Recovery Institute of South Florida

ABOUT RECOVERY INSTITUTE OF SOUTH FLORIDA

Based in Fort Lauderdale, Recovery Institute of South Florida (RISF) is one of just 362 (50.6 percent) in the state to specialize in dual diagnosis treatment) for adults struggling with substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions. Medical detoxification is available on-site, a feature of only 82 (11.5 percent) Florida treatment facilities, along with a continuum of holistic care, from residential to standard outpatient and aftercare programs.

TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT

In addition to coordinating intake assessments, the facility’s admissions team is available to assist clients with verifying health insurance benefits and coordinating travel arrangements.

Information regarding a typical length of treatment at RISF is not provided, but according to the facility’s website, treatment plans are individualized and evaluated on a regular basis to meet each client’s needs and circumstances. Levels of care provided include detox if necessary, residential, partial hospitalization (PHP, or day treatment), intensive outpatient (IOP), and standard outpatient. At each level, clients participate in a combination of evidence-based therapies and holistic treatment and guidance, focused on spiritual and physical recovery as well as psychological and social.

Co-occurring struggles addressed during treatment, in relation to drug and alcohol addiction, include anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression. Information provided by the facility to Rehabs.com indicates that cognitive behavioral therapy and creative arts therapy are both offered, along with recreational therapies such as yoga.

STAFF CREDENTIALS

Leadership staff members highlighted on the rehab center’s website include a program director with a background in education, a psychiatrist, master’s level therapists, a pastor with a doctorate in theology, and a psychiatric nurse practitioner. The staff-to-client ratio is 1:3. Additionally in Florida, 98.4 percent of all substance abuse treatment centers have continuing education requirements for staff. The five alumni polled by Rehabs.com on staff level of experience to date were pleased.

Staff's Level of Training and Experience: 4.4/5

ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES

The facility’s residential facilities house up to 44 clients and residents live in shared apartments. A staff nutritionist coaches clients in making food choices that support recovery; clients who have completed detox prepare their own meals. Website photographs feature living spaces with plush furniture, televisions, and bright windows. Clients have access to a swimming pool that is located at the center’s detox facility. The five former clients polled by Rehabs.com at the time of this writing were generally satisfied with the center's accommodations.

Cleanliness: 3.8/5

WHAT ALUMNI SAY

Of 36 alumni reviews submitted to Rehabs.com at the time of this writing, 25 were positive, 10 negative, and one mixed. The varying approaches to treatment and the variety of counseling sessions were repeatedly praised in the positive reviews. "The facility was excellent in providing one on one care, as well as effective group sessions," former client E.N. wrote. Five of these alumni, polled on counseling options, provided above-average ratings.

There are many counseling options to choose from depending on the client's preference: 3.8/5 stars

While a few former clients characterized staff members as unhelpful or manipulative, the vast majority praised them for their knowledgeable, kind, and attentive care. Alum Sue noted, "I have been in a number of treatment programs and the staff here are the most knowledgeable and effective staff out of all." Five alumni surveyed on specific categories to date also expressed satisfaction with the extracurricular activities offered by the facility.

Exercise/Leisure Options: 4.2/5

Holistic Offerings: 4.6/5

Only a few reviewers mentioned accommodations or amenities in positive reviews. Rundown conditions were in fact the most common complaint from critical reviewers. R.W. complained, "Accommodations are awful, old beds and furniture, falling apart or no dressers 5 women to one bathroom," and L.B. wrote, "The place was dirty, food was terrible." A few alumni also criticized the van service: "siting in a van 2 hours a day don't go," J.D. mentioned.

Another trend revealed in about half a dozen reviews was a reference to work or union relations. Three noted that they did not receive the support they expected, while one particularly thanked RISF for their care in this area.

Feedback on Google at the time of this writing was quite similar, and 14 users generated a 3.3-star average rating.^[1] Uncomfortable accommodations were a common complaint, and knowledgeable staff were commonly praised.

WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY

The sole family member who responded to a Rehabs.com survey praised the center for their responsiveness to his concerns during his loved one’s treatment, concluding that a staff member who helped with coordinating insurance coverage “saved my wife’s life.”

One loved one on Google to date warned that this facility is "a business first rehab second," and expressed similar complaints about it being a union.^[1]

WHAT STAFF SAY

Though Rehabs.com has yet to receive feedback from facility staff, reviews on Indeed reveal moderate satisfaction with the center, which earned 3.2-average stars from current and former employees.^[2] "Productive and progressive business. Excellent clinical and medical staff," wrote one satisfied employee in a representative comment. Many reviewers felt that client care was a top priority, and the reviews that were negative cited lack of job security and low pay as the reasons.

FINANCING

The facility’s website indicates that RISF works with some private insurance companies, including Aetna, Horizon, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. According to information provided to Rehabs.com, financial assistance is also available to eligible clients. The five alumni to provide feedback at the time of this writing felt positively about the facility's financing.

Affordability: 4.6/5

^[1] GoogleReviews
^[2] https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Recovery-Institute-of-South-Florida/reviews