ABOUT BLACK BEAR LODGE
In a secluded, forested area of Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia, Black Bear Lodge offers residential treatment to adults struggling with substance use disorder or co-occurring disorders. On-site detoxification services are also offered. Black Bear Lodge is one of 13 non-hospital substance abuse treatment facilities in Georgia to provide detox, which make up just four perfect of all facilities in the state.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Treatment at Black Bear Lodge is individualized. The facility utilizes a range of evidence-based practices, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and Seeking Safety groups for trauma.
Clients attend individual and group therapy, along with addiction education classes, 12-step meetings, and relapse prevention workshops. The rustic setting also allows for plenty of holistic and adventure therapies such as hiking, horseback riding, ziplining, and equine therapy.
The facility’s website states that it has connections to interventionists who can assist family mediations and can also help clients create an aftercare plan.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
According to the rehab's website, the treatment team includes a medical direcotr, a physician, and a registered nurse, as well as a licensed clinical social worker.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Photographs on the facility's website show a wood-paneled main lodge with a cozy fireplace, several seating areas, and two televisions. Their rustic furnishings are echoed throughout the rest of the facility, revealing exposed beams, a quaint theater, and a wraparound porch.
Bedrooms have two twins beds, an armoire, and access to the porch. Clients have access to many outdoor activities and an outdoor pool.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The majority of alumni (seven out of 10) surveyed by Rehabs.com at the time of this writing gave Black Bear Lodge positive feedback. Former clients praised the facility for its tranquil environment, its professional and positive staff, and its effective therapy. "Black bear changed my life!" G.L. wrote in a representative review. "I would recommend it to anyone. Staff cares, amazing food, atmosphere, location!"
Complaints from Rehabs.com reviewers, while minimal, included high cost and a lack of 12-step treatment alternatives.
The facility also fared well on secondary sites, where it earned three five-star reviews on Yelp [1] (one of which was "unrecommended"), as well as average ratings of 4.5 out of five stars based on 76 Facebook reviews[2] (which the facility has the ability to edit) and three out of five stars based on 31 Google reviews[3].
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Of the five loved ones polled by Rehabs.com to date, three gave the facility negative reviews while two offered positive feedback. Unhappy family members reported that the rehab was overpriced the the treatment was ineffective. "From what I can tell, the treatments are "sufficient" but no better than what could be received (for a much better price) at any local rehab center," T.S. wrote in a review representative of negative feedback. "My major complaint is the way this facility treats visiting loved ones. Prepare to be treated like absolute TRASH."
However, the two satisfied loved ones reported that staff were compassionate, caring, and able to communicate well with family members. "As a parent, I have been very very happy with staff, treatment therapy and overall care," wrote an anonymous loved one in a review representative of positive feedback.
WHAT STAFF SAY
At the time of this writing, there was one former staff member, L.E., who was polled by Rehabs.com. This employee was an addiction tech/aide and indicated that s/he would not recommend the facility to a friend or loved one, would not consider entering the treatment facility personally, and would not recommend to a former client to re-enter the facility if necessary. L.E. wrote that a weakness of the facility was, “Lack of structure, lack of patient accountability” but s/he did note that the facility’s strength was patient centered care.
FINANCING
There is currently no information provided on the facility's website regarding its costs, however Black Bear Lodge notes that it accepts insurance, including BlueCross BlueShield, United Healthcare, Aetna, Humana, Magellan, MultiPlan, Exclusive Care, Value Options, and ComPsych.
[1] https://www.yelp.com/biz/black-bear-lodge-sautee-nacoochee
[2] https://www.facebook.com/pg/BlackBearRecovery/reviews/?ref=page_internal
[3] GoogleReviews
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