Center Building – Institute of Living - Hartford, CT

About Center Building – Institute of Living

The Institute of Living in Hartford, Connecticut, is one of the oldest mental health facilities in the United States. It was founded in 1882 and has been part of Hartford Hospital since 1994. They provide treatment for behavioral health and substance use disorders. The clinic works with children, adolescents and adults through services such as inpatient and outpatient programs. Some of their treatment specialties include peripartum mood disorders, anxiety disorders, alcohol addiction, panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.

The Institute accepts a variety of insurance plans including Medicaid, Medicare and many commercial insurance providers. When you’re admitted to the facility you’re assigned a case coordinator who assists with discharge planning.

Staff here take a humanistic approach to treatment and aim to ensure that you play an active role in the treatment and recovery process. They pride themselves on maintaining a diverse and accepting environment. They offer gender affirming care and also understand how things like racial trauma can impact your recovery journey. Once you’ve successfully completed your program you may have the option to become a Recovery Support Specialist. This allows you to assist other clients through the program.

Some reviews indicate negative experiences with staff members. Others noted that their time at The Institute was successful, with one former client sharing that they do great work.

Facility Overview

Number of Available Beds

Latest Reviews

Princess

2 months ago on Google

I’m giving a review as a former patient. I was hospitalized voluntarily for about four days in the late 2010s, which may have been a while ago, but I was a teenager and never got around to posting a review. I went in for panic attacks and anxiety, I was fearful and scared. I look back in shock, disbelief, and horror at what I saw and experienced. The children were drugged up and planted in front of a TV, there was no individual therapy offered whatsoever. Group therapy occurred once or twice, and quickly devolved into patients arguing and staff struggling to maintain order. I was further traumatized by what I witnessed, children being forcibly restrained and controlled by staff as if it was a prison. We were given no privacy, even patients who are not a harm to themselves or others. At one point, I was changing my pad when a nurse barged into the bathroom to check on me. It was extremely humiliating, especially as somebody who was already feeling so badly about myself. They also made me squat and cough naked. It was absolutely disgusting and horrible to experience as a teenage girl. Completely unnecessary for what I was admitted for. Even though I entered voluntarily, and was not a danger to myself or anyone else, I was also forcibly medicated. The psychiatrist that I interacted with was extremely awful and dismissive towards me. When I expressed hesitations around taking an SSRI, this person mocked and belittled me, saying I would never get better. You got by and received privileges if you follow the rules to a T. I was quiet and kept my head down, thankfully I got out after only a couple days. I left with my trust regarding the mental health system completely destroyed. If you have a child, and they’re struggling, please think twice before sending them here.

Sade Quaye

3 months ago on Google

Security guards are terrible the discrimination they have is beyond this world very racist.

Abbie H.

3 months ago on Google

IOL has been there for me when I was at rock bottom. My first time there in December 2023 was ok, the staff was kind except for one tech from the adult unit... When I went back last December, I ended up staying for Christmas, and the staff did their best to make us happy with gifts, games, etc. I stayed for almost a month and started becoming myself again with help from my favourite tech and my favorite nurses. This was the first place that actually treated me like a human being while being in a psych facility. Most of the staff were still there from the first time and they had a better understanding with what was going on. I was so happy they remembered what had helped me last time.

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

8.2 / 10

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Location

Accepted Insurance

Center Building – Institute of Living works with several private insurance providers and also accepts private payments when possible, please contact to verify your specific insurance provider.

Aetna

UnitedHealth Group

Cigna

Blue Cross Blue Shield

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.

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.

Military members, veterans, and eligible dependents have access to specific insurance programs that help them get the care they need. TRICARE and VA insurance can help you access low cost or no cost addiction and mental health treatment. Programs that accept military insurance often have targeted treatment focused on the unique challenges military members, veterans, and their families face.

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 (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

Inpatient rehab offers intensive treatment for clients who are transitioning out of detox, in early recovery, and at risk of relapse. Housing and meals are provided, and most facilities offer round-the-clock clinical care. Clients engage in multiple counseling and therapy sessions each week, along with extensive recovery-focused life skills training. Many inpatient drug rehab programs include evidence-based complementary therapies, such as meditation, massage, creative arts therapy, nutrition therapy, and experiential therapy.

Intensive Outpatient

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) 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.

Partial Hospitalization Program

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a short-term form of intensive rehab, usually for those with acute symptoms that are hard to manage but don’t require 24-hour care. PHPs have structured programming (i.e. individual and/or group therapy), and usually meet 3-5 days a week for around 6 hours (i.e. 9am-3m). Some PHPs are residential (patients sleep on site) and some are not, so patients sleep at home. PHPs can last from 1-6 months, and some offer transportation and meals.

Medically Assisted Detox

Typically seen as a first step in the recovery process, medically assisted detox generally takes place in an inpatient setting under the 24/7 supervision of licensed medical professionals. It is considered the safest way to remove addictive drugs from your body. The length of a medical detox program is individualized, but it often takes around 5-7 days.

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.

In Connecticut you'll find a range of substance abuse rehabs providing effective and individualized care, which dramatically increases long-term recovery outcomes. These programs include various levels of care, including inpatient, medically assisted detox, and partial hospitalization programs. You'll receive a comprehensive assessment and individualized treatment plan, to determine the appropriate level of care and evidence-based interventions. You can expect individual and group therapy, skills classes, and relapse prevention training.

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.

Military Program

Serving in the military is both mentally and physically challenging, and can result in trauma that persists even after combat ends. Military programs are tailored to the specific and often complex needs of active duty personnel, veterans, and military families. Clients often access these programs through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Seniors Program

Nearly one million adults age 65 and older live with a substance use disorder. Treatment providers who specialize in senior care understand the social, psychological, and physical effects of aging and how they relate to recovery. They can help clients address particular challenges and risks they may face as they get older such as overdosing and medication interactions and dependencies.

Child Program

The providers who specialize in the children's rehab space understand the specialized needs that this population faces. School-based and social services such as tutoring and family counseling are often central to treatment. Child programs may also address the needs of youth experiencing substance abuse in the home, including a parent's or sibling's addiction.

Postpartum Program

The postpartum period is a sensitive time, especially for women in addiction recovery. Rehabs with specialized programs for new mothers will offer compassionate, personalized care to meet each client's needs as they transition from pregnancy to this season of life. Care teams may include obstetricians, pediatricians, and social workers working collaboratively to give women, children, and families a healthy future.

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.

Equine Therapy

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.

During couples therapy in Connecticut, you will learn skills such as problem solving, conflict resolution, and anger management. The goal is to develop techniques that will help you successfully navigate relationship challenges.

Family therapy sessions work to strengthen the family unit by addressing addiction related conflicts and fostering support between family members. Your therapist guides family members in developing effective communication strategies and creating an environment that aids in your loved one's recovery.

Recreational therapy is a dynamic approach to addiction recovery in Connecticut. It integrates activities like music therapy, team sports, and creative writing as a therapeutic outlet to express your emotions and feelings. These activities also improve your physical health and help you develop new skills that support a sober lifestyle.

Amenities

Residential Setting
Private Rooms
Gardens
Gym
Recreation Room

Accreditations

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
Accreditation Number: 2649

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

Contact Information

(860) 545-7000

Website

200 Retreat Avenue
Hartford, CT 06102

Get Help Now - 860-264-6018

Reviews of Center Building – Institute of Living

2.2/5 (40 reviews)

Google Reviews

2.2 (40 reviews)

2 months ago

3 months ago

Brooke Church

The “psychiatrist” in Donnelly building is an imbecile and I feel so sorry for anyone who has a loved one in their so called care.

Melted Pennies

4 months ago

Giving 2 stars only. For the few nurses and staff inside the inpatient ward who are compassionate, they deserve a raise but they are indeed, as rare as diamonds. The one head of psychiatry in Donnelly adult ward, female psychiatrist, is pretty no-nonsense about her job. Not the friendlinest but not exactly Ratched either. Your mileage may vary--are you voluntary? Mandated? Can you just do as you're told without a fuss? Social workers are hit or miss here regarding their missions. The IOP one should be very wary of, they like to pencil-whip shameful diagnoses in only knowing a brief glimpse that stay on a record for life. Again, perhaps YMMV on that one. Perhaps not the worst psych facility in the nation, or maybe even the state, but...when you look at the history of mental health care in American history, none of it has been pretty and that's not liable to change in the foreseeable future without aggressive reform from the INSIDE out. (dismantling and restructuring the entire system, but let's be real: this is America, all health care is for profit)

William Dolce

5 months ago

The Institute of Living's Intensive Out Patient (IOP) program is outstanding. Very qualified and caring staff with expertise in my, and many other specific needs. Evidence based treatment approaches, cognitive and dialectical behavior therapy, individualized treatment plans, a safe and supportive environment, a thorough intake process and the ability to address co-occurring conditions, different levels of care and substance abusive. Quality therapy sessions like coping skills, self esteem, family issues, stress management, etc. IOL is an outstanding 200 year old institution with a seller reputation.

Jessenia Rosario

This place was a mix of both heaven and hell I was a patient here they used my pronouns and my name i wanted to go by but if you put too much force when being put in a chair you will get hurt most of the social workers are okay and the doctor just dont help with anything except diagnosing me with mdd

Dave

The BEST day treatment experience I’ve ever had!!! I’m in my 50’s and I’ve dealt with depression since I was 13. I have tried many different places for my depression and ptsd and they are the BEST!!! It is very possible that the negative reviews might be from court ordered people. Give the place a chance. I swear by the day treatment! Tracey Garbarino who runs it, she has dedicated her life to help others and she has made sure they have the absolute BEST to treat you!!! I had an Excellent, Excellent Clinician named Trista. I had groups with all the other clinicians as well. All the staff there are Truly Amazing! Life will get better for you if you go there! I really hope you feel better!!!

Josh S

Matt D

6 months ago

I was a patient there for 2 weeks. It was like being in a nursing home. I didn’t receive any one on one therapy until day 11. Group therapy was basic and just dumb. Total waste of my time. The nursing staff were mostly fine. My psychiatrist was so nasty she’d make anyone wish their sueside attempt had been successful. I CANNOT recommend

Donald Hebert

7 months ago

Worst place to get help for your kid made everything worse

Beth Muir

DO NOT SEND A LOVED ONE TO THIS PLACE! My only child went here. I begged the "social worker" (useless) to place him in a rehabilitation facility. She called me and told me he was coming home, that's where he lives and if you don't like it you can evict him. Yes, that is what the horrendous lady told me. He came home on 9/3. He died on 9/7. They do what they want. They do not listen to the family. I would never send anyone here. Please send your loved one to any other place in the world!

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Center Building – Institute of Living