John Volken Academy

921 N. Central Ave. Kent Seattle, WA 98101
Inpatient
John Volken Academy WA 98101

About John Volken Academy

John Volken Academy is a non-profit rehab located in Kent, Washington. John Volken Academy specializes in the treatment of Alcohol and/or Drug Addiction.

John Volken Academy’s program requires a one-time intake fee of $5,000.00, the rest of the program is free. Their program has a Therapeutic Community approach to treatment. They are dedicated to offering personalized treatment based on each patient needs.

Latest Reviews

Keaston Devitt
2 months ago on Google
1
It's been over 8 years, and I still have PTSD and nightmares about this CULT. The two best things I got out of this cult were 1: Being released due to mental health reasons, because I honestly believed that I would never be able to escape this place, and 2: I did actually get and have stayed sober. But I will not give them any credit for my sobriety, because trust me, as soon as I escaped this place, I IMMEDIATELY wanted to use to surpress the extreme feeling of worthlessness this place put upon me. My sobriety came from a wonderful therapist that I started seeing as soon as I escaped this cult and my own hard work and determination. And that's exactly what it is. A CULT! Please do your research on therapeutic communities before going here or sending a loved one here. I'm sure some of them are great. But from my experience, this was just a glorified cult. I can't speak on how things are today. As I've said it's been over 8 years since I escaped from this place. I don't want to get into too much detail, but I was put in several situations that no human being should be put through, including physical abuse, mental abuse, and unfortunately even multiple SAs. And when the worst of it, the SA, was brought up to the "higher ups" (which I'll get to in a moment), it was turned around on me, and I was the one who was punished for it. And the punishments were extremely harsh and extreme. Things that the US government doesn't even put prisoners through as they would be seen as cruel and unusual. As far as the "higher ups," this place is run by the students. At least when I was there. There was only one employee, who was a former recent graduate and was only there for a few hours each week. The rest of the time, every decision was made by fellow students, including punishments. Which gave a lot of room for them to create very odd and extreme punishments for anything and everything, especially if the ones who had a higher up position didn't like you. It was all based on politics, and who could become best friends with whoever was in leadership positions. If you didn't immediately get your foot in that door, then you could expect to be the scape goat for a lot of things that didn't even involve you. This is just my experience, again, from 8 years ago. So I can't speak on how this place is now. Unfortunately I signed a very tight contract that didn't give me much leverage when it comes to holding this place accountable for their actions. However, after years of research and therapy, my family's new lawyer thinks he may have found an avenue that we can take to finally hold this place accountable for what I went through. And I really hope I get the justice that I deserve so nobody else has to experience what I had to experience. I wouldn't wish this place on my worst enemy based on my experience here, and I just beg for everyone to please do their research on therapeutic communities and how harmful they truly can be. This place claimed that they had a 100% sobriety rate from their graduates, which wasn't even true at the time as I personally witnessed 3 different graduates relapse and go back there or to another facility. Just please, if you love yourself or your family members, please do your research.
Leah M
9 months ago on Google
1
This is NOT a licensed facility! They also do not allow the men to keep their hair long. My son, as a Native, had to have his hair cut off.
Bryan Cope
1 year ago on Google
5
I just wished I knew about the John Volken Academy before I sent our son to Lakeside Milam twice and once to Schick Shadle. As we thought that they knew what they were doing and they really was only into it for the insurance money. No communication about how our son was doing or what we need to do for him. I just don't understand like they tell you it takes villageput they refuse to communicate with us. I just wish things were different then maybe he would have been alive today. Here you think you are doing the right thing but don't really know until it is to late.
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Scoring is assigned by a proprietary system which helps surface key metrics that determine quality. The 10-point scale factors in categories such as operations, customer satisfaction, and trust metrics. Read Full MethodologyCaret icon
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9.6 / 10

Location

Other Forms of Payment

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Addiction Treatments

Levels of Care

inpatient iconInpatient
Residential treatment programs are those that offer housing and meals in addition to substance abuse treatment. Rehab facilities that offer residential treatment allow patients to focus solely on recovery, in an environment totally separate from their lives. Some rehab centers specialize in short-term residential treatment (a few days to a week or two), while others solely provide treatment on a long-term basis (several weeks to months). Some offer both, and tailor treatment to the patient's individual requirements.
aftercare iconAftercare Support
Completing a drug or alcohol rehab program shouldn't spell the end of substance abuse treatment. Aftercare involves making a sustainable plan for recovery, including ongoing support. This can include sober living arrangements like halfway houses, career counseling, and setting a patient up with community programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

Treatments

The goal of treatment for alcoholism is abstinence. Those with poor social support, poor motivation, or psychiatric disorders tend to relapse within a few years of treatment. For these people, success is measured by longer periods of abstinence, reduced use of alcohol, better health, and improved social functioning. Recovery and Maintenance are usually based on 12 step programs and AA meetings.

Effective drug rehab in Washington integrates care for the whole person, offering comprehensive solutions to addiction. Treatment methods address mental, physical, and relational aspects of substance abuse.

Opioid rehabs specialize in supporting those recovering from opioid addiction. They treat those suffering from addiction to illegal opioids like heroin, as well as prescription drugs like oxycodone. These centers typically combine both physical as well as mental and emotional support to help stop addiction. Physical support often includes medical detox and subsequent medical support (including medication), and mental support includes in-depth therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction.

Substance rehabs focus on helping individuals recover from substance abuse, including alcohol and drug addiction (both illegal and prescription drugs). They often include the opportunity to engage in both individual as well as group therapy.

Programs

adult-program thumbnail image
Adult Program
Adult rehab programs include therapies tailored to each client's specific needs, goals, and recovery progress. They are tailored to the specific challenges adult clients may face, including family and work pressures and commitments. From inpatient and residential treatment to various levels of outpatient services, there are many options available. Some facilities also help adults work through co-occurring conditions, like anxiety, that can accompany addiction.
young-adult-program thumbnail image
Young Adult Program
Young adulthood can be an exciting, yet difficult, time of transition. Individuals in their late teens to mid-20s face unique stressors related to school, jobs, families, and social circles, which can lead to a rise in substance use. Rehab centers with dedicated young adult programs will include activities and amenities that cater to this age group, with an emphasis on specialized counseling, peer socialization, and ongoing aftercare.

Clinical Services

Whether a marriage or other committed relationship, an intimate partnership is one of the most important aspects of a person's life. Drug and alcohol addiction affects both members of a couple in deep and meaningful ways, as does rehab and recovery. Couples therapy and other couples-focused treatment programs are significant parts of exploring triggers of addiction, as well as learning how to build healthy patterns to support ongoing sobriety.

Research clearly demonstrates that recovery is far more successful and sustainable when loved ones like family members participate in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic factors may be at play when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health issues. Family dynamics often play a critical role in addiction triggers, and if properly educated, family members can be a strong source of support when it comes to rehabilitation.

Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

Life skills trainings involve all the skills a person must have in order to function successfully in the world. These include time management, career guidance, money management, and effective communication. Truly successful addiction recovery is based on the ability to not only live substance-free, but to thrive. Life skills teaches the practical necessities of functioning in society, which sets clients up for success in life, and therefore sobriety.

Contact Information

Phone icon (855) 592-3001
Building icon

921 N. Central Ave. Kent
Seattle, WA 98101

Reviews of John Volken Academy

4.52/5 (27 reviews)
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Reviews

5

Everyone is hard working, attentive to details, and very easy to talk with. The ones in charge of me were careful enough with my belongings.

Reviewed on 2/16/2019
Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer

Google Reviews

4.5 (26 reviews)
Keaston Devitt
2 months ago
1

It's been over 8 years, and I still have PTSD and nightmares about this CULT. The two best things I got out of this cult were 1: Being released due to mental health reasons, because I honestly believed that I would never be able to escape this place, and 2: I did actually get and have stayed sober. But I will not give them any credit for my sobriety, because trust me, as soon as I escaped this place, I IMMEDIATELY wanted to use to surpress the extreme feeling of worthlessness this place put upon me. My sobriety came from a wonderful therapist that I started seeing as soon as I escaped this cult and my own hard work and determination. And that's exactly what it is. A CULT! Please do your research on therapeutic communities before going here or sending a loved one here. I'm sure some of them are great. But from my experience, this was just a glorified cult. I can't speak on how things are today. As I've said it's been over 8 years since I escaped from this place. I don't want to get into too much detail, but I was put in several situations that no human being should be put through, including physical abuse, mental abuse, and unfortunately even multiple SAs. And when the worst of it, the SA, was brought up to the "higher ups" (which I'll get to in a moment), it was turned around on me, and I was the one who was punished for it. And the punishments were extremely harsh and extreme. Things that the US government doesn't even put prisoners through as they would be seen as cruel and unusual. As far as the "higher ups," this place is run by the students. At least when I was there. There was only one employee, who was a former recent graduate and was only there for a few hours each week. The rest of the time, every decision was made by fellow students, including punishments. Which gave a lot of room for them to create very odd and extreme punishments for anything and everything, especially if the ones who had a higher up position didn't like you. It was all based on politics, and who could become best friends with whoever was in leadership positions. If you didn't immediately get your foot in that door, then you could expect to be the scape goat for a lot of things that didn't even involve you. This is just my experience, again, from 8 years ago. So I can't speak on how this place is now. Unfortunately I signed a very tight contract that didn't give me much leverage when it comes to holding this place accountable for their actions. However, after years of research and therapy, my family's new lawyer thinks he may have found an avenue that we can take to finally hold this place accountable for what I went through. And I really hope I get the justice that I deserve so nobody else has to experience what I had to experience. I wouldn't wish this place on my worst enemy based on my experience here, and I just beg for everyone to please do their research on therapeutic communities and how harmful they truly can be. This place claimed that they had a 100% sobriety rate from their graduates, which wasn't even true at the time as I personally witnessed 3 different graduates relapse and go back there or to another facility. Just please, if you love yourself or your family members, please do your research.

Leah M
9 months ago
1

This is NOT a licensed facility! They also do not allow the men to keep their hair long. My son, as a Native, had to have his hair cut off.

Bryan Cope
1 year ago
5

I just wished I knew about the John Volken Academy before I sent our son to Lakeside Milam twice and once to Schick Shadle. As we thought that they knew what they were doing and they really was only into it for the insurance money. No communication about how our son was doing or what we need to do for him. I just don't understand like they tell you it takes villageput they refuse to communicate with us. I just wish things were different then maybe he would have been alive today. Here you think you are doing the right thing but don't really know until it is to late.

Garrett BURKE
2 years ago
5

This program changed my life. I spent 15 years hopelessly addicted, and JVA gave me the tools I needed to live a happy and successful life.

Scottie Moore
2 years ago
5

Graduating from the academy was one of the best gifts I ever gave my family and myself! It s a tough program but tough love is what I needed to change!

Jared Olson
2 years ago
5

I graduated this program in 2019, and as cliche as it sounds, it completely changed my life. I came in broken, homeless and hopeless. I had been using for over a decade and had never been to treatment before, so I didn t know what to expect. I just knew my life was awful and if I didn t make a change, it would be over soon. I had a great group of guys bring me into the program and helped me figure out what it was all about. I am truly grateful for the things I ve been able to accomplish since graduating. I have a great job, a car and was able to expunge all of my criminal charges, things I never thought would be possible before. Most importantly, next month I will have 5 years clean! I will be forever grateful to this program and will never forget what it did for meAll this program asks of you is to come in humble and ready to learn how to change unfortunately not everyone is at that point when they come in. The negative reviews on here are coming from those individuals, and I feel truly sorry for them. Anyone who graduated and has stayed clean on their own afterward will have nothing but positive things to say about it

Steven Dixon
3 years ago
1

This place was literally hell on earth to me: for all the happy parents posting this glad u enjoyed having your kiddo brainwashed. Notice it s all parents posting, not so much their kiddos. I was here a few years ago. From az, Washington was foreign as China to me. I willingly left this place and took a chance being homeless, February, no idea how to get home, I willingly took the chances and left this place to go to being homeless completely lost alone in downtown Kent. The odds seemed better so that should scream red flags right there. Took me three weeks but I actually made it back to ax on my own. Family left me stranded and it only upset them that I made it back

Holly Addison
3 years ago
5

The John Volken Academy is is a top notch, social, cultural, impactful, world class program. This is not your typical rehab or 12 step program. They don't use drugs to get you off drugs. They use physical modalities, the buddy system, and accountability. The JV Academy has been an answer to our prayers. I will be eternally grateful to the wonderful group of people that have dedicated themselves to my son s recovery. The JV Academy not only changed my son s life, they saved his life.

Jean Stradling
3 years ago
5

Wonderful place dedicated to saving lives. Thank you for all you do!

Alex Galindo
3 years ago
5

Forever grateful for this amazing place!This place really is Recovery at its bestAfter two long years not only do I have my best friend back but my son has his DAD! People do RECOVER! JVA you 100% helped save Eric's life.This place teaches so many wonderful values and life skills that are crucial in life. John and Chawna Volken you truly are amazing people!If you are ready and want to overcome your addictions THIS IS THE PLACE TO DO IT!

Maria Cuzzocreo
3 years ago
5

JVA has saved my son's life. It was a little over 18 months ago that I put my son on a plane to WA and it was the best decision of his, and my, life! Parents, this academy is built on a strong foundation of principles that our children didn't get because they were doing drugs. Please consider JVA if you know ANYONE who is struggling with addiction!

Sherri Stradling
3 years ago
5

I truly can not say enough words about the success my son has had at the John Volken Academy and the peace of mind I have gained (not just that I know my son has a roof over his head and is safe) HE IS THRIVING in a way that was inconceivable prior to this experience. Often people say this is such a good program, I am here to say it is the people, the brotherhood, the people are the program (not reverse). These men hold one another accountable for there behavior whether that be mental, emotional, physical, or spiritual. They take responsibility and help one another do the same. After my son had only been at JVA for 6 months and I attended a Christmas family event in Seattle, I felt like I was meeting my son for the first time. The man I believed in who had the potential of becoming...was indeed standing before my eyes, transformed mentally, emotionally, physically. I love this human. I love this program. I love the brotherhood he shares and the confidence he has gained as a result of doing the work, the hard consistent work of becoming everything he too dreamed he would one day become. IF you are considering looking into this for your loved one, I guarantee it is the best investment you will ever make. I thank God every day for the choice my son made to himself to persevere and finally make exceptional choices for his own joy and peace of mind. He did not do this for me...he did this for himself and that is why it works!!

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