I spent a very short time at St. Joseph Institute, and while I ultimately decided to leave early, I still want to share a positive experience.
From the moment I arrived, the staff were welcoming, professional, and genuinely kind. Everyone I interacted with from admissions to the two wonderful intake nurses treated me with respect and made it clear they truly care about the people who come through their doors. I never felt judged or pressured, and I appreciated how patient they were with me as I tried to figure out where I was at mentally.
The facility itself is beautiful and peaceful. The campus is surrounded by nature and has a calming atmosphere that feels far removed from the chaos of everyday life.
I also had positive interactions with the other patients during my stay. The people I met were supportive, open, and respectful, and it was easy to see that many were genuinely committed to their recovery. Even in a short time, there was a sense of community that I appreciated.
In the end, I chose to leave early because I realized I wasn’t fully ready for an inpatient program yet, not because of anything negative about the program or staff. That decision was about where I am personally in my recovery journey. The team handled my departure with understanding and compassion, which I truly respected.
Overall, St. Joseph Institute left a strong, positive impression on me. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who feels ready for an immersive inpatient experience, and I wouldn’t hesitate to consider returning when I’m in the right headspace to fully commit to an inpatient program.
SJI is in an idyllic setting where the peaceful atmosphere integrates wellness, educational programming, and both individual and group therapy sessions lead by competent and compassionate staff. Homemade meals include a well stocked salad bar and fresh fruit. If Grace is cooking, you are in for a treat!
The individual therapy was most beneficial to me. I was fortunate to be assigned to Emily B. (but all counselors are lovely and I benefited from the group sessions they provided on a rotation schedule). Guest speakers were profound, offering hope and keys to resilience.
The peace, quiet, and support I received allowed me to unplug and really get to the crux of my personal issues in ways outpatient therapy didn't, and could never, touch.
As a client, I took ownership of my progress, never "skipping" sessions, no excuses given, and took advantage of early morning sessions that were optional offered by Val during the week (She's a true gem, and I highly recommend taking advantage of the opportunities she offers). The RA's Joe, Dave and Bri were supportive and compassionate, and always available throughout the day and into the night, 24/7. My counselor, Emily, was firm, fair and consistent. She called me out when necessary and truly helped me get where I needed and wanted to be - Happy, Joyful, and Free.
It was a pleasure to serve as community leader during my time at Saint Joseph's Institute (when I was ready). Happily sober now, involved in daily AA meetings both virtually and in-person in my local community, I refer others to SJI on the regular, and am pleased to do so here in this forum.
Freedom from alcohol addiction is attainable if you work for it (other addictions, too), and I was given the tools I needed to live alcohol and hangover free for life, full of patience, forgiveness, tolerance of others, and love. Is everything perfect for me? No. But SJI gave me what I needed at a time when I was lost and desperate for change and hope. I got what I needed, and you can, too. I'm determined to make it despite the challenges I face personally today at work, at home, and in my relationships. Make the call. Give yourself this gift of sobriety, and do it at St. Joe's. One Day At A Time.
St. Joes is an absolute paradise! Such a beautiful place to go and work on yourself. The staff are amazing and the treatment is so productive. They're pulling strings you may not realize to help you!! Thanks to St. Joes I've found me again. He was lost for a long time in the fog of a deep depression, masking that with substance use, I thought he was gone forever. Thank you guys so much for an opportunity to live again, not just exist. If you are struggling and need help, give them a call. They will pick you up and mark will call you everyday until they do to ask how you are doing! I've never been to a more beautiful place that helps you as a whole being, mind, body, and soul!
Chuck Rose