Center Building – Institute of Living

200 Retreat Avenue
Hartford, CT 06102

The Institute of Living CT 6102

About Center Building – Institute of Living

The Institute of Living in Hartford, Connecticut, is one of the oldest mental health facilities in the United States. It was founded in 1882 and has been part of Hartford Hospital since 1994. They provide treatment for behavioral health and substance use disorders. The clinic works with children, adolescents and adults through services such as inpatient and outpatient programs. Some of their treatment specialties include peripartum mood disorders, anxiety disorders, alcohol addiction, panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.

The Institute accepts a variety of insurance plans including Medicaid, Medicare and many commercial insurance providers. When you’re admitted to the facility you’re assigned a case coordinator who assists with discharge planning.

Staff here take a humanistic approach to treatment and aim to ensure that you play an active role in the treatment and recovery process. They pride themselves on maintaining a diverse and accepting environment. They offer gender affirming care and also understand how things like racial trauma can impact your recovery journey. Once you’ve successfully completed your program you may have the option to become a Recovery Support Specialist. This allows you to assist other clients through the program.

Some reviews indicate negative experiences with staff members. Others noted that their time at The Institute was successful, with one former client sharing that they do great work.

Latest Reviews

Katiria Perry
1 week ago on Google
1
Lexi Torres
3 weeks ago on Google
1
I started as a patient in May 2020 until June 2024. Outpatient medication management. The front desk never answered and hardly called back. They wouldn t give me a 90 day supply of my meds even though I ve been on the same regimen since I began seeing them. I had to FIGHT to get my meds refilled and even went into withdrawal because either the message wasn t received by the physician or they just wouldn t call back. I recently moved out of state and found another psychiatrist that actually treats me like a human and answers me when I need them. I do not recommend this facility in any sense.
Matt D
1 month ago on Google
1
I was a patient there for 2 weeks. It was like being in a nursing home. Total waste of my time. The nursing staff were mostly fine my psychiatrist had the personality of sad wallpaper. I CANNOT recommend

Location

Accepted Insurance

Center Building – Institute of Living works with several private insurance providers and also accepts private payments when possible, please contact to verify your specific insurance provider.

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.

Financial aid can take many forms. Centers may have grants or scholarships available to clients who meet eligibility requirements. Programs that receive SAMHSA grants may have financial aid available for those who need treatment as well. Grants and scholarships can help you pai for treatment without having to repay.

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.

Medicaid is a state based program that helps lower-income individuals and families pay for healthcare. Medicaid covers addiction treatment so those enrolled can use their coverage to pay for rehab. When a program accepts Medicaid the client often pays very little or nothing out of their own pocket.

Addiction Treatments

Levels of Care

outpatient iconOutpatient
Outpatient Programs (OP) are for those seeking mental rehab or drug rehab, but who also stay at home every night. The main difference between outpatient treatment (OP) and intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) lies in the amount of hours the patient spends at the facility. Most of the time an outpatient program is designed for someone who has completed an inpatient stay and is looking to continue their growth in recovery. Outpatient is not meant to be the starting point, it is commonly referred to as aftercare.
inpatient iconInpatient Rehab
intensive-outpatient iconIntensive Outpatient
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are for those who want or need a very structured treatment program but who also wish to live at home and continue with certain responsibilities (such as work or school). IOP substance abuse treatment programs vary in duration and intensity, and certain outpatient rehab centers will offer individualized treatment programs.
partial-hospitalization iconPartial Hospitalization Program
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a short-term form of intensive rehab, usually for those with acute symptoms that are hard to manage but don’t require 24-hour care. PHPs have structured programming (i.e. individual and/or group therapy), and usually meet 3-5 days a week for around 6 hours (i.e. 9am-3m). Some PHPs are residential (patients sleep on site) and some are not, so patients sleep at home. PHPs can last from 1-6 months, and some offer transportation and meals.
medically-assisted-detox iconMedically Assisted Detox
Typically seen as a first step in the recovery process, medically assisted detox generally takes place in an inpatient setting under the 24/7 supervision of licensed medical professionals. It is considered the safest way to remove addictive drugs from your body. The length of a medical detox program is individualized, but it often takes around 5-7 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.

Many of those suffering from addiction also suffer from mental or emotional illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorders. Rehab and other substance abuse facilities treating those with a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder administer psychiatric treatment to address the person's mental health issue in addition to drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

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 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.
lgbtq-program thumbnail image
LGBTQ Program
Recovery is most successful when clients feel accepted and validated by their peers and treatment providers. Facilities that offer LGBTQ-inclusive programming are committed to creating a safe space where everyone can grow and recover without fear of judgment or discrimination. They will have dedicated policies in place to create a safe and supportive environment that fosters free expression.
military-program thumbnail image
Military Program
Serving in the military is both mentally and physically challenging, and can result in trauma that persists even after combat ends. Military programs are tailored to the specific and often complex needs of active duty personnel, veterans, and military families. Clients often access these programs through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

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.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a modified form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a treatment designed to help people understand and ultimately affect the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. DBT is often used for individuals who struggle with self-harm behaviors, such as self-mutilation (cutting) and suicidal thoughts, urges, or attempts. It has been proven clinically effective for those who struggle with out-of-control emotions and mental health illnesses like Borderline Personality Disorder.

equine-therapy iconEquine Therapy

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.

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.

During couples therapy in Connecticut, you will learn skills such as problem solving, conflict resolution, and anger management. The goal is to develop techniques that will help you successfully navigate relationship challenges.

Family therapy sessions work to strengthen the family unit by addressing addiction related conflicts and fostering support between family members. Your therapist guides family members in developing effective communication strategies and creating an environment that aids in your loved one's recovery.

Recreational therapy is a dynamic approach to addiction recovery in Connecticut. It integrates activities like music therapy, team sports, and creative writing as a therapeutic outlet to express your emotions and feelings. These activities also improve your physical health and help you develop new skills that support a sober lifestyle.

Amenities

  • home-setting iconResidential Setting
  • private-room iconPrivate Rooms

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: 2649

Contact Information

Phone icon (860) 545-7000
Building icon

200 Retreat Avenue
Hartford, CT 06102

Edited by:
Kerry Nenn, BSW

Reviews of Center Building – Institute of Living

2.2/5 (25 reviews)
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Reviews

Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer

Google Reviews

2.2 (25 reviews)
Katiria Perry
1 week ago
1

Lexi Torres
3 weeks ago
1

I started as a patient in May 2020 until June 2024. Outpatient medication management. The front desk never answered and hardly called back. They wouldn t give me a 90 day supply of my meds even though I ve been on the same regimen since I began seeing them. I had to FIGHT to get my meds refilled and even went into withdrawal because either the message wasn t received by the physician or they just wouldn t call back. I recently moved out of state and found another psychiatrist that actually treats me like a human and answers me when I need them. I do not recommend this facility in any sense.

Matt D
1 month ago
1

I was a patient there for 2 weeks. It was like being in a nursing home. Total waste of my time. The nursing staff were mostly fine my psychiatrist had the personality of sad wallpaper. I CANNOT recommend

Judy Waldron
1 month ago
1

Do not recommend, my 15 year went to the institute of living with hopes of getting past her depression anxiety, which was causing difficulties to have a appetite. we were told family therapy sessions would take place which never happened, she went there with being in my primary custody she left there with her father after not not wanting to see him for 2 years before going to this place. but we were in the process of getting him back into her life. ( family sessions) I got to see my daughter for one day before Kendra had spoken with her and put the idea of sexual abuse in her head this conclusion was made from watching her ??? Not only that but everytime I gave a valid explanation for anything that was said she would immediately say what your daughter said is contradicting that, my daughter was and is obsessed with a older boy they knew that! my daughter was also extremely under weight, dehydrated and had just tried to harm herself and not thinking right!. A lot of the time when not responding with the contradiction I also got a weird disbelief or confused humming sound from her which was concerning. False memories were definitely created from whatever was said to her. My daughter went there underweight due to her disorder and not thinking logically, they made her worse mentally!! she gained weight while she was there, but now her mental state is still very messed up. They never checked in to make sure her safety plan with her father was actually in place with a IOP before discharging like they said they did that she was supposed to be in. They failed my daughter on so many levels and made a mess of my family. I nor my family have seen my daughter in almost 2 months, she was supposed to leave there finally having both her father and I in her life only to leave and be with one biological parent again. if you want your family to stay together and your child to be healthy and happy STAY AWAY from this place please

Enough
4 months ago
4

I had a decent experience. Some issues but a few of the people are why my review is on the high side. Beau, Tim, and Rachel were absolutely phenomenal! Constance and Dr. R were also gems and made my experience very valuable!

Laura
6 months ago
1

Discharge papers incorrect. Staff Play games with mind also witchcraft patients etc.Dr Sugarman cool tuff but caring

Melody Sunflower (Sunflower)
7 months ago
1

I trusted the IOL to help with my 11 year old daughter who was struggling with suicidal thoughts. I was told great things and was hopeful this would help her. I went to visit her every night and what I witnessed was absolutely appalling. The majority of the staff had no compassion (but there was one nice nurse), they were unable or just refused to accommodate my daughter's sensory needs with food, even after their own dietician put in special orders for her meals. My daughter didn't have even a single sip of water during the 4 days she was there. But more importantly, the trauma my daughter witnessed there will haunt her for the rest of her life. She needs more therapy now than she ever needed prior to attending the IOL. Every single night while I was there for visitation, we had to plug our ears to try to drown out the screams of another child who was being physically restrained for one reason or another. Every night my daughter cried because she was scared that she was next. On the fourth night, during my visitation, we were witnessing the most traumatic experience of them all. A little girl (this unit is only 10-13 year olds) was being forced to the ground and had FIVE adults on top of her. She was screaming for her life for nearly the entire 2 hours of visitation. We could not escape it, but even worse, it was causing my daughter to panic.. my daughter was screaming and crying saying "please leave her alone!" As this time the cries were coming from one of her friends. As the little girl's screams intensified, so did my daughter's.. until my daughter is screaming bloody murder, through tears, and I am physically holding her back because she thinks they are killing this girl and she wants to go save her... My daughter then grabs her chest and says she can't breathe.. I have to scream for a nurse to come help my daughter.. I'm crying, the nurse is crying.. the little girl's screams fade to nothing, as they had injected her with a sedative, but my 11 year old child thought that they had killed her. The emotional trauma is absolutely unreal. The one nice nurse took me in the hall and told me through tears eyes that my child is experiencing so much trauma there that she's not getting any help while being there and she encouraged me to sign her out of the program. I said that I wanted to take her home immediately and she started the paperwork. They then sent two other nurses and a doctor to try to convince me to let her stay another night. I refused. That doctor had to call the supervisor and chief of staff to discuss the situation. She returned 20 minutes later stating that the COS and supervisors all agreed that my daughter should be discharged and sent home with me. The nice nurse appeared again to help us pack our things and walk us out. She again had tears in her eyes and said that she wished she could send all of the kids home that were there because no one should be experiencing this. We left and will never go back.

Emily Strout
1 year ago
5

I never felt heard until I went to HIOL for children under 18. I found my people, and I honestly didn t want to leave. But, now that I m home, it s very different and harder to find someone to hear me, again.

Chloe Vigue
1 year ago
1

I am absolutely going to court and already have an attorney. Staff would not listen to me and made assessments based on very limited observations. Watched my roommate experience racist remarks and watched a deaf patient get treated very differently and wrong. Went in there after I went to the ER feeling overwhelmed but by no means ever a danger to myself or others, nor was I unstable. I already have PTSD symptoms and severe trauma from staying here. Please if you need help go somewhere else. If they put you on medication they will keep you much longer even if you are doing better. They refuse to see you more than once a twice a day, and get a bad attitude when questioned about their practices. Didn t greet visitors or even let the patient know if they had one, and treated my mother (who I signed a release for) very poorly. Things happened to me in there and were said to me that I will never get over or forget. I hope they start treating patients like they are human beings. Only positive experience was with 3 of the nurses, the receptionist, and patient advocacy. The clinician supervisor Amy Karen was also very helpful. Did not feel comfortable with my clinician or the staff who did not validate mine or other s concerns. There is a patient who has been there over 50 days on a 15 day hold. Absolutely not okay and should be receiving TREATMENT if they claim the patient is unstable. Not keep them there and watch them. No individual therapy and group therapies are basic. I hope this is a staffing issue and not the intention of their practice. Speaking with patient advocacy again soon.

Olivia Pare
1 year ago
5

I participated in a DBT IOP at the IOL. This experience was amazing. The clinicians were attentive, compassionate, informative, accommodating and insightful. I could not have asked for a better experience doing DBT. I highly recommended the IOL's DBT program. Although I have had bad experiences with the IOL in the past, their DBT program was exceptional. It was really helpful in my time of need.

John Strecker
1 year ago
1

My 18 year old daughter admitted herself, for depression, and to be able to get into an Intensive Outpatient program. She was immediately given drugs, and told she would need to stay for 2 weeks. When my daughter questioned why she was being given medications, the doctor was condescending, and had an attitude. She also spoke to my husband in the same manor. After they basically forced her to take seroquel, she fainted in the shower. The mental health system is horrible, and the Institute of Living is a prime example.The staff never even greeted visitors. I would not let these people take care of my dog. I had to give a star in order to post this, otherwise, I would give it no star.

John Jr
1 year ago
1

Please reach out if you have had a bad experience with this place for a teen. It s awful place.

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