The Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders - Coconut Creek, FL

"I went to Renfrew 12 years ago for about six months. Here I was able to learn about nutrition and create a diet that I could actually follow so I could eat without overwhelming guilt. I learned so much about numerous forms of eating disorders. Our schedule for the day consisted of groups that were catered to our individual needs. The majority of the groups were extremely beneficial. My relationship with my therapist was very rewarding and felt genuine. After discharge my therapist heard that I was struggling with behavioral issues and checked in with my family. The rules for the facility were clear and strictly enforced, which for me, was needed. If there weren’t repercussions I would have never followed any of the rules. Our meals were monitored to ensure there were no triggering conversations, we had rules to prevent practicing in food rituals, our weight was monitored regularly and any weight loss resulted in additional boosts or movement restriction if you were caught abusing the stairs etc. With that being said, the patients in the outpatient program were able to bring in certain items and interact with the residential patients, which did cause a few of us to be exposed to certain things-for example, I got my first stick and poke tattoo here. I feel like the adults and minors should have been better separated but I personally did not have any issues with the adults. Overall I would recommend this place to anyone truly struggling with any form of an eating disorder."

"This treatment facility is behind about 10-15 years. They try their best with shame based punitive treatments which now research clearly shows does not work. It only works temporarily. Any eating disorder is rooted in trauma and shame. They have a disease that needs to be met with compassion and understanding above all else. Structure is effective of course but not with shame in where these girls are being punished for acting out. It runs much more like a prison and they know that their model relies on repeat offenders. Are they trying? Yes. Do they care? Im sure they do however, heir model is antiquated and outdated. They also need to hire specialist who have first hand personal knowledge of such a complicated multi layered disease.Hire those who are in recovery, who are relatable. Your staff is anything but relatable. Most are well educated however without understanding the disease and their patients on a more personal level, they will never truly understand the people they wish to help. Look up: New Method Wellness treatment center. This is the model they need to follow but Im sure that will take a major overhaul to fix a very broken system they are running with."

"I was here as an adolescent. Although the clients are very sweet, it was very difficult to acclimate to the environment. I struggled to integrate with such an older range of adults. The staff is either rude or OK. I did not find anyone to be highly skilled nor outrageously honorable. For weights and vitals I was given a paper with a specific time then proceeded to get shamed when I got there at that time (5:30am!!). I felt very trapped and isolated with little direction. I was very afraid and unaware of where to go. You’d think the staff would be understanding of that….nope. Instead I was dismissed as being defiant. As an adolescent I thought I would be more watched over and guided… absolutely not. Although I appreciate the independence I was given, I was really disappointed how quickly that was given to me. Even after I exclaimed I felt that I was a danger to myself, I received nothing but MORE independence. I would lay on my bedroom floor crying and praying anyone would come in and check up on me (bedroom door wide open). I wish I was given more support, reassurance, and guidance. I didn’t even make it a week. I ended up leaving this place via ambulance due to self inflicted injury. Of which was only discovered because I went and requested help for myself after it took place. This incident also took time during the beginning of a group so I figured someone would’ve caught me. Especially since on the first day I was told by a staff member that I was late to group and needed to attend. I do not recommend Renfrew for adolescents, especially ones that have self harming tendencies. I do not believe they will take your concerns seriously. Besides all of that, the food was very good and edible."

"Renfrew saved my life. Laura is an amazing therapist and I finally got to process all the things I needed too. I would not be here, happy and healthy without her. Nursing is great, don't mess with Robin, she's worked there 25+ years and she'll tell you how it and what you need to hear to survive your eating disorder. Kitchen staff is kind and they care about the edibility of the food. Most of the psyc techs care about how we are doing and make the facility safe. My nutritionist was not very helpful and was consistently unkind or attentive to the needs of myself and others with my disorder. Summed up, if you or a loved one need help, go here. Advocate for yourself and your needs, and sky's the limit. ❤️"

"Renfrew was an extremely important place in the beginning of my recovery. Staff worked to make an individualized treatment plan for me. I believe the most important part of my recovery there was the community. Every patient was supportive of each other. Which really made all of the difference. I was able to keep up with my college classes all while still doing treatment. There are different levels of treatment that focus on different emotional aspects. There are some things that I disliked but not every place is perfect. My psychiatrist didn’t recognize my main mental health diagnoses which was extremely invalidating. I wish I had more one on one support when doing food exposures. And there was one specific nurse that showed no empathy & I truly believe she should not work there anymore. I didn’t get the best out of Renfrew but I also wasn’t willing to put in all of the work. In regards to reviews of patients having to stay in one area & not be able to use the whole campus. Patients that are underweight & have medical issues caused by their eating disorders are kept a closer eye on. That is the reason that they cannot leave the day room during the first few weeks of their treatment. They need to become more medically stabilized. I would recommend Renfrew. I wouldn’t be where I am right now if it wasn’t for them."