Turnbridge: Young Men’s Program Review
Founded in 2003 by David Vieau in New Haven, Connecticut, Turnbridge (formerly known as Turning Point) provides a gender-specific three-phase approach to help young people suffering from chemical dependency and co-occurring disorders. In the young men’s program, clients work their way through three different settings during the program which begins with residential treatment and ends in sober living. As the name suggests, the organization believes that their program provides the proper turning point for a client in his battle against addiction.
Accommodations and Food
Turnbridge can accommodate a total of 115 clients. Typically there are about 20 men in phase one, 2o men in phase two and 65 men in the final phase. The men in sober living are lodged among five houses.
During phase one, men live in an English manor-style house. The huge house includes a formal dining room with two oblong wooden dining tables, wooden chairs, a country-style hutch and hanging artwork. Clients are paired in spacious rooms, which include twin beds with dark wood headboards, white comforters and matching pillows and dark wood dressers. During the first phase, a chef prepares three nutritionally balanced, gourmet meals each day. Each main entrée has an animal protein, carbohydrate and fresh veggies. Vegetarian and special diets are accommodated. Tofu is often used to replace the animal protein for a vegetarian meal. Residents eat together, family-style.
During the second phase, clients reside in a quaint Tudor-style house. The house, which has black trimmed windows, and two chimneys, is nestled on a pristine green lawn, replete with foliage and trees. Clients are paired in double-occupancy rooms. Furnishings parallel those in phase one. Staff teaches clients the art of grocery shopping, along with cooking skills. Clients prepare their own meals, and they dine in a white-walled dining room with round tables and wooden chairs.
During phase three, clients reside in old-fashioned style houses. Residents are lodged in double or triple-occupancy rooms, which include bunk beds, a twin bed, dark wood dressers, vintage lamps, hanging artwork and ornate area rugs. While food is covered in the cost during the first two phases, in phase three, residents are responsible for their own groceries. They prepare their meals in fully equipped kitchens.
During the first two phases, clients are not allowed to drive their vehicles. They must use public transportation, walk, ask for rides or ride a bicycle. At Turnbridge, there is the belief that handing car keys to clients, who are not fully equipped to handle life, is a huge mistake. Clients are allowed to drive in the last phase.
Treatment and Staff
Potential clients undergo comprehensive assessments. At Turnbridge, detox is not provided. Prior to entry, clients must already be clean and sober. Since the program is broken into three phases, the length of stay varies per client’s needs, but on an average, the first phase is between four and six weeks. Phase two is also between four and six weeks, and phase three is between six and eight weeks. The total program length is under six months. Clients in all phases undergo random drug and alcohol screenings.
Weekly treatment, during phase one, includes one individual session, daily case management, nine three-hour group sessions and attendance at six 12-step meetings. At Turnbridge, an evidence-based modality, specifically DBT is used during group therapy. Psychiatric counseling and medication management is available for clients with co-occurring disorders. Goals achieved include learning new life skills, getting a sponsor, acclimating to a new environment and replacing negative, destructive behavior with healthy, positive conduct.
Phase two allows clients to use learned skills. Treatment schedules vary per client. Clients meet with their sponsor and work the steps. Staff assists clients with vocational and/or educational goals. Residents seeking to further their education meet with academic advisors. Former high school and college credits (if applicable) are gathered, and residents actively apply and enroll in nearby schools, which include Gateway Community College, Albertus Magnus College and even, Yale University. By phase three, clients live an independent life. They attend school or work. The curfew is 11 pm seven days a week.
The staff includes the Harvard-educated Vieau, who is Turbridge’s CEO and president, a Bachelor’s-level executive director, a Master’s-level MFT who serves as clinical director, seven Master’s-level therapists, an academic counselor, case managers, peer mentors and administrative support.
The program’s cost is broken into two components, including residential and primary care. The 28-day residential cost during the first two phases is $11,500. During phase three, a 28-day cost is $4700. While major insurance plans are accepted, the out-of-pocket 28-day primary care cost is $6000 (phase one) and $4000 (phases two and three).
Extras
Other services include life skills coaching, sobriety support, a family program and goal planning.
At Turnbridge, recreational activities and exercise are a huge part of the program. The recreational and fitness component includes a gym, martial arts, skiing, snowmobiling, paintballing, deep-sea fishing, soccer, and trips to New York City.
Aftercare planning begins two months prior to graduation. Clients are assisted with finding housing, locating a good therapist, and establishing a regular 12-step meeting schedule.
In Summary
If Trunbridge sounds comprehensive, that’s because it is. This program is in tune with the needs of young men who are recovering from chemical dependency and co-occurring disorders. With a highly qualified staff, gorgeous buildings and a great location, (there are over 200 12-step meetings in the New Haven area), Turnbridge is a top notch rehab for young adult males. Those 18 and older who seek comprehensive substance abuse and addiction treatment, will find plenty of individualized attention and hands on care.
Turnbridge Location
139 Orange St
New Haven, CT 06510
Turnbridge: Young Men’s Program Cost
$4,700-$11,500 (28 days, not including clinical care). Reach Turnbridge by phone at (877) 581-1793. Find Turnbridge on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter
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