Farnum Center

ABOUT FARNUM CENTER

Located in Manchester, N.H., 50 miles north of Boston, Easter’s Seals’ Farnum Center provides gender-specific, residential treatment for adults struggling with chemical dependency and co-occurring disorders. Utilizing its signature Health Realization treatment model, the facility offers a range of recovery services, from inpatient care to transitional living. In addition, the Farnum Center operates the only stand-alone medical detoxification facility in the state.

TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT

Upon admission, clients undergo an initial assessment to determine an appropriate level of care. Requiring a commitment of up to 30 days, the gender-specific residential program utilizes the facility’s Health Realization approach, which is designed to help clients discover personal strengths and coping skills to overcome personal challenges.

During residential treatment, clients adhere to a structured schedule of educational lectures, seminars, and presentations. Clients also participate in gender-specific group counseling sessions, which may address issues common among men and women struggling with chemical dependency. Clients also attend on-site 12-step meetings. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), namely Suboxone, may be utilized to alleviate the discomfort of opioid withdrawal. According to a 2016 SAMHSA Survey, the facility was among 48 percent of the state's facilities to utilize Suboxone.

In addition to core programming, Farnum Center incorporates a range of recreational and alternative therapies into programming. During residential treatment, clients can exercise and practice yoga, as well as participate in music therapy, acupuncture, and guided meditation. The center also regularly facilitates group outings, which may include trips to the museum, sports events, and recovery events.

Once a resident completes the residential program, clinicians may encourage clients to “step-down” to less intensive levels of care. Featuring similar programming as residential treatment, the PHP track runs five days a week for four hours each day and includes family education and counseling.

The center also offers two levels of outpatient treatment. Intensive outpatient program (IOP) last for one month and involves nine hours of weekly programming (three sessions). IOP primarily consists of individual counseling, case management, and group therapy sessions. Traditional outpatient programs focus on achieving specific goals, such as such as license restoration or court-ordered evaluations.

Each week, the center invites families to participate in educational programs to involve loved ones in the process of recovery. An aftercare program is also available to all program alumni. In addition, clients recovering from opioid dependency may be able to continue MAT through the facility’s Suboxone clinic.

STAFF CREDENTIALS

Led by a medical doctor with more than 30 years of medical experience, the staff consists of nurses and licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselors.

ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES

Set on three acres, the Farnum Center is comprised of a 24-hour detoxification facility and an inpatient center. The center features an on-site swimming pool, a fitness room, basketball and volleyball courts.

WHAT ALUMNI SAY

Among the dozens of alumni polled by Rehabs.com at the time of this writing, a majority approved of the facility, and many credited the facility with saving their lives. A representative segment of eight to nine alumni offered more granular opinions of the facility, generally praising the facility's cleanliness, the level of family participation, and the staff's level of experience and training.

Family Participation: 4.6/5
Facility's Cleanliness and Upkeep: 4.4/5
Staff's Level of Experience and Training: 4/5

However, these alumni were less enthusiastic regarding the facility's counseling options.

Counseling options: 2.9/5

Many alumni also cited the facility’s Health Realization approach as a major strength. “I have found great value in learning the three principles,” alum J.G. wrote. Despite mostly positive feedback, some alumni felt the price of the facility did not reflect the quality of treatment they received.

In addition, 38 reviewers on the facility's Facebook page (which may be curated) rated the facility an average 4.8 out of five stars.^[1] On Google, 56 reviewers rated it an average 3.5 out of five stars.^[2] Feedback mostly echoed that of Rehabs.com reviewers.

However, on CiteHealth, 26 reviewers rated the facility only 2.4 out of five stars.^[3] The facility received mixed feedback on he quality of care and accommodations. One anonymous alum wrote: "The staff is extremely rude and do nothing to help patients with recovery."

WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY

The two loved ones polled by Rehabs.com at the time of this writing provided less enthusiastic opinions of the facility than alumni. Although loved one M.M. gave a five-star rating for the treatment staff’s level of experience and training, they gave one-star ratings for the facility’s ability to treat co-occurring mental health disorders, the level of family participation, and the facility’s affordability.

While parent G.S. felt the detoxification process was beneficial, the parent reported issues with administration and paperwork. “My son attended the detox program and did well,” G.S. wrote, but felt disappointed regarding the facility’s discharge planning.

WHAT STAFF SAY

The sole employee polled by Rehabs.com to date had mixed opinions concerning the facility. The employee gave a moderately critical rating of three stars for the facility’s quality of care. “I enjoyed working with the clients, some of my co-workers,” the employee wrote, but added: “The working environment was toxic without healthy leadership.”

On Indeed, three employees rated the facility one, four, and five stars.^[4] One complained of poor treatment given by staff, but the other two praised its atmosphere.

FINANCING

Farnum Center accepts most private insurance plans. The facility’s website states: “The cost to you, if any, will not exceed $240 to $600 per day, depending upon your insurance and the program.” Limited scholarships are available. The individuals polled on the matter offered moderate opinions concerning the facility's cost.

Affordability: 3.3/5

^[1] https://www.facebook.com/pg/ESTreatment/reviews/?ref=page_internal
^[2] GoogleReviews
^[3] http://citehealth.com/rehab-centers/new-hampshire/cities/manchester/farnum-center
^[4] https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Farnum-Center/reviews