Self Help Movement Review
Dr. Joseph F. Ruggiero founded Self Help Movement in 1967 in Pennsylvania. What started as a small outpatient drug rehab for criminal justice clients, turned into a 16-bed inpatient facility at Byberry State Hospital and finally evolved into a large 133-bed residential treatment facility located on a five-acre complex in Philadelphia. Self Help Movement offers inpatient substance abuse and addiction treatment services for men, ages 17 and older.
Accommodations and Food
At Self Help Movement, the men have small private dorm-style rooms. This keeps with the rehab’s creed that self-reflection is vital to recovery. While cell phones and computers are forbidden, radios are allowed. Residents are served three meals per day cafeteria-style and the on-site cook plans the daily menu. Special diets—including vegetarian— are not accommodated.
Treatment and Staff
Treatment length varies between one and four months. Upon intake, clients at Self Help Movement undergo complete assessments, including physical exams, and receive individualized treatment plans. A staff psychiatrist monitors clients requiring medication for co-occurring disorders.
Self-Help Movement utilizes psychotherapy, specifically elements of Gestalt therapy, as well as other evidence-based practices such as CBT during treatment. Treatment includes daily group therapy, individual therapy, recreational therapy and mandatory attendance at on-site 12-step meetings.
During group, clients share their personal experiences with drugs and alcohol, while recognizing the negative impact that addiction has caused on their lives. There is an emphasis on discussing family issues and recognizing detrimental relationships. While developing self-awareness, clients learn constructive behaviors and positive ways of thinking. Group topics include relapse prevention, coping skills, behavioral skills, triggers and anger management. Clients also receive education on chemical dependency and nutrition. During their stay, school-age residents are on hiatus from their academic studies. Random urinalysis screenings are conducted throughout the program.
The 70-bed transitional living facility provides a structured aftercare environment. Treatment includes required attendance at AA/NA meetings and relapse prevention groups. Residents must get jobs while in transitional care. A full time case manager provides support.
There are ten Master’s-level CADCs, including men and women, on staff. Besides the medical staff of a psychiatrist and psychiatric nurse, Self Help Movement also employs a certified holistic health counselor who provides advice on vitamin supplements, massage therapy and referrals for other services.
Extras
There are Chapel services and spiritual mentoring provided for clients seeking a faith-based approach. There is a gym on the premises. Recreational therapy includes four weekly exercise sessions at the gym.
Monday evenings are “alumni nights” where former residents share their addiction and recovery stories.
Self Help Movement provides GED preparatory classes, basic computer training and vocational guidance.
In Summary
Self Help’s mission lies behind their name. With a solid recovery program based in the 12-steps and other proven treatment methods, the men here have a great chance at rebuilding their lives. Residents have the opportunity to work hard and learn how to help themselves, so that they can replace chemical dependency with self-fulfillment.
Self Help Movement, Inc. Location
2600 Southampton Road
Philadelphia, PA 19116
Self Help Movement Cost
Sliding scale-$3,000 (30 days). Reach Self Help Movement by phone at (215) 677-7778 or by email at shm@selfhelpmovement.org. Find Self Help Movement at Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube
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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.
