What Does Depression Feel Like? Let’s Talk About It

I want to express my deep gratitude for the staff at Legacy Recovery Center.

I recently had a loved one go through a severe mental health crisis. What followed was months of our loved one in and out of *multiple* hospitalizations, in-patient treatment facilities, and residential programs, both locally and in California. I will be spending some time trying to figure out why Legacy ended up being the place to bring some stability and healing when all of the other highly rated facilities simply could not. I am sure timing played a part, but even if the ‘timing’ is right, the facility needs to be able to execute and have the right staff.

For other families going through this same issue, it’s easy to become disenfranchised with the process. A couple of the previous facilities were almost predatory in their approach to admissions. They were full of promises, highlighting their luxury amenities or touting the qualifications of their head staff. What I have learned is that at most facilities, those highly qualified lead doctors are rarely at the facility. Do a quick search on them, and you will find they are often associated with multiple mental health facilities and are simply ‘overseeing’ the process. I am not writing that to be critical of that system, as their experience is important in structuring a successful mental health treatment program. But know that most of the hard work is done with the day to day staff and therapists. And as others have already mentioned, all of the staff at Legacy are absolutely amazing.

On top of the frustrating admissions process, I felt that many of the facilities overly medicated our loved one. Please know, I believe medication is critical as part of mental health. But in our case, I felt that our loved one was declining each day while they were being shuffled from facility to facility. My fear was they would eventually be ‘lost in the system’, which was realized when they were eventually discharged to the streets of LA.

It was an emotional roller coaster when our loved one called and wanted to try again with residential treatment. They had found Legacy Recovery Center and had been coordinating with Dave.

Step one to success – honest and helpful admissions. Dave is a life saver. He was able to get our loved one admitted that same day. There were hard conversations, but they were delivered with honesty and compassion. And his dedication is amazing. Dave was extremely responsive, even during the holiday season. And Dave continues to be actively involved throughout the entire process, which was comforting.

The therapy staff at Legacy were… well let me say that after attending a joint therapy session with our loved one, and meeting several of the staff, I am baffled at their insight, observational ability, and skills at coaxing out so much, all with a masterful balance of honesty, directness, and compassion. I went to support my loved one, and left feeling like I personally had just gone through one of the best therapy sessions of my life.

Most importantly to me, they listened to what we had observed regarding prior treatment and medication, and did not simply follow what the previous facilities had done. Ultimately, our loved one did need medication, but the staff at Legacy worked to find the right balance. If anything, I think this was a critical reason that our loved one was successful at Legacy. They felt heard and were part of the process.

Finally, the facility was great. Honestly, that was not as important to me, so long as they could help our loved one. But it is a lovely large home with plenty of communal spaces and spaces to get some privacy. Physical health is prioritized here as well, and the home has a fitness center and regular fitness classes. At all of my visits, it felt calm and comfortable. It is a safe place.

Ultimately, Legacy was able to provide the mental health treatment for our loved one that others were not able to do. And that is what matters.