ReSTART Life
Verified Treatment Services
I have participated in both their inpatient and intensive-outpatient programs, Pathways and Open-World, respectively. Looking back on it, although it wasn't perfect, what it had already exceeded my expectations of what I wanted from this place. This might very well be the best way for you to recover from your addictions to pornography, the internet, and ESPECIALLY gaming abuse. This program, before becoming a residential treatment facility, has a 15-year track record since 2009 of treating the disability of addiction for tech addicts. Although the program isn't perfect, I humbly ask that you take the time to fully read this review to determine whether this place is right for you. No names (besides one) are real. Those in 'brackets' are aliases Pros: reSTART Life's main allure when it comes to their program has to be their therapeutic practices, philosophies, and principles. All of the members of staff that I had my experiences with were more than qualified to mend the roots of clients' addictions. All people hired for therapy here know exactly how to make someone feel safe, heard, and loved. From 9 am-4 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, the therapists who do not have sessions host therapy groups going over the tactics that clients can use in the real world to combat stress. There are weekly board game days on Sundays, and Movie Nights on Fridays, so you won't be entirely bored. This place has absolutely NO tech outside a landline, and all other pieces of tech are confiscated. The staff on board at this place are all VERY qualified to take care of the client's every need, supporting them when times are rough, taking them to doctors' appointments, and just socializing in general. This is a very inclusive space, never discriminating against anyone for race, sexuality, disability, religion, or gender identity (Summer 2024-Summer 2025: 5 trans girls (+me) in the span of a year; you're safe, girl :3). You're able to learn life-building skills with the help of Direct Care Staff and your fellow clients. Cleaning and cooking are regular, and learning self-care is a major priority. The Open-World program expands on this by giving clients who have proven their worth their own place to stay outside of the actual location (therapy is still mandatory at DTC). Cons: The Outing System isn't as up to snuff as it usually was. Before a certain someone (*ahem, 'Wheely'*) broke their leg in Seattle on an outing to an Arts and Crafts fair, there had been a lot of changes to the outings that the clients could do. Now there's a 12-mile radius in the middle of nowhere, and you can't go past the point. The Duvall campus is a bit too small, and you rarely get outside time without the surveillance of a staff member. Kind of a shame you can't go walking outside like they used to in the old Pathways house. The cooking has been on a major decline since the clients themselves can no longer shop for groceries and make their own meals as head and assistant chef. Now the DCS are the head chefs, and the clients can only be assistant chefs (on a rotating basis). If you want people to learn to cook healthy, teach them what it means to cook healthy, and give them the autonomy to make it themselves on their own time. You can't make snacks yourself anymore, since the kitchen is restricted without permission! D: Hilarie Cash, a consistent 'volunteer' here. Although she isn't in charge anymore, she has still caused some clients considerable stress due to her bad bedside manner and her more "direct" methods, overreacting in some places, or not doing anything til it's too late in others (*ahem, 'Serenity' and 'Voldy' incidents*). Mental trauma has been caused to both 'Serenity' and me because of what happened to us, respectively. (allegedly) No anime; it's addictive apparently. :( Do with this info what you will, as mileage may vary. I still appreciate everything this program has done for me, and despite its flaws, what I got here was more than enough to save my life. I wish you all the best in life -Honorable (CT), 1-Year Sober from Gaming
