Vanity Wellness Center (VWC) is an outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment facility based in Woodland Hills, a neighborhood in California's San Fernando Valley. Treatment at VWC includes outpatient detoxification, group and couples therapy, and several modalities for aftercare, including discharge strategy planning and relapse prevention. They also offer an array of activities and amenities for clients, including art therapy, yoga, and more. The staff at Vanity Wellness Center is committed to aiding patients in overcoming their substance abuse issues by identifying their underlying traumas.When asked why they chose VWC for treatment, surveyed former clients gave a number of reasons. A majority of respondents said that the quality of treatment was the most important factor in their decision. Others gave location, privacy, and insurance reasons as their motivating factors, but the treatment provided by VWC was by far the most frequently cited reasons. "I was tired of failed treatment in Los Angeles where clients are getting high and not taking recovery or life seriously," wrote one former client. Another sought "the best outpatient helpers."Former VWC clients who responded to our survey described fellow residents as "an ethnically diverse group of male and female professionals with ages ranging from 20s to 50s." Most described other clients in positive ways, from "a good group of guys" to "people of my age group… who were able to identify with my issues." Nearly all respondents noted and appreciated the diverse demographics within the client group; respondents felt that their fellow residents were "looking for real help" and found the makeup of the client base "very comfortable."Alumni felt that their daily routine was well balanced at VWC. The facility maintains a schedule of therapy and activities from Monday through Friday, beginning at 9 am and ending at 3 pm, which was considered by respondents as "active and educational," and with "a few awesome groups per day." On average, respondents considered that their days were "filled with group activities" and discussions "on learning tools and techniques to succeed addiction." Most attended between two and five groups per day. In addition to the aforementioned treatment modalities, VWC also offers dual diagnosis treatment for individuals contending with both substance use disorder and mental health issues.When asked about rules at VWC, nearly all respondents believed that the facility regulated with a caring and healthy approach. Many noted that they felt that the staff "really cares" and "was very attentive" to their needs, with one respondent writing that they considered a staff member like "an older brother to me." One respondent elaborated: "They definitely had rules but what I liked was they let people be adults and make choices, good or bad." Another considered the structure "challenging" but added that they also appreciated the tough love route: "It required me to be rigorously honest about my issues," they wrote.Many former clients regarded VWC's medical treatment as "excellent." Medical and psychiatric professionals were described as "thorough," "very pleasant,” and "kind and expedient" with regard to making sure that everyone’s needs were met. For one former patient, doctors and mental health professionals "were and continue to be a great source of physical and mental treatment."While VWC's treatment does include elements of a 12-step program, survey respondents said that the facility's approach embraces other modalities "relevant to individual clients.” As one wrote, "12 step is a commonality in the program but not forced upon [us]. It's recognized that not everyone is the same and other treatment techniques can be healing as well." Many noted that treatment focused on "real life," which at VWC includes planning for life after discharge and relapse prevention.When it came to religious matters, the concept of God was not enforced; rather a "higher power" or other spiritual element was emphasized. The balance between religious and secular approaches was "respectful" and "not in a way that beats you over the head or [makes] one feel judged for not believing." One respondent stated, "We all had the freedom to choose what we believed in.”In general, alumni had praise for the meals offered at VWC, describing food as "quality" and "amazing," with many noting that both "healthy daily catered meals" and "heartier" comfort foods were available to all clients. Coffee was available "anytime," and there was an abundance of snacks and other beverages. Salads were frequently cited as a favorite meal, while sushi, tacos, and steak all received positive responses, but many also noted that their favorite aspect of the meals at VWC was the variety. "I loved it all because I was able to choose what I liked," wrote one survey participant.When not participating in groups or other treatment modalities, clients at VWC had a number of choices in terms of activities, both at the facility and off-site. The former included exercise-based activities like yoga, chiropractic care and massages, meditation and access to a gym. Leisure-time activities were also available, and ranged from gaming and television rooms to a music studio to pool access. There were also therapy modalities using art and music, as well as outings for equestrian therapy at a nearby animal shelter, go-karting, and helicopter rides. Schedules accommodated enough time to pursue these various activities; as one participant wrote, they "are worked into the weekly activities." There is also a private patio for smokers.When asked to summarize their favorite part of the VWC experience, many former patients said that their relationship with the staff was foremost in their minds. Feeling like they "truly care about your recovery and well being," as one participant wrote, was echoed by several alumni, while others appreciated the time devoted to them by therapists. Some felt as if staff members and fellow clients were like family, with one person noting, "I've built a lifelong friendship with almost everyone here." Others felt that the impact of treatment on their lives was the best part of the experience. As one client wrote, "[The] most memorable [part] was how I could finally see change in myself."All respondents to our survey have maintained sobriety after leaving care at VWC, crediting coping and other tools they acquired in treatment, which have "set them up to succeed." Another noted that the facility reinforced in them the need to "[stay] connected and [build] a support network." A number of former clients said that they felt they could reach out to staff at VWC for help and if needed, continued care.
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