Willow Springs Center

Willow Springs Center Testimonials from 2009-2010

The contents below are actual testimonials.

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Name : Carly P. (California)

Testimonial : I was at Willow from Dec 2008-April 2009. When I first arrived, I was full of anger, hurt, rage and deep sadness. I had been cutting for over a year and had a few suicide attempts. I had severe depression and tried every psyc drug on the market with no success. I was in a dark, twisted and abusive relationship with an older man that caused me to have severe PTSD. I was at my rock bottom when I arrived in Reno. I struggled with a lot of triggers and trust issues and was very closed off to being in the program. I spent many nights crying myself to sleep. while at Reno, I participated in school and activities, including group sessions, a survivors group, art and more. I strongly believe that if it wasn't for willow, I wouldn't be alive today. all the people I met and experiences I had, made me grow and push through my darkest moments... I left in April, a month before my 18th birthday... I actually was really sad to leave, and had a hard time adjusting to life on the outside and ended up living in an amazing holistic transitional house in SoCal for a year, where I was able to get my diploma and start community college. I got my first job since being 16, and am happy to say I'm still working the same job and still in school! I'm a mom now as well! My life is amazing and happy.. I have the best relationship with my family and I thank God everyday for my experience at Willow and for it being my biggest stepping stone!!

Name : Lisa

Testimonial : Five years ago, I was admitted to Willow. About five months later I was released. At first I didn't feel like I belonged there with kids who abused drugs and had other problems but the staff and counselors helped me realize that I had a lot to work on too. They helped me increase my communication skills and learn to cope during stressful situations. I learned to express my anger in a positive manner. If it weren't for Willow, I would more than likely still have difficulty making friends. Thanks to Willow I was able to build confidence in myself and gain perspective on various situations. I grew as a person in more ways than I expected back then. Looking back, I would not trade my experience at Willow for a freshman semester at my home. Willow saved my life by giving me the skills I needed to be a better person, to help myself, and to gain wisdom so I could one day help others in need also. I was admitted for severe anger control problems, anxiety, and depression and left with all of those under control. Also thanks to my time at Willow, I learned to have a more open and accepting mind. It helped me discover parts about myself that I would not have discovered for another few years otherwise. The staff and fellow patients showed me that being who I am was okay as long as I loved myself and wasn't doing anything to harm myself or others. Thanks to Willow, I had the skills I needed to cope when life seemed dim as I struggled to come out and I was reminded that I was loved no matter what. As a patient who also had a run-in with the law and was bounced around in foster care after my time in Willow, I know that if it weren't for Willow, my life would be a statistic. Instead, I'm an anomaly, preparing to graduate from college with a BS in a science and looking to pursue a PhD. I owe thanks to my counselors and staff members at Willow for my accomplishments. So thank you Debvorah and staff that were there during my time. You all changed my life.

Name: Nicole

Testimonial: I became involved with a combination of drugs and severe depression when I was 12, and I spent five agonizing years attempting to deal with these issues in all the wrong ways. Despite the best efforts of my parents and friends, I slipped continually deeper into the abyss of substance abuse. Willow Springs, by no exaggeration, saved my life when I was 17. It's been three years since I left the center, and I have been clean the whole time--not just clean, but a healthier person with a sense of self-worth and value. I have gone from completely drug-addicted and near hopeless to an "A" student looking forward to a career in addictions counseling. I simply cannot overstate how much my time at Willow Springs did for me and those close to me. The therapists and aides there were professional and skilled, and strove to do everything they could for me and my family. I developed relationships with the staff there that got me though the toughest time of my life, and they have continued to be role models for me. The experiences I had there will never be forgotten but, moreover, the impact on my life is something I am reminded of every day. Willow Springs and staff, you rescued me-helped me realize how to rescue myself. Thank you--Nicole G.

Name: Andrea W.

Testimonial: I was in Willow Springs two times; some of the hardest times in my life but yet some of the best times of my 17 years of life....I have been out for a year or so and I know if it were not for the staff at Willow, I could not have done it the way I have. I wrote this thing in school and wanted you guys to hear it cause it's the best thing I have ever written. Well here it is...One learning experience has affected me dramatically. The thing I have learned was drugs are bad. I learned this first hand after getting locked up and sent away to Willow Springs. Before then I always thought drugs were ok, they don't hurt you, it is just a way to be happy and have some fun as a kid. Going to Willow let me learn that drugs are bad and I've seen what ways it was bad in my life. It took away from my family time cause I would run away to get that high on the next drug. My grandma passed away this year and it killed me so bad as I loved my grandma so much but never spend too much time with her because I was always high on that drug. If it was not for Willow, I would not be who I am today. Today I am loved, loving, funny, outgoing. I AM WHO I SHOULD BE. So, yes I can say I was affected by one learning experience.....well, that is it, I want to say thank you to everyone that has helped me at Willow. Jim Serratt for being more than a CEO; you really do care about us. Rikk, for being Rikk anytime I needed help you were there, you talked to me when my Mom tried to kill herself and let me trust you with anything. It put me to tears, happy ones. Jan, thank you for so much, I don't think words can say how I feel about you. Thank you to everyone for helping me find who I am.

Name: Olivia R

Testimonial: God, I don't know how to thank all of you for all you've done for me. I was a broken person when I went there and after 3 months I came out a whole new me. You helped me get my life back and I am forever grateful. Thank you Rikk, Nick, Rachel, Cassie and everyone else at Willow. I will never forget this place. You guys saved my life. Ya, I got in trouble and I griped alot, but after I saw that you all believed in me, I knew I could do it. Thanks DBT hall. I can't say thank you enough. I am on my way to recovery and I love my life now. Forever Grateful, Olivia R. -Scottsdale, AZ

Name: Natalie-Reno, NV

Testimonial: It has been about 4 months since I have gotten out of Willow Springs. It has changed my life. I saw a new life once I got out...before I went in I was getting into gang violence, doing many drugs, fighting, and just being a rebel. I was horrible. I hurt myself, I stole, I didn't care of anyone or anything. Then, I went into Willow...I hated it at first... I was really quiet and acted like I wasn't listening to anything...and about a month in, I opened my eyes and let the good in....I started actually following rules and trying to keep myself calm.... I would still have a few break outs now and then, but calmed myself down within minutes. Usually I wouldn't get over it for hours! I am so happy I went there. Rick, Lisa, Stacy, Heather, Ms. T, and many more staff helped me so much. I Love You Guys!. Thank you for all your help.

Name: Emily N.

Testimonial: Three once was a raging sea inside of me. It raged and raged for years with no stop to it. I was always searching for the key to set me free; but yet it was nowhere to be seen. I searched high and low, near and far but yet...nothing came to me. I went from hospital to hospital still searching. I needed an answer besides the self harming devil who lived and controlled me. I hated and feared the world, I even hated and feared myself. I was in a never-ending downward spiral that just kept going down deeper and deeper into a dark pit. I was praying and crying for an answer in why do I have to live. Then, in July of 2010, I was admitted to Willow Springs Center. For the first month I hated it; I hated it so much that I wanted and felt that I needed to transfer to a different hospital. I thought that my world had torn in two and never be put back together. But then things slowly started to change. I was in the DBT program; I was the first fresh new admit. I was scared and lonely for about a month. But then I learned new DBT skills and I met alot of really great people who supported me and had the same issues as I had. So there you are not alone. I learned that the power to change my life is in my hands and nobody can change that or take that away from me. Willow Springs Center helped me to make a life changing decision. It truly gave me a life worth living. I can't thank all of you enough for what you have given me; especially all the staff and my wonderful therapist. Without all of you I probably would not have made it and probably wouldn't have the strength to stand on my own two feet. So thank you. My self-harming free life has started....NOW.

Name : Kaitlyn D.

Testimonial: I went to Willow Springs in May 2010. I never thought I could be the person I am today. I have the confidence to do anything. I was depressed and had no motivation. All I needed was to learn that I am a person of value and that the power to change my life is in my hands. Thank you Willow for teaching and helping me to live a life worth living.

Name: Michael R

Testimonial: I came to Willow Springs on Feb. 5th, 2009, man was I a crazy kid. I had a real bad addiction and had all kinds of behavior problems. The first three months I didn't even care about the program. I was more concerned about getting out than helping myself. The longer I was there, I felt like I was getting more depressed because I thought I wasn't going to get out. Then, one day I had a long talk with Debvorah (licensed therapist) and decided to get help while I was there. When I started doing my program, I was doing OK. I met alot of people that were good to talk to. I left in August of 09. I did not leave in a positive way....I ended up going to another program but I got alot of skills when I left that I still use. Willow helped me so much , I thank you guys so much. When I left I was alot happier and less angry at the world. I would really recommend this program. I loved it. I had lots of fun thre and I want to thank Taboo (Mental Health Technician) for everything because he really did understand what I went through because he had the same background as me and went through similar things I did. Thanks man!

Name: John Jacobs

Testimonial: I was there way back in 96-97, and had a ton of hurdles to jump, including the Flood of 97, when we had to evacuate the building, but when I was there, I decided to play by the rules, and do what I had to do, but over time I gave up

Name: Shelby Gravier

Testimonial: Hey everyone at willow I am happy to say that Willow opened my eyes to the world and to who i really am. I am very thank full they have helped me through alot and i want to shout out to all the staff and teachers there. Especially Mrs. T!!! Excellent in everything she does. And Rudy for being a great Counselor / Therapist! He helped me through alot. Thanks again hope to see you guys around the town of Reno and give you guys a great big hug! HUGS TO ALL!

Name: Bethany Z

Testimonial: I was admitted into Willow Springs February 11, 2009. I came right into a community meeting. I remember thinking how did I end up here, where am I, and is this really happening. Everything was mind blowing. That Wednesday was the best day of my life. It didn't take me long to get comfortable. I learned that I wasn't the only kid that didn't understand why things happen in life the way they do. I realized that people have hard times to very fast I learned how to have sympathy and support for others. Soon enough I moved up in my levels and maintained a leadership to the community. Even though I wasn't the new girl anymore everyone was still teaching me and I was learning more about myself every day. It was about my 3rd month into the program and I decided to take on the level three. It was overwhelming at first but I learned how to handle it. I was starting to feel comfortable I knew all the staff, I had the routine of all the programs and activities. I ended up staying 5 months. To this day I can't thank the staff enough. Everyone meant something to me in some way. When a new staff came onto the hall I would make it a goal to meet them and have a bond with them. I did care about the staff as if they were my family, at the time they were all I had. I wouldn't be where I am today without going there and having to listen, learn, get help, and be heard. Asking for help wasn't always my thing, in willow springs they already know you need help and it's given to you when you don't even know it. I am about to be a senior in high school, I have a job, and help my family take care of my sisters that have global brain damage . Without willows springs I don't think I could handle anything of what I do every day. I wanted to say thank you again, it will be a year this month I left willow springs. I was so scared to leave but now today I have to say I know now that I was ready. Thank you and continue to change lifes. -forever and always- Bethany(oldwidow)

Name: Adriana

Testimonial: I was in willow, it was an okay place. i recomend kids coming here with problems, cause those problems shall be solved. get a healthier life coming here. you are welcome at any time

Name: jaymee

Testimonial: I was not a nice kid growing up i was angry very depressed and hated and never trusted anyone around me. It was one of the hardest things to go through when i was sent to my first psychiatric hospitals in washington. First was for 2 weeks and then the next time i relapsed i went for a month and there they told me i had two options foster care or a live in hospital and i was realy mad about both. But i gave in and i took the 4 hour plane ride to reno and there i went to willow springs. I had tried playing it off at first like i was fine then i started showing who i really was that's when my therapist jan and i started doing hard work i was there for 6 months and now i'm out on my own and its not even been a year. I am now going to school i have a baby girl on the way and as many times as i wanted to give up i dont cuz then all their hard work at willow and mine too, would have been for nothing

Name: Sierra G

Testimonial: Hey just dropin by to give an update....i was at willow a year ago..ive made much progress since then and i owe some to willow

Name: Dayna-CA

Testimonial: Thank you staff for taking care of my daughter. She was definitely in crisis mode when she arrived. She was resistant and had a hard time making/keeping levels. Because of caring staff and an awesome therapist, Jan, she flourished! Now, she is home and in a step down program (PHP) and mastering the coping skills she learned while at Willows. She has a new lease on life and is excited to be free and not just physically :) To the entire staff- Jan, Dr. Arlien, Michelle, Nicki, Chris, Roman, Sherry (front desk) and all, you rock!

Name: Catherine

Testimonial: I was a resident there for 6 months from march to november at first i hated it and i made sure every one knew it i was disrespectful to every one in site there i was put on hold (grounded is the best way to describe it ) 36 x's then something happened that changed my life after a stupid choice that i made i owe them my life THANK YOU

Name: David King

Testimonial: I was there in 1988. I was a ward of the state. I had a lot of fun there i was there for 1year and 144 days. It was a blast. feel free to contact me if you were there. usarmymilitary@gmail.com

Name: Rachel D

Testimonial: Oh Lord! It's Rachel :]. Never EVER thought i would say this.... but thank you. ANd i miss you all very much. But hope to never see you again.:] I miss you.

Name: Sierra G

Testimonial: hey willow...i jst wanted to say thank you for all your help...i want to thank all of the staff teachers and of course phil...i was in willow for 5 months and they were the hardest 5 months of mty life...i made it thru the program as a level 2 twice and graduated as a level 3.....i was never a basic and i can proudly say that i was the only one out of the group of girls that i was with that i was the only one....you can leatrn alot from this program and valerie helped me alot to thanks bud...and thanks again willow

Name: Briana

Testimonial: Willow Springs changed my life. Through the help of staff and peers, I was able to find who I was and who I wanted to be. Willow Springs wasn't the first treatment center that I had been to, but it was my last. I was horrified to go to Willow Springs, but I did good for the first 2 weeks I was there. After that, I slipped back in to old habits such as cutting and purging. I was desperately screaming out for attention, but in reality I needed to learn to be self-sufficient. I was always held responsible for my actions and wasn't allowed to run the staff the way that I had to my parents at home. One of the most beneficial aspects of Willow Springs is that it teaches you how to be an individual in a crowd. I learned that acting like everyone else isn't going to get you anywhere and that to be happy you have to be happy with yourself. You can't live in the past or dwell on the negatives. I learned to live in the present and focus on what is going on right now and what I am feeling right now. I especially thank Dave B, my therapist at Willow Springs. I also thank Rick, Nicole, and Stacy. I never felt like I was being judged or criticized and they are the perfect models for what I am striving to be. I am proud to say that I am attending my first year of college! And am majoring in Nursing with a minor in Psychology. Without Willow Springs help, I am not sure where I would be or what I would be doing. I can't imagine my life without this intervention and am so grateful that I was able to learn and receive the help that I did there. Thank you all for teaching me that I am a person of value..

Name: Kailani

Testimonial: Dorthy thank you for everything being so kind and being there for me. I Looked to you as a mom because i never had one but if i did id want her to be YOU!!! thank you for everything.