Sarah S.
5/5
I hope that other parents will read my review. Before sending my son to Newport, I devoured myself in research for the best place, and chose to take a risk and ignore some bad reviews. Since my son has returned home, I can say this – I simply do not personally understand the negative reviews. I’ve taken much time to write the review below because I believe it’s so important.
I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the incredible transformation my 17-year-old son underwent during his time at Newport Academy in Camarillo, CA. Over the past year, he had been grappling with substance abuse and acute depression, and it had become a heartbreaking (and almost fatal) struggle for our family. However, Newport turned out to be a beacon of hope in our darkest times.
From the moment we arrived, Newport exceeded our expectations in every possible way. Here are some of the reasons why I highly recommend this facility:
Exceptional Family Therapy with John: One of the standout features of Newport was the dedicated & compassionate (and funny) family therapist, John. His unwavering support and commitment to our son's recovery were truly out of this world. Even on his off days, he went above and beyond to provide guidance and reassurance to our family. John's expertise and empathy played a crucial role in our son's healing process. I should mention here that my son expressed great things about each of his therapist, but we got to know John because he was the family therapist.
From Resistance to Immersion: Initially, my son fought against the program and expressed a strong desire to come home - I felt like defeat was consuming me. However, their patient and caring approach gradually helped him shift his perspective. He went from resistance to full immersion (“surrender” as he called it) in the program, which was instrumental in his remarkable progress.
Incredible Outdoor Therapeutic Activities: Newport's approach to therapy is holistic, and the outdoor therapeutic activities were nothing short of incredible. The environment at the facility itself, nestled in the beautiful Camarillo area, played a significant role in my son's progress. Engaging in these activities allowed him to connect with nature and find a sense of peace that had eluded him for so long.
Personalized Celebrations: Newport's attention to detail when it came to celebrating milestones, including birthdays, was heartwarming. They made one of the kid’s birthday away from home truly special by bringing in presents and his favorite foods – my son was MORE than delighted to share all his good food, ha! These gestures not only showed their commitment to each individual but also contributed to a positive and nurturing environment.
Compassion During Grief: Tragedy struck our family while my son was away, as he lost his grandfather. The way Newport responded to this difficult situation touched my heart deeply, especially the house CCs. Thank you, thank you for those who took him to get his hair cut and to ride skateboards at the beach – he told me every kind word they said to him, and they are FOREVER in my gratitude. Forever. Their compassionate and supportive approach during this challenging time is something I will forever appreciate. They ensured my son had the emotional support he needed to process his grief and continue his journey to recovery.
A Rekindled Light: Perhaps the most remarkable outcome of my son's stay at Newport was the return of his inner light. He emerged from his time there with a newfound zest for life. The transformation was nothing short of miraculous, and I credit them for helping him rediscover his potential and purpose.
Commitment to Continued Care: After my son returned home last week, we transitioned to Newport outpatient program, despite the logistical challenges of daily commute (and believe me, it's a nightmare). The decision was easy because we recognized that they are genuinely worth the effort.
So many thanks, Newport.
