Stacy Robertson received her B.A. in Social Work from the University of Tennessee College of Social Work and her Master of Social Work from the University of Tennessee College of Social Work. She is a Licensed Master Social Work in the state of Tennessee and has worked in the field of mental health for over 7 years. Her interests include leading groups on substance abuse, managing stress and anxiety, and parenting skills, as well as learning new ways to integrate music into the therapeutic process.

Brookhaven Retreat offers the highest quality care available and seeks to provide the best possible environment for recovery, but we understand that Brookhaven Retreat cannot accommodate or assist every client.

However, we still want to help you find a facility that fits your needs and there are important things you should know about whichever facility you choose. This list of questions has been prepared to help you learn what you need to know about the staff, services and facilities of any treatment center you are considering so you can make a well-informed choice.

You may download a PDF document of this list at the bottom of the page.

1. What is the staff to client ratio?
2. Do they have contract staff that work there? (example: psychiatrist/therapists)
3. How often do patients see the psychiatrist or nurse practitioners?
4. Are there services to address physical illness on site?
5. Are your therapists licensed? What are their credentials?
6. How often do patients see their therapists? Individually, family sessions, group?
7. Is the facility licensed for both substance and mental health treatment?
8. What are the entry-level providers' qualifications?
9. What different types of therapy are provided?
10. Which professionals make up the medical team? What are their degrees or certifications?
11. Is the facility credentialed through a regulating body? (example: JCAHO)
12. What are the different creative treatment modalities used in therapy?
13. What are the specific rules or guidelines new clients need to know?
14. Do the facility provide a full medical detox?
15. Is it a coed facility?
16. Do the clients have to detox before admitting?
17. Can the facility accommodate a client with suicidal thoughts or ideations or would the client be asked to transfer to another location?
18. What are the policies for correspondence with outside friends and family? Can the clients use phones or internet? What are the protocols for this?
19. Does the facility provide aftercare? Is there an additional charge?
20. Does the facility provide family or couples therapy? Is there an additional charge?
21. What are the restrictions for clothing and personal items being brought with the client? (i.e., can they have shoe strings?)
22. What would the structure of a usual day be at the facility for a particular client?

Listed here are just a few of the unique aspects of our program you should know about

1. Licensed for Detoxification, Mental Health, Chemical Dependency and Acute Mental Health Care
   Brookhaven Retreat is a true dual diagnosis residential facility for clients with multiple needs. The treatment program has several tracks, as the presenting issue is usually only the "tip of the iceberg". The women who come to Brookhaven Retreat with addiction needs very often have other issues which can include depression, trauma, emotional breakage, bereavement, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress syndrome, post-partum, to mention a few of the wide spectrum of
   mental health diagnoses.
   
   Other women come exclusively for mental health and may have had difficulty managing their medication or need to
   have their medication completely reviewed.
   
   Why is this so important?
   A woman's psychological and emotional status plays a significant part in addictive behavior. Guilt, shame, selfcondemnation, traumatic memories, feeling 'less than' or so totally de-motivated and devoid of identity, sometimes manic and out of control contribute to self-medicating, numbing out or just wanting to isolate and turn the 'world off'. The root of the difficulties may not be obvious and may have been kept hidden or sometimes a long-term secret. The feelings may be so difficult to cope with that managing work pressures, marriage, children, financial burdens, a broken relationship, divorce, the death of a loved one, parental relationships, physical illness or college becomes overwhelming.
   
   When this happens a woman needs professional assistance to plot out where the pain is coming from and what needs to be put in place to create new coping skills and the strength to make change.
   
   
2. Female Only Residential Facility
   Women are different than men and have different needs. Women are likely to have children; they are physically weaker and have physical needs that are different than those of men. Women generally earn less in the workplace. Women have a different emotional threshold. The role and demands within society are different than those of males.
   
   Why?
   We want the women at Brookhaven Retreat to cut off the 'noise of life' and have the fewest possible distractions and to focus on their journey of introspection.
   The program itself is designed to address the specific needs of women and the roles they have within the family and society to achieve a long-term plan of maintained wellness.
   
   The safety and security of 'all female' allows women to disclose things that are very difficult and that may be impossible for them within a co-ed arrangement.
   Husbands, fathers and partners often feel more secure having their loved one in an all female facility. It enhances a woman's ability to feel understood and accepted without judgment, shame or guilt. Issues of a sexual, violent, abusive or abandonment nature can be more fully explored and therefore better resolutions achieved.
   
   
3. On-site Female Owner
   Jacqueline's powerful and innovative vision and commitment inspires clients and keeps Brookhaven Retreat on the leading edge of residential facilities. Her own journey of loss and depression gives hope to women for healing and thriving in the future, no matter what their present circumstances. Requests and decisions can be made very quickly. No tiers of hierarchy, board of directors or partners to deal with.
   
   Why?
   Jacqueline is available and dedicated to maintaining the finest residential treatment program in the world. The clinical staff is carefully selected for their knowledge, experience and commitment to this vision. Having experienced brokenness, devastation and dark times after the death of her 18-year-old daughter and the subsequent divorce from her husband of 25 years she has already walked the path of many of the women that come to stay at Brookhaven Retreat.
   
   
4. Individualized Treatment Plan
   There are no "one size fits all" programs at Brookhaven Retreat. Every woman that comes here has a treatment plan designed specifically for her needs and circumstances.
   
   Why?
   There are extraordinary differences between our women's needs. For those with mental health needs, emotional breakage, addictive and unhealthy behaviors, the combinations in which these come are all different. Some women have one primary issue, but many women have a combination of several and need to have them all explored and treated at the same time to achieve a good result.
   
   Each client has a unique family and environmental history, a specific living arrangement, social background and set of personal experiences. The "one size fits all" approach cannot work for the women that come to Brookhaven Retreat and many of them have attended other treatments that have not worked for them because this approach was taken. We will not set a woman up for failure.
   
   Furthermore, we have a full medical team, including a full time psychiatrist, nurse practitioners and nurses who are aware of the physical, organic medical ailments that can contribute to self-medicating. The diversity requires specific assessment and treatment to address the particular individual's needs.
   
   At Brookhaven Retreat the entire treatment team is part of the individual's treatment plan.
   
   
5. The Treatment Team Approach
   The treatment meets each day to discuss each client one by one. The treatment team is made up of the physician, nurse practitioner, RNs, therapists, close care providers, admission coordinators, after care planner and the owner. Each day the progress of each client is discussed and treatment plans revised.
   
   Why?
   There is a tremendous benefit in having all the clinical team in one place at one time to understand all the perspectives and dynamics of an individual's needs and planning thereof. All are able to pool their expertise and recommendations and discuss how they can achieve the best results. Some will have worked with you individually and others will have been aware of your behaviors and patterns, including sleeping and eating.
   
   
6. One-on-One Individual Therapy
   At Brookhaven Retreat the program includes weekly, and more if required, one on one therapy with professionals that are among the finest in the world of mental health, substance abuse and emotional breakage treatment.
   
   Why?
   Within total privacy, safety and confidentiality a professional therapist can enable a client to face and discuss their innermost fears, painful memories and experiences. This emotionally intensive care allows the healing process to begin and progress to understanding and recovery. Nobody chooses to become sick. In this process our clients can choose to become well.
   
   
7. Equine Assisted Therapy
   We have four Tennessee Walking Horses on location on the 48-acre grounds at Brookhaven Retreat. These horses are not for riding; all the work with them is done on the ground. These horses are trained for therapy, as are the certified therapists who conduct this part of the program. Even when the clients are not in therapy, many are horse lovers that like to just walk and visit with the horses. We also use equine assisted therapy for individual sessions and family therapy, particularly when there are younger children involved.
   
   Why?
   Horses do not judge people, however they can express unconditional love. They are powerful in size and are able to reflect the emotion they sense you are feeling. They are able to connect very strongly with those that are in pain and create an environment that allows a person to talk about the most difficult of subjects. Many clients are able to feel love with them when they could not love themselves. It promotes serenity and tranquility within the spirit of the person and empowers the person to have more positive relationship with herself. The gentle therapeutic nature of these horses encourages fears to be faced.
   
   
8. Spiritual Counseling
   Spiritual counseling is not to do with religious counseling but has to do with the heart and spirit of the person. Many people neglect their spiritual well being and have often lost or do not have a belief system.
   
   Why?
   We are all spiritual creatures and for each of us there is a plan and a purpose. Discovering your individual purpose and plan can be the most delightful and important discovery you will ever make.
   
   
9. Holistic Bodywork
   Brookhaven Retreat offers reflexology on site twice per week. We will also make appointments and transport you to off site appointments for acupuncture, massage, and even the salon. These bodywork therapies often facilitate the relief of physical pain and clear fatty and muscle toxins that have been left behind after alcohol and drug use.
   
   Why?
   Being able to look at a range of treatments both traditional and holistic continues the journey of leaving "no stone unturned". These also assist with the self-esteem and confidence, which have eroded so greatly in some of our clients that they almost have none. The more cleansed the body can be from the toxic buildup the better the overall health can become. Many of our women have neglected their self-care routines due to emotional distress and/or substance abuse issues and during the course of treatment are able to develop a self-care routine again.
   
   
10. Limited Enrollment
    We only accept a limited number of women into the program at any one time.
    
    Why?
    It is easy to lose identity and not feel individually recognized in a larger organization. In programs where there are sixty, seventy, eighty or even one hundred other clients, individualized approaches and the strong sense of camaraderie found at Brookhaven Retreat are almost impossible. Here the philosophy dictates that each client's circumstances and story is unique and enough time and attention is given to their particular needs to ensure the best possible results and long term achievement outcomes. It has a small private school feel with core groups being kept small. It is very difficult for a client's needs to "slip through the cracks" or to go unnoticed. This does not mean that every issues will be resolved while in treatment and each woman that chooses to come to Brookhaven Retreat must play their part by engaging in the program to the best of her ability. However, by having a smaller enrollment it allows a range of modalities to be used rather than just the traditional approaches, thus achieving a comprehensive contemporary treatment plan. This encompasses all the current research and strategies in order to produce the best results and long term planning.
    
    
11. The Campus at Brookhaven
    The property at Brookhaven Retreat is nestled on a naturally beautiful 48-acre, secluded site in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The grounds are superbly landscaped, which adds to the tranquility and serenity needed to make the journey of introspection and self-understanding. The ability to take strolls in the woods, by the creek or jog the walking paths allows you to find quiet places to meditate. Each season has a beauty of its own at Brookhaven Retreat, without any of the extremes in weather. Many of our clients have attested to the healing power of the natural environment at Brookhaven Retreat, including those experiencing grief and loss of a loved one.
    
    Why?
    Many of the experiences of our women are painful, tragic and sad. Being in a serene and peaceful environment where the day-to-day noise of life has been turned off creates a calm, safe environment, which protects the dignity of each individual. Our clients have to feel safe and protected in order to start to restore the broken pieces of their lives and to start re-building self-esteem and confidence, which is pivotal in moving forward.
    
    
12. Our Belief about Addiction, Substance Abuse, Emotional and Mental Health Treatment
    Throughout the whole addiction industry there is widespread belief that addiction and alcoholism are diseases in and of themselves, isolated from outside and more complicated issues. This belief results in the treatment of the effects of addiction and alcoholism rather than looking at the true origination and root causes. We believe that addiction and substance abuse are symptoms and a manifestation of brokenness, and in women emotional damage, that very often has not allowed a person to achieve emotional maturity. This, in our experience, can usually be linked with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, a profound feeling of emptiness, worthlessness, and for some, no will to go on living. Many women who are not coping and becoming simply overwhelmed by all the demands and circumstances in which they find themselves just "numb out" in order to cope. Sometimes this is a behavior that has been used by several generations in a family. This allows the pressures, disappointments, frustrations and pain to temporarily go away. The problem is that those feelings come right back.
    
    Addictive behaviors are diverse and may include shopping, working, exercising, gambling, alcohol abuse, prescription medication, recreational drugs, chat rooms, video games, eating or sexual activity. None of these can actually fill the emptiness a person feels and instead act to destroy mental, physical and emotional health even further. During the addiction a woman cannot typically see or feel the consequences of her actions, but she does know she wants it to stop. Women rarely ask for help because of the pervasive feelings of guilt and shame and a mistaken belief that they should stop on their own. The shadow of addiction and substance abuse is dark and threatening. However, with a support team of experienced and knowledgeable professionals, showing no judgment, but supporting with care and compassion, discoveries toward resolutions can be found.
    
    We see the basis for our belief proven every week at Brookhaven Retreat when a large part of the healing comes from loving oneself and accepting and resolving issues, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
    
    
13. On-Site Detoxification
    We provide on-site, full medical detoxification with 24-hour supervision. We try very hard to make this process as comfortable as possible. It is absolutely essential that if you require a detox that this is undertaken in a qualified setting as there are many medical complications that can take place which could be life threatening for some. We have a variety of protocols, which are used to achieve a safe transition from full time medical care into the different levels of the program. Some of our clients are very afraid of the detox as they have had uncomfortable experiences in the past. At Brookhaven Retreat our full time nursing staff will do all that is possible to get you through those difficult few days
    
    Why?
    Before the therapeutic journey can begin, those with substance abuse dependency usually need to go through the process of detoxification, and we find it very helpful to work with each of our clients from the time they have decided to go into treatment. A great bond of trust develops at that time and it is essential that a really good engagement take place from the beginning. Some clients do receive a detox at another facility before finding Brookhaven Retreat. We work closely with other facilities that are providing stabilization services for clients before their entering Brookhaven Retreat. It is our goal from the beginning to gather a thorough background history so as to move along with a clear and accurate diagnosis and much of that gathering continues to take place even when in detox.
    
    
14. On-Site Nursing
    Nursing staff on premises 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
    
    Why?
    The women who come to Brookhaven Retreat are seeking help and safety. To insure the safety of every client we provide 24-hour nursing care and medication management. Many clients have been self-neglecting and need assistance with ignored ailments. Our nurses are compassionate, caring and highly trained in the delivery of good care. They work under the supervision of three dedicated nurse practitioners and the Medical Director.
    
    
15. Licensed and Experienced Therapists
    All of our therapists are state licensed or certified and have considerable experience. This requires that they have a Masters or Ph.D. Each carries a small caseload of individual clients so you will know your therapist very intimately. All the therapists have different talents and skills and we work hard to match you and your needs with what we think is a good "therapeutic fit". These therapists and the medical team will be working with you individually. If you feel an instant "click" with somebody other than the therapist that has been asked to work with you, we will make arrangements for you to work with that therapist.
    
    Why?
    It is very difficult to staff a treatment center with the right quality of staff. The trend in many places is to use young counselors. We believe in the philosophy, "the quality of your life is determined by the quality of those in it," and that applies to the professionals in it too. The women who choose to come to Brookhaven Retreat are usually complex, with mult-dynamics, and therefore need a staff capable of working with all those needs, but that also have hearts that really care. We have a staff team that is second to none, and we are told by our clients all the time just how much having the "right" team made the difference.
    
    
16. No Scrubbing Floors or Washing Toilets
    
    Why?
    We believe that it is demeaning to a person who is ill and seeking treatment to be asked to wash our floors and scrub our toilets as one is asked to do at many treatment centers. At Brookhaven Retreat you will be treated with the utmost respect and dignity. We would no more ask you to scrub a floor than would a hospital where you went for a medical problem. A broken woman who is seeking treatment has a self image that is already tarnished. One of our tasks is to help rebuild a healthy self-image in the woman who comes to us for help. Requiring a client to do this is attempting to force the client into the belief that she has done something "bad" for which punishment is required. At Brookhaven Retreat, our goal is to discover the malady, heal it, and return the client to a purposeful and productive life. We teach self, physical and emotional regulation. We do not concur with a punitive mindset. Our women are adults and are to be honored for their courage in getting help.
    
    
17. The "Brooktopia" Space
    There is a quality about Brookhaven Retreat that words cannot convey. Nearly everyone who comes to Brookhaven Retreat has commented that the actual experience of being here far surpassed anything they imagined from looking at our web site or from their initial conversations with us. Words like, "serene", "beautiful", "peaceful" are heard. After you have been at Brookhaven Retreat a few days, you will most likely say what almost everyone says, "This is the best thing I ever did for myself. I love it here. This is the right place for me." When a new client walks in the door of Brookhaven Retreat, the other ladies who are already there welcome her and tell her she made the right choice. No one wants to be struggling through life. When our women learn there is no shame in taking a sabbatical to complete a journey of introspection so they can find answers they become unshackled to the slavery of feeling less than.
    
    
18. Family Therapy
    Involving different members of a patient's family and friends with the treatment process is crucial to their recovery. This also allows the family members to learn about the process of recovery and how each person plays a different role in the life of the client.
    
    Reason Number 18 is Important:
    Each woman is redefining herself and becoming strong and independent while at Brookhaven Retreat. It is necessary to help families to understand and appreciate the process of treatment and continued recovery. Family therapy will allow each client to work through past issues with family members while in a safe and nurturing environment. Many of our clients have both young children and adult children who wish to be part of the team supporting the woman's wellness. The families become educated to understand the needs of their loved ones.
    
    
19. Continuing Care Program
    Every client who graduates from our treatment program receives continuing care after she leaves Brookhaven Retreat.
    
    Why Number 19 is Important:
    A continuing care program is just that; a program that continues the excellent care you or your loved one received at Brookhaven Retreat during your stay with us. The program begins the first week of your stay and continues every week until you leave. Each week the program deepens as we discover more ways in which we can assist you after you leave. During sessions, we provide you with options that are hand tailored to suit your situation when you return home. For example, if you want a sober coach, we'll find one for you. If you need a sober living environment, we'll also find that for you. If you need to enroll in a gym, we'll set it up for you. We become thoroughly familiar with each client. If you were previously working with a therapist and want to continue with that person, we will contact the therapist and make arrangements and give the therapist any recommendations we may have that will assist in your continuing care program. If you need therapy and do not have a previous therapist, we will locate a therapist in the desired therapy field and arrange an appointment for when you return home. We will also brief the therapist in the areas of importance. We also have recovery coaches who provide phone sessions with you to work on any potential triggers that may arise after returning home and who will assist you in achieving any goals you might have now that you are sober. For clients with busy schedules, these phone sessions are convenient and highly effective. In your final session before leaving, we go over your individual continuing care packet. In this packet each therapist with whom you have worked inserts his or her personal recommendations and goals for when you return home. All appointments, addresses for your continuing care therapists and the Continuing Care personnel are also included in this packet. The level of care and concern for graduates cannot be found anywhere else in the world. We strive to ensure that you receive the finest care available when you are no longer at Brookhaven Retreat, and our clients tell us they feel as if they will always be a part of us. We have an alumnae aftercare conference call once per week for all our out-of-state ladies. Additionally we have we have two alumnae reunions per year as a way of celebrating our recovery and reconnecting with friends. The alumnae group is a great source of support.
    
    
20. Summing It All Up
    We invite you to use our telephones and computer. You may also bring your favorite music, books, blanket and other things you normally use when at home. Our research showed that using telephone cards and harsh regimes that keep clients from family or friends only causes stress and anxiety. As much as possible, your normal life should continue when you come into treatment. We will weave our treatment program into your life so you will not experience any stress from being out of contact with loved ones or business needs while you are here. That permits you to achieve maximum effectiveness from the program. The added benefit is that when you leave Brookhaven Retreat you will not experience any return shock. We do not want our clients free-falling when they go home just to be stuck in the revolving door of treatment. You need to understand, get well and stay maintained. We have many other therapists and program components that can be viewed on our web site, such as a program overview and client testimonials. I invite you to call us, toll free, (877) 817-3422, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to talk about how we can help you. Or feel free to email us. From the entire treatment team and staff of Brookhaven Retreat, we wish you good fortune in pursuing the goal of returning to radiant health.

Dr. Arun Jethanandani received her M.D. in Psychiatry from Hahnemann University. She is a 3rd generation physician with over 25 years of psychiatric experience. She has extensive knowledge of detoxing in both inpatient and outpatient settings.