I was a resident at Wellspring from 2012-2013. I successfully graduated from high school with a 3.8 GPA because of the attention and support I received from the residential and school staff. While things were not perfect, I am so grateful for my time at Wellspring. I was in ...
About Wellspring
Women and girls are split up in the residential program so that they receive age appropriate services. There’s an accredited private therapeutic school on the campus for girls aged seven to 12. This will help them continue with their education while receiving effective and evidence based mental health care.
The residential program for women provides a home like setting where you can practice healthy habits for a productive and fulfilling life. The residential seven bedroom home sits right on the main campus and boasts 10 acres of lush greenery, spacious and inviting common areas, and a host of other amenities. There’s even an onsite chef, and you’ll be encouraged to participate in daily activities like planning and cooking meals.
You’ll really get the opportunity to experience what a productive day looks like and how you can channel certain behaviors that will help correct your path toward a life of health and wellness. You’ll learn how to avoid triggers that might lead to alcohol and substance use relapse, all while understanding the different factors that have contributed to your substance use or mental health struggles.
This campus is beautiful, tucked away in the natural woodscape of Connecticut. It offers a tranquil place for you to rebuild your sense of self and work toward a healthy lifestyle.
Fact checked and written by:
Nadia El-Yaouti, M. Ed.
Edited by:
Kerry Nenn, BSW
Facility Overview
16-30 Number of Available Beds
Latest Reviews
a beautiful and nurturing environment with staff that has changed many lives.
having had experience with a multitude of treatment facilities, Wellspring is like no other place. it offers stability and sanctuary for the residence there. treatment is an uncomfortable, confronting, and sometimes painful process, but those are the hills one climbs when healing.
Wellspring challenges the residents to step up as members of a community and be accountable for how their actions impact those around them. the plant & animal program there offers the residents a chance to pour love into other living creatures, helping mirror the love they are capable of pouring into themselves.
There are many challenges at any treatment facility, but I truly believe that Wellspring navigates those challenges better than most places. Not everyone leaves healed, for many its just the beginning of their journey. Many of the girls I was there with continued to struggle upon leaving, but we all reflect on what we learned at Wellspring with love and appreciation. It may not be for everyone but that doesn't discount the healing it has offered to countless families.
No place is perfect but my family and I will forever be grateful for Wellspring.
We are especially touched by your kind words about our staff and the nurturing environment we strive to create each day.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your perspective — it truly means a great deal.
Response from the owner1 week ago
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and heartfelt words. We deeply appreciate your reflections on the importance of community, accountability, connection, and compassion throughout that journey.We are especially touched by your kind words about our staff and the nurturing environment we strive to create each day.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your perspective — it truly means a great deal.
I see from the current reviews that in a little over 20 years nothing has changed. They have always been focused on money. I was a court ordered case so they didn't get as much for me as they did the private insurance cases. The treatment plan they had for me was useless since they excluded me from everything and everyone. From sleeping arrangements to eating time even in therapy sessions I was isolated. The few times I was allowed to interact with the others I was constantly told I was wrong for how I felt. The "family sessions" I was told I was wrong in every way. Staff would share my case file with other residents. And let's bring up how easy it was for me to AWOL. I hopped out a window and went on my way. Thankfully I was transferred to a better facility. (Touchstone in Litchfield) Im sure I'll get no response since I'm not giving a 5 start but honestly anything they would have to say would be irrelevant at this point. I found the care I NEEDED elsewhere and have become a productive and functioning member of society.
Even after all of this my family and I was receiving donation requests. Donations for what exactly, the lack of care in any form. Absolutely not. I got not follow ups about how I was doing after I left yet 21 years later you continously ask for a handout.
I highly recommend the residential Adolescent Intensive Program (AIP) at Wellspring CT to anyone looking for a healing, loving, intentional program focused on helping teenage females recover from -- or at least cope with -- anxiety, depression, and trauma.
I'll start by saying I'm a parent, not a resident, but I checked with my daughter (P.) and she agrees with everything I say in this review.
P. has struggled for years with depression and anxiety, and we tried various other programs before Wellspring. None of the other programs we checked out worked for us or for P. We have been very wary of residential programs because of everything we're read about the troubled teen industry (TTI). The difference between Wellspring and other programs lies in the genuine care provided by Wellspring staff, combined with a peaceful and beautiful living environment in which residents are given time and space to rediscover some joy in the world.
Key to all of this are the wonderful people who work with the residents. The director of Wellspring AIP, Joe Mancione, sets the tone for the entire program. He clearly genuinely cares for the residents he's working with. You have absolutely no sense that Joe or his team are in it for the money (unlike so many other programs we considered). P. has worked with a bunch of therapists, but we've never seen anyone come close to Joee in terms of connection, insight, and ability. His ability to lovingly challenge negative thoughts and emotions is breathtaking to observe, and P. truly flourished under his care.
Every staff member working with Joe in the program was honestly wonderful: gentle, caring, real. The residents live together in a big old farmhouse, surrounded by beautiful grounds. They cook together, clean, take responsibility for caring for farm animals (goats, chickens, a rabbit), play games, make music, meditate. The environment is one of calm beauty, and it was possible to watch new residents slowly come to the realization they were somewhere safe where they start to heal again.
If this all sounds a bit new-agey, I'd also say that the staff are all highly trained and very intentional in the environment they create. They really do know what they are doing.
If, like us, you despaired of ever finding a residential program that is genuinely caring and healing, take a look at Wellspring. P. and I are so happy that we did!
We are especially touched by your kind words about our staff, therapeutic community, and the intentional environment that makes Wellspring unique. It means so much to know that the warmth, care, and dedication of our team resonated so deeply with your family.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your perspective and for speaking so thoughtfully about hope, healing, and the power of feeling safe and supported.
Response from the owner1 week ago
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and heartfelt words. We deeply appreciate your reflections on the importance of compassionate care, authentic connection, and creating an environment where healing can begin to take root.We are especially touched by your kind words about our staff, therapeutic community, and the intentional environment that makes Wellspring unique. It means so much to know that the warmth, care, and dedication of our team resonated so deeply with your family.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your perspective and for speaking so thoughtfully about hope, healing, and the power of feeling safe and supported.
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
7.2 / 10
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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.
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.
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.
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.
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) offers short-term intensive rehab for those who don't require 24-hour care. PHP treatment can serve as an alternative to inpatient hospitalization or a step-down option after being released from a hospital or residential program. A partial hospitalization program can provide medication management, relapse prevention strategies, and behavioral therapy interventions. With daily sessions lasting up to 8 hours for up to 5 days a week, the duration can vary with the average being 90 days.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Teen programs are designed to address the unique pressures teens face, pressures that can drive them to experiment with dangerous, addictive substances. They need programs that meet them exactly where they are and give them tools for long-term recovery. Therapy can help teenagers understand and work through underlying issues so they can reclaim the life ahead of them.
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.
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.
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.
Many forms of creative arts therapy in Connecticut are available to help you work through life's challenges. Options include listening to music, writing poetry, drama, drawing, and dancing. You can engage in this type of therapy on an individual or group basis.
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
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Residential Setting -
Private Rooms -
Gardens
Staff & Accreditations
Staff
Dan Murray, PsyD
Chief Executive Officer
Marcy Russo, PhD
Clinical Director
Jessica Zoltani, MD
Chief Medical Officer, Director of Psychiatric Services
Laurie Collins
Director of Operations
Amy Langevin
Coordinator of Organizational Excellence
Vikki Palmer, RN
Director of Nursing/Head Nurse
Nancy Thurston
Director of Admissions
Cathy Nagle, LPC
Program Director
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
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: Connecticut
Contact Information
21 Arch Bridge Rd
Bethlehem, CT 06751
Get Help Now - 860-264-6018
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