Phoenix House Florida Residential Ctr – Citra

I’m trying to understand why my husband was given a 65-day contract. He was supposed to be at Winn-Dixie, but after leaving the store, he stayed in the Winn-Dixie plaza to get something to eat because he was hungry.… Could you please explain why this resulted in a 65-day contract? I also believe this rehab program should be investigated. From what I’ve seen, many of the staff do not seem to genuinely care about the men in the program. Instead of helping them succeed in their recovery, it feels like they are quick to send them back to jail over situations that could be handled differently. A rehabilitation program should focus on supporting people, treating them fairly, and giving them the opportunity to recover rather than creating unnecessary setbacks.I also feel deeply concerned about the other men in this program, especially those who have families depending on them. While I understand that they are eventually able to work, it often takes months before they are actually given the opportunity to do so. During that time, they are unable to earn income or provide for their loved ones, which creates a lot of hardship. Instead of being given real opportunities to rebuild their lives in a timely way, it feels like they are left waiting without meaningful progress, and the experience can feel more like punishment than rehabilitation. These men deserve support, dignity, and a fair chance to get back on their feet so they can take care of their families and moveI also feel deeply concerned about the other men in this program, especially those who have families depending on them.

Personally I would not recommend this facility to nobody. Number one you call up there you can't never get a human on the phone Gigi administrator will not call you back to run to like a free for all too the nurse that… black woman thinks all the guys there or guinea pigs I fought hard to get my son on medicine to help him now she changes it like it's candy I got to call into the state he has an issue with a bad tooth he has been asked and asking to have something done they refuse they do raids like they're in the middle of a prison and I've been up there several times and even the staff members have come by and tell me that the place is run terribly they try their hardest to make the guys fail to go back to prison so like I said I got to call into the state and I got a letter written into governor I will figure something out

If I can give this place no stars I would , they had the father to my child arrested and thrown back into jail for having cash app knowing that he has children to provide for,they need to knock this rehab over and have… them go out of business, they have no consideration of others responsibilities outside the rehab regardless if they are on lockdown in the rehab they still have things to take care of outside of that SMH , this place have they own schemes up they sleeve to keep your person in here just so they get paid more every chance they get , y'all supposed to help these ppl that's in rehab not take advantage of them , how sad of u guys to do this 😢🤧

Ive heard good things and waiting to hear if i get in i really need this program. So i can change my life around for the better. Im 42 i can do better i just need some help.

Its just Okay...

My son is in there and I can’t believe how it’s ran. Totally disgusting!!!!

I was very hopeful when I sent my loved one to this program, believing he would receive the help and support he truly needed. Unfortunately, that has not been the experience. It feels as though the staff is working… against him rather than supporting his recovery, and it seems like they are more focused on sending people back to jail than helping them succeed. This place feels more like a prison than a rehabilitation program. The high staff turnover is also concerning, with new employees appearing almost every month. This program appears to be more about money than genuinely helping people. I strongly advise others to think carefully before sending their loved ones here. This facility needs serious investigation or staff who truly care about recovery.

I have a loved one who went to Phoenix House sometime around the end of Sept 2025, and I am beginning to wonder if they haven't done something to him. I have plenty of experience with Hippa Laws and patients in mental… health facilities and hospitals. The protocol is for the facility to tell the caller that they can't confirm if someone is a patient at the facility but if the caller would like to leave a message, if the person is a patient there they will give them the patient the message and if the patient wants to return the call, he or she will. This isn't rocket science. I had wondered if they were simply incompetent or lazy, however, since my loved one's phone forwards to mine, I have been getting the text messages and calls from a hospital up there and calls from doctors about upcoming appointments and missed appointments up there. I have even mailed a letter, on paper, written by hand, to him up there..Yet I have still have not heard from him. I am now considering the possibility that The Phoenix House qis engaged in nefarious activities. I am even wonder if they have sold him into human trafficking.

This place is essentially a DOC-run facility that operates like a jail. About 95% of the people here are serving deferred sentences to avoid prison. Clients are locked out of their rooms for eight hours a day, forced to… work even with disabilities, and required to attend roll calls four times daily. Medical neglect is rampant. Sick calls are often ignored, and the only way to get care is to have an emergency bad enough for an ambulance ride—or be on good terms with the right staff. It usually takes 2–4 weeks from reporting a medical issue to actually being seen. Drugs like Tuuchie and Suboxone are everywhere, and overdoses happen 5–10 times a month. Nearly half of the residents relapse or leave in handcuffs. Collective punishment is common—if someone in your dorm overdoses, everyone nearby loses privileges for 30–60 days(Behavior Contracts), including phone use, room access, and gym time. Staff turnover is extremely high. Most techs and counselors last barely a month before quitting or being fired. In the final phase (“Re-entry”), clients must work for 90 days and give up 40% of each paycheck as a “donation,” which the facility uses to claim non-profit status while taking your income. Theft is constant. Laundry, clothes, and valuables often go missing. Fights happen almost monthly, and while the facility claims zero tolerance for violence, threats are ignored. Calling the police only gets you punished, and many clients have weapons and mental impairments, so watch your back. This place is a lawsuit waiting to happen. Don’t pay to come here. If DOC sends you, I hope you make it through safely and find at least something positive in the experience. God bless, and be safe. — A DOC client trapped in this facility

if you have a loved one do not send them to this program. this place treats you like an prisoner. they do not want you to have no contact with the outside world, they want you to wait 90 days just to have your phone and… to get visitation from loved ones. they are not allowed in the computer room but two times a week for an couple of hours. they will take your loved foodstamps card and will not allowed them to have seconds of each meal. this place is very strict your loved one will get in trouble for anything. you better off sending your loved one to an oxford program. this program will have you and your loved one depressed.

For me, it's an excellent place with very good service. God bless their staff.

I graduated the phoenix house in 2019. The program doesn't focus on Just addictions, but the behavior behind addictions. Unfortunately, most of the people that I went with did not make it because they did not want it… bad enough. But out of multiple programs that i've been to, this one will have an everlasting impact on me And my life. I sincerely thank the staff for giving me the best fifteen months.I've ever had. I've been sober now for almost seven years.

The Phoenix House has help me transform my life and get back on the correct path the staff and counselors here have been nothing but amazing granted there are a lot of people that come through this place only looking… for reprieve from jail or prison but I can honestly say those of us that come here actually looking for a change looking to be better have every opportunity to do so

Horrible management & only care about numbers. Disgusting behavior and they do NOT care about the well being of clients.

This program is what you put into it! The resources here are what you make of it. This program has helped to save my life, but I have to do the work in order to be successful if you don't go in with that mind frame to… any type of recovery, institution, or rehab you won't be successful. If you're into really changing yourself and truly making a difference in your own life you will learn a whole lot here about who you were and who you want to be. They offer OSHEA certification classes, groups, individual recovery plans, AA/NA, sponsors, and much more. Their activities department focuses on things like art therapy, softball, volleyball, tennis, a gym with full equipment, and a pool. So if your mindset is the same as mine and you really want long term recovery, then this place is your best bet to overcome and cope with your disease.

My daughter loved it here until the herd mentality kicked into high gear against her. My daughter was helping someone else, that someone else listened to the other crooks there and the entire womens wing went against… her (all 54 of 'em), she is better off in jail at this point. My daughter has the kindest attitude and will not be able to recover here.....this was only after being there for a week. Hopefully, I will be able to update this review once the counselors are non-bias.

I am a proud member of the Phoenix House LIC in NYC and am looking forward to visiting the Florida Campus. I believe in the person centered treatment as I have seen the power this type of treatment can have on an… individual who suffers from the affliction of addiction. I met many individuals with different substance use disorders but all share in the same spirit of suffering without any support, until they are treated with compassion, dignity and respect.

There's not much to write other than (thank you) I received what I needed (time away) to create a foundation. Ms.Evon,Ms T, Ms Wanda,and Mr Dom. Thank you for encouraging and supporting me. (Truly caring) some going… above and beyond!!!! Greatly appreciated!!!! Ms.Bailey....she does her best....it's sad the over haul of people (clients) and lack of staff.....then the higher ups put the pressure on staff...meet criteria!!!! Make it all look good!!!!...pretty unfair in my opinion ...the care and compassion i didnt feel at all...I created a lot of bias opinions... due to the fact of being a prior client in 2017....so it could have been that....however, i was able to transfer...like i said I got what I needed time!!! To get me together...thank you for the experience....

This is a SCAM!!! They make the residents pay a set amount of money EVERY week if they work, but the Phoenix House wants them to label the funds as a DONATION( money order) The Phoenix House receives Government… funding…..This is a NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION supposedly but don’t really offer any assistance to prepare the individual for life after leaving the program. The workers mistreat the individuals who are there for help. They fed them old food (even though they make their residents sign up for SNAP benefits.) The residents doesn’t get to use any of their SNAP benefits but they can’t bring in food (the ones that work)from the outside either. You can send your loved ones cigarettes and clothes but you can’t send them healthy food. The rules of the program changes based on how the directors/officials in charge feel and not based off of the completion of the program plan. Don’t waste your time going to this place for help, it’s a PRISON!!

Mr experience was in 2007. This proram literally saved my life. I made lifelong friends. Where else can you go to really do the work of self reflection and recovery with support? We ate very well, we were able to… exercise, use a gym, and swim on certain days. I had some really amazing counselors. It set me up to start again. I left with a vehicle, a great job, and plenty of money saved. Mostly I gained many tools for recovery. Keep going. We can do hard things.

After 8 months of intensive treatment, self-reflection, and personal growth at Phoenix House, I am proud to say that I am ready for discharge. This journey has been one of the most challenging and transformative… experiences of my life. When I first walked through these doors, I carried the weight of addiction, pain, and uncertainty. Today, I leave with a sense of hope, resilience, and a solid foundation for a brighter future. Throughout my time here, I have gained invaluable tools to maintain my sobriety and rebuild my life. I’ve worked closely with counselors and peers, addressing the root causes of my addiction and learning healthier ways to cope with stress and triggers. Group therapy sessions have taught me the power of vulnerability and connection, while individual counseling has helped me rediscover my worth and clarify my goals. I am incredibly grateful for the support system at Phoenix House, from the dedicated staff who never gave up on me to the fellow residents who became like family. Their encouragement, accountability, and shared experiences have been instrumental in my recovery. It’s nice to know that staff and some very supportive clients helped me through the hardest days, now everyone look at me with pride, while my suitcase is a symbol of everything Im leaving behind. As i prepare to take my first steps into the world again, without Phoenix House to return to I reflect on how far I’ve come, the lessons i’ve learned, and the challenges that lie ahead I will take them head on. What a moment i’ve reached when I found the confidence to continue to fight for my sobriety , I’ll hold onto the strength I’ve built and gained. Now I have the courage and wisdom to navigate life outside the facility. As I prepare to re-enter the world, I feel confident in my ability to stay on the path of sobriety. I have a clear aftercare plan, including ongoing therapy and a support network to help me navigate life’s challenges. My time at Phoenix House has not just been about overcoming addiction but about rediscovering who I am and what I’m capable of. While I know there will be challenges ahead, I am leaving with a renewed sense of purpose and the tools to build a healthier, fulfilling life. This isn’t the end of my journey—it’s the beginning of a new chapter, and I am ready to face it with courage, gratitude, and determination. “Phoenix House provided me with the tools, support, and encouragement I needed to regain control of my life. Through their programs and compassionate guidance, I was able to build the confidence to face challenges without turning to substances. Their belief in me helped me believe in myself, and today, I feel stronger and more capable of staying sober than ever before.” “When I first came to Phoenix House, I had no idea what to expect and thought it would be so different—maybe stricter or less personal. But I quickly realized how much they genuinely care about the people they help. The support, understanding, and guidance I received not only changed my life but also brought healing to my family. Today, my family and I are so grateful for everything Phoenix House has done to help me on my journey to recovery and to restore hope in our lives.” “I am so grateful for Phoenix House that words cannot fully express the depth of my gratitude and appreciation. They have given me the tools and support to rebuild my life, and the impact they’ve had on me will always be a part of who I am. As I move forward into my future, I will carry their lessons, guidance, and the strength they helped me discover within myself.”

I have been a client at the Phoenix House for several months. While here, i have witnessed gang violence and other such acts of hostility. A client was cornered in a bathroom by four gang members who beat him with a… chain. A nurse was fired for providing controlled substances to a client, who in turn distributed them through the patient community for profit. There has since been minimal, if any, medical staff on duty to address even the most minor health concerns. Another staff member established an intimate relationship with a client. As a result, she became pregnant and was dismissed. Numerous counselors have quit without notice, including the Director of Operations. The facility is run by clients who are inmates seeking a deferred prison sentence. Anticipate a narrow range of expectations upon coming to the Phoenix House. The rules/guidelines change daily pending the agenda of the staff members involved. The success rate is low. The ratio of those who leave to those who graduate, heavily favors the former

Worst recovery center in Florida anything is better than this facility!!! My wife did hard time there no recovery just jail.. They feed her just enough so she wouldn’t starve to death, and they didn’t allow you to send… food so they could buy very overpriced items out of their vending machines… Which is ironic because you can send cigarettes, clothing, personal hygiene, and even razors but you can’t send them non perishable food!! Then the mail is even worse it’s been several occasions where I sent mail and it wasn’t received by her the tracking number says it was delivered but she didn’t receive it. I tried calling for days on end all extensions go to the voicemail and all the voicemails are full of messages so you can’t even leave a message!!! There is no way to get in contact with anyone in the facility it’s a scam to get state funds at our loved one expense all around terrible experience for you and your loved one incarcerated in this prison!!!!!!!

The Phoenix House is honestly the greatest! They not only are formidable in real life recovery, they are masterful at integrating you as a productive member of society. Rising from the ashes of defeat throughout my… journey within the Phoenix House has been marvelous & fantastic! My hopes are high, my endeavors are invigorating & my future is bright! I'm so excited to be sober & successful in my recovery. I have such great tools & a support system that is unmatched! Thank you to the Director Ms. Carr & the entire staff team, you guys have changed my life! Thank you Ms. Samantha, Ms. Jessica Ms. Taylor & the entire corporate family! You guys are absolutely marvelous! & it's peoples like you that keep the Phoenix House one of the greatest if not the greatest recovery program in the United States, the UK & hopefully many more countries. I absolutely love guys! The recovery you have provided me has been life changing! Your lavish facility, superior methods, supreme staff & overall well calculated, methodical, meticulous process is unmatched & unprecedented! Thank you to the Citra Florida Phoenix House! You have been blessings & miracles in my life.