Promises Austin Review
Formerly known as Spirit Lodge, Promises Austin was acquired by Elements Behavioral Health in August 2012. While Spirit Lodge had more of a single focus on addiction and substance abuse, Promises Austin offers the whole banana—trauma treatment, a higher level of mental health staff and increased psychotherapy. Located on a private, lush nine-acre estate in Texas Hill Country, just outside of Austin, Promises Austin is a dual diagnosis program for men and women ages 26 and older. They pride themselves on offering a rich blend of holistic treatment healing as well as top-of-the-line clinical and psychological treatment.
Accommodations and Food
With a maximum of 24 clients at a time, the upscale living accommodations are similar to that of your favorite bed and breakfast. The rooms are spacious and cozy, with comfortable queen sized beds, views of lush greenery and pleasant interior décor. Accommodations are typically shared although a private room can be arranged based on availability with the admissions director. The family-like setting of the facility even includes a dog to make clients truly feel at home.
Clients will not go hungry here as a highly trained chef prepares catered meals for each client that will rival their favorite five-star restaurant. The chef is more then happy to whip up personalized daily menus according to specific dietary needs such as vegetarian, gluten intolerance, vegan or sugar free. Meal times at Promises Austin will not feel dissimilar to eating at only, only cooking is never required and everything is guaranteed to be how clients like it.
Treatment and Staff
Promises Austin offers treatment for both substance abuse and mental health disorders. Each resident receives a personalized, unique treatment plan that includes two weekly individual counseling sessions, 12-step meetings, Native American symbolism, approximately 10 hours per week of small group sessions, relapse prevention planning, educational groups and weekly family involvement. As a result of trauma having a higher correlation amongst those who struggle with substance abuse, Promises Austin also makes a point of integrating treatment designed specifically to address underlying trauma issues such as EMDR, Integrative Breathwork and Somatic Experiencing. Other types of therapy include CBT, Psychodrama, Family of Origin therapy and balanced living principles. Group topics such as relapse prevention, family triggers and emotional toxicity help stir conversations that lead clients in the direction of strong recovery.
A typical day at Promises Austin starts at 7 am with daily reflections beginning at 7:30 followed by breakfast until 8:55. Process group goes from 9:00 to 10:30 and then there’s Big Book study from 10:45-11:45. Lunch starts at 12 pm and that’s followed by personal cell phone and laptop time from 12:30-1 pm. Living in Balance group goes from 1:15-2:15, then there’s Health and Wellness from 2:30-3:30. Art therapy is from 3:45-4:45. Dinner begins at 5:20 and communal phones are available from 6:00-6:30. After dinner, clients are taken to a 12-step meeting from 6:30-8:30. The day ends with a short gratitude group at 9 pm followed by free time until lights out at 11.
Upon the first week of arrival, clients go through a temporary period that is referred to as “unplugged.” During this time, they’re required to relinquish their cell phones and laptops for seven days in order to best support a stress-free entry into their new way of life. After the week is up, they have access to personal technology items for 30 minutes a day as well as communal house phones for two hours a day.
Treatment is led by a team of counselors, physicians and a 24-hour nursing staff.
Extras
All clients receive personal fitness programs that include three 60 minute group fitness classes per week, personal yoga classes once a week and 60-minute personal training sessions with certified personal trainers in addition to hiking and kayaking outings in downtown Austin.
An on-site spa allows clients to unwind while enjoying therapeutic massages, meditation sessions with spiritual advisers or a dip in the Jacuzzi or pool (the spa is open to everyone and services are included in the admissions fee).
Alternative experiential therapy modalities such as breath work, drum circles, acupuncture, cooking classes and neurofeedback are also all part of the program, all at no additional cost.
In Summary
Promises Austin is the ideal blend of spirituality, alternative healing and traditional 12-step work. They also allow clients who complete the 35-day or more program to return for an additional 7-10 days, at no cost, should they relapse or feel the need for extra support. This is a program that stands behind their 25-year history of helping people get well.
Promises Austin Locations
840 County Road 420
Spicewood, TX 78669
Promises Austin Cost
$28,714 (30 days). Reach Promises Austin by phone at (866) 801-1629. Find Promises Austin on Facebook and Twitter
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Sponsored DISCLAIMER: This is a paid advertisement for California Behavioral Health, LLC, a CA licensed substance abuse treatment provider and not a service provided by The Fix. Calls to this number are answered by CBH, free and without obligation to the consumer. No one who answers the call receives a fee based upon the consumer’s choice to enter treatment. For additional info on other treatment providers and options visit www.samhsa.gov.
