The Farley Center at Williamsburg Place Review

Horrific experience - don't be fooled by the veneer on this place. The CEO (Don McLaughlin) is rude and obnoxious and has created a toxic climate in which he essentially holds patients who have few other options hostage to his abuse. I personally had him tell me "if you don't like it, leave". The staff is poorly educated, coming from some of the bottom institutions in the US. The nursing staff is rude and short, and possess minimal communication skills. It is located across the street from a brew pub, and there is a known drug hang out behind, yet patients are given the ability to go out with a "partner". Visiting hours are limited to Sundays, and they arbitrarily change them for holidays (eg Christmas) with little thought or reason. Also, don't believe everything on their web site - much of what you read there only applies to the "professional program" - it is at best, misleading at worst, fabricated. There is no personalized program at all - it is mindless application of a standardized program in one size fits all fashion - despite coming from another hospital, the Farley Center refused to even speak to the previous care team or even read their care plan. Patient records and conditions are talked about openly, and patients are derided in public - in one group setting, the CEO told the staff to "get a patient out of here" then went on to talk about him after he left. There is simply no adherence to a medical code of ethics - this is a factory, plain and simple. I have ample experience with other facilities, and this one is at the bottom - pretty on the outside, rotten on the inside. AVOID IT IF AT ALL POSSIBLE.

A family member of mine relapsed less than a week after leaving. They knew this person had no home to go to and made no apparent effort to arrange a place for them to go. Based on what little I have to go on they did this because the insurance would not pay to stay any longer. They only care if they get paid.

They never asked for family or friend's input for outside perspective to help with therapy. Based on the person's continued behavior this place offered no therapy, psychiatric evaluation or medications to help deal with underlying illness and behavior that led to the addictions.

I asked about the therapy received and the patient had no idea what CBT or DBT were so what they did do mustn't have been that intensive. They send patients to AA which is another red flag to me as they're nothing more than a "hug box" with a near 100% fail rate.

While I understand the main point of rehab is to deal with the addiction it does little good if they don't approach the underlying behavior and mental illness. This place is little more than an expensive lodging and hug box.

Hospitals put their patients at risk mocking them accusing them of faking symptoms

I was not a patient here, but my significant other was directed here by an attorney (which should be enough said right there), but this place lacks organization and communication. In 10 days, they moved him around 3 times; he didn't need to detox but one day but didn't want to move him as was told they didn't want to have to clean another room if he wasn't staying an entire month (which he could not due to work restrictions).
He had to keep the staff on their toes about his treatment plan and had to instruct counselors on next steps. During group meetings, they favored 2-3 patients instead of balancing out each patient. I was given information for his "primary care" and received 1 phone call (while I was at work so I missed it and she didn't leave a message) and could not call back. When calling, you cannot leave a voicemail so I sent a fax as that was my only option and never heard anything back...so much for spousal support. Apparently, their phone lines were down for an entire day, so I did not hear from him and was extremely worried. Bottom line, it appears they are good for legal trouble or a quick fix where you have to direct your own care, but if you are serious about treatment and want your loved ones involved, I suggest you do you research and look elsewhere.

My 22 year old son complained that his counselor didn t like him and wanted him kicked out. The counselor, Nathan had a reputation for kicking people out, the staff said so. Well my son was kicked out. They stole the last bit of hope he had. My son died 3 days later. Screw Farley House and keep your kids away from here. Unconditional Love is the only answer. Tough Love is a Killer.

Arrived there 4/10/2011. Sober still today. They helped me with the foundation and helped me see the path. Thankfully I stayed on it.

Terrible. Counselors sound like they got their psychology degree from an online community college. Too expensive for the subpar therapy you receive.

The patient went through eight weeks of inpatient for drug and alcohol addiction and was let out too soon. Went to one week of IOP and then tried to commit suicide. The counselors are not very experienced except for the fact that they were prior addicts.

I came thinking I didn't have a problem, my family did think I had a serious problem with alcohol, they were right , I was wrong! The Farley center educated my ignorance , equiped me with the tools I needed to succeed, I went through IOP , it's been 2 years , 10 days , I am so grateful for the rehab program Farley has given our community! The Farley center saved my life , I can't thank you enough!

Wow, it has been nine years since we made the mistake of sending our son to this place. From the current reviews I see here nothing much has changed. We sent him to Williamsburg Place and then to Farley because they claimed to specialize in dual diagnosis care. Instead they took our son off all his anti-psychotic meds, refused to collaborate with the psychiatrist that had worked to stabilize his psychiatric symptoms, told him it was alcoholism that caused his insanity and fed his paranoia that all his previous doctors and family were misdiagnosing him. Without his medication, he quickly decompensated. This was before the psych wing had been built. He could not be released while he was actively psychotic and had to stay for another month to try to get him stabilized. We had to get a lawyer to settle the exorbitant bill that was caused by their own negligence. He never really recovered from the damage this place did to him. Do not send your loved one here.

In 2014, I completed a 28 day treatment program at The Farley Center for Alcoholism. I will never ever forget this place as long as I live. I arrived here feeling guilt, shame, hopeless, helpless, denial and so on... When I left with the tools for living, I began to change for the better. I remain sober and clean today, going on 5 years. It is of utmost importance that I do not take my sobriety for granted. It is vital I maintain and manage my sobriety numero uno above everything. The Farley Center assigned me to a strict counselor while I was there. He taught me that going to meetings is essential, having a sponsor to guide me, of course, a higher power of my understanding, and everything else suggested to manage being sober. I am indebted and forever grateful for The Farley Center helping me to begin life again.

Introduced me to what long term sobriety looked like via strong AA and NA meetings. Almost 4 years sober and I m living in the center of the triangle.

The Farley Center offers a great recovery program. The counselors for the most part are very informative and what they teach is very useful. The food and apartment living is above average. Some of the counselors did not know how to work well with large groups and have a bit of an attitude. The rules change constantly but it's just something you have to deal with and learn how to roll with. Overall it was a great experience and I am in a much better place than I was before. Andreas is a great counselor and if you end up with him you are very fortunate.

Danyelle Jennifer Solie @DamnDRose is an employee who makes videos at the facility, mocking patients in pain and posts them on Twitter. This is inexcusable, non-professional, and dangerous to patient care.

The premier in-patient full service addiction and behavioral medical facility in the mid-atlantic

I feel the need to share this with all. If you are considering sending a loved one to this facility AND you want to be actively involved/included in their recovery, I strongly encourage you to find a different facility. On the front end during admissions/intake they will sell you on the family being actively involved. "Family is critical to recovery" Make no mistake about it, that is just a marketing scheme to get the patient in the facility. Once your loved one is in and the billing starts, you are left alone and completely left out of the loop on progress and treatment. Calls will go unreturned, I promise you. I am a professional and would expect a facility that you are paying well over $20k to for treatment to have the same level of professional courtesy to return calls and include the patients family. On the other end when treatment is completed, they are going to go home to the family The Farely Center discounted. You would think that they would want to close the loop to ensure the patient is positioned for success with sobriety. Money is the driver, make no mistake about it. PLEASE TAKE MY MESSSAGE SERIOUSLY. If you are dropping someone off and really don't care what is going on and you are good with paying thousands of dollars to know nothing and be completely left in the dark. This is the place for you. Please don't make the same mistake that I made, I regret it each day when my daughter asks me how mommy is and what are they doing to help her?? It is hard enough to miss your love one while they are there, but to be discounted and relied upon solely for the payments, is disheartening.

No magic here; just miracles, when I showed up and followed directions. My life began its transformation the day I walked in, April 17, 2006. My gratitude knows no boundaries.

Farley no matter what anyone says is one of the best rehabilitation centers in the country. It is the place where I got sober and was introduced to A.A. and N.A. The staff are some of the kindest and sweetest people who will go to great lengths to help you but you must be willing to help yourself first. Farley is the first step to getting sober you get what you put into the program. The housing is clean and well maintained and they have great food. If I had anything bad to say about Farley it would be that you re not allowed to smoke during the period of time you are in attendance but in all truth and honesty they helped me to quit smoking and I feel amazing now. I have 102 days sober to date and it all started at Farley.
#nospainnogain

Never felt more like a number. One size fits all program with little if any individualized treatment planning. Received 1.5 hours of individual counseling in four weeks

This place is all about corporate greed. Go elsewhere

One tech tried to fight me in my apartment , very unprofessional. His name was CJ

Going to the Farley Center was the BEST decision I've ever made in my life! The staff are incredible and my counselor Hank was a complete Godsend!! Highly recommend anyone needing treatment to choose going to The Farley Center! You won't regret it!! God bless all that work there; your dedication and devotion were greatly appreciated!

My son spent 4 1/2 months at The Farley Center in 2009. It saved his life and he has been sober ever since. Words cannot express my appreciation for the program and the people.

The Farley Center help me get my life back!! And life is more important than anything any one person could ask for. I also found myself and believe in myself now. Thank you Farley Center!!

Have never gone to another facility and have nothing to compare it to. Arrived there Dec 30 2011. Very professional. Laid a good foundation. Would go back if there was a need and would recommend. Jamie B

honestly do yourself a favor and look up Danyelle Sorlie on Twitter or Tik Tok and see the videos of her blatantly making fun of patients. If you are a nurse, you need to be kind and have empathy. She needs to find a new profession.

I spent 31 Days at the Farley Center, and it completely changed my life, I have now been clean and sober for over 5 years, and it all started here. Making the choice to change your life will always be your decisicion to make, but the staff at Farley will be there help and are always amazing. no matter how bad you may be, they will be waiting with loving arms and open ears. I can not thank them enough.

It is downright appalling that you would let somebody like Danyelle Solie work for your company! You need to take action about your employee before a patient actually gets hurt. You need to get rid of this person or supervise them at all times making sure she does not harm a patient or break confidentiality through her videos!!! Very disappointing!!!

horrible place, counselers will lie and accuse you of using drugs on campus just to see how you react. DO NOT GO

It s appalling how you would let Danyelle Sorlie work there after she not only uploaded a video of her mocking patients, but responded to well worded replies sharing personal stories of near death (or the death of another person) experiences from the behavior of medical providers like her and she responded with I m adorable. Is this how your treat your patients? Disgusting.

I do NOT recommend this facility at all. In my opinion they need a lot of work improving in all areas. I have a son who went there for his treatment. From the rudeness of the staff answering the phones, down to the counseling not given in depth. He was discharged before he was ready, even though his bill was covered in full. No communication between patient and family leaves a lot to be desired. I suggest you look at other places in depth before considering this facility.

put my dear undeserving friend through hell while they were there. this place should be shut down!

Do they realize what mental tech employees like Danyelle Solie are doing on the clock? She shouldnt be working there if she doesnt have compassion for her patients. She needs to be fired.

I spent five days at The Farley Center in July 2014. My entire reason for admitting myself was to a) get off of a time-released morphine RX that I'd been on for ten years, and b) once off of those meds be educated on a pain management without drugs.

My specific pain was post-herpetic neuralgia in my left trigeminal nerve. If you wonder how bad it can be, look it up. It's NOT fun. I had numerous telephone calls and a few emails regarding their pain management program - and would it be a fit for MY issue. They promised me that it was a perfect fit.

Well, I can understand why they treated me like a convict from the moment I walked thru the door because many of the folks there are convicts - or are well on their way to becoming one. It didn't matter how much I told them that I wasn't mentally addicted to opiates, but it was all physical. After the second day of no pain relief I insisted that I talk to a doctor. Nothing. On the third day I packed my stuff to leave and gave them an ultimatum; I talk to a doc or I leave. No doc - nor would they wouldn't give me my car keys. The next day a PA called me in to the office and gave me the sob story of his dead brother - who died from an overdose. If it's true, that is a sad thing - though it seemed rehearsed. I again told him that I wasn't a typical addict and that the pain was unbearable. He told me to eat some peanut butter. Really!!?? Well, that did help, actually!

On the fifth day of me insisting on talking to a doctor about the pain management program I did see someone. He told me that they did not, in fact, have a program for me, but that I was welcome to stay for 25 more days. Needless to say, I left there a few hours later. I'll never forget how poorly I was treated at this place.

I would STRONGLY advise anyone who is considering this place to steer clear. Don't trust what they tell you because it seems as though they just tell you what is necessary to get you in the bed.

In the end, I went to a trigeminal nerve neuralgia program at UNC Chapel Hill for the pain management program. It did the trick!

I hear this place works and does wonders for some people. And that s cool. I despised it. The staff infantilizes the patients, implements asinine rules like no pairing (which means you can t make a good friend with somebody), and encouraging snitching. Each week there was a session where patients were asked to snitch on other patients they observed breaking rules. I got snitched on for doing 20-30 minute early morning jogs on property. The website says they acknowledge no two people are alike but they will force the 12 step program on you and if you don t love it you will be scorned. (There is some serious cognitive dissonance going on when medical professionals can say with a straight face that a particular type of treatment is the only way to success and if it doesn t work for you then you are doing it wrong.

What a disgraceful institution. The facility is profit-driven and if one comes pares the hefty admission fee to the quality of care then it is easy to see that bottom line health is more important than patient health and well-being.

I was there in 2013.
I had many good experiences and a few negative ones.
I will agree with another comment made that the nursing/tech staff was rude and short tempered. Getting already prescribed meds was always a challenge and rarely went smoothly.
Because I had a car there I was asked to drive other patients to AA meetings rather than get to ride in the group van. This was to make room for the folks enrolled in the Farley program. Several times I was informed that if I didn t drive and take others in my car we simply would not get to go to outside AA meetings. Getting my keys from the tech desk so I could comply with this requset was always difficult and they had trouble locating my keys more often than not. That s the negative stuff.

The good experiences were working with the counselors and doctors.
They really knew how to get to the heart of my issues relating to alcoholism.
Life traumas and deep emotional issues were addressed and processed.
Also the intake staff was wonderful, kind and respectful. I have to say that my time at Williamsburg Place/Farley was life changing. This was my third rehab and I am still sober and working a healthy
recovery program. I appreciate the workshops that are offered throughout the year and the Farley Reunion is something I always look forward to. I appreciate being able to post my review.
Thank you Williamsburg Place/Farley! As of this writing I have been sober 4 1/2 years.
Ever grateful,
Stephanie Sword

This is only after the money. Several of us over heard the administrator tell the staff everyone stays until the insurance runs out

Went through treatment at Farley in April-May 2012. Saved my life. Thank you Farley!

I highly recommend the Farley Center to anyone suffering from addiction of any type.
When I came to the Farley Center a little over 18 months ago, my addiction was killing me, my body had started shutting down. I had tried numerous ways to stop, but I couldn't. I felt hopeless, guilty and ashamed. In my desperation, I called the Farley Center.
The staff are highly qualified and work very closely to individualize each persons plan of recovery. Each class offers a wealth of knowledge and provides the basic tools needed to continue in Recovery. It is an intense program that involves a lot of work that must be squeezed in to a small amount of time.
In addition, I attended the Intensive Outpatient Program after my inpatient stay which proved to be critical to me in continuing to learn about myself and my addiction and to help me transition from Inpatient to re-entering the real world.
I am Alive today and Living in Recovery because of what was given to me at the Farley Center and by continuing in the 12 step program.
If you are suffering from addiction, just pick up the phone, make that call... It will change your life. I am a Living Testimony of the results of the Program at the Farley Center.

a wonderful caring place with great staff and a good mix of patients-- i refer everyone there

Rehab is no joke. If you are not going to work at it go home

15 days in Farley center got me clean and sober

AA and hard work have kept me sober and happy

March will make 5 years

The best thing I have ever done

I truly feel that I got the best care while undergoing treatment at Williamsburg Place/ Farley Center. The counselors were so knowledgeable and compassionate. I am so grateful for my time there.

The Farley Center is the best treatment center i have ever known. When my former husband was there I would refer to it as The Spa. Life gave me an opportunity to see that it is not that. What goes on at Farley is far more than surface deep. The work that can be done there is life changing. Unlike a spa it take participation, if you go to have gentle skin softening treatment, you will be surprised. If you go to try to learn a different way to live with yourself and why life is so hard. You will be amazed. I am forever grateful for my time at Farley .

You guys should be ashamed of hiring such an unprofessional nurse!

Excellent staff and facilities. Gave me the tools needed to succeed and move forward. Remember it starts with you as well. Have an open mind, and be willing to work on yourself and grow. I learned a lot about recovery and how to move forward here and gave me a solid base to build from.

Outstanding facilities, terrific staff - crucial part of my recovery

Do not go to this facility. The staff openly joke about how they "know" that you are "faking" the amount of pain you are in when injured and will refuse to give you any painkillers or treatment. A nurse named Solie Danyelle Suzanne has a history of patronizing her patients on social media.

If I could rate this place a minus 1 I would. Definitely do not recommend. Lack of professionalism but you are treated like a child and your rights are overlooked

I did not know what to expect at Farley being in the military. With that being said there are some per6that believed they stand above us in the nature of the mind. We came to Farley to learn...reflect and do good in our community. However, there are also some counslors's are not being elected to stay. The i . Bilkcrap.

I was there number of years ago for an "evaluation". It was called a week long intensive evaluation, and by a week long, they meant a cursory history and physical exam (30 min at best) one hour with each of their two doctors and 30 minutes with a family counselor. So, about three (3) hours! There was some testing by a psychologist that was more extensive, but that was an outside contractor and so there was a separate charge for that. I found my own AA meetings in town. After this "intensive evaluation" it was recommended that to remain sober (I had 8 months at this point) I would need to attend their three month $50,000+ program. Wow! Brazen money grubbing! I am now at over 8 years without the "benefit" of a program like this. Their evaluation was completely off base. Also they refused to send me the report of my evaluation until I had my attorney threaten them. There are good programs out there that can help and some really need this start, but my experience at Farley was poor. And I am being generous here.

I commenced from The Farley Center when Dr. Farley was alive. It was called "Perspectives" then (1990) and was not in Williamsburg. I have stayed sober by the Grace of God, however my inpatient stay elsewhere and outpatient (with aftercare) at Perspectives helped lay a foundation to make Recovery of this hard-headed RN possible. I am very grateful for the chance to live life on life's terms and help others that was made possible, as well as for the opportunity to have met Dr. Farley. Locking my car bumper onto his the first day was ego-busting, for sure. It was not only him, but the entire team and experience that I will never forget or fail, hopefully, to appreciate. Blessings to all who begin their journey of Recovery there.

If you are really serious about getting help, you won't have any complaints!!

I suppose the best recommendation I can give is that after 21+ years I'm still drug free and sober. The experience not only changed my life it saved it.

If i have a panic attack, would your "Mental Health Tech" Danyelle Solie make fun of me, take a video of me having a panic attack and then let me die in the room??

9-19-99 I checked in and am still sober. I cannot comment on current concerns but I know that Farley and the staff saved my life. And I had all of the complaints about the drama but I feel it is a part of the recovery experience at some level. The video - Farley apologized.

I came to Farley not knowing what to expect and frankly not excited to be there or with it being a 12 step program. By being honest, open, and willing to give it a shot, it was extremely beneficial to me. There were rules and other things that weren't my favorite while I was there but they are there to help you get better. If you focus on getting better while you are there, it can help you immensely.

Update: As an update to my review, I have had extreme difficulty with getting a proper bill sent to me. I have called several times and emailed as well. I found the insurance challenging while I was at the facility and they charged my insurance incorrectly. It has been 4 months since I left Farley and I am still waiting for them to get this right. It would seem to me that reconciliation of my days at Farley would not be so difficult. I have listed out my days to them and they should be able to verify. Members of my IOP program have had similar issues.

While there are some communication/admin issues that would happen with any facility treating 60+ patients with constant turnover, the nurses, techs, and counseling staff are wonderful people who care about the patients getting sober and confronting their core issues. It's not cheap, but as with anything else, you get what you pay for. Living accommodations and the food are much better than average, and the campus is centrally located to parks, shopping, and the various AA meetings around the area. Most patients take issue with this rule or that, but it's all designed to ensure your sobriety during your stay and to give you coping skills and new ways of thinking once you leave. If you're ready- truly ready- then I can't think there'd be a better place to start.

I went through Farley Center in 2012 and have continued on my sobriety without any relapses. At the Farley Center I was taught the basics in understanding my addictive personality and how that in would be a lifetime of staying sober. From there I have developed into a strong member of AA, which to me is the foundation of my recovery.

Danyelle Solie is a nurse who makes videos on the clock mocking patients who are in pain and/or suffering mental health problems. I do not recommend this place and I highly advise anyone against going here. This girl needs to lose her job.

My experience w/ the Farley Center was poor. Most of the nurses were rude and/or indifferent at best. In the "detox program" the patients were expected to routinely sit through 3 hour long groups. This not only seemed to be punishment driven but also insurance driven as the money motivation was the top priority. As common sense tells you, people in the throws of w/drwl have a hard time sitting through hour long groups let alone three hour long groups. Much of the "education" provided is 12 step oriented, therefore, outdated at best. My insurance wouldn't pay for the apt program, only the detox program, which the Farley Center knew in advance, yet this was not disclosed until after arrival. This was bait & switch which was disingenuous. The rules, based on serendipity, treats people like they're children that cannot be trusted. Overall, this place is pejorative and lacking meaningful substance. I wouldn't recommend this place if you or your loved one is trying to get better or even save your life. People seeking help for addictions should not be treated as commodities. The set up of this program is entirely driven by payment & insurance. Good luck.

This place is horrible and the staff is untrained. We were told that we need a referral and when we called our insurance we did not. When we tried to get the problem fixed the secretary that answers the phone was rude and extremely unprofessional. We decided to go somewhere else

The Farley Program provided excellent comprehensive professional services that provided me with everything I needed for recovery. All of the counselors and staff were dedicated and helpful and cared about each and every one of us. I would highly recommend for anyone that desires help.

This place saved my life!! I arrived in acute withdrawal from alcohol and follwlowing hospital detox I was in primary for a week and then spent 11 weeks in the Farley Program. I was discharged with stable recovery into a pre-set monitoring/aftercare/relapse prevention program which includes AA and Al-anon. Still continuing to practice what I learned here and continuously physically sober and in long-term stable recovery 14 years and change later.

You get what you put in . Can't expect to be "spoon fed" here . Loved this place ! Thanks to every staff member . Especially , Carli & Coty My absolute two favs

Went there with a drinking problem due much to anxiety related to OCD. I was promised comprehensive care that would address my underlying OCD problems that contributed to my drinking. When I checked in I was literally thrown into a room with nobody to turn to. I felt lost and alone. About 3 weeks in I finally got to see the PA, Vann..who literally googled and prescribed the medication I was already on. When I checked out they realized the actual doctor had never seen me. Not even one time. I had to ask them before I left..he checked my lab values and history. Made general suggestions. Never got the care or attention I was promised. I ve been a medical professional for ten years and would not recommend you waste your time or money. (After weeks in aftercare I disclaimed this information and they seemed appalled they would let this happen at their inpatient facility.)

I was in the Farley 90 day Professionals Program in 2016. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I learned a great deal about addiction and recovery and did it in a four-star environment. I got sober and remained sober thanks to the tools and skills I learned from my participation in the program. The group therapy helped me break through to the core issues that lead me to abuse alcohol, and helped me a great deal. The large, combined (Farley program and Williamsburg Place program) educational groups taught me a lot about addiction, dealing with issues of grief and loss, and even taught me the importance of diet and nutrition when dealing with my addiction. The facilities are beyond top of the line and the meals are terrific. I had a beautiful apartment with roommates that I bonded with for life. The Farley men were as tight a group as I ve ever been a part of and the support we gave each other cannot be overstated. I can t say enough good things about my experience at the Farley center, nor can I recommend it anymore strongly. If you are suffering from an addiction and feel like you need help with it, Farley is THE place to go! If you are like me and have your professional licensure on the line, Farley is known to be one of the best and most respected treatment centers in the country. Bar Associations, Medical Boards and the like will know that you were serious about your recovery if you attend their 90 day program. I will be honest, when my 90 days were finished and it was time for me to go, I did not want to leave. If I could give more than five stars, I would. Addiction is a difficult thing to change, but Farley has the best counselors and facilities to help you make it happen. Thank you Farley for helping me get my life back!