Complaint Review: Able To Change

So the story begins with a patient seeking treatment for chemical dependency issues. After a prolonged period of recovery this individual relapsed and immediately reached out for a lifeline of hope to prevent falling further.

A friend had gone to this Able To Change program and had a relatively positive experience with the exception of her family being charged $20,000 for 90 days and when the treatment team felt she was ready to leave after 60 days they refused any partial refund. This aside I did much research as to the refund policy and also I had insurance that was with a company Able to Change contracted with.

I was told by the owner Saralyn Cohen that my co-pay for 30 days of treatment would be $5,550. and if discharge prior to completion a pro-rated refund would be given. So following detox in a hospital and liquidating a 401K to cover the copay I proceeded to the corporate office for admission.

I must make note here that I have a well documented history of a seizure disorder of which they were aware and approved the admission prior. I was about two hours into the "sign in" process when I began having a seizure. I was taken via ambulance to the hospital where I spent several days in ICU with little recollection of that day at all. Additionally, I had no paperwork or info from Able To Change. Over the next week they managed to avoid both my calls as well as my brothers but evidently determined I was too great a medical liability to pursue allowing my readmission there.

I began looking at other options when a week after the event they cashed the check I had given them for $5,550. I considered a stop payment for a moment but thought it to be unnecessary given I never received any services there or saw the residences for that matter.

When I finally spoke with Saralyn who handed me off to her "henchman" director Garry Larabee I was told I was being charged $2,500 and would receive the remaining balance sometime in the next month but the $2,500 fee was because "I was bothersome."

Initially I was very discouraged as for one I no longer have the resources to cover the co-pays of alternative treatment but even beyond that was upset by how at the beginning when you are being "wooood" for lack of a better word it is all about care, concern, hope and this sort of thing. I personally feel fortunate that I have a recovery foundation I can climb back on but when I think of all of those that don't, that this would be their first exposure to a "caring, recovery environment" I am both sickened and outraged.

There is one exceptional woman I had the opportunity to interface with at Able To Change, her name is Judy and she is the "house mom" for the female house as far as I know. She is a shining star of care, true concern and standing for the principles of healing and recovery. As to the owner and program director I honestly don't know how they find sleep at night with their business actions by day. They must be taking something or simply have no conscience.

Get this further topper though! When Garry finally spoke with me on Friday (over a week and a half later) and I requested a copy of the documents I signed (which I didn't initially receive as I was taken directly to the hospital) I was told he would not fax or mail but that I would have to drive the 90 miles to the corporate office and then pay $20 (On top of the almost $6,000 they already have) to even get a copy.

I may be a recovering drug addict and/or alcoholic but I didn't even stoop this low to take advantage of and hurt people when I was using. And these guys are supposed to be sober?!