Detox
This was a waste of time and money. I paid many thousands of dollars for their DBT program. In return I got a poorly experienced psychiatrist who had been to med school in the Caribbean. And a social worker. Yes, that's right. They are too cheap to hire licensed psychologist ...
About Silver Hill Hospital
Located in New Canaan, Connecticut, Silver Hill Hospital is an alcohol and drug rehab facility that provides addiction treatment services. They also provide mental health treatment services. Their levels of care include residential, intensive outpatient, and transitional living accommodations.
Silver Hill Hospital is a comprehensive treatment center that helps those with substance use disorder, mental health challenges, and dual diagnosis. Services include:
Inpatient
This program provides 24/7 care for those who have a high level of need for monitoring during the initial stages of treatment. Crisis stabilization, medication management, dual diagnosis treatment, mental health treatment, and psychiatry services are provided. Clients who need to detox can be given a safe detox program. The average length of stay is 5 – 12 days in length. If a longer stay is needed, that is possible. If clients are unable to return home upon discharge, they may want to live at a transitional living facility that helps create a safe environment while in outpatient treatment.
Intensive Outpatient
This program offers clients an eight week track. Sessions are held three days a week. Individual therapy is provided, along with weekly group therapy. Family therapy is offered if needed. Clients will focus on their goals and may meet with a psychiatrist.
Facility Overview
129 Number of Available Beds
5-42 Avg Length of Stay in Days
$30000 Avg Cost per Day
Latest Reviews
If I could give zero stars, I would. This was the most dehumanizing and traumatic experience of my life. I came to Silver Hill seeking proper detox for my benzodiazepine addiction and other addictions after years of daily use. Initially, they treated me kindly, but it was all a facade. They gave me a high dose of benzos to keep me calm, but days later, my psychiatrist accused me of med-seeking and forced me into a dangerous three-day taper. Despite my warnings about the risks of seizures and severe withdrawals, they dismissed me, claiming I was lying.When withdrawal symptoms hit, I was terrified crying, breaking down, and begging for help. The withdrawals were affecting me mentally and physically. Instead of addressing my concerns, they restrained me, dragged me down the hallway forcefully as I was screaming and put me into a restraint chair, and put me in solitude multiple times. They treated me like I wasn t human, showing no sympathy or care. As my symptoms worsened muscle spasms, falling, and uncontrollable crying I repeatedly asked to be taken to a proper hospital, but they refused. When my other medication used to treat my opioid issue spilled due to a muscle spasm, they accused me of doing it on purpose and denied me a replacement, leaving me in even more distress.By the time I left, I was barely functioning and I was terrified of the plane and having a seizure on it. At rehab in California, I collapsed, broke my front teeth, and later had a seizure, which sent me to the hospital. Now, I need costly dental work and live with lasting trauma because of their negligence. I'm losing my left tooth and I have to get a crown on the other. Now I need an implant which is very expensive all due to their negligence. They didn t care for me they just caused more pain.
Response from the owner1 day ago
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Patient care is our top priority, and we take all levels of feedback seriously. Please feel free to contact our Patient Experience team so we can learn more. You can reach them at (203) 801-2252. Thank you.
I HATED K- HOUSE! NEVER GO! MORE TRAUMATIZED THEN EVER. ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE!
Response from the owner1 day ago
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Patient care is our top priority, and we take all levels of feedback seriously. Please feel free to contact our Patient Experience team so we can learn more. You can reach them at (203) 801-2252. Thank you.
I was admitted to the adolescent inpatient unit three times this past year. Here are some things I can share from my experience on Main 3:- Main 3 is genuinely a home-like environment. It looks a lot more like a group home than a psychiatric unit (no mesh bars on the window).- The unit staff were friendly and welcoming. However, when kids were distressed and needed support or comfort from an adult, staff would suddenly become incredibly dismissive, telling kids to just use your skills and getting angry or walking out of the room when the child continued to be in distress.- Do not expect any actual therapy or therapeutic support. There is no individual therapy; the entire program consists of DBT classes and worksheets.- They rarely use seclusion or restraint, mainly because they screen their admissions to decrease the chances they admit any aggressive kids to the unit. However, during one of the few times restraint occurred on the Main 3 unit, a child was severely injured after being provoked by Dr. Ortiz.- The food is good, but unfortunately, they cannot accommodate people with severe food allergies and other dietary restrictions.- The campus is pretty and has a patio next to the dining room. Unfortunately, the outdoor spaces were just for show. We rarely went outside. They do not build outdoor time or outdoor recreation into the schedule.- There is an excellent on-campus gym! Patients get to visit every day; I just wish we had more time built into our schedule for exercise. Physical activity is very important, and there were only 45 minutes blocked off for gym, which included transportation time, so in reality, gym time was 35-40 minutes.- They limit contact with family. Visiting opportunities are minimal, especially if you live far away, like me. When I first arrived in April, we were allowed to use the patient phones whenever we wanted for as long as we needed as long as no groups were going on to contact family and friends, but starting in June, Dr. Ortiz started limiting phone usage. At first, the limits were not crazy and seemed reasonable, given some recent events in the unit. But, at the end of August, she started restricting phone usage even more. Right before I left, she made a new phone policy where kids are now only allowed one 10-minute daily call. Using the phones/having access to my family and the outside world (even if it was just with a patient phone) was one of the few things keeping me and the other kids sane at Silver Hill. She purposefully took that away from us.- After everything I ve said, Silver Hill may sound way better than most psychiatric facilities. Dr. Ortiz, the (only) psychiatrist in the inpatient adolescent unit, ruined Silver Hill for me. She was psychologically abusive towards me and other patients. She over-medicated and punished children she deemed problematic. She would play mind games and get into ongoing fights with mentally ill and autistic children. I have nightmares about the things she did and said to me and my peers. A month after being discharged, I was in the ER and had to go back to a psych hospital. I chose to go to Bellevue over Silver Hill because I was too scared to face her again. I made the right decision.- It is also important to note that they keep kids for extended stays. They say the inpatient unit has an average stay of 7-10 days, but in reality, it's closer to 3-4 weeks. Silver Hill Hospital is a referral mill for the troubled teen industry. They consistently refer their patients to residential behavior modification programs with histories of neglect and abuse. Dr. Ortiz used referrals to these programs as threats.
Response from the owner1 day ago
Thank you for your feedback and for bringing this to our attention. Patient care is our top priority, and we take all levels of feedback seriously. Please feel free to contact our Patient Experience team so we can learn more. You can reach them at (203) 801-2252. Thank you. 
Rehab Score
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8.3 / 10
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Location
Accepted Insurance
Other Forms of Payment
Private insurance refers to any kind of healthcare coverage that isn't from the state or federal government. This includes individual and family plans offered by an employer or purchased from the Insurance Marketplace. Every plan will have different requirements and out of pocket costs so be sure to get the full details before you start treatment.
Self-pay involves paying for treatment out of your own pocket. You can use savings or credit, get a personal loan, or receive help from family and friends to fund your treatment. If you don't have insurance or your insurance plan doesn't cover a specific program, self-pay can help ensure you still get the care you need.
Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance for those 65 and older. It also serves people under 65 with chronic and disabling health challenges. To use Medicare for addiction treatment you need to find a program that accepts Medicare and is in network with your plan. Out of pocket costs and preauthorization requirements vary, so always check with your provider.
Military members, veterans, and eligible dependents have access to specific insurance programs that help them get the care they need. TRICARE and VA insurance can help you access low cost or no cost addiction and mental health treatment. Programs that accept military insurance often have targeted treatment focused on the unique challenges military members, veterans, and their families face.
Addiction Treatments
Levels of Care
Outpatient The Outpatient Addiction Program is a six week intensive outpatient program that helps people struggling with addiction to break the cycle of relapse and maintain their sobriety. Addictions to all substances are treated including heroin, opioid pain relievers, alcohol, benzodiazepines, marijuana, cocaine, and other stimulants. In addition, we also identify and treat any underlying psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety or depression.
Patients are initially assessed by our Addiction Psychiatrist to determine their stability and appropriateness for outpatient addiction treatment. This assessment includes an intake interview, collaboration with community-based clinicians, and review of each patient’s support network.
Outpatient detoxification is offered as part of the Outpatient Addiction Program when safe and necessary. During detoxification, patients meet daily, Monday through Friday, with our clinical team to ensure their smooth and safe transition into recovery.
Medically Assisted Detox Drug and alcohol addiction often takes a heavy toll on one's body. Over time, a physical dependence can develop, meaning the body physiologically needs the substance to function. Detox is the process of removing drugs and/or alcohol from the body, a process that can be lethal if mismanaged. Medical detox is done by licensed medical professionals who monitor vital signs and keep you safe, healthy, and as comfortable as possible as you go through detox and withdrawal.
Intensive Outpatient Silver Hill provides Intensive Outpatient Programs for adolescents and adults who are able to live at home yet require addiction and/or psychological treatment and skill building to function effectively. Patients return to the hospital for two or three times a week for three hours of group therapy led by licensed clinicians. The clinicians working in the DBT IOPs are DBT intensively trained. Silver Hill Hospital is in network with many insurance companies for intensive outpatient treatment. All of the programs, except the Outpatient Addiction IOP, require that patients maintain a therapeutic relationship with a community-based therapist and psychiatrist for medication management.
Inpatient Inpatient treatment is an essential first step in the recovery from mental illness and addiction. The average length of stay varies based on diagnosis. For detoxification, the length of stay is 3 to 5 days; for psychiatric treatment the length of stay varies from 7 to 14 days. Their secure inpatient units provide a high staff-to-patient ratio of psychiatrists, nurses and social workers. Silver Hill Hospital is in network with many insurance companies for inpatient treatment.
12-Step 12-step programs are addiction recovery models based on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). A number of substance abuse programs (including some drug and alcohol rehab centers) use the 12 steps as a basis for treatment. Beginning steps involve admitting powerlessness over the addiction and creating a spiritual basis for recovery. Middle steps including making direct amends to those who've been hurt by the addiction, and the final step is to assist others in addiction recovery in the same way. 12-Step offshoots including Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA), Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) and Gamblers Anonymous (GA).
Sober Living Homes Silver Hill's Transitional Living Programs (TLP), for either adults or adolescents, provide continuing on-campus treatment within comfortable living facilities devoted just to our TLP patients and their programs. These programs are designed to help patients continue their recovery process until they are ready to return home for further community-based treatment. The minimum length of stay for this phase of treatment is 4 weeks, and some patients extend their treatment. This program is self-pay.
Aftercare 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).
Partial Hospitalization Program A partial hospitalization program (PHP) offers short-term intensive rehab for those who don't require 24-hour care. PHP treatment can serve as an alternative to inpatient hospitalization or a step-down option after being released from a hospital or residential program. A partial hospitalization program can provide medication management, relapse prevention strategies, and behavioral therapy interventions. With daily sessions lasting up to 8 hours for up to 5 days a week, the duration can vary with the average being 90 days.
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.
Drug rehab in Connecticut provides the professional support that is often necessary to break free from drug dependency. With proper treatment, individuals can make changes that restore balance and health to their lives and achieve long-term recovery.
Often we find many of our young patients have more than one diagnosis. These “co-occurring disorders” require a special understanding and corresponding treatment. Co-occurrence may be a combination of a variety of disorders. Often—though not always—there may be a combination of addiction and psychiatric disorders present, for example, depression combined with substance abuse or an eating disorder. Because Silver Hill is a true psychiatric hospital, not just a rehabilitation center, we are uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive care for patients who need treatment for more than one disorder. Adults and adolescents have different needs so Silver Hill Hospital provides separate programs and facilities within the hospital campus so we can focus on the unique requirements each of these age groups. Patients who are acutely ill and who require intensive psychiatric and nursing supervision are treated in one of our adult inpatient units. Treatments there tend to be medically oriented and the stay is typically short Patients who are ready for more psychological and behavioral interventions can be treated in our residential Transitional Living Programs, where there is more openness and the treatment course is longer.
A combined mental health and substance abuse rehab has the staff and resources available to handle individuals with both mental health and substance abuse issues. It can be challenging to determine where a specific symptom stems from (a mental health issue or an issue related to substance abuse), so mental health and substance abuse professionals are helpful in detangling symptoms and keeping treatment on track.
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.
Programs
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
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
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapy modality that focuses on the relationship between one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is used to establish and allow for healthy responses to thoughts and feelings (instead of unhealthy responses, like using drugs or alcohol). CBT has been proven effective for recovering addicts of all kinds, and is used to strengthen a patient's own self-awareness and ability to self-regulate. CBT allows individuals to monitor their own emotional state, become more adept at communicating with others, and manage stress without needing to engage in substance abuse.
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.
Silver Hill Hospital's Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Program is a highly structured form of behavioral therapy that teaches patients the skills necessary to regulate emotions, control self-destructive behaviors and improve interpersonal relations. It was developed for patients with severe personality disorders, including borderline personality disorders, but is also used to treat anxiety and substance use. Inpatient treatment is an essential first step in the recovery from mental illness and all patients admitted to the DBT Program must first be admitted to our Inpatient Program to help assure the patient’s stabilization and to determine the best treatment options to follow. The second stage of treatment is our Transitional Living Program where patients live on the Silver Hill campus in a house that is staffed 24-hours a day with DBT-trained personnel. It is one of the very few such programs of its kind available in the United States. Most team members are intensively DBT-trained and all participate in a weekly consultation team. The length of stay for this phase of treatment is 4 weeks, and some patients extend their treatment beyond this minimum. This program is self-pay – a small portion of the program may be covered by insurance. Their staff will help you determine if you have this benefit.
Silver Hill Hospital’s Eating Disorders Treatment Program is exceptional. This unique treatment of eating disorders offers the safety of a higher level of care with fluid and uninterrupted movement to a less restrictive and more advanced treatment for eating disorders. This distinct eating disorder program allows us to respond safely, flexibly, and effectively to the emotional needs of our patients. As a psychiatric hospital, we are especially able to treat patients who present with serious co-occurring psychiatric problems, such as mood and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and personality disorders, along with the eating disorder symptoms. These co-occurring psychiatric disorders often drive and complicate eating disorder symptoms; treating these psychiatric disorders is essential for successful and lasting eating disorder recovery.
Experiential therapy is a form of therapy in which clients are encouraged to surface and work through subconscious issues by engaging in real-time experiences. Experiential therapy departs from traditional talk therapy by involving the body, and having clients engage in activities, movements, and physical and emotional expression. This can involve role-play or using props (which can include other people). Experiential therapy can help people process trauma, memories, and emotion quickly, deeply, and in a lasting fashion, leading to substantial and impactful healing.
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.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a way of getting nicotine into the bloodstream without smoking. It uses products that supply low doses of nicotine to help people stop smoking. The goal of therapy is to cut down on cravings for nicotine and ease the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
Nutrition therapy, aka medical nutrition therapy (MNT), is a way of treating physical, emotional, and medical conditions through diet. Specific dietary plans are designed by professional nutritionists or registered dietitians, and patients follow them in order to positively affect their physical and mental health.
Trauma therapy addresses traumatic incidents from a client's past that are likely affecting their present-day experience. Trauma is often one of the primary triggers and potential causes of addiction, and can stem from child sexual abuse, domestic violence, having a parent with a mental illness, losing one or both parents at a young age, teenage or adult sexual assault, or any number of other factors. The purpose of trauma therapy is to allow a patient to process trauma and move through and past it, with the help of trained and compassionate mental health professionals.
Staff & Accreditations
Staff
Andrew J. Gerber, MD, PhD
President and Medical Director
Mark Russ, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Immacula Cann, DNP, RN
Chief Nursing Officer
Christy Aherne
Chief People Officer
Rick Ament
Chief Operating Officer
Timothy J. Dougherty
Chief Advancement Officer
Molly Norton
Executive Director of Quality and ExperienceMA, LPC, CPXP
Accreditations
The Joint Commission, formerly known as JCAHO, is a nonprofit organization that accredits rehab organizations and programs. Founded in 1951, the Joint Commision's mission is to improve the quality of patient care and demonstrating the quality of patient care.
Joint Commission Accreditation: Yes
Accreditation Number: 2957
Contact Information
(866) 542-4455 
208 Valley Road
New Canaan CT, 06840
Get Help Now - 860-264-6018
Who Answers?
Who Answers?
Fact checked and written by:
Terri Beth Miller, PhD
Edited by:
Quentin Blount
