Willow Springs Center

Name : Michael R

Testimonial: I came to Willow Springs on Feb. 5th, 2009, man was I a crazy kid. I had a real bad addiction and had all kinds of behavior problems. The first three months I didn't even care about the program. I was more concerned about getting out than helping myself. The longer I was there, I felt like I was getting more depressed because I thought I wasn't going to get out. Then, one day I had a long talk with Debvorah (licensed therapist) and decided to get help while I was there. When I started doing my program, I was doing OK. I met alot of people that were good to talk to. I left in August of 09. I did not leave in a positive way....I ended up going to another program but I got alot of skills when I left that I still use. Willow helped me so much , I thank you guys so much. When I left I was alot happier and less angry at the world. I would really recommend this program. I loved it. I had lots of fun thre and I want to thank Taboo (Mental Health Technician) for everything because he really did understand what I went through because he had the same background as me and went through similar things I did. Thanks man!

--------------------------------------------------------------- Name : John Jacobs

Testimonial : I was there way back in 96-97, and had a ton of hurdles to jump, including the Flood of 97, when we had to evacuate the building, but when I was there, I decided to play by the rules, and do what I had to do, but over time I gave up <---- bad idea, I wanted out, and did everything I possibly could to get out, even though I did the things I thought at that time were great, I realize that I was CRAZY, what was I doing? Why didn't I let them help me. But now, I'm 28 years old, I have been through a lot since then, with friends passing away and homelessness. I now can say I'm happy. I am happily married to the love of my wife, I have 2 wonderful kids, and I'm training to be a prowrestler. I can say that with my time at willow springs, the tools that I have learned I still use today, Thank you so much...

--------------------------------------------------------------- Name : Shelby Gravier

Testimonial : Hey everyone at willow I am happy to say that Willow opened my eyes to the world and to who i really am. I am very thank full they have helped me through alot and i want to shout out to all the staff and teachers there. Especially Mrs. T!!! Excellent in everything she does. And Rudy for being a great Counselor / Therapist! He helped me through alot. Thanks again hope to see you guys around the town of Reno and give you guys a great big hug! HUGS TO ALL!

--------------------------------------------------------------- Name : Bethany Z

Testimonial : I was admitted into Willow Springs February 11, 2009. I came right into a community meeting. I remember thinking how did I end up here, where am I, and is this really happening. Everything was mind blowing. That Wednesday was the best day of my life. It didn't take me long to get comfortable. I learned that I wasn't the only kid that didn't understand why things happen in life the way they do. I realized that people have hard times to very fast I learned how to have sympathy and support for others. Soon enough I moved up in my levels and maintained a leadership to the community. Even though I wasn't the new girl anymore everyone was still teaching me and I was learning more about myself every day. It was about my 3rd month into the program and I decided to take on the level three. It was overwhelming at first but I learned how to handle it. I was starting to feel comfortable I knew all the staff, I had the routine of all the programs and activities. I ended up staying 5 months. To this day I can't thank the staff enough. Everyone meant something to me in some way. When a new staff came onto the hall I would make it a goal to meet them and have a bond with them. I did care about the staff as if they were my family, at the time they were all I had. I wouldn't be where I am today without going there and having to listen, learn, get help, and be heard. Asking for help wasn't always my thing, in willow springs they already know you need help and it's given to you when you don't even know it. I am about to be a senior in high school, I have a job, and help my family take care of my sisters that have global brain damage . Without willows springs I don't think I could handle anything of what I do every day. I wanted to say thank you again, it will be a year this month I left willow springs. I was so scared to leave but now today I have to say I know now that I was ready. Thank you and continue to change lifes. -forever and always- Bethany(oldwidow)

--------------------------------------------------------------- Name : Adriana

Testimonial : i was in willow, it was an okay place. i recomend kids coming here with problems, cause those problems shall be solved. get a healthier life coming here. you are welcome at any time

--------------------------------------------------------------- Name : jaymee

Testimonial : I was not a nice kid growing up i was angry very depressed and hated and never trusted anyone around me. It was one of the hardest things to go through when i was sent to my first psychiatric hospitals in washington. First was for 2 weeks and then the next time i relapsed i went for a month and there they told me i had two options foster care or a live in hospital and i was realy mad about both. But i gave in and i took the 4 hour plane ride to reno and there i went to willow springs. I had tried playing it off at first like i was fine then i started showing who i really was that's when my therapist jan and i started doing hard work i was there for 6 months and now i'm out on my own and its not even been a year. I am now going to school i have a baby girl on the way and as many times as i wanted to give up i dont cuz then all their hard work at willow and mine too, would have been for nothing

--------------------------------------------------------------- Name : sierra g

hey just dropin by to give an update....i was at willow a year ago..ive made much progress since then and i owe some to willow

--------------------------------------------------------------- Name : Dayna-CA

Thank you staff for taking care of my daughter. She was definitely in crisis mode when she arrived. She was resistant and had a hard time making/keeping levels. Because of caring staff and an awesome therapist, Jan, she flourished! Now, she is home and in a step down program (PHP) and mastering the coping skills she learned while at Willows. She has a new lease on life and is excited to be free & not just physically :) To the entire staff- Jan, Dr. Arlien, Michelle, Nicki, Chris, Roman, Sherry (front desk) and all, you rock!

--------------------------------------------------------------- Name : Catherine

Testimonial : i was a resident there for 6 months from march to november at first i hated it and i made sure every one knew it i was disrespectful to every one in site there i was put on hold (grounded is the best way to describe it ) 36 x's then something happened that changed my life after a stupid choice that i made i owe them my life THANK YOU

--------------------------------------------------------------- Name : Andrea

Testimonial : I was a patient of Willow Springs Center in 2005. I suffered from severe addiction and behavioral disorders. Willow springs did not cure me but gave me the tools to realize what I wanted in my life and the ability to achieve my goals. I am currently in my third year as a psychology student and will be starting my masters program very soon. I hope to focus on addiction counselling and behavioral health. In present day I work with a eleven year old girl assisting her in daily activities and helping her integrate into the community by taking her to parks and public places where she can spend time with other children. The cerebral palsy foundation of Massachusetts has opened my eyes to a whole different world and I have become a compassionate and loving person. I also have a two year old daughter and wonderful boyfriend and know that my life is fulfilling, I am happy,safe and know that any obstacle that may come down my path I will overcome. I continue to battle borderline personality disorder, bi polar and addictive behaviors but I am no longer discouraged in my suffering. I have regular therapy and psychiatric appointments, as well as keeping a personal journal. I involve myself in healthy activities and f ocus on family and responsibilities. Willow springs instilled a value in me that took years after my actual treatment to realize and use. Patience in the face of adversity and true understanding of myself through recognition of my actions. When I left willow springs I fell back into a life of addiction and destruction but that was only because at the time I was young and naive, but after falling back down into my disorders for another year I realized that something was different this time. I no longer was able to stand idly by as I destroyed my life. Something that I distinctly remember was thinking about the eight months I had spent in willow springs and how positive my life could be if I just did what was right for myself. I thought about the faces of my therapist and staff who wanted nothing more then to change my life. Then I thought about the people around me and how they did not have what I had they did not have the opportunity that I had. They did not know what was o ut there for them, who they could be or the potential inside them selves. That was it, I walked away. I went home, I moved out, I moved across the country. I tried this way and that way, and I struggled and struggled and it was hard but now, I am here. Not addicted, not unhappy, and waking up everyday smiling regardless of any adversity I face. The people at willow spring's staff and employees really do care about there patients, they showed me the potential I possessed, an act of kindness toward another human being which not everyone receives. My recovery did not happen over night but one thing is certain. Willow springs contributed to a change in my life in such an influential and positive way that I will always hold on to the advice and values shared with me for the rest of my life. Thank you so much to my therapist, the staff and all involved in willow springs. I listened:)

--------------------------------------------------------------- Name : David King

Testimonial : I was there in 1988. I was a ward of the state. I had a lot of fun there i was there for 1year and 144 days. It was a blast. feel free to contact me if you were there. usarmymilitary@gmail.com

--------------------------------------------------------------- Name : Rachel D

Testimonial : Oh Lord! It's Rachel :]. Never EVER thought i would say this.... but thank you. ANd i miss you all very much. But hope to never see you again.:] I miss you.

--------------------------------------------------------------- Name : sierra g

Testimonial : hey willow...i jst wanted to say thank you for all your help...i want to thank all of the staff teachers and of course phil...i was in willow for 5 months and they were the hardest 5 months of mty life...i made it thru the program as a level 2 twice and graduated as a level 3.....i was never a basic and i can proudly say that i was the only one out of the group of girls that i was with that i was the only one....you can leatrn alot from this program and valerie helped me alot to thanks bud...and thanks again willow

--------------------------------------------------------------- Name : Briana

Testimonial : Willow Springs changed my life. Through the help of staff and peers, I was able to find who I was and who I wanted to be. Willow Springs wasn't the first treatment center that I had been to, but it was my last. I was horrified to go to Willow Springs, but I did good for the first 2 weeks I was there. After that, I slipped back in to old habits such as cutting and purging. I was desperately screaming out for attention, but in reality I needed to learn to be self-sufficient. I was always held responsible for my actions and wasn't allowed to run the staff the way that I had to my parents at home. One of the most beneficial aspects of Willow Springs is that it teaches you how to be an individual in a crowd. I learned that acting like everyone else isn't going to get you anywhere and that to be happy you have to be happy with yourself. You can't live in the past or dwell on the negatives. I learned to live in the present and focus on what is going on right now and what I am feeling right now. I especially thank Dave B, my therapist at Willow Springs. I also thank Rick, Nicole, and Stacy. I never felt like I was being judged or criticized and they are the perfect models for what I am striving to be. I am proud to say that I am attending my first year of college! And am majoring in Nursing with a minor in Psychology. Without Willow Springs help, I am not sure where I would be or what I would be doing. I can't imagine my life without this intervention and am so grateful that I was able to learn and receive the help that I did there. Thank you all for teaching me that “I am a person of value..

--------------------------------------------------------------- Name : kailani

Testimonial : Dorthy thank you for everything being so kind and being there for me. I Looked to you as a mom because i never had one but if i did id want her to be YOU!!! thank you for everything.

--------------------------------------------------------------- Name: Dallas

I was awoken in the middle of the night by two big men standing in the middle of my bedrooom, in front of my door, blocking my only exit. I was, to say the least, confused. I didn't know what was going on, or who these people were, but for reasons I will not reveal here, I thought they were the police. The bigger, younger one asked me how long it had been since I had gone to school, and I said it had been about a month. he told me I was wrong and that I hadn't been to school in over six weeks. I was guessing anyways, but I was wondering how he would know something like that. They looked, acted, and spoke like officers until I got into their vehicle. I think the reason they acted that way was to get me to cooperate. They knew I would be afraid of cops so when I revealed I thought they were, they just went with it. As it turns out, they were not policemen. They were private contractors that are hired for pick up and delivery of potentially dangerous teenagers to psyche hospitals all around the country. My parents had arranged for me to go to Willow Springs Residential Treatment Center. When I got to Willow, it was nothing like I expected. The men that had driven me there had made the place seem like Disneyland, and it was nothing like it. They made the place seem laid back , and, maybe it was, compared to other centers. But I'd only been to a short term facility before, for three days and by the time the first week had gone by in Willow, I was losing my head. I played it cool; I followed all the rules, trying to take everything by stride. The problem was I hadn't accepted the fact that I was there. I mean, physically I had, because I was indeed, there, but inside my own head I was still banging on the walls like "Is this really happening"? When my fascade finally broke, it didn't just fade away. It shattered. I freaked out and put a hole in the wall of my room. The funny thing is, I wasn't put on hold, or anything like that. I guess the staff expects those types of things from new kids, and, only two weeks in, I was still new. It scared me, this place. But after I put the hole in my wall, I actually felt a lot better. I knew I could do this program and work my treatment if I busted my ass and put some serious work into it. What I didn't think about was how hard it was going to be to do that work. I was forced to look at some pretty intense, pretty disturbing things about my life while at Willow. It made me see all the wrong I'd done, and all the good, but it also made me see the reason for doing the things I did. You must try and understand that before Willow, I knew almost nothing about myself. I didn't know who I was, because my whole life I was busy trying to be someone else to please people around me. But that isn't enough in life. Willow made me see that I'm an important person, that I matter. If not to everyone around me, then at least to myself. That center helped me to start finding myself, helped me to start caring about myself, and I think the most striking thing that ever happened to me at Willow was towards the end of my stay there. It's probably the scariest and most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life. I saw myself. I saw who I was, who I've been all along. I saw the strong, proud figure that was hidden deep inside my mind for so long. I saw that I was okay, that I didn't have to take punishment or insults from anyone. The thing I value the most, was seeing who I'd been pretending to be for so long, in the people around me. The other kids at Willow were exactly the same as me. They had the same mask, the same shield for their pain. Sure, the masks were different, some were anger, others sad, and then there were the ones who were too happy, so happy that they had to be fake. I saw right through their masks, because I'd worn one for so long, and now having taken off my own, I can see clearly. The best part is I can see when someone is in trouble. I see through their fake smiles and attempts at humor. I know that something is wrong and I can help them. Willow also helped me find what I want to do for the rest of my life, and the resons that I not only want to do, but feel obligated to do. It made me realize that I didn't have to be sad anymore. I didn't have to fight everyone around me. I could go with the flow; I didn't always have to be right. I didn't always have to prove my point, and when I finally got that through my thick skull, I was much happier, and the funny thing is that's what my parents, my therapist, my friends and the staff at Willow had been telling me all along. I want to help people now. Willow helped me so much. It made me see a reason to smile every day. It gave me life, light, and hope. It makes me proud to have gone there, and to have learned what I did. It also makes me lucky. And if I can offer that kind of change to one person, one single person, it would truly complete me. The help I got at Willow changed my life, and I opt to pass on the help and knowledge that I gained there to those who need it, just like me.

--------------------------------------------------------------- Name: Valerie N

I was in Willow Springs for four and a half months. I learned so much from the staff and the patients. I miss you all and hope that everything is going well. Thnak you Mr. Jim and staff for the support that helped me get through the hardships I faced. Will call soon! Bye.

--------------------------------------------------------------- Name: Lauren K

Looking back at my experience at Willow, it was one of the hardest things I've had to do in my whole life. I got through it and came out a stronger healthier person. special thanks to staff Kim and Nicole...you got me through it.

--------------------------------------------------------------- My name is colton and I went to willow springs last year around this time. They have changed my life for the better and have helped me grow in so many ways. Every one there has a huge heart and, cares about every single person that walks threw that door. Every therapist in there will talk to you even if your not part of there group. Since i have been out of willow things have changed, i am a happier person all around and dont need drugs to help that either. i would like to give a special thanks to Jan Early because she helped me threw so much pain that i had, she also stayed way late to make sure everyone was doing good and being taken care of. Sincerely: Colton- Nampa, Id

----------------------------------------------------------------- Name: Charis W

I have been at Willow Springs for almost 2 months. I am so thankful for every single person at Willow. I have fornd self esteem and self worth. I am now a person of value now that I value myself I value others. I have been going through alot these past couple of years and I'm not depressed anymore. I am the happiest I've been since I was 8. My theripist is Kate thank you! You helped me with so many different struggles in my life. I have the greatest relationship with my dad. I couldn't ask for any more. I just want to thank the staff for the help and the support so thank you very much!!!!

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hey, I want to say thank you willow springs. U guys helped me so much and I have truly changed. I went to a step down facility and I would ot have done good if it weren't for you guys. Thank you Jody. You were amazing. From an ex-patient.

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Our 12 year old daughter is currently at Willow Springs. She has been there for almost 3 weeks now. We are so amazed and overjoyed at the progress that we are seeing in her. It was a really difficult decision to put our daughter in a residential facility, but we are so glad that we did. Our little girl is learning so much about herself and how to get along with others. When we visited with her recently she made more eye contact with us (while smiling) than we have seen in years! We are anxious to see what the weeks to come bring. Thank you so much to the Willow Springs staff, from admissions, receptionist to everyone in the adolescent unit!!! Your are all incredible people! With much gratitude, Kimberly and Darryl.

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From Alicia A.- Thank you so much Willow Springs. When I first went in I didn't want to change, I hated myself and everyone else. When I came out I was a new person, I loved everyone, I was thankful for everything and I still am. I want to thank the girls staff there, they are great and really care. Most of all I want to thank my therapist Lisa, she's an amazing therapist, I recommend her. If your child needs help this place can perform miracles, trust me. Thank you Willow Springs.

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From Kassandra K. hey Willow staff. I want to thank everyone. You helped me so much. If it wasn't for the great help I got I would have been locked up or dead. I would recommend this place for anyone in need. Staff-Kim, Haley, Tony, Raymond-you guys are awesome!!! I am so thankful, you changed my life.

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Every staff member at Willow Springs was more than helpful at my family's time of need.I am forever grateful for Willow Springs, Jessica, Dr. Walenta and all the staff. I feel I have my son back and a better person overall. Thank you so much.

Kristi Walker

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Staff,

Wow, I just wanted to say how thankful I am for your guys' help and advice & encouragement. Being there has given me tools that I will use for life. I really appreciate & respect you guys for taking on this career. You are the people who help to make a difference in the world. You guys are the Best! I've grown so much through these past few months (including at Fairfax & Intermountain) and I am blossoming into a mature & truly happy and determined woman. Thank you all for your hands & help. You've all touched my heart.

With much gratitude,

Patient

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I was a patient in this facility for just over six months back in 1990.I had lots of issues around self esteem, depression and self-harming and needed help and support to overcome these obstacles in my life.I was apprehensive at first, but I soon got to know the staff (Dee Dee, Tori, Jo, Sam, Nancy, etc).They demonstrated a genuine interest in me and my well-being and steadily supported me and helped me gain the tools to start acting positively towards myself and my life.Even though I left the facility 17 years ago, I still have fond memories of my time at the Willow Springs Centre and the staff who were so kind and supportive towards me.I am now married with two little girls (back in England) and working as a Guidance Practioner to young people (dealing with issues relating to anything from career progression to drugs and pregnancy).I also find the time to run my own children's designer wear business online.I feel that if I had not had this intervention in my life, I would not be who I am and where I am today.Keep up the good work!Debbie xx.

Debbie (from England)