800-784-1361
They never answer the phone, and the service they give is terrible.
About Cornerstone Montgomery – The Taft Court Center
Cornerstone Montgomery provides comprehensive substance abuse treatment. You’ll find them based in Rockville, Maryland. They have numerous programs to help adults and youngsters live sober, independent lifestyles. The center provides the tools and resources necessary to be productive community members.
Emphasizing Personalized Care
One feature is acknowledging that every person is unique and may experience different challenges with substance use. The team at Cornerstone believes your recovery plan should cater to your specific needs.
They want to support guests with the skills needed to not only overcome addiction, but also work through the issues that may have led to substance use. They provide dual diagnosis care to address these conditions and help guests develop healthy coping mechanisms for life’s stressors.
Housing and Employment Assistance
Cornerstone helps guests continue their recovery path through transitional housing arrangements. These units are safe and secure with the same structure treatment offers. These homes are designed to allow more independence while still providing a safety net for support.
Gaining independence requires finding employment. They offer assistance with job skills and provide vocational avenues that increase income opportunities, so residents can remain independent and sober. In-house support may also be available as well as a special track for youths aged 5-17 and have mental health disorders.
Former clients have reported the compassion shown by staff members and the supportive setting of the programs. They also enjoyed the flexibility and help with employment.
Cornerstone accepts health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. The center offers a sliding scale payment plan for guests who meet specific criteria or those with financial hardship.
The Cabin John Regional Park is near the center, where guests can relax, enjoy green spaces and nature settings conducive to recovery.
Fact checked and written by:
Patti Croft, MBA
Edited by:
Peter Lee, PhD
Latest Reviews
BIPOC patients deserve care that respects their boundaries and trauma, not systems that weaponize policy and power. If you're looking for culturally competent or trauma-informed care, I urge you to look elsewhere.
It took one year to get an appointment and they refused to see me unless I signed forms that I had the right to decline which would not affect my clinical care. It’s an invasion of privacy, ethically and medically unnecessary. They gatekeep access to care, determining who gets help based on arbitrary or non-clinical criteria.
Initially, I saw a non BIPOC male provider for my intake and unfortunately he engaged in power behavior after I told him I had racial trauma and preferred a BIPOC female provider. He then told me he took a DEI course and also said he needed my participation rather than having empathy for past abuse by clinicians. They don’t have experience with BIPOC patient care and are unlikely to view us fully as equals.
When I saw that the management and board were not "diverse", I knew I risked disappointment. By using power over me and denying me care, it felt no different from the days of the asylum. They later denied that they refused care and went as far as to contend that I refused my own care. This is a form of subtle psychological abuse that I've encountered before. Its blame shifting and legalese to maintain power and avoid accountability.
Cornerstone does not encourage an equality based relationship. Wearing a white coat and expecting deference is not a substitute for trust, cultural safety, or true collaboration. They should emphasize that they do not have culturally sensitive care or trauma informed care. By not disclosing that it shows they lack professionalism and the ability to confront their limitations.
I initially asked for a person of color clinician but they did not have one for the intake. I should have canceled because the manager did not have experience with women of color and did not express compassion for our experiences. He did not have the humility to garner trust or display safety behaviors. This is a form of control over vulnerable populations and I won't buffer the statement with a disclaimer to appear less angry.
It is not entirely "legal" to deny care without compassionate justification--citing policy itself is not patient centered. They don't provide autonomy and control to the patient, establish trust or allow a conversation with a clinician. The danger of this kind of behavior is that vulnerable patients who are desperate may suffer harm and not trust providers in the future. There are few BIPOC women management and board members in an extremely diverse area, this means not only are BIPOC clinicians experiencing gatekeeping in their careers but BIPOC patients suffer silently too.
They looked up my past providers without my consent. It was ethically murky. Asking for help is not blanket consent. But it is illegal to deny care to a vulnerable BIPOC patient without a clinical reasons, which I hope they do not retroactively determine. These negative experiences can make BIPOC patients appear unreasonable for expressing anger or boundaries. Clinicians often engage in a "we know better" than the patient attitude from 200 years ago. We need to report practices like this that operate in a grey zone that is not beneficial to under resourced communities.
Previous posting was a mistake
I researched Cornerstone and was interested in becoming a patient in the Silver Spring location. Initially, I called on June 26th with a couple of questions that I was told to direct to the intake coordinator (ic), Pherrin, whose line they transferred me to. In her vm it said that there was a current waitlist but that they would responde within.. 24-48 hours (?). I left her a vm and went ahead and filled out the application form for services. Upon submission it said there was a waitlist but that I should hear back from someone within at least 72 hours.
I waited until July 11th to make a follow-up call to find out what was going on because I had left the vm for the ic and sent in my application, and even though there was a waitlist, I still should have heard from someone. Initially, they transferred me to the ic's line again, but she did not answer, and her vm was full so I could not leave a message. Though this time, her vm recording said nothing about a waitlist, so I was hopeful. So I called back and informed them of this and they said they would send an email to the ic and that I should hear back from her by the next day. The next day came and went and I heard nothing from anyone. I called on the 12th to find out what was going on and they said and email was sent but that they would reach out to her again via email because that is the best way to communicate since no one has a direct cell for the company (or something like that).
I waited to the next week on the 15th to call back and find out what was going on because I had not heard from anyone. They said they were not sure what was going on but that they would try to find out and get back to me, taking my contact information. It is the 24th and I still have yet to hear from anyone.
I will say that the reviews do speak negatively of the office staff's communication and though the staff answers my calls, the intake coordinator clearly does not do what she needs to. It's extremely unfortunate that I'm just trying to get help for my mental health from a company that claims to offer that but I can't even get a call back which is not only extremely unprofessional but also puts this company in a bad light which is what led me to leave this negative review.
If you're looking to get even just clinical services from this company, look elsewhere because you'll never get a call or email back from the intake coordinator, or anyone else who might be able to help and you'll be frustrated and need therapy even more from running around in circles trying to get help. Poor communication, just like everyone else has said. I would not recommend, at all.
UPDATE:
I finally got intake scheduled the day after I wrote this initial review (in July). I completed intake in mid-August at this location. They told me they were going to call me and get me scheduled with a BIPOC therapist from my selected location. I was feeling good because I thought that since intake was done, progress was being made. A whole month goes by and here we are in Sept. I received no follow-up, nothing, and never got scheduled with a therapist. I had to call to follow up. I called on 11 Sept. and they said the intake coordinator would call me to get me scheduled. I had to follow up on 19 Sept. because I received no call. I finally got an appt scheduled with a therapist for 25 Sept. Today was supposed to be my 2nd appt with my therapist, which she herself scheduled. Not only did I not get an appt reminder - no worries, I put one in my phone - I got online for my appt right on time and waited 15+ min. and she never showed up.. I selected Cornerstone because I had heard good things about the therapists but not showing up or texting me or SOMETHING for my SECOND appt is insane after the shit way that their admin staff has handled things. I just would not recommend Cornerstone.
Rehab Score
Our Methodology
Scoring is assigned by a proprietary system which helps surface key metrics that determine quality. The 10-point scale factors in categories such as operations, customer satisfaction, and trust metrics. Read Full Methodology
6.1 / 10
Gallery
Accepted Insurance
Other Forms of Payment
Medicaid is a state based program that helps lower-income individuals and families pay for healthcare. Medicaid covers addiction treatment so those enrolled can use their coverage to pay for rehab. When a program accepts Medicaid the client often pays very little or nothing out of their own pocket.
Private insurance refers to any kind of healthcare coverage that isn't from the state or federal government. This includes individual and family plans offered by an employer or purchased from the Insurance Marketplace. Every plan will have different requirements and out of pocket costs so be sure to get the full details before you start treatment.
Self-pay involves paying for treatment out of your own pocket. You can use savings or credit, get a personal loan, or receive help from family and friends to fund your treatment. If you don't have insurance or your insurance plan doesn't cover a specific program, self-pay can help ensure you still get the care you need.
Financial aid can take many forms. Centers may have grants or scholarships available to clients who meet eligibility requirements. Programs that receive SAMHSA grants may have financial aid available for those who need treatment as well. Grants and scholarships can help you pai for treatment without having to repay.
Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance for those 65 and older. It also serves people under 65 with chronic and disabling health challenges. To use Medicare for addiction treatment you need to find a program that accepts Medicare and is in network with your plan. Out of pocket costs and preauthorization requirements vary, so always check with your provider.
Private insurance refers to any kind of healthcare coverage that isn't from the state or federal government. This includes individual and family plans offered by an employer or purchased from the Insurance Marketplace. Every plan will have different requirements and out of pocket costs so be sure to get the full details before you start treatment.
Addiction Treatments
Levels of Care
Outpatient Programs (OP) are for those seeking mental rehab or drug rehab, but who also stay at home every night. The main difference between outpatient treatment (OP) and intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) lies in the amount of hours the patient spends at the facility. Most of the time an outpatient program is designed for someone who has completed an inpatient stay and is looking to continue their growth in recovery. Outpatient is not meant to be the starting point, it is commonly referred to as aftercare.
Inpatient rehab enables clients to focus exclusively on their recovery while living in a highly structured and supportive environment. Inpatient treatment is typically designed for clients who have just completed detox, are in early recovery, and/or are at an elevated risk of relapse. Their treatment generally involves intensive addiction counseling, including individual, group, and family counseling. Many inpatient rehabs also offer recovery-focused life skills training and/or holistic therapies, such as yoga, massage, and meditation.
Treatments
Many of those suffering from addiction also suffer from mental or emotional illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorders. Rehab and other substance abuse facilities treating those with a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder administer psychiatric treatment to address the person's mental health issue in addition to drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
Mental health rehabs focus on helping individuals recover from mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, clinical depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and more. Mental health professionals at these facilities are trained to understand and treat mental health issues, both in individual and group settings.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD), commonly referred to as alcoholism, can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Each category involves unhealthy patterns of alcohol consumption and can cause harmful effects. To treat alcohol addiction at any level, alcohol rehab in Maryland is often necessary. These treatment programs provide psychological, social, and medical supports that help individuals overcome alcohol addiction and maintain long-term recovery.
Once a person has become addicted to a substance, drug rehab in Maryland is often necessary to overcome that addiction. These programs provide the tools individuals need to manage the physical, mental, and emotional issues involved and begin a successful recovery journey.
Opioid AddictionIn Maryland, substance abuse treatment programs support individuals struggling with drugs or alcohol, and those who also have mental health conditions. These rehab programs vary, depending on the level of care you need. That might include inpatient rehab, or an outpatient program. Typically, substance abuse treatment includes evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), recovery support meetings, and skills groups to equip you with new coping strategies when you leave rehab.
Programs
Adult rehab programs include therapies tailored to each client's specific needs, goals, and recovery progress. They are tailored to the specific challenges adult clients may face, including family and work pressures and commitments. From inpatient and residential treatment to various levels of outpatient services, there are many options available. Some facilities also help adults work through co-occurring conditions, like anxiety, that can accompany addiction.
Young adulthood can be an exciting, yet difficult, time of transition. Individuals in their late teens to mid-20s face unique stressors related to school, jobs, families, and social circles, which can lead to a rise in substance use. Rehab centers with dedicated young adult programs will include activities and amenities that cater to this age group, with an emphasis on specialized counseling, peer socialization, and ongoing aftercare.
Clinical Services
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapy modality that focuses on the relationship between one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is used to establish and allow for healthy responses to thoughts and feelings (instead of unhealthy responses, like using drugs or alcohol). CBT has been proven effective for recovering addicts of all kinds, and is used to strengthen a patient's own self-awareness and ability to self-regulate. CBT allows individuals to monitor their own emotional state, become more adept at communicating with others, and manage stress without needing to engage in substance abuse.
Whether a marriage or other committed relationship, an intimate partnership is one of the most important aspects of a person's life. Drug and alcohol addiction affects both members of a couple in deep and meaningful ways, as does rehab and recovery. Couples therapy and other couples-focused treatment programs are significant parts of exploring triggers of addiction, as well as learning how to build healthy patterns to support ongoing sobriety.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a modified form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a treatment designed to help people understand and ultimately affect the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. DBT is often used for individuals who struggle with self-harm behaviors, such as self-mutilation (cutting) and suicidal thoughts, urges, or attempts. It has been proven clinically effective for those who struggle with out-of-control emotions and mental health illnesses like Borderline Personality Disorder.
Experiential therapy is a form of therapy in which clients are encouraged to surface and work through subconscious issues by engaging in real-time experiences. Experiential therapy departs from traditional talk therapy by involving the body, and having clients engage in activities, movements, and physical and emotional expression. This can involve role-play or using props (which can include other people). Experiential therapy can help people process trauma, memories, and emotion quickly, deeply, and in a lasting fashion, leading to substantial and impactful healing.
Research clearly demonstrates that recovery is far more successful and sustainable when loved ones like family members participate in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic factors may be at play when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health issues. Family dynamics often play a critical role in addiction triggers, and if properly educated, family members can be a strong source of support when it comes to rehabilitation.
Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.
In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a way of getting nicotine into the bloodstream without smoking. It uses products that supply low doses of nicotine to help people stop smoking. The goal of therapy is to cut down on cravings for nicotine and ease the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
Nutrition therapy, aka medical nutrition therapy (MNT), is a way of treating physical, emotional, and medical conditions through diet. Specific dietary plans are designed by professional nutritionists or registered dietitians, and patients follow them in order to positively affect their physical and mental health.
Trauma therapy addresses traumatic incidents from a client's past that are likely affecting their present-day experience. Trauma is often one of the primary triggers and potential causes of addiction, and can stem from child sexual abuse, domestic violence, having a parent with a mental illness, losing one or both parents at a young age, teenage or adult sexual assault, or any number of other factors. The purpose of trauma therapy is to allow a patient to process trauma and move through and past it, with the help of trained and compassionate mental health professionals.
Four key principles guide motivational interviewing. These are empathy, self efficacy, rolling with resistance, and developing discrepancy. These techniques allow the client to examine their motivations for change, identify discrepancies in their current situation and future goals, and feel empowered to make changes to reach their goals.
Amenities
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Residential Setting
Staff & Accreditations
Staff
Ms. Amanda Freeman
Chair
Cari A. Guthrie
CEO & President
Marisa S. Gillum, MSW
Administrative Officer & CCO
Lisa H. Katz, LCPC
Chief Program Officer
Accreditations
The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) is a non-profit organization that specifically accredits rehab organizations. Founded in 1966, CARF's, mission is to help service providers like rehab facilities maintain high standards of care.
CARF Accreditation: Yes
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1992 by congress, SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on American's communities.
SAMHSA Listed: Yes
State Licenses are permits issued by government agencies that allow rehab organizations to conduct business legally within a certain geographical area. Typically, the kind of program a rehab facility offers, along with its physical location, determines which licenses are required to operate legally.
State License: Maryland
Contact Information
2 Taft Court
Suite 200
Rockville, MD 20850
Get Help Now - 443-376-8502
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