ABOUT ALTERNATIVE TO MEDS CENTER
Alternative to Meds Center (ATMC) provides holistic treatment for mental health and substance abuse disorders, and it is one of the Arizona's 201 (58.9 percent) treatment tracks for clients struggling with co-occurring disorders. Located in beautiful Sedona, Ariz., ATMS offers clients a residential treatment program.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
ATMC uses integrative and holistic medicine approaches to treat mental health disorders and chemical dependency. The facility focuses on addressing the mind, body, and spirit of the residents holistically, without the use of prescription medications.
Instead, ATMC uses medication tapering programs to overcome withdrawal from antidepressants, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, alcohol, opiates, and prescription drug medications. In the center’s Detox Shoppe, where clients will spend time five days per week, “concentrates residents’ energies” on removing toxins.
Lab and genetic testing is conducted during treatment for clients. These results are used to determine the biochemistry and neurochemistry needs of the resident along with providing information needed to develop individualized detoxification protocol.
Holistic treatments include environmental medicine, biotransformation of toxic burden, heavy metal chelation, organic diets with a nutritionally ketogenic focus, nebulized glutathione, acupuncture, energy medicine, massage therapy, ionic footbaths, colonic hydrotherapy, neurotransmitter rehabilitation, orthomolecular medicine, and neurotoxin removal. These treatments work to correct imbalances in the body’s chemistry. Medication tapering is also offered.
Residential treatment programs range from four to eight weeks, during which time clients participate in weekly clinical meetings, daily detoxification program (Monday through Friday) peer support counseling, one-on-one counseling, and holistic treatments including massages, acupuncture, ionic foot baths, and yoga. In Arizona, the center is among the 8.8 percent of facilities to utilize acupuncture.
In addition, staff members use environmental medicine to explore how environmental factors affect people’s mental and physical health conditions.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The medical team is led by a medical director, who is supported by other medical practitioners with various backgrounds such as allopathic, pain management, internal medicine, environmental medicine as well as naturopathic, orthomolecular, and Chinese medicines. The staff includes a clinical director, a director of nursing, licensed therapists, licensed nurses, counselors, care managers, life coaches, an acupuncturist, massage and art therapists, a chef, and a personal trainer.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
ATMC’s 18-bed facility offers spa-like, relaxing surroundings. The living areas include both shared and private bedrooms, a living room with internet and TV access, large dining area, plenty of outdoor seating in a park-like setting, and a pool and hot tub area. There are weekly outings for the residents that allow them to enjoy nearby trails and the natural surroundings.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The nine alumni surveyed by Rehabs.com at the time of this writing provided overwhelmingly positive reveiws.
The only moderate comment came from alum Pamela, who noted relapsing after six months. Still, she wrote, "I learned valuable tools to stay sober, and I am sober now." Three of the alumni polled on the matters gave high four- and perfect five-star ratings for the facility's holistic offerings, exercise and leisure activities, staff availability, and counseling options.
Other alumni comments referred to the program as life-saving. Sofia felt that the staff worked "miracles in co-occurring disorders," and Janine expressed gratitude for the "nurturing environment where where (she) felt safe." Most of the nine reviews remarked upon having tried other treatment facilities and feeling wary, but ultimately being pleased with the detox services at this facility.
At the time of this writing, the five individuals to leave reviews on Yelp produced an average rating of four out of five stars.[1] Of these reviews, four were from alumni: three provided positive commentary, and one left negative feedback. A representative positive reviewer wrote, "ATMC did a phenomenal job with getting off meds and reducing anxiety. Staff is very warm and gracious". The critical comments concerned difficulties with other clients and staff members.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Rehabs.com has yet to receive feedback from this facility’s friends and family; however, the two loved ones who left reviews on Yelp provided mixed feedback.[1] One loved one, the father of an alum, gave a perfect five-star review and wrote that his son had an experience “beyond expectations.” He added, “It really is a special place with wonderful people who are truly inspiring and clearly inspired by helping and healing others.”
A one-star review from a loved one is featured on Yelp's not recommended review page, where the other seven reviewers all gave five-star ratings.[2]
WHAT STAFF SAY
The two staff members surveyed by Rehabs.com to date provided an extremely positive reviews. "ATMC is really the only residential treatment center that will assist people in the holistic approach to taper psychiatric medications," one staff member wrote. The other staff member offered five-star ratings for the facility's professionalism, discharge planning, and holistic offerings.
Four Indeed users shared similarly positive feedback, offering an average rating of 4.8 out of five stars.[3] In a representative comment, one current employee wrote, "They offer treatments and services which no other rehabilitation center offers."
FINANCING
Private pay insurance plans are accepted. Medicare or Medicaid are not accepted and ATMC does not have scholarships available. The program cost is $65,000 for 60 days.
[1] https://www.yelp.com/biz/alternative-to-meds-center-sedona
[2] https://www.yelp.com/notrecommendedreviews/alternative-to-meds-center-sedona
[3] https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Alternative-to-Meds-Center/reviews
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