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When our clients share their recovery stories, they inspire hope and offer valuable insights to those searching for their next step.
These personal experiences provide a beacon of guidance, showing that recovery is possible and helping others feel understood, connected, and empowered to pursue their own path to healing.
Odyssey is proud to support our clients on their paths to healing. Every testimonial tells a unique story of transformation through our treatment programs, illustrating the life-changing impact that our compassionate, evidence-based care has on individuals and their families.
For individuals seeking treatment, these personal journeys are a source of comfort and encouragement, reminding them that they are not alone — and that recovery is within reach.
The testimonials shared by our clients affirm the dedication of our clinical and support teams. They demonstrate how effective, individualized care can lead to lasting change. These success stories are a beacon of hope, inspiring individuals considering treatment to envision their brighter future.
“These powerful stories of recovery are humbling. Improving the life of another is the most rewarding thing a person can do.”
– Richard Clark, CEO
Seeking treatment is a courageous step, and sharing one’s journey is equally brave. We are grateful to those who have chosen to open up about their recovery experiences, providing hope and inspiration to others on a similar path.
Mike Sr. resisted treatment at first, while Joe went through the motions, knowing he needed help. Hear both of their stories and how grateful they are to Silver Pines for guiding them on their path to recovery.
Struggling with suicidal thoughts and severe anorexia that led to hospitalization, Ashton turned to Selah House for treatment. Though the journey was challenging, she is proud to say the hard work was worth it, and today, she is genuinely happy.
After isolating herself from loved ones due to addiction, Allison recognized she needed help. Hear her story and how STR guided her toward recovery and helped her discover her passion for a career in behavioral health.
Encouraged by his family, Adam arrived at Lifeskills South Florida following a DUI and withdrawal from college. Initially feeling nervous, anxious, and defeated, he transformed his life through treatment. Today, he helps others on their recovery journeys.
Odyssey captures client and family satisfaction through discharge surveys, allowing us to gather valuable feedback on treatment experiences. Using a 1-5 star rating scale (5 as the highest), we achieved an impressive 4.4-star weighted average from nearly 4,000 surveys across our residential and outpatient programs.
“Magnolia Creek showed me that my life is worth living.”
Maria’s struggle with an eating disorder and her recovery journey resonate with many women. Experiencing abuse beginning at age 12 left her feeling powerless, seeking control over her life — first through her body and later through food.
Nowhere to Turn
As a student-athlete, she was highly self-critical, restricting food, over-exercising, and engaging in harmful behaviors to numb her pain. Her thyroid condition allowed her to mask the disorder, leading to dangerous misuse of her thyroid medication.
A New Beginning
After reaching a low point and facing health issues, Maria recognized the link between her trauma and disordered eating. A recommendation led her to Magnolia Creek, where she began healing. There, Maria:
The Healthy Balance
With compassionate support, she faced feared foods and found spirituality as a foundation of her recovery. Today, Maria lives with resilience, self-compassion, and coping skills that support her healthier relationship with food. [Read Maria’s Full Story]
“I feel confident I can continue to live my best life.”
Before arriving at Pasadena Villa Smoky Mountain Lodge, Teresa struggled with severe depression, suicidality, and substance use. She felt trapped in a reality she could not bear. “I was living in a reality that I did not want to be stuck in any longer,” she recalls. Seeking treatment at Pasadena Villa was essential for her survival and a chance to rebuild her life.
A New Foundation for Healing & Growth
From the start, Teresa found the environment supportive, the staff welcoming, and the facilities top-notch. “I was extremely pleased with the staff, facility, and programming,” she says. The compassionate community and serene setting provided a foundation for healing and growth.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
One of the most transformative aspects of her stay was the journey of self-discovery. Teresa gained insights into her diagnosis and learned strategies to manage her mental health. “I learned a lot about myself, my diagnosis, and the mental health field,” she shares. Weekly community meetings fostered a sense of empowerment, allowing her to participate actively in her recovery.
A Brighter Future: Confidence & Gratitude
Today, Teresa feels confident and grateful, knowing the tools and support she received will help her thrive. Her journey is a testament to the life-changing impact of quality mental health care and the importance of compassionate, supportive environments. [Read Teresa’s Full Story]
“Hearing others’ stories made me realize I needed help, too.”
Claire’s life felt “normal” until a move in fifth grade brought social struggles and strained family dynamics. Her mom urged her to “snap out of it” when she seemed down, and things worsened in college as family pressures grew.
With her brother on a rebellious path, Claire shouldered more responsibility and sought control through restrictive eating and running. Her father’s illness during her senior year deepened her struggles, leading her to restrict and purge as a way to cope.
Support & Stability, but Setbacks Remained
After college, Claire found some stability with her husband, Ted, but fertility challenges reignited her struggles, putting her physical health at risk. Realizing she needed help, Claire sought treatment at Selah House.
Finding Belonging & Healing
At Selah House, Claire initially resisted treatment but found validation and connection through group therapy. Art therapy helped her confront her emotions, allowing her to express herself freely.
Selah House became a place of acceptance, teaching Claire she wasn’t alone. She set healthy boundaries with family, built a supportive community, and saw recovery was possible.
A Journey to Freedom
Claire learned at Selah House that starting over is always possible, empowering her to live a fulfilling life. “This is possible. I found hope and learned that if they can do it, I can, too.” [Read Claire’s Full Story]
“My name is Jared, and I’m an addict and an alcoholic.”
Jared grew up in a supportive family in New York, but by age 12, he started using marijuana, seeking thrills and acceptance. He faced legal issues in high school but excelled academically, earning a spot at NYU.
Seeking Escape
However, his addiction deepened, eventually leading him to drop out. Although outwardly successful in finance, he was miserable and self-medicating heavily. “I was using a lot of drugs and was miserable. My addiction stemmed from a need to feel numb.”
Reaching Out for Help
After overdosing, Jared sought help, achieving over six years of sobriety. Yet he later relapsed, and his mental health spiraled as drug use overtook him. “I went into psychosis. I wasn’t dealing with my mental health because of my drug use.” A moment of clarity brought him back to his family, and he turned to Lifeskills for recovery.
At Lifeskills, Jared shifted his mindset. “I complained and complained… and realized it wasn’t changing anything.” He embraced the program, built friendships, and rediscovered joy in simple things. Working at Michael’s, he recalls, “I was making people laugh again, and it felt great.”
Rebuilding Life & Finding Purpose
With five years of sobriety, Jared has rebuilt his life, working on an adventure therapy team, leading ropes courses, kayaking, and improv for clients. “I’m helping people every day and changing lives.” He remains committed to recovery, attending meetings, and maintaining a solid support network.
Reflecting on his journey, Jared advises parents of those struggling with addiction, “Be patient but let go; take care of yourself first. Support your loved ones, but know they must do the work themselves.” [Read Jared’s Full Story]
“At Pasadena Villa, I learned to unconditionally love myself and embrace my identity as a person on the autism spectrum.”
Archie grew up in a loving, academic family but struggled to fit in socially due to early autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms, including sensory sensitivity and low self-esteem. Academic pressures surrounded him, and while his peers excelled, Archie often felt “odd,” isolated, and unable to meet typical social expectations.
A Turning Point in Treatment at Pasadena Villa
By high school, Archie was battling severe anxiety and depression. After a difficult college experience and a suicide attempt, he sought treatment, but he recalls, “Nothing psychiatrists said throughout my life had stuck.” That changed at Pasadena Villa, where he found a nurturing environment that helped him embrace his identity.
A Journey of Self-Acceptance & Advocacy
Through intensive therapy and Pasadena Villa’s Social Integration Model™, Archie rebuilt his confidence, completed his associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, and began volunteering.
Now working full-time and aiming for an MSW program, he also advocates for neurodiversity, recently speaking at the Autism Society of America conference.
Reflecting on his journey, he says, “Letting go of those things that hurt me made me who I am today,” highlighting the power of self-acceptance and resilience. [Read Archie’s Full Story]
“Everyone has a purpose. Finding it brings substance to your life.”
Struggles with Anger, Mental Health, & Substance Use
Before Lifeskills, Logan’s life was marked by anger, untreated mental illness, and habitual marijuana use. “I was delusional and psychotic,” he recalls, a state that led him down a self-destructive path, forcing him to leave school and eventually putting him in the hospital. “I was self-destructive and had to leave school because of my unstable mental state,” Logan says. His journey toward healing began when his mother chose Lifeskills South Florida for his long-term treatment.
A Turning Point in Treatment
In the beginning, Logan resisted treatment, feeling “the world was against me.” But as he continued, he began to “see the light at the end of the tunnel.” Conversations with Rabbi Brandon Gaines helped him find purpose and “uncover a bigger picture,” while DBT and CBT sessions provided tools to manage his mood and behavior. “I had to accept responsibility for my actions and the harm I caused others,” he reflects.
A New Future with Purpose & Direction
With guidance from Lifeskills’ team and support from group therapy, AA, and NA meetings, Logan found community and connection. Post-treatment, he joined a 12-step program, enrolled in college as a neuroscience major, and aspires to start a non-profit for students facing mental health challenges. [Read Logan’s Full Story]
A Brave Step Amid the Pandemic
As the pandemic began, Seth made a courageous decision to seek treatment for his addiction. After leaving other addiction programs, he recognized the need for ongoing support and, without a robust support system at home, explored intensive outpatient programs (IOP). His search led him to STR Behavioral Health in Pennsylvania.
Finding Strength in Community & Personalized Care
Admitted in 2020, Seth initially felt apprehensive but quickly felt at ease with STR’s supportive, experienced staff, many of whom had their own recovery journeys. This shared understanding created a camaraderie that empowered him to face his challenges. STR’s personalized approach allowed Seth to take control of his recovery through two months of structured programming, followed by three months in an IOP.
A Renewed Life of Resilience & Purpose
With STR’s community and individualized care, Seth transitioned to transitional housing, balancing freedom and stability. Now, with three years of sobriety and new academic achievements, Seth reflects with gratitude on STR’s impact. His story shows the power of perseverance, community, and tailored treatment in recovery, and he looks toward the future with renewed strength and purpose. [Read Seth’s Full Story]
Odyssey has a growing portfolio of treatment facilities known for providing best-in-class, evidence-based clinical care.
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