Mountainside saved my life!!! When I left I was mind body and spirit changed. They helped me to enjoy life again. Special thanks for building a strong communication system.
About Mountainside Treatment Center
Mountainside Treatment Center is a drug and alcohol addiction treatment center in Canaan, Connecticut. The campus provides excellent nature scenery in the Lower Berkshire Hills. The services available at this facility include detox, medication assisted treatment and recovery coaching. They offer outpatient and residential programs. The staff focuses on using data to provide individuals with a wellness plan that meets their needs. Mountainside Treatment Center also provides adolescent services which specifically tailors addiction education to teens. They accept most private insurance plans and offer a financing option for those who don’t currently have insurance.
A unique thing about Mountainside Treatment Center is they offer various medical and psychiatric services to determine how addiction has affected a client. They provide HIV and Hepatitis C tests to determine if a patient is currently infected. Nutritional assessments are available to determine how substance abuse has affected a client’s body and what their imminent nutritional needs are. A pharmacogenetic test can be done to gather a patient’s genetic information to know how certain medications to treat addiction will affect them. Additional medical and psychiatric services provided include physical exams, psychiatric evaluations and withdrawal assessments. Psychiatric evaluations can help determine if there’s any presence of co-occurring disorders.
As a part of their clinical services, clients can receive holistic wellness treatment. Their evidence based, alternative treatments help individuals manage withdrawal and be more confident about recovery. These treatments include therapeutic art, meditation and yoga. The center also offers nutrition and sleep education.
Latest Reviews
My experience at Mountainside was not only disappointing but actively detrimental to the recovery process. The facility enforces a rigid, poorly justified ban on cell phones and essential communication, creating unnecessary emotional isolation and severing access to critical support systems. This policy feels punitive rather than therapeutic, and it severely undercuts trust in the treatment model.Compounding this is a serious issue with inconsistent rule enforcement. Staff members apply policies erratically, leading to confusion and instability. What s acceptable one day may be punished the next, depending solely on who s on duty an environment that fosters anxiety, not healing.Most disturbingly, during a previous detox visit, I was denied care entirely following an altercation with a staff member an incident serious enough to warrant a formal HR report. Rather than addressing the issue professionally or ensuring patient safety, the facility chose to withdraw support when it was needed most.Mountainside presents itself as a place of healing, but my experience was marked by mismanagement, arbitrary discipline, and institutional indifference. I strongly recommend seeking treatment elsewhere.
I came to Mountainside hoping for support and structure. What I got instead was a mess of contradictions and unnecessary power plays. The no-phone policy is completely over the top. Cutting people off from essential communication especially during such a vulnerable time is not just cruel, it s counterproductive. You re told to build a support system, then punished for trying to stay in touch with it.The staff? Totally inconsistent. Some are helpful, others are on power trips. Rules change by the hour depending on who you re dealing with. One person says something s fine, the next acts like you ve committed a crime for doing the exact same thing. It creates confusion and stress when what you really need is clarity and calm.Worst of all, during a previous detox stay, I was denied care after an argument with a staff member. I was refused medication and even a simple request to get some outside air during a panic attack which was not taken seriously. The panic attack resulted in perceived aggressive behavior which apparently warranted calling 911 and forcibly removing me ONCE I HAD CALMED MYSELF DOWN AND WAS ABOUT TO FALL ASLEEP (NO THANKS TO THE WONDERFUL NURSING STAFF). I was then taken to hospital and forced to spend the night (not for my own safety but rather to ALLEVIATE THE STAFF OF HAVING TO ACTUALLY ADDRESS THE PROBLEM). They actually had the AUDACITY to send me an ambulance bill even after refusing transport multiple times, only conceding once being threatened with being KICKED OUT OF DETOX. This is a shocking and serious miscarriage of justice especially in the industry of (supposedly) HELPING PEOPLE.Mountainside might look good on paper, but the reality is disappointing and at times even harmful. I wouldn t recommend this place to anyone trying to seriously recover.
During the intake, the facility was informed of multiple incidents of household domestic violence by the patient. The facility did not notify Child Protective Services in CT or NY State as required by law.The children would go on to endure years of further endangerment due to failure to report the concerns.The parent would go on to visit facilities at least three more times subsequent to this facility.
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Location
Accepted Insurance
Other Forms of Payment
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.
Sliding scale payments are based on a client's income and family size. The goal is to make treatment affordable to everyone. By taking these factors into account, addiction recovery care providers help ensure that your treatment does not become a financial burden to you or your family, eliminating one barrier to care.
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.
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.
Addiction Treatments
Levels of Care
Outpatient Outpatient programs 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. OP averages 3-6 months for 2+ hours a week.
Inpatient Residential treatment programs are those that offer housing and meals in addition to substance abuse treatment. Rehab facilities that offer residential treatment allow patients to focus solely on recovery, in an environment totally separate from their lives. Some rehab centers specialize in short-term residential treatment (a few days to a week or two), while others solely provide treatment on a long-term basis (several weeks to months). Some offer both, and tailor treatment to the patient's individual requirements.
Intensive Outpatient Instensive Outpatient programs are for those who want or need a very structured treatment program but who also wish to live at home and continue with certain responsibilities (such as work or school). IOP substance abuse treatment programs vary in duration and intensity, and certain outpatient rehab centers will offer individualized treatment programs. IOP aims to help clients who are in the first stages of recovery achieve 30 days of abstinence while living within their communities. IOP averages 4-6 weeks for 9+ hours a week.
Aftercare Support Rehab aftercare programs promote clients' long-term sobriety through a suite of services designed to provide a complete continuum of care. Drug rehab aftercare typically begins as soon as patients exit inpatient care and often includes formal outpatient treatment. Clients who no longer require outpatient counseling, education, or other treatment generally continue to receive rehab aftercare services, such as peer coaching, career counseling, or 12 step program induction. Clients typically develop their program in collaboration with their case manager.
Intervention Services Intervention services helps family or friends of addicts stage an intervention, which is a meeting in which loved ones share their concerns and attempt to get an addict into treatment. Professional intervention specialists can help loved ones organize, gather, and communicate with an addict. They can guide intervention participants in describing the damage the addict's behavior is causing and that outside help is necessary to address the addiction. The ideal outcome of an intervention is for the addict to go to rehab and get the help they need.
12-Step 12-step programs are addiction recovery models based on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). A number of substance abuse programs (including some drug and alcohol rehab centers) use the 12 steps as a basis for treatment. Beginning steps involve admitting powerlessness over the addiction and creating a spiritual basis for recovery. Middle steps including making direct amends to those who've been hurt by the addiction, and the final step is to assist others in addiction recovery in the same way. 12-Step offshoots including Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA), Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) and Gamblers Anonymous (GA).
24-Hour Clinical Care At times during the addiction treatment process, medical professionals must provide 24-hour clinical care in Connecticut. The processes are medically supervised due to the potential dangers of withdrawal symptoms. Staff often prescribe medications to manage these symptoms and curb cravings.
Medically Assisted Detox Drug and alcohol addiction often takes a heavy toll on one’s body. Over time, a physical dependence can develop, meaning the body physiologically needs the substance to function. Detox is the process of removing drugs and/or alcohol from the body, a process that can be lethal if mismanaged. Medical detox is done by licensed medical professionals who monitor vital signs and keep you safe, healthy, and as comfortable as possible as you go through detox and withdrawal. Complementary therapies such as yoga and acupuncture are used to ease pain and relieve withdrawal symptoms..
Treatments
The goal of treatment for alcoholism is abstinence. Those with poor social support, poor motivation, or psychiatric disorders tend to relapse within a few years of treatment. For these people, success is measured by longer periods of abstinence, reduced use of alcohol, better health, and improved social functioning. Recovery and Maintenance are usually based on 12 step programs and AA meetings.
Drug rehab in Connecticut provides the professional support that is often necessary to break free from drug dependency. With proper treatment, individuals can make changes that restore balance and health to their lives and achieve long-term recovery.
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.
A combined mental health and substance abuse rehab has the staff and resources available to handle individuals with both mental health and substance abuse issues. It can be challenging to determine where a specific symptom stems from (a mental health issue or an issue related to substance abuse), so mental health and substance abuse professionals are helpful in detangling symptoms and keeping treatment on track.
Opioid rehabs specialize in supporting those recovering from opioid addiction. They treat those suffering from addiction to illegal opioids like heroin, as well as prescription drugs like oxycodone. These centers typically combine both physical as well as mental and emotional support to help stop addiction. Physical support often includes medical detox and subsequent medical support (including medication), and mental support includes in-depth therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction.
Programs
Adult Program
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 Adult Program
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.
LGBTQ Program
Recovery is most successful when clients feel accepted and validated by their peers and treatment providers. Facilities that offer LGBTQ-inclusive programming are committed to creating a safe space where everyone can grow and recover without fear of judgment or discrimination. They will have dedicated policies in place to create a safe and supportive environment that fosters free expression.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
EMDR is a therapeutic modality originally developed to help process trauma. In an EMDR session, a patient is prompted to undergo eye movements that mimic those of REM sleep. This is accomplished by watching a therapist's finger move back and forth across, or following a bar of light. The goal is repetitive sets of eye movements that help the brain reprocess memory, which can significantly reduce the intensity of remembered traumatic incidents. Associated memories can heal simultaneously, leaving patients significantly calmer, more stable, and more emotionally relaxed.
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.
Life skills trainings involve all the skills a person must have in order to function successfully in the world. These include time management, career guidance, money management, and effective communication. Truly successful addiction recovery is based on the ability to not only live substance-free, but to thrive. Life skills teaches the practical necessities of functioning in society, which sets clients up for success in life, and therefore sobriety.
Recreational therapy (aka therapeutic recreation) uses creative and fun activities to help with addiction recovery. Recreational therapists lead patients in entertaining and engaging activities like sports or games; art (drawing, painting, sculpture); drama, music, and dance; and/or community outings (field trips) to improve patients' physical, social, and emotional well-being.
Amenities
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Mountain Views -
Residential Setting
Staff & Accreditations
Staff
Andre Basso
Chief Executive Officer
Chelsi Munning
LCSW, LADC, CASAC, CPC-A
Dan Smith
VP of Strategic Operations
Alyssa Cumpstone, LPC
Director of inpatient Services
Courtney Hulse, LMFT
Director of Outpatient Services
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 Joint Commission, formerly known as JCAHO, is a nonprofit organization that accredits rehab organizations and programs. Founded in 1951, the Joint Commision's mission is to improve the quality of patient care and demonstrating the quality of patient care.
Joint Commission Accreditation: Yes
Contact Information
(877) 200-0637 
187 South Canaan Rd
Canaan, CT 06018
Get Help Now - 860-264-6018
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Fact checked and written by:
Eric Owens
Edited by:
Kerry Nenn, BSW
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