Willow Springs Center

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I was in this place for 3 months I left November 2018 (Journey Boys). Let’s start with the staff, the staff can’t do anything if you try to self harm. They really care about the kids, by checking in every morning and throughout the day, and if you tell them you have a problem (the lead techs at least) try to help you work it out or find a better option. Anyone who works here do not do it for the money, they don’t make very much (lead techs make tops $50,000 or $18 an hour). The schooling absolutely sucks because it’s all online and most of the teachers don’t actually know how to teach. The food will make you gain weight. Night staff will flash a light on you at night every 15 minutes to make sure your breathing. They mix any 11 and 12 year olds in the unit that start fights on the PED unit. They fight on are unit a lot. Most everyone breaks the ceiling tiles they have on the unit and try to cut with the meatle they pull down from the ceiling. They get unhealthy snacks 3 times per day. If your gluten or lactose free or both they can work around it to provide snacks and meals (they’re very strict with peanut allergies). If your child has autism this is not the right place for them. If you like art they have RT (recreational therapy) 4 times a week, everything you get there you can use to decorate your room since they look depressing while empty. Skills group is 3 times a week and really doesn’t help. You meet with your doctor once a week to change meds and see how your doing. You have 2 therapy sessions per week; one is family and the other is individual, these help you. Your parents control who you can call. Leveling up is important but not nessasary to leave. The levels are; level 1 Commitment- starting level, level 2 searias you can get candy from the store or hygiene stuff, level 3 Rockies this makes you able to go to socials and get candy or art supply’s, level 4 Alps makes you eligible to go to outings where you leave the building to go somewhere fun and you get 30 extra minutes of time before bed, level 5 Himalayas you can do basically anything you want. .

4.5 months ago we had to make one of the toughest decisions of our lives-to place our 17 year old daughter in a residential mental health facility. I am happy to say we brought our daughter home from Willow Springs yesterday and she is in such a better place emotionally. The staff at Willow Springs was very caring, patient and supportive of our daughter. She came to truly care about just about every nurse, tech, therapist, cook, and other personnel that were part of her life while she was there. She attended and enjoyed the Ascent Program as well and felt it helped her a lot! Her therapist, Emily, did an excellent job of communicating with us and facilitating our family therapy sessions that took place weekly, either in person or via phone when we couldn't get to Reno. I had very little contact with our daughter's Psychiatrist, but his assistants did call with updates somewhat regularly. If any family has to make the scary and tough decision to place their child at Willow, please be assured that the staff are very caring their patients. The admission folks were great too, especially Michon. Our daughter made many friends while at Willow and she saw many children come and go during her time there. She noticed how some patients who had the maturity and desire to get better were able to do so, but for those who weren't ready to make deep changes in their thinking and practices, didn't necessarily leave their much changed. We knew our daughter's deep scars and problems wouldn't be all healed and solved when she was discharged, but what she gained was many new skills for when she is triggered and that she can now decide how she wants to respond when her mental health issues impede her ability to thrive in life. The only negatives to Willow from our perspective is that fact that there is VERY LITTLE physical activity and much of the food is high starch/carb. So, as our daughter predicted, she gained about 20 pounds while there. As she stated to us, so many young ladies already have self esteem issues and don't feel lovable or beautiful, so this added weight exacerbates that problem. We would have loved to have seen daily yoga, meditation, and structured exercise be part of her stay there so she could develop life long healthy habits for her physical well being while she was working on her mental well being. Also, we found the teachers and the school VERY disorganized and horrible at communication. Yes, there are updates monthly on school attendance and grades, but sometime our emails were not responded to for a month or longer and things we were told would be done on her behalf were not ever completed by the school. But, it was not the main reason we sent her to Willow Springs, obviously, so it should not be a deterrent for other families. But, I do wish Willow would get a new administrator there and improve this aspect of the program. We are very grateful to everyone at Willow for caring genuinely for our daughter and helping her begin to Love herself again and find new ways to deal with her mental health issues. She Thanks us so much for sending her there and she has told us it has probably saved her life.

This place changed my life. I had been in and out of psychiatric hospitals for over 2 years when I got into willow. I had numerous suicide attempts, was self harming daily, and was so drugged up I was sleeping 17+ hours a day. The acute hospitals told my grandparents “she’s not hurting herself now” but truth is, I wasn’t doing anything. I was eating and sleeping, and had heart issues and thyroid issues from the medication. I was still having panic attacks several times a day and had recurring eating disorders. I had just turned 16 when I got into willow. The mental health technicians, nurses, and doctors were all active in my treatment. Everyone went out of their way to do what was best for me. Whether that be coaching me for hours to calm me down, screaming with me in the courtyard, laughing and making memories to make the pain bearable, or helping me work my way up in the levels. I slowly started having less severe issues and the issues themselves became less frequent. Dr. Chen decreased my medication, and my therapists helped build my relationship with my family. They helped me set goals and taught me skills to handle anything life would throw at me. The friendships I built in my 6 months at Willow are still standing tall, and that support system is still there, 1.5 years after getting out. Even the chefs would cheer me on and slip me a chocolate bar if I was having a rough day. Because of the skills I learned at willow, I am now a young adult woman with a job, a car, and a high school diploma, who is signed up for college in the fall, is off of all medication, and is exactly a year clean from self harm. I can’t thank the staff at Willow enough for the guidance they provided in my life

I arrived really early in 2016, like as you see in the comments if you were small you were in for a ride unless you kept your mouth shut. Even thought I was there for 7 and a half months and hated every signal second of it, I realized that you really do learn a lot from the teaching. Even though kids in my hall “ boys hall” were always getting into fights you really did get to meet some hella chill kids, but the most important that I learned stay away from the BS, cause when I first got there I didn’t and I did suffer the crappy extra 4 months. But in general crappy place when you get there but “ for me “ a great place to finish. P.s I missed the whole 2016 summer in that place that was a crappy experience though.

I recently discharged from Willow Spring's DBT Program this October (October 2017) and was there for about two months and two weeks. I was surprised they accepted my insurance and the quality of the treatment there. I discharged a person that could use their skills better. My therapist was phenomenal and my psychiatrist was also very good. Their DBT is intensive and we have groups throughout the day. We also have pet therapy, recreational therapy and art therapy; the school there helped me a lot! The teachers there care a lot and treated me well and always helped me whenever I can; it was my first time getting Straight A's there and they transfer to your school when you leave. There's also a ropes course there which helps you with leadership, teamwork, and having fun! Most of the staff were kind, and you are drilled with skills. The pros there were there were many skills, many groups, a caring treatment team, a good certified private school, weekly rewards, family sessions weekly, being treated like a person, and that if you're out of state or town, Willow pays for your family to come down and you can go on pass for a few hours to a few nights at the Nugget hotel nearby. Of course, you have to stay there awhile to get the ropes course and passes, though I felt Willow has helped me a lot. The cons were the quality of the food sometimes (though there are tasty options!) The safety showers and restrooms are not my favorite and not being able to go outside a lot. Though, I'll never forget it and to the people who said it was horrible in the past years, Willow has changed a lot. And remember to ask for the DBT program, if you are an adolescent! DBT Water has done me wonders! Unfortunately, it seems to be exclusive to those who are biologically female, luckily, I thought the staff makes sure to treat our trans & LGBT+ patients kindly too. While I was there, I overcame anorexia (still have to work on body image though!) and learned lots of coping skills for my bipolar, anxiety disorders and especially my borderline personality traits. Without Willow, I don't think I would be who I am now.

DBT changed my families lives for the better. This place was wonderful. It was very scary to send our 14 year old to a facility and trust that these people knew what they were doing. It is hard to hear about the interactions with the other children at the facility; they all have their extreme issues to deal with. My daughter got worse before she got better, but it was because they are forcing her to deal with her emotions for the first time in years. I trusted them with my child's life and I would do it again. My daughter was open to the program and got so much out of it. My husband and I went to the parent seminar to learn the same skills and it was incredible . It changed the way we communicate in our home. We continued to use "sunrise" and "sunset" at home everyday. Things are not perfect but this program gave my child the skills to work through her issues when they become overwhelming. I had the pleasure of talking with the head of the program there and she is so committed to the children and so careful about choosing staff. I am very grateful.

I was there in late 2015. For me, it was a life changing experience. I came out of willow a healthier, happier, more skilled person. It was most definitely a hellish place—I don’t think people got anything out of it unless they REALLY wanted to change their lives. It’s a hard place to be. Lots of chaos, uncertainty, lots and lots of rules and restrictions. It was a great experience for me, but dear god I’d rather die than have to do that all over again.

As a previous patient and "success story" of this facility I am proud to say that Willow Springs Center, is one of the most intense therapy institutions that exist. However, as someone suffering through many mental health issues. I can say that Willow prepared me for some of the harshest things in this life. Thanks to a very specific member of staff who helped me in every way she could i can never thank her enough. My parents and I learned how to communicate, the center is not designed to bring families together but to rather give the families the skills to survive with mental illness and how to function in the normal world. The environment is intense, and there is a level of danger felt, however there will never be anybody who would knowingly let a patient be hurt. The whole facility is under surveillance as much as is allowed by Hipaa. There is no reason as to why a child should not be sent here for treatment. The staff are people who care, and and show compassion for these patients. I knew there was always somebody that I could talk to. Willow Springs prepared me for some of my worst situations where i previously wouldn't have been able to handle it before hand. All and all Willow springs i would recommend at any and all expense. The facility is clean, the nurses are kind, and staff are comforting and supportive, and the therapists know how to break the toughest of shells.

willow springs changed my life for the better. i was not in the right mindset and i had so many issues but the staff are so caring. i actually felt like i mattered in the world. if you ever are suicidal and you are seeking treatment willow springs center is your BEST option. i am a past patient named luslay♥️. i continue to use the skills they have taught me in my everyday life and i’m gonna be completely honest, if it wasn’t for willow i wouldn’t be sitting here today writing this review. to all the bitter past patients writing negative reviews you really should stop. just because you don’t want the help doesn’t mean that other adolescents want it. the staff are over the top caring. they go to the ends of the earth for their patients. the first time i was there i barricaded myself in my room and a staff member was willing to climb on the roof and jump off to go to muni window and save me. if this review doesn’t show you how amazing and life changing Willow Springs Treatment Center is then i don’t know what will because EVERYONE deserves a life worth living.

So my first day here was a amazing experience. Remember I asked one of the kind staff a question about "self soothe" drinks and he grabbed his nuts and said " I got your self soothe right here" overall 10/10:)

I went here twice as a teenager in the DBT prpgram once in '14 and once in '12. I'm not going to lie, being hospitalized is terrible in the moment. But as i get older I realize this place was a large part of making me who I am today. I use these coping skills every day, and still have great connections with the girls from my hall. Not to mention, the staff is absolutely wonderful, so compassionate and very professional where needed. Its likely i wouldnt be here of it weren't for willow springs. My life isn't perfect, in fact far from it, but I can handle anything that life throws at me. Thank you, willow springs.

I have never been more impressed with the personalized and compassionate care my son received as a patient at Willow Springs. He was a patient there for over 6 months, so I got to meet a lot of different people there. Everyone from the doctors, to the nurses, to the therapists, to the staff members, to the receptionists, and even to the kitchen chefs were beyond professional, kind and helpful. As a parent, it is very difficult when your child is in residential treatment and away from the family. The staff at Willow were very compassionate to my son, myself, and all of my family members when they came in to visit. They helped my son tremendously and they helped me and positively encouraged me to help create a more functional family dynamic. I will forever be grateful to all of the wonderful staff members there and can't say enough positive things about all of them. Thank you Willow Springs!

I went to Willow early 2016, and it has helped me so much. I was on the DBT unit, and the staff there were very kind, and they figured out exactly what would help me. My first day there was March 1st, and i discharged 6 months later on September 9th. While i did stay for a really long time (average stay being about 2-3 months), when i discharged i felt like a new person. I could actually control my emotions, and control myself most of all. Other people with anxiety and depression and BPD know how big that is. Even if the staff didnt necessarily always agree with what i said, they always listened and tried their best. I recommend Willow Springs to anyone suffering from any disorder. Just know that this place can show you a better way than hurting yourself or others or whatever it is you do.

DBT program helped me learn lots of skills. I definitely recommend it for your children who are struggling to cope in this tough world.

My kid was here for one month between December 2016 and January 2017 - in the DBT Unit/Track (not the Journey track, it is totally different). My kid had DBT skills grinded in morning, noon and night, while attending school M-F during the day as well. Therapist was great with my kiddo and was able to see issues that were genuine and needed to be worked through, even if my kiddo tried to hide feelings or issues. The psychiatrist meets with kids every week and leaves you a voicemail in the afternoon with updates or med change requests - spoke with her in person twice (as the other calls were just updates, nothing really to connect about) and she was actively involved in working with me for solutions for my kid, took any request I made and created orders for my requests for staff to follow (I felt listened to). Center also scheduled dental exam, optometrist appointment (my kid failed the vision screening) and a pediatric cardiologist appointment (covered by my insurance) as they did an EKG at the center and my kid had an abnormal EKG. My kid loved Rec Time where she learned some fun dance moves on "Just Dance" video game. My kid made friends and felt the staff cared for her (well, most of them!). Overall it was a good experience for my kid and our family, with my kid learning/living/breathing DBT skills which she taught to me in our family sessions. I'd highly recommend the DBT unit (again, I don't know anything/have any experience with the other units or tracks like Journey) to any struggling kid and family, as long as you are willing to be actively involved in your kids treatment.

When I first arrived at Willow Springs I was angry and hurt. I did everything I could to convince my mom to take me out. Thank God she didn't. I was sent to in early 2016 and at I blamed every one for my problems I took no accountability and had no regard for others. Until I truly started to participate that's when things got better. I learned useful dbt and coping skills that I would have never utilize if I hadn't been sent. They also try to shape the program so everyone will succeed. The RT is fun, once you reach the appropriate level the outings are amazing. School there is shaped for every individual. Shout out my favorite Mrs.T. Therapy although not my favorite was truly helpful. It was intended but the staff was always understanding and would let you cool down and have time afterwards.

I recently discharged from Willow Spring's DBT Program this October and was there for about two months and two weeks. I was surprised they accepted my insurance and the quality of the treatment there. I discharged a person that could use their skills better. My therapist was phenomenal and my psychiatrist was also very good. Their DBT is intensive and we have groups throughout the day. We also have pet therapy, recreational therapy and art therapy; the school there helped me a lot! The teachers there care a lot and treated me well and always helped me whenever I can; it was my first time getting Straight A's there and they transfer to your school when you leave. There's also a ropes course there which helps you with leadership, teamwork, and having fun! Most of the staff were kind, and you are drilled with skills. The pros there were there were many skills, many groups, a caring treatment team, a good certified private school, weekly rewards, family sessions weekly, being treated like a person, and that if you're out of state or town, Willow pays for your family to come down and you can go on pass for a few hours to a few nights at the Nugget hotel nearby. Of course, you have to stay there awhile to get the ropes course and passes, though I felt Willow has helped me a lot. The cons were the quality of the food sometimes (though there are tasty options!) The safety showers and restrooms are not my favorite and not being able to go outside a lot. Though, I'll never forget it and to the people who said it was horrible in the past years, Willow has changed a lot. And remember to ask for the DBT program! DBT Water has done me wonders! While I was there, I overcame anorexia (still have to work on body image though!) and learned lots of coping skills for my bipolar, anxiety disorders and especially borderline personality disorder. Without Willow, I don't think I would be who I am now.