Compass Behavioral Health - DBT Therapy 130 South B Street, Tustin, CA 92780

"It's hard for me to say enough positive about our experience at Compass. My teenage child is unique (as everyone's child is, of course) and had very severe, treatment resistant depression. My child was seeing a psychologist and psychiatrist regularly, but her mental state continued to deteriorate despite their best efforts. It became increasingly clear that the complexity was deeper than anything that could be remedied locally and only an intensive, residential program would have a chance of righting the ship. We were at a critical moment where it appeared the gravest of consequences was imminent. Anyone in a similar situation will understand the unimaginable fear, anxiety, and desperation the entire family feels. We scoured the internet, spoke to local mental health providers, and called any friends (and friends of friends, etc.) that we thought might have insight since the stakes were high and we knew we would likely only have 1 shot. We found several residential programs across the US and Compass in Tustin, CA just felt like the right fit. We met with Cherie (executive director) via Zoom and I knew we had made the right choice. Tustin, CA was a hike from our home in the southeast US, but I would have flown to China if that's what it took. They helped our child, and the entire family, in a way I didn't think was possible- 8 months post treatment and our child is still doing well. It's terrifying to remember where we were a year ago before Compass, but such a blessing to know where we are now. To be clear, this program is not for every child and I'm sure results are variable. Psychological issues are complex and there are problems this program wouldn't address as well; thus, the family interview before they accepted us. Also, while the program seemed perfect for my child and our family, success also likely depends on the chemistry of your child (and family) with the therapists and other kids/families that are present in the program at any given time. There is a great deal of interaction with all of the above. My child didn't seem to gel with the first primary therapist, so they switched to another. They really did everything they could to ensure the most positive outcome possible. Also- it's not easy. Compass expects a lot from the patient and their parent(s). Parents are required to be very active participants with in-person (or Zoom) meetings all day Saturday and a Zoom session with the family therapist during the week. Sounds like a lot, and it is, but you wouldn't be reading this if your kid wasn't worth the effort. You will hear things that aren't easy to hear. You will be asked to change things that may be difficult to change. You will be given a new blueprint for how to interact with your child. But therein lies the solution to much of the problem. You will find this a lifelong process for both your child and you, but now you'll have the right perspective and tools for helping your child live their best life. Compass saved our child, and I pray for as much with everyone else's child too."

"The program and team at Compass are excellent!!!! 5 stars . Great leadership!!! They are very accommodating for families traveling from a distance as well!!"

"This place saved my life, the staff has helped me evolve into an enlightened version of who I used to be. They incorporate intellectual and dialectal skills within their therapies to help with everyday struggles and overwhelming emotions. Compass helped me gain various perspectives on ways to view my inner thoughts, conflicts, and events in my life that made me bitter and confused. I am eternally grateful to have found this place. I strongly recommend this to struggling teens and adults with any mental barriers they wish to break."

"Money hungry and the therapy is shame-based. Going here affected trusting my new, actually caring therapist. I want to hide things from her because I get scared I’ll get shamed in the way I was constantly shamed at compass. My new therapist is infinitely better and has genuine compassion and care for me unlike most at compass. Their messages are conflicting and confusing and a lot of time was spent placing blame. I went here for 2 years convinced it was ME that deserved being shamed. There’s a massive weight lifted off my shoulders since I’ve left. Please don’t send your kids here. It’s genuinely damaging. Maybe shaming kids works for some, but for me, it just exacerbated everything. I have no respect for most that work there because they had no respect for me or my family. I’ve also talked to a couple clients who were also there for years who had a similar experience. These people don’t care. They care about getting money. Send your kid to some place they can feel heard and valid."

"I have assisted Compass Behavioral Health since 2015 and am so impressed with the professionalism, education and training the staff obtain to ensure they are providing true DBT therapy and assisting their patients and their families. It's a wonderful place to work and receive assistance for your loved one."