some seafood, etc. They were very accommodating of both gluten and lactose intolerance when I was there. In PHP and IOP, we make our own food according to our meal plan and guidance of our team.
Im somewhat skeptical of all the glowing 5 star reviews of Viamar. Even the best treatment facilities have flaws. And rarely does anyone love every staff member or think that life in recovery is all fun and adventure.
If you read the reviews on Google, there are numerous 5 star reviews all posted recently(which have a similar tone) and a few 1 star reviews.
Please research any center thoroughly and critically.
Hi, if you want to reach out to me please do. I have had severe mental and physical repercussions as a result of viamar health. There is rumors they pay for reviews, they have caused multiple people severe health issues.
Im so sorry. There are several so called treatment centers that consistently get horrible reviews. The fact these places continue hurting clients, makes me angry.
agree was there earlier this year cult like vibes]
They’re paying the clients in gift cards. Super corrupt, slimy as anything, and they feed clients allergens, then laugh about it. It’s cynical at best.
Hi D, I’m not doubting you at all, just curious how you know ViaMar is paying clients? Did they offer it to you?
I can confirm this is true, I was there for 3 months in residential. They actively tell all patients and family members that if you leave them a 5 star review, they will give you a gift card. Viamar is awful, I’m honestly considering writing a book about my negative experience there it was so bad.
Interesting to see all of these RAVE reviews about ViaMar in the past few days. Especially because the last one, posted over a month ago, was the complete opposite. Hmmm ?
guess I’m not the only one who was suspicious of these… I considered commenting but hesitated until now. to the past few reviewers, could you please answer at least some of the questions on the template/describe anything about routines, schedule, actual treatment AND/OR describe at least a couple things you did not like, even if you had a good experience overall? Just whether you had a good/bad experience doesn’t tell us a whole lot because everyone’s situation is different, plus it can look like staff trying to improve the program’s reputation/get free advertising (especially with 4 short positive reviews posted in the last 4 days with 2 of the names following the same first name last initial format)
There is actually another one too, in addition to these ones. It was posted first or second, but I didn’t approve it one because it contained absolutely no details in it.
??♀️
Hi, I was at viamar from febuary-April 2023. I started virtually and did residential for two weeks. They have you on a strict routine you get one phone call
when you arrive and then no more for one week at least. You wake up and get weights and vitals and must grab your hygiene products from nursing, if you don’t return them before breakfast you lose privlages. (Privlages are phone calls, smoke breaks, and anything else they see fit) you must make your bed every morning or you lose privlages, you must complete every meal and snack with no supplement or you lose privlages, many people say it’s more food than you get than in any center, i suffered severe refeeding syndrome because of this. If you need meds you must go at a certain time. You must talk in groups, they call you a victim a lot and say that your trying to take a victim role, they do things called feedback loops where people can call you out for anything and you can’t reply for 24 hours. They threaten you if you struggle with self harm and I had nurses tell me how horrible the hospital was and they would use it to threaten me. You have to go to online eda meetings every night and if you don’t you lose privlages, you could even lose privlages for going outside in the rain. I had phone calls taken for over 48 hours at once, staff also threw out much of my mail. There is so
many more things I could go into but if needed reach out. All I know is I was severely emotionally and medically neglected.
I can confirm this is all true, I was in residential (held hostage, honestly, no exaggeration) for 3 months. Anyone reading this thread, please for your own sake, stay away from Viamar.
ViaMar helped save my life. If I hadn’t entered treatment at the time I did, I firmly believe I wouldn’t be here. I was able to receive treatment at ViaMar for just over 9 months. I had Medicaid, which very few places accepted. Luckily, ViaMar accepted the Medicaid. I began my healing journey back to living. I was previously at another facility, but they discharged me from residential after only a month. ViaMar worked with me with my medications. I was able to do EMDR and ECT. They truly individualized my treatment plan. I made lifelong friends while in treatment. They are extremely kind and compassionate individuals. I wish we were able to have more phone time as I had two small children. However, I was able to speak with them every night. If you are needing help, please consider ViMar.
ViaMar is great – I would recommend it to anyone. It’s funny how we came across ViaMar. We were trying to get help for our then 15-year-old daughter who had just been diagnosed with anorexia with restricting. My husband is retired military, so we have Tricare/Humana for medical insurance, and we live in Ohio. There was not one single treatment facility for eating disorders that was covered by Tricare EXCEPT ViaMar. Luckily, they were doing their sessions online due to Covid. This was a win for us, because they’re in Florida, we’re in Ohio, and my daughter was very resistant to not being able to attend high school classes during treatment. But on to the program – we loved, loved, LOVED everyone we worked with at ViaMar, and for the first time, actually felt like we were all working together as a team to get our girl well. She is now attending college away from home, and still in counseling for her ED, but is WR+++, and seems to have a good handle on things. Her nutritionist there, ***, and counselor, ***, were both first class – we could not have done it without them, without a doubt. I would recommend highly recommend ViaMar.
This review is especially suspicious because there are several treatment centers that take Tricare and have taken Tricare for years.
I was with Viamar for over a year and experienced every level of care, and did both virtual and in-person programming. I had no idea what to expect going into treatment but was relieved to find staff at all levels who genuinely cared about me as a human rather than a diagnosis or a problem. Staff routinely go above and beyond to support patients outside of the minimum their roles require. The community of other patients was generally very supportive and compassionate as well. This continues after discharge, as there’s an alumni community for ongoing support. I would recommend viamar to a friend struggling with an ED. I also want to add that I work in behavioral health myself, so I have pretty high standards and bullsh*t meters when it comes to these kinds of services, and I was impressed with viamar’s staff and services.
Is it common to have people still in the program for over a year? Do you mean outpatient (like just therapy) or is this in higher level care? Do they not want to discharge? Will they hold you for money? This freaks me out about going a little.
This was including PHP and IOP (so living at home), but I was still definitely there longer than most people. I was lucky enough that my insurance didn’t cut me off sooner. I wouldn’t say they hold you for money, you can choose to leave sooner. But in my experience, my team kept advocating to my insurance company for more time because I was still willing to do it. I hope that helps!
If you need a rescue from your eating disorder, go to viamar !! When I arrived to residential I was pissed, well let’s rephrase, my eating disorder was pissed. Because I knew at that point in time that the eating disorder had to give up control. Was it miserable at first? Yes. Was the work was hard? Yes. Was it emotional and tiring? Yes. Was it worth it? Yes to the moon and back! The staff there are hard on you, but not in a distasteful way. They are hard and push you so they can help YOU push your eating disorder away. Thankfully I was able to complete all levels of treatment with viamar. From residential to php to iop and even transitioning out they guided me. Without viamar, I honestly don’t know if I would’ve had a life these last 2 years without the eating disorder in control. Thankfully I do have life without E.D. Has the decision maker. I feel truly happy and as if I’M guiding my decisions. My dad even told me I have the sparkle back in my eyes now.
so yea, the work is hard and the staff makes you do the work. But I also felt genuine care and comfort while being there. My therapist was amazing and pushed me to reconnect with myself. He guided me and taught me how to use my voice and how to explore the thoughts in my mind.
before viamar, the life I had was mundane.
after viamar, my life is anything but mundane. It’s exciting, full of love and adventure, friends and family, true happiness and gratefulness for what I have. I’m so grateful for being able to go to viamar and to now be an alumni! Which is another grand bonus, they don’t leave you after treatment ! Alumni program helps you stay in a community that understands you.
go to viamar! Go to viamar and recover so you can LIVE!
Rescued? Thats a bit concerning, to be honest. Treatment should be promoting self-efficacy, not dependency.
I hope you are still doing well, though.
What types of treatment offered by ViaMar did you find most helpful and why?
What didn’t you like and why?
How has what you learned there helped you to stay in recovery?
please be specifc…
I spent about 2 and a half weeks at viamar in Florida. I had previously done their virtual php from home and after another center wouldn’t take me because of a food allergy Viamar seemed like the last option. I went in very sick and struggling a lot, they basically threatened you to eat. If you didn’t eat you weren’t able to get your one ten minute phone call a day, yes competing one hundred percent and not supplementing to get one phone call on a house phone. They had a different approach than any other center I went to, if you were struggling they said you weren’t being a functional adult or were attention seeking. Staff didn’t call out patients behaviors other patients were meant to do so. They had a thing called a feedback loop where another patient would tell you what you’re doing wrong and you couldn’t respond to their comment for 24 hours. The chef constantly got annoyed with my food allergy and staff would get annoyed and make jokes when I would try to make sure my food didn’t contain my allergen. I’ll never forget two specific moments, one I was crying over a meal because I was in so much physical pain but had to keep pushing myself to get my phone call and another patient gave me a feedback loop saying I was attention seeking. The other time I got to use my ten minute phone call to call my parents, my mom answered, my grandpa was in the hospital. The next day I processed about my grandpa in group, they said I was seeking validation and not getting to the root of the problem. I also had a contract that said I wasn’t allowed to talk about wanting to leave even on my phone calls so if I wanted to leave I couldn’t. After the situation about my grandpa I lost it and ended up in the hospital in Florida, I spent 3 days there and my
parents were told I couldn’t return to viamar, I didn’t want to anyway. I left and went back to my state, I got treatment I needed and I shouldn’t have waited that long, I ended up having a feeding tube for a while and was truly scared what would happen to me when I should have received the help I needed much sooner. I also heard stories of two other patients being kicked out.
When were you there?
Aug ‘22 – NOW (Jan ‘23)
How many patients are there on average?
Adult residential: 14
Adult PHP: 15
Does it treat both males and females? If so, is treatment separate or combined?
Yes. Meals/groups are together. Bedrooms are separate.
How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, etc?
Residential: psychiatrist 1x/week, therapist 2x/week, nutritionist 1x/week.
PHP: psychiatrist 1x/week, therapist 1x/week, nutritionist 1x/week.
What is the staff-to-patient ratio?
Residential: 1:5?
PHP: we only have 1 tech.
What sort of therapies are used (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR, etc.)?
DBT, CBT, Psychodrama, group therapy, IFS, and some other modalities that I forgot their names.
Describe the average day:
What were meals like?
Residential: The chef would prepare a meal and we’d all receive a pre-plated portion based on our exchanges. Towards the end of most people’s stay, they’d be allowed to plate a meal or two to practice self-portioning.
PHP: we buy our own food each Saturday and then are in charge of preparing all of our meals/snacks by ourselves. I got pretty overwhelmed at first, but it gradually got easier.
What sorts of food were available or served?
Breakfast: soy/whole milk, eggs, cream cheese bagel, sausages, pancakes/waffles, fruit, French toast, oatmeal, yogurt parfait… the typical stuff.
Lunch/dinner: burgers. chicken and rice. pork, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Tortellini soup. Paninis. Salmon/shrimp/chicken salad. Meatball baguettes. Turkey sandwiches. Pasta and salad. Tacos. Most of the stuff was relatively good, but there were definitely a few things that I did NOT like.
Snacks: most of the snacks were pantry/fridge items so that the techs could prep them without the chef’s help.
Did they supplement? How did that system work?
0-50% completion = 2 boosts
50-99% completion = 1 boost
What is the policy of not complying with meals?
Restricting = boost. Boost refusal on a regular basis = contract. They rarely tube.
Are you able to eat vegetarian?
Yes.
What privileges are allowed?
Residential: people who didn’t use any behaviors that day were allowed to make a 10 minute phone call from the landline.
PHP: we’re all allowed most “privileges.”
Does it work on a level system?
Residential does.
How do you earn privileges?
Remaining behavior-free.
What sort of groups do they have?
Process, DBT, assignment presentation, guided topic, nutrition, developmental model, art, meditation, etc.
What was your favorite group?
Psychodramas are always interesting. I love hearing more about ppl’s past (especially trauma) and learning how I can better support them.
I also loved caring persons. In short, it’s a three-part session done with a patient and their family where they each give feedback, ask for forgiveness, and affirm each other. Ive never actually done one, but I’ve witnessed quite a few!!
What did you like the most?
The therapists. I think it’s awesome that almost every therapist has been through an ED and/or substance use disorder. They’re super-relatable. I also love that all of them have been available for me (and others) as often as possible. The therapists here don’t talk only to their clients! I’ve had real talks and processes (as well as silly, goofy conversations) with about 1/3 of them!!
What did you like the least?
Only meeting with my therapist 1x/week in PHP. Before coming to ViaMar, I was seeing my old therapist 2x/week + text support. Having to step down to only 1x/week in PHP was a pretty big challenge.
Would you recommend this program?
I don’t like recommending ANY program to everyone across the board, but I do think ViaMar is a wonderful program for anyone and is especially great for people with substance issues, significant trauma history, multiple relapses, co-occurring disorders, etc.
What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
Residential: whoever was approved went on a 10 minute walk to and from a nearby waterfront park/beach on the weekends.
PHP: Everyone’s dietician approves them for different things. Most people are approved for 3-5 30 minute walks every week.
What did people do on weekends?
We have programming on Saturday. Sunday is chill. In residential we’d sleep, watch movies (we had all the streaming services:), do puzzles, write letter/journal, etc. In PHP everyone does their own thing. I’ve gone to the beach twice, watch movies with my housemates, meal-prep, FaceTime my family, etc.
Do you get to know your weight?
No. I ask my dietitian almost every session and he always refuses:(
How fast is the weight gain process?
I weight restored at an inpatient LOC before admitting to ViaMar.
What was the average length of stay?
Residential: 2-3 months
PHP: 1-2 months
What was the average age range?
20-30, but we do have some older people too…
How do visits/phone calls work?
Residential: no visits. One ten-minute phone call each night for whoever didn’t use any behaviors that day.
PHP: no visitors in the houses. We have to be pre-approved to leave house. We have our phones each morning and night, but have to turn it in during most of the day.
What is the electronics policy (e.g., cell phones, iPods, Kindles, laptops, tablets)?
Residential: iPods/Kindles were okay if the internet was disabled. One girl got special allowance to use her laptop every Sunday for school.
PHP: everything’s okay.
Are you able to go out on passes?
Not in residential. But now (PHP) therapists encourage us to go out and socialize with friends/family!
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team?
I don’t know! I’m still in PHP…
Are there any resources for people who come from out of state/country?
I’m from out-of-state and I haven’t had any issues. Residential is exactly the same. They offer housing for PHP/IOP folks who live too far to commute/need more accountability.
If applicable: Do they support the gender identities of transgender and nonbinary people?
Yes. Quite a few of us are queer, actually!
Other?
I’ve been to treatment so many times, and never felt as prepared to maintain recovery in the real world. I think that living in ViaMar’s PHP/IOP housing is teaching me a whole lot of self-accountability which is soooo important once I get out of here!!
Thanks for this!!
How much choice do you get in picking food? Like how do they coordinate your meal plan? I’m interested in their program but not being able to choose what I eat is a big deal to me
I agree, we had a good ViaMar experience, too.
I’m sorry others didn’t.
Shortly before my daughter left for Via Mar, I read some of these reviews. I reached out to Via Mar directly and shared my concerns from the comments. I had a long conversation with the Executive Director and admission counselor. Needless to say, our conversation was the opposite of the negative reviews.
My daughter has been in PHP for close to 6 weeks. She speaks very highly of all of the employees, especially her team. She has had countless other hospital stays, plenty to make a fair comparison. As a parent, I have found the staff to be family oriented and supportive. Via Mar has gone out of their way to help my daughter be able to stay in treatment for as long as she needs to before transitioning to virtual IOP. The family sessions are powerful and educational.
To sum it up, Via Mar may just save my daughters life.
Don’t send anyone you love and care for here. They are filled with empty promises. They will lie to get you in their program. They hush their staff and have very high turn over rates. They play favorites, basically do everything as they tell you when they tell you and you’ll be fine. Staff talk about you behind your back. They do group punishments and if nobody fesses they make the community figure out who did whatever it was. You have no say in anything. Everything is considered psychosomatic to them. They only care about money and threaten you. They will gaslight you if you don’t do exactly as they say. I went there twice for RTC 3 months each time. I was in the program as a whole all levels for about a year. There’s some people who were there for 2 years. I was nonbinary at the time and decided to go by a different name. One of the directors got upset with me at one point because I was having a hard time and decided to tell me that I didn’t deserve the name I picked for myself. I was having a really hard time and it turns out I have DID. I was breaking down and felt very unsafe like I had to hurt myself and made that aware. I told them it was a man in my head telling me to kill myself. I wasn’t aware I had DID at the time. I was told by the director that I just wanted attention because my therapist was getting more clients and wasn’t paying as much attention to me as she had been. I tried leaving and they threatened to baker act me after they said I could go home. They were all of a sudden “concerned” for my safety and said well now you say someone is telling you to hurt yourself so we can’t send you home. Even though they already called my mom who lives two hours away to come pick me up. I had been crying shaking on the couch scared out if my mind because I didn’t want to hurt myself, but I wasn’t in control because it wasn’t even me. I know that now, but in that moment I was so scared and they just kept raising their voices at me. They also slut shamed a peer of mine when I was there for having an old OF. This place is despicable and they only care about money. They try to hard to be good at everything and in return they traumatize everyone instead. I had a roommate at one point who had a feeding tube in her stomach, selective mutism, and autism she only lasted a few days. They were trying to force her to talk and when she was able to drive off the property when she was discharged a tech said to me well she must not be that autistic since she can drive. I had to walk away I’m silence because I couldn’t believe my ears. The only thing that got me through were my peers if it weren’t for them I have no clue what would have happened. There’s so much more I could say, but I’d be here for ages. My therapist and peers were two of the only good things that came out if this place. Now I live in fear of being sent back to any program. Especially because they accept basically every insurance and I have Medicaid so they’d be the only place to take me. Each time you come back they treat you with less respect. I was told by the director once that I shouldn’t have received support from my roommate when she’s the one dealing with real issues not me. I was made to apologize to my roommate for taking up space instead of providing her space when in reality my roommate and I gave each other mutual respect and space. We always asked each other if we were in a spot to give support before talking through things and everything if that wasn’t respect I don’t know what was. I’m vegan and was told I’d be able to eat vegan while there and I was lied to. So I had to eat vegetarian and I was given meat one time and told it wasn’t while everyone at my table knew it was meat. So me and one other person also vegetarian were made to eat meat before they considered switching out our plates. Which by the time they did our protein portion wasn’t there because they had given it to a meat eater who also knew she had the wrong plate. I had to fight to be able to eat vegan. I was being told they didn’t do that while a new person came in and he was automatically allowed to eat vegan. We even had the same dietitian and everything. They’d question why we were vegan/vegetarian to make sure it wasn’t fueled by the disorder. I never gave them any reason to believe it was. at the time I was vegan for 6 years and it never influenced my food choices. Although my dx is AN I also struggled with b/p so I ate anything as long as it was vegan. I wasn’t picky at all. Anyways, I think I’ll stop there…lol there’s so many screwed up things about this place. Many of us hold lots of trauma because of them. Myself included.
Agree with so much of this ??????I wish I had it in me to write more but it’s true. They gaslight, manipulate, and traumatize you on top of lying which is my biggest issue as most of us go there already having major trust issues. It’s sad bc being they accept Medicaid, which is so unlike most treatment centers, this place has the potential to be live saving and help so many people but instead I need treatment just to process all of which I experienced with them. And so many of the friends I made there have passed away which just kills me…and I think says a lot. But I was willing to let go of all the trauma and unethical things I experienced there and go back which takes a lot of courage but knowing insurance wise I don’t have other options , I’m an optimistic person who doesn’t hold resentments and desperately want recovery and knowing I’m back to needing help I reached out to them and was denied the help I so desperately need and with my insurance along with a few other factors they are literally the only place I’d be able to receive help from but they won’t even give me a chance and it makes me feel so unworthy and just fuels all the thoughts in my head and feelings that I’m told by those who actually care are not true, but they just make me feel so undeserving and I’m prob going to end up dying bc they aren’t willing to help me despite the fact I have the insurance to pay them and am desperately willingly reaching out/begging for help. Who does that? Denies someone who so desperately wants and needs help? I must stop now as I’m getting heated writing this and can’t afford to have even more stress than I already am dealing with. Anyways, I’m so sorry to everyone who has also been affected by this facility and their unethical practices and lack of care. Even with all that said, there were some amazing staff members there who will always have a special place in my heart and I’m beyond grateful for. They are much too good for this place and wish they could open up their own facility. ?
I went to ViaMar for the first time in March 2021. I left due to insurance in December. I had a great experience with staff, I love my therapist and my team. They were very individualized.
I went back in May of 2022. I got a different therapist and realized how manipulative they are. They have gaslighted me and multiple other patients by consistently contradicting and than denying what they said. They are what I would seem a cultish treatment center. They manipulated me and neglected my stomach issues for a long time. And when my dr confirmed it they denied it. Saying it was my disorder. They blamed it on somatization even when tests said otherwise. They treated me less than human the second time around. The director neglected me and when I told her I didn’t like my therapist she blamed me for not wanting recovery. When I’m reality I was sick of my eating disorder. She said I should be grateful my therapist has a doctorate. Not everyone that has a doctorate is good at there job. I am still there but I am looking to transfer because I still like there groups that are run by the clients. All in all the groups are amazing but therapists, dietitians and director are awful. The groups are amazing… but not conducive to long term recovery.
Thanks for the information! Can you do a full review?
My daughter is currently at Viamar, and I can’t say enough positive things about the program. After hospitalizations, various groups, day programs, individual therapy and more, my daughter is finally getting the treatment that she needs. She has worked harder at Viamar than she has ever done before. The routines, programs, and staff have been the perfect fit for her. She often comments that the program is intense and very hard but it is helping her to peel back the layers to get to the root of her eating disorder as well as the co disorders that accompany it.
All families are very much encouraged to be involved in treatment with private family therapy as well as a weekly session consisting of learning and understanding the components of eating disorders and how to deal with them, the language you use around your loved one, and how to encourage intuitive eating. In addition, every other Saturday there is a virtual session called Caring Persons. This session combines all patients and family members virtually. This is a very intense and often moving program which highlights the struggles and growth of two or three families per week. It has been proven to be a productive and successful addition to the recovery process.
I have found the staff to be exceptionally skilled and very accommodating. My daughter has bonded with her doctor, counselor, and nutritionist as well as the rest of the staff. She is very happy with the level of care she has received. I too am very happy with the level of communication and professionalism of all of the staff I have encountered thus far.
My daughter has progressed from residential to a PHP home. She is very comfortable there and is learning how to manage her own meals while still attending all programming at the center on a daily basis. She has done well with the less stringent routine but still feels very supported. She has not indicted that she wants to come home. In fact, for the first time, she is 100% committed to getting well and doing whatever it takes to overcome her eating disorder, her depression, and her other co disorders. She said she wants to “stay for the long haul” and do it right this time. This speaks volumes about Viamar.
Consequently, we feel that Viamar is the perfect program for our family, and we highly recommend it. We have been given hope and relief, something we have been searching for for years.
What are some of the negatives of the program do you think?
She actually called me crying today. Right now she is being moved from one PHP house to another which she is really struggling with. I think they do this so no one gets to comfortable with their situation. She says she never gets a moment to herself. Apparently some houses are not as nice as the one on Honey Road. I validated her worries but told her that she can absolutely handle this change. This is life.
Also be aware that patients must eat whatever is put in front of them no matter what. Some have REALLY struggled with this. Chicken a La King caused some issues.
Honestly, that’s all I can say for negatives if they even are negatives. Basically this place knows what they are doing and they make no allowances for noncompliance. Personally, I think
That is why it is working for my daughter.
Thanks for taking the time to update your review, Pam! it seems much more human now 🙂 we get fake reviews so when people speak generally it can be hard to know.
I wish you and your daughter all the best. I also have spent many birthdays in treatment and am almost 40 so I have endless empathy for her.
Thank you. We all need positive energy these days!
I hate to say it, but this strikes me as a fake review.
Lines like, “This is a very intense and often moving program which highlights the struggles and growth of two or three families per week. It has been proven to be a productive and successful addition to the recovery process.” and “she is 100% committed to getting well and doing whatever it takes to overcome her eating disorder, her depression, and her other co disorders” seem like language no natural human would use.
Well, I am a real person and mother. I’m not sure why you think the language is not like any human would use. I am a 61 year old retired teacher and my daughter is 30. In fact, she turned 30 while at Viamar, which was very difficult for her to say the least. I’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.
Pam
My daughter (16AN) is currently in the IOP program, remotely. The staff at ViaMar have done more to help her in 1 month than we have seen in the past year we’ve spent, trying other options.
She takes the IOP virtually?
Yes; she is able to do it virtually. She is in session 3 days a week, for 3 hours a day. This has been a lifesaver for us – we don’t live in Florida.
What 3 hours a day? Can they do evenings and weekends?
Have you tried others like Monte Nido, Focus or Via Mar? We are deciding between them all for residential.
Did your child (or anyone else) complete their virtual PHP? We’re considering it once completing ERC res.
She finished up at ViaMar in October, and is now working with a therapist and dietician locally. She misses the staff and fellow patients at ViaMar. They got close, and formed bonds. I would recommend them.
Looking for details about this program
My daughter was at ViaMar Nov 2021-December 2021. There PHP as well as Residential has so many issues but as a parent that wanted help so bad I continued to work with them. They are very unorganized and had my child in groups for trauma, substance abuse and them LGBTQ groups to finally realize that they had her scheduled wrong and then put her in nutrition group. They were understaffed but continued to keep a “full house” within all of their programming. They agreed to stay in communication with my daughters care team in the state that we reside and they never returned calls/emails that providers sent to them. My child continued to decline in the program until I reached out to them about my concern and then we changed her plan. They don’t allow you to call home for 1-2 weeks in the beginning which I absolutely didn’t like. My child’s roommate was a smoker that was in her 50s that would undress in there shared area all of the time! Lastly, if you have a condition where you take scheduled medications this is not taken seriously and it was never given when it should have been. After all of the stress, headache and mistakes that they made I unfortunately had to withdraw my daughter. I will warn you that when you call from the first time they are very in tune to all of your concerns and they promise that your needed accommodations will be easily met but that if far from the truth. The patients seem unhappy and weren’t monitored in res as many patients should have been due to the behaviors that they engaged in. I’m sorry this is a big cluster of a review but it’s my first time and I just wanted to get this info out to those who are looking into this place. For the cost and the treatment that you get I’d absolutely say to look elsewhere as it seems to be more about funds than helping the patients that are in need. Good luck to you all and continue to stay strong and know that your not alone and recovery is possible!
Faith, I’m so sorry you had to go through this with your daughter. Can I ask which treatment center ended up working out better?
Sorry so late, Torrance!! They were exceptional I will be doing a review for them. We discharged into our own outpatient made group of specialist due to bad experiences at Emily Program and especially at Viamar.
I am wondering if anyone can tell me what the days are like for the virtual PHP? What is the structure of the day like? Would you recommend this program?
Thank you,
Lisa
@Rachel is there any way to get in touch with you privately?
Yep! You can email me at edtr13690@gmail.com. I’ll be traveling most of the day so may not be able to check it until the evening, but I will asap, and any communication of course remains confidential.
ViaMar Health Residential Review:
* When were you there?
March of 2021 (2 weeks of residential) and October of 2021
* How many patients are there on average?
Between 12-14
* Does it treat both males and females? If so, is treatment separate or combined?
Both and combined. But the males got their own unit in the house (there are four different units *I’ll explain later)
* How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, etc?
You see the nurse practitioner at admission and then as needed, the psychiatrist once a week, your therapist 2 times per week, and your dietitian once or twice a week, but your therapist and dietitian may meet with you more or less depending on the situation/your needs.
* What is the staff-to-patient ratio?
There are always two or three techs, a RN and a LPN.
* What sort of therapies are used (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR, etc.)?
RO-DBT, CBT, The Developmental Model, and AA, NA, & EDA meetings.
Describe the average day:
5:30-7:30: vitals, weight, shower/hygiene, and medication
7:45-8:15: Breakfast
8:15: Clean Up (you have chores that are assigned such as, dishes, cleaning tables, picking up place mates)
8:30: Travel to center
9:30-10:00: Daily Intentions/Meditation
10:00-10:30: AM snack
10:30-11:30: Group
11:30-11:45: Bathroom and Medication
11:45-12:45: Lunch
12:45-1:45: Group
1:45-2:00: Bathroom/Break
2:00-3:00: Group
3:00-3:15: PM Snack
3:30-4:30: Group
4:30-5:30: Travel back to the house
5:30-6:00: Dinner
6:00: Clean Up
6:00-7:00: Monitoring/AA/EDA/NA Meetings
7:00-8:00: Assignments and Nightly Inventory (sort of like a review of the day)
8:15-8:30: HS Snack
8:30: Clean Up
8:30-9:00: Nightly Inventory Review, Monitoring (after a meal or snack whenever there is free time you have to be in the common areas) & Medication
9:00-10:30: Downtime
10:30: Lights Out (mainly they just wanted you in your room by this time and it just depended on what staff was working and how strict they were)
* What were meals like?
You eat breakfast, dinner, and hs snack at the house (your first week you are on isolation because of COVID, so you have to sit by yourself or sometimes there are other people on isolation and you sit with them) and then am snack, lunch, and pm snack are at the center (where you spend most the day). Your meals are plated for you and you sit wherever your name is. I know once you move up levels you can switch out what fruits you want at snacks but most of the time I don’t think you get much choice in what is served. A chef prepares the meals and the dietitians plate them. Before and after meals you would check in with your hunger and fullness (on a scale of one to ten) and say an affirmation and everyone would reply with “yes you are” or “yes you can”. There are always techs and dietitians at every meal and they supervised the meals as well as sat with patients and helped/supported them.
Lunch on Friday’s are experiential, which is where they order food from a restaurant (sort of like a meal inning).
* What sorts of food were available or served?
It varied, breakfast was often things like oatmeal, eggs, bacon/veggie bacon, cereal, fruits, and, yogurt. Lunch was salads, soups, sandwiches. Dinner was meats like pork, turkey, or chicken, (they do accommodate vegetarians and offer things like tofu but even though I said I was vegetarian they always gave me meat but I saw other people getting vegetarian options) vegetables, salads, breads, etc. Milk options were regular or soy.
Snacks were things like fruit and almond butter, applesauce, nuts, guacamole and chips, yogurt, smoothies, etc. Overall, the food was pretty healthy and good.
* Did they supplement? How did that system work?
They do boost plus and you can’t pick the flavor or if you have a special circumstance they can Orgain shakes.
* What is the policy of not complying with meals?
Most people there were compliant. I really struggled while I was there and had an NG tube. Even though they are residential they do tubes, though the last time I was there admissions said they were trying to limit the number and try not to do them at all.
* Are you able to eat vegetarian?
Yes (see above for more details)
* What privileges are allowed?
If you are completing 100% of your meal plan you can make a 10 minute phone call on one of the landlines at the house as well as have coffee or hot chocolate at after hs snack. Once you’re on a certain level and medically cleared you’re allowed to take walks near the water with the group.
* Does it work on a level system?
Yes, your first week you are on “black out”, meaning you can’t make any phone calls and someone has to check before you flush. I can’t remember the exact level system, as I wasn’t there very long.
* How do you earn privileges?
Mostly by completing all meals and snacks and being an active participant in your treatment.
* What sort of groups do they have?
Nutrition, meditation, psychodrama, open process, RO-DBT, CBT, substance use (it was at the same time as another group, so if you needed that you would go to it or the other one if you didn’t), AA, NA, EDA (Eating Disorders Anonymous), daily intentions (read a passage from The Language of Letting Go by: Melody Beattie and then shared our thoughts on it and how it related to us/what we were struggling with), art group, and assignments group (when you admit you are given a binder with all the rules and information about the program as well as all the assignments you’re required to complete throughout your stay. As you go through the program you are given assignments to work on then you present and process them during this group). There are also smoke breaks throughout the day and if you don’t smoke you can still go out and get some fresh air as well.
* What was your favorite group?
I enjoyed nutrition, as the dietitians are very helpful and knowledgeable.
* What did you like the most?
I really liked the staff, many of them had struggled with eating disorders in the past and were recovered, so they really understood and knew what to say/how to help.
* What did you like the least?
Some of the groups didn’t feel very beneficial and felt kind of repetitive. Also they do use the 12 step model for certain things, which I didn’t feel was helpful as I don’t struggle with addiction/substance use, but I know it was really helpful for others.
* Would you recommend this program?
Yes, even though I haven’t had the best experiences there (I won’t go into detail), I know some of that was my own fault/my eating disorder. Their program is very good at treating eating disorders as well as co-occurring trauma and substance use. Also treatment is very individualized and staff is really willing to work with you and do whatever they can to help.
* What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
Some people are in wheelchairs (if you’re not completing, not medically stable, or had a recent fall). Once you’re on a certain level/approved you can take mindful walks, and do light yoga sometimes.
* What did people do on weekends?
Saturday’s are pretty similar to a normal programming day it’s just a little shorter and on Sunday’s you stay at the house all day. There are some groups, but mainly downtime/free time (people normally sat outside, read, crocheted, journaled, etc), and an activity.
* Do you get to know your weight?
No, they do blind weights.
* How fast is the weight gain process?
It’s hard to say.
* What was the average length of stay?
For residential, 2-3 months I think. But when I came back in October there were still people there from when I was there in March, either in res or PHP.
* What was the average age range?
Mostly 18-30’s and then always a few older people.
* How do visits/phone calls work?
With COVID they are not allowing visitors and phone calls are based on whether or not you complete. Of you complete 100% of your meals and snacks that day you are allowed a 10 minute phone call on one of the landlines at the house.
* What is the electronics policy (e.g., cell phones, iPods, Kindles, laptops, tablets)?
You can have iPods and Kindles (they can’t have a camera but sometimes they will let you disable or cover it and they cannot connect to the internet). You can’t have cell phones, laptops, or tablets in residential but you can in PHP and IOP. Although, you can get permission from your therapist to use your phone and sometimes your laptop depending on what you need to do (such as order something).
* Are you able to go out on passes?
No, because of COVID there are no passes but before I heard there were.
* What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team?
They also have PHP and IOP (both virtual and in person). They also offer two transitional living houses where people can live while doing those programs. I am not sure everything they do as far as aftercare, as I got transferred to ACUTE the first time I was there. But from what other patients said I feel like they did a good job with it.
* Are there any resources for people who come from out of state/country?
I am not sure about out of the country, but there were quite a few people from out of state and they helped them out with resources (outpatient programs and teams) and a lot of people did their virtual programs once they left residential if they were out of state or lived at one of the transitional living houses and did them there.
* If applicable: Do they support the gender identities of transgender and nonbinary people?
Yes, there were multiple transgender and nonbinary people there and they said they felt supported and understood.
* Other?
During the day, once you are at the center, you are combined with the the PHP and IOP programs for most meals, snacks, and groups. There is always a big tv in the group room that has the virtual clients on Zoom as well who join in on groups.
As far as the setup, you live at a house that is divided into 4 units (the main unit: one bedroom with two beds, the nurses station, a kitchen, washer and dryer, dinning room, and living room; then there are three other units that have two bedrooms with two beds each, a bathroom, washer and dryer, kitchen (only the main units kitchen gets used really), living room and tv, and a kitchen table). When you are at the house, the staff is only in the main unit (unless they are doing checks) so if you are in your own unit there isn’t a lot of supervision.
During the day you are the main center (in an office building about 15 minutes away from the house) and this is where you do programming.
If anyone has been to ViaMar, or knows someone who has, we could really use a review! There are so many good reviews on Google Maps, but due to the way Google Maps reviews of treatment centers work it is hard to rely on Google reviews of any center (be they good reviews or bad reviews!). I would love love love to get a review here on EDTR.
Ideas of things to answer:
When were you there?
How many patients are there on average?
Does it treat both males and females? If so, is treatment separate or combined?
How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, etc?
What is the staff-to-patient ratio?
What sort of therapies are used (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR, 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?
What privileges are allowed?
Does it work on a level system?
How do you earn privileges?
What sort of groups do they have?
What was your favorite group?
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?
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?
What is the electronics policy (e.g., cell phones, iPods, Kindles, laptops, tablets)?
Are you able to go out on passes?
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?
If applicable: Do they support the gender identities of transgender and nonbinary people?
Other?
Rachel, I just left a review for ViaMar as I saw people have been looking for one.
THANK YOU!!!! You rock my socks off
Is there anyway I could get in touch with you personally?
Elizabeth, were you asking Rachel or me? Sorry just wanted to check.
Hey Kayla! That question is for you. FYI to both you and Elizabeth, I will immediately redact any contact info posted here after you get in touch. Just please follow up with a reply comment once you’ve gotten it or you’ve connected.
Of course! My email is [redacted]
Just sent you an email!
Yay! Glad you two could connect.
Kayla I’ve redacted your email address. If at any point you would like me to “un”redact it just let me know!
Did you go? Is anyone open to chatting directly?
Thanks for your review. My 36 year old daughter is considering Via Mar for RTC. She has Arfid and complex trauma. Was it hard not to have your cell phones to make calls?
ViaMar could be a good fit. I knew quite a few people there who had ARFID as well as other diagnoses and they felt very supported and said they were getting the treatment they needed. It was at first, but since everyone else doesn’t have theirs either it makes it a little more normal and you adjust. I hope that your daughter is doing okay and gets the treatment she needs and deserves.
Has anyone been to Viamar residential lately? Would really appreciate a full review!
Has anyone been here recently that can tell me about it??
Could someone please do a recent review of Viamar? Thanks!
I’m going to start the virtual IOP program here soon. I know most people look for resi reviews on this site but I haven’t done resi treatment since 2008. I will come back and update this once I get a taste (no pun intended lol) for the program, if anyone is interested.
Hey! I know it’s a long shot because it hasn’t been that long since your initial post, but I have been looking at ViaMar recently. I would be doing residential, so some things would be different, but I would love to hear about your experience if you have any time (: If it is easier, feel free to email me at reiddawkins54@gmail.com
Hey- any update? I am looking into this
Hi, I am looking at entering residential in the next couple of weeks. Can anyone share their experience?
I need Information about this