ARE YOU WANTING CHANGE? ARE YOU SCARED? ARE YOU STRUGGLING? I said yes to all.... I am now grateful for a group of people striving towards a common goal. 1st steps staff are not career driven, they are purpose driven. Purpose of saving lives one gathering at a time , one class at a time, and most importantly one heartfelt relatable story at a time. The first step into their front door started with a warm welcoming followed with the staff working with my schedule, allowing me to continue being productive, not tampering with my emotional state creating additional triggers. They are solution based! As a lost soul, drinking as an alcoholic for 31 years, while attempting various programs, destroying relationships, and needing change... Finally something worked!!!! The notable staff..... Kim, a friend, a mentor, a leader, a hand out for help, a genius, a warm heart, has been an element of the glue that has kept me stuck in sobriety. My wife looks forward to her words of encouragement and wisdom. Kim I respect tremendously, I'm so happy she has been placed in my life. Sue, soft composition and passion for spirituality helped me grow. Accepting progress not perfection, her way of asking for one to share always allowed the emotional poison to be released. She helped me see my existence, moving in the direction of realization "I am somebody". Mathew, a brother from another mother. Exactly that! A brother to keep it real, provide a share of reality. Things people/I need to hear, helps with my reality check. He encourages the embracement of the situation, and it works.Colleen, respectfully intelligent, well spoken, and dedicated to the topic at hand. The respect she shows, the respect she gets, the respect of education made me sit down and listen. Her flawless presentations were always engaging. She helped/helps my marriage succeed. This is the place to be, to help with a needed Life Change.... The people of First Steps have helped change my life in a positive direction.. The sessions were ways to "Wet my Whistle" for various other avenues and supportive groups to maintain and cope with what comes along with sobriety. I can truly say I love these people. They have been put on this earth for you, you right there reading this!! Make the step, make the 1st step...... You want what we have, than get started, don't wait... I love this place, if asked I'd be honored to share with the world and be their spokes person.... If it worked for me it will work for you. Forever grateful, Brian G read more

Sam the counselor oversteps her boundaries and HIPAA. I have filed a complaint with my insurance and CCAAP

my care sucked the staff at detox was more interested in playing horseshoes then helping the program is way over crowded some of the 7 day detox patients were in detox for 14 days or more no room just like all recovery in Fresno all about the money now 130 residents at 1000.00 dollars a day don't waste your time going here read more

You will get help from the facilitators and the patient advocates (Derrick). The team has potential to help you but you have to be serious about your own recovery and don't think you can magically heal by just being there. read more

I'm going to be completely honest here, First Steps has changed my life in the best possible way. I was so unsure of coming here for help, or that anyone or any program could help me in my addiction. But, the incredible staff showed me that help is out there and recovery is possible. From the case managers who will fight for your success in the program (Connor is fantastic), the 5-star chef who literally cooked some of the BEST meals I have had in my life (Chef Darryn, you deserve a Michelin star), the group facilitators who are giving us the tools to remain sober for the long-term (huge shout out to Luis, Juan, Amanda, Jen and Eric!), the drivers who are always there to listen and support (Brittany, Tanya, Rigo, Kyle, and Jacob), to the attentive & thoughtful inpatient techs who are there for your every need (Ash, Francisco, David, Ashlan and Jessica really went above & beyond... you guys are truly Amazing) and the therapists who will get to the route of your addiction and provide you a path to move forward (Alex and Enrique are wonderful). I cannot sing enough praises for the staff at First Steps, who have made the incredibly difficult process of getting and STAYING sober, just a little bit easier through their unwavering love and support. If you are at your rock bottom or have just reached a time in your life when you've realized your addiction is no longer serving you... do not hesitate, do not talk yourself out of it... call First Steps and get yourself into their program. You will not regret it. Lastly, above all else, I have to give the BIGGEST, most profound shout-out to my case manager Sara. I feel so blessed to have been assigned her in outpatient. She is one of the most positive, giving, supportive, thoughtful and caring humans I have ever met. She gives tough love and she is a passionate advocate for all of her clients. If you find yourself in the program, ask for Sara!!! read more

I'm so grateful for the support, guidance, and genuine growth I've experienced here. The team and my fellow clients have truly changed my life in ways other recovery centers never could. Highly recommend First Steps Recovery to anyone ready for real change. read more

First steps is suppose to be confidential and putting someone in there care only made a mess . This person only had me and now someone will have to be responsible for letting this happen I am being pulled in to things that I have no business being in and manipulation took place but I'm humiliated especially when they are sitting next to the patient shes there to be treated I will make sure I'm heard and this stress makes me sick ,and being harassed at night knowing I'm alone. Yes great place to go to! No star read more

where I was was nothing like this. scary they can portray their facility like this. stay away from them. secretive, lying and techs who i am not sure are really licensed couldn't take photos as the confiscated my phone and compute Without my being told it would happe. When I got there I said I would stay overnight to decide if I would sta. Waited 4 hours for my clothes then found out they didn't just check out my clothes they washed them and dried them w/o permission. much more to say but will talk with my Financial institution read more

This place doesn't care about their clients or their staff! They have staff members that leave their phones out and let the clients use it and contact them after they leave treatment. They lie about outings and the food is always gross. Staff talks about the clients right in front of them, they lie about helping clients, they lie about medications clients take. They hire people who don't have any clue what they are doing, the management treats their employees like trash! The staff have broken down in front of clients because of management. Over all this place doesn't care about helping clients they would rather they leave the facility and come back again and again so they can collect their money. They also have their staff make fake yelp reviews to boost their reviews. read more

Upon arrival at first steps recovery at 8:30 PM I was not greeted professionally my husband and I were greeted by a driver that was there named Terrell he was very quiet we really didn't even know where we were we weren't sure if we were the right building I then was driven up to the detox house and was so scared. Although getting to know the driver after a few weeks seeing him deliver patients he was a very sweet person but honestly they should have female drivers transporting females. And because there wasn't room in the Womens house I had to stay three nights in the men's house which upon arrival was extremely scary once I was there everything was safe and secure. After detox I was moved to a women's home which was extremely small, no physical or health and wealth wellness activities, high sugar carbohydrate foods, and not the house pictured in the ad which I think was very much false advertisement. The residential women's house frequently ran out of the basics foil paper towels etc. the house was surrounded by dirt and gravel and there was no place one could go to exercise meditate or do yoga besides out by a very small pool in the backyard. There was no organized exercise Health and wellness which I believe on a daily basis would help with withdrawal so much more than sitting around and watching TV in between classes and allowing the clients to watch whatever they want on the TV. Some of the Netflix shows that were watched up there were violent, drug associated, sodomy and rape in these programs and I don't believe that something that should be watched well one is in recovery. TV should be limited to maybe one or two hours a night and programming should definitely be supervised by the facility. They offered one outing the entire time I was there and that was horseback riding which was a nice experience. They only offered one day of mindfulness, yoga, as a group but the house was so small that the distractions were heavy and it was very hard to concentrate or relax. The massage person they had up there was fabulous she did a great job. The house that staff was mainly professional and very kind and loving the only negative thing I have to say about the residential staff is that they should smoke on their own time and not with clients because it's not professional in my eyes. Sam, Jacob,jazz, Gracie, Aaliyah, shawna Were absolutely fabulous! our group facilitator Jasmine who was new was extremely professional her groups ran smoothly and rarely did we get off task. Jaun was a awesome facilitator and very professional. Matt could work on his delivery to females especially. In regards to family..... my family was not kept in the loop on a daily basis and my husband was not updated as to the daily schedule that I was on at the Womens house although I did talk to him three times a week it was only for 15 minutes each time which left no time to discuss what I was really doing up there but more discuss how much we miss each other and daily living's at my home. My husband and Daughter were not happy that they did not get daily updates or at least every other day updates on what I was actually doing while I was in the women's home and how I was doing. My family only heard once for my case manager Melissa. The miscommunication in this company is grossly prevalent. I would not recommend this particular facility. I did not know my discharge plan until about a day or two before my discharge, and I thought my discharge was going to be Wednesday the eighth and I was told 24 hours before my discharge that I had to go on my insurance was up. This company up at the residential treatment seems like it's running on a shoestring budget. I wish it had been a better experience. read more

Our alcoholic loved one has been through multiple rehab programs and First Steps Recovery is one of the best! They understand that addiction is a family disease, and they work with both the client and the family to help them reach sobriety and serenity. Tracy, the Intake Coordinator responded quickly to our call, and was understanding, prompt and professional while helping us navigate insurance, and placement decisions. Within a few hours of our initial contact our son was receiving the help he needed. Mike, the Clinical Operations Director, maintained communication with our family, and was patient and compassionate while helping us make decisions that would lead our family to sobriety and serenity. Continuing support groups are available for clients, alumni and families. We highly recommend this program, and have already referred friends. read more

The decision to choose to end the cycle of addiction starts with just that a choice and it usually isn't made with any real plan in mind except you can't keep doing what you've been doing because it leads to nowhere but pain suffering and jail or death. You are blessed if you give yourself the opportunity to end up in a recovery facility. I on my 4th time around was desperate enough and sick enough that I hit rock bottom for me.Thank God I landed on the doorstep of First Steps. Yes it's rehab yes it's hard but it's supposed to be. You didn't ruin your life over substances overnight and the road to recovery is slow and long. There is no magic pill and detoxing will not solve your problems, but if you give yourself a chance a real chance to to learn how to sit in your feelings and explore the ideas of self love and acceptance you are on the right path. First steps and it's staff is by far the most amazing group of people I've ever asked for help from. The inpatient techs are real and care. The doctor is concerned and listens and the counseling staff therapists and counselors alike both inpatient and outpatient are lifesavers. There is no way to describe how much this place helped me but more than that the continued support and relationships are real and positive. I am now 9 1/2 months sober and was just hired to be a drug and alcohol counselor at a local prison. My life isn't perfect but my worst day sober is better than my best day high. I've taken the suggestions and the blessings and healing are happening. Thank you First Steps for saving my life. I'd like to thank Nate, Gloria, Katy, Greg, Monika, and Amy. Along with all the techs and others who helped me on my journey. I specifically want to acknowledge a man named Mike. If you take the opportunity to get help at First Steps inpatient you will meet him maybe at intake maybe as a counselor or maybe in passing. He isn't warm and cuddly, he can be intimidating and appear unfriendly but if you want to recover listen to him. He's real, it's what you need to hear, and if you internalize it will lead to nothing less than a spiritual awakening. I hope I'm half the counselor he is. One addict helping another has no parallel. Take a chance, change your life, and then give what you learned away to the next guy take that chance at First Steps Recovery. You can do it one day at a time read more

I recommend this program to anyone who is ready to make a change for the better. If your reading this call now, it will be one of the best decisions of your life. read more

I was luck to find this program and better my self I took a lot from here even tho my stay was short the staff where welcoming and made your stay comfortable the groups where pretty interesting and understandable I was never a person to open up about my self and speak about my true pain but here they helped me fight and move forward from my addiction. thank you for helping me know a better life with out drugs and alcohol read more

Last week I finished my contract with First Steps Recovery Fresno, CA. It was an absolute pleasure to partner with this amazing group of people who work hard every day towards making sure our community has a high quality of care for their clients suffering with drug and alcohol addiction. The owner's have a true passion for helping those with the desire to get sober. If someone you love struggles with addiction I recommend you utilize their toll free number 844.244.7837 and ask about their treatment placement program- you won't regret it. Thank you for the opportunity FSR! read more

This is an amazing recovery center for those that take sobriety seriously. I have been working at First Steps for 2 years and find that this company truly cares about clients. FSR consistently educates their employees with the latest updates,resources, policies and procedures needed to give the best quality service for the clients. If my child, family member or friend needed treatment, I would definitely recommend First Steps Recovery! read more

It is true that "you get out what you put in." To say that I was met half way is understating it! While I was the one that had to do the work I was supported every step of the way! And the family program was such a blessing for my mom and the friends who came. I am 18 months sober and I could not have done that - well I didn't do it for many years - without First Steps. read more

My brother attended First Steps this past summer and couldn't have nicer things to say about his time here or the staff he worked with. He doesn't really go online so I'm writing in support of the facility as having him there and having it be such a positive experience for him meant so much to my family. As the family member of an addict you become emotionally drained from living with an addict in your life and having the peace of mind that your loved one is finally not only safe but working hard for their sobriety in a supportive facility is priceless. My brother talked a lot about the good things at First Steps but I remember him mentioning the staff, the program itself, and the facilities as the things that made the biggest impact on his time there. He really connected with the staff there and felt that they genuinely cared for his wellbeing and that truly helped him continue on his path to sobriety. I think this is so important because many addicts feel like they are disappointments to those around them so having genuine support from people who understands their condition really means a lot. It also really helped him actually enjoy his time at the facility. He talked a lot about all of the things they got to do while at First Steps. Hiking, horseback riding, swimming, working out, cooking meals together. All healthy habits that may seem normal to you or I but are things that an addict forgets about. I think it's really important to be incorporate these types of things in a program because it shows the patients how much fun they can have living a normal life and it gives them things to be excited and motivated about. My brother talked about how nice the facility was. I think addicts a lot of the time live in pretty bad conditions whether it's there surroundings or even just in their heads but I do believe that the facility being so comfortable and high quality helped my brother forget about the harder times in his life and to be able to focus on the job of getting sober. Finally, I see someone else mentioned about not getting many calls, emails, or visits as they had hoped. When my brother first went to First Steps my family was definitely expecting more communication, but I honestly think it was good that they didn't update us on everything. As family members we tend to be so connected to our loved one's sobriety that it takes over our lives. It was good for my family to take a step back from it and get to work on healing our emotions than to be constantly thinking and worrying about what my brother was doing. I also wanted to mentioned that when my mom did call or email, she always received a response within a day or two, so the staff is available if you reach out. I can't speak first hand about First Steps as I wasn't a patient, but I wanted people to know the experience my brother had. I know how lost my family was when we found out my brother was in so much trouble with drugs, but that First Steps really helped us in our journey and made it more of a positive experience. My brother is just over 2 months sober which is an amazing feat for him. It may not sound like a lot but it's the longest he's been sober in the past 15 years. We take it day by day and hope that he continues on this path that First Steps helped to get him on. read more

I was honest On a question asked at intake. They rejected me when I know that over half the people lied about that question. So for being honest. Which is what you are supposed to do when seeking treatment I have to go out of town. This was the only local facility my insurance had a contract with. And now my 12 year old autistic son can't come visit and be a part of. This place is about money and doesn't care at all about some ones life. And it is life or death when you can't stay clean no matter how hard you try. Unless you have no choice stay away. When cash is more important than life there is an issue. read more

First steps is a very professional facility. Great counselors and staff. They really care about their clients and their future.

First Steps is a great way to get the tools it takes to achieve your recovery to sobriety. Everyone from the techs, case managers, counselors, to the Directors help each individual as it applies to them to get the tools it takes to achieve their recovery. I was a walking wreckage before I decided I needed help. First Steps gave me That second chance I needed in my life to achieve the recovery from my addiction. A work in progress I will always be but I know now to live my life without feeding my addiction everyday of my life. I now have a purpose to achieve and fulfill. I highly reccomend First Steps to anyone who is looking for that second chance to get their life back into their hands and to live accordingly. Thank you First Steps read more

I attended First Steps Recovery program and I couldn't have been more pleased. They helped me get sober, helped my family heal, and gave me hope and peace. The staff is top notch and truly care for its clients. Thank you so much! read more

For the love of God, do not go to this facility! Bravo to First steps for their very misleading advertisements of "medically managed" detox, "wilderness therapy, equine, art and music therapy". Puhlease! Will keep this short and sweet, but will go over some of the most important highlights, especially when deciding a residential treatment center for yourself or a loved one. 1. Medically managed detox"- LIE!!! On one site they state they have RN's and MD's on site, this is absolutely false! They employ one LVN, who is responsible for admin work only. I have never seen her even take a set of vital signs on one single patient, let alone give them the time of day! There is one ARNP that prescribes the medications but only comes around ONCE A WEEK! So here is what you will be left with: untrained "med techs" that hold no professional license and a majority of them being prior patient's themselves with little sobriety time under their belts. Granted, these are sweet kids, but when you are 30-45 minutes away from the nearest medical facility, do you want nice or do you want a licensed professional that can spot signs and symptoms of possible complications from medical withdrawl? I.e. seizures, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest are just a few of the real complications of detox. 2. "Wilderness therapy"- Um, yeah taking a bus to a city park full of goose and duck poop was about the extent of wilderness I experienced while there. Equine therapy consisted of 30 minutes max on an old horse on the grounds of a horse farm. The only art I did was cut out pictures and words from a magazine and paste them onto a piece of construction paper. Yeah, just like in preschool. I have no idea what they are referring to in regards to their "music therapy program" unless it's the one out of tune guitar they have out in the living room in one of their houses. Granted, the houses are very nice and clean, and Bobby the chef is amazing! Overall the staff are friendly but the organization of the administration, safety of the detox program and misleading advertisement of what is routinely offered in their treatment program make me question how they are allowed to even be open for business! read more

Dedicated team that will do everything it can to help you or your loved one long term sobriety

unbelievable poor communication with family members. ( I have a long story but thought I would shorten it up for you) I had a loved one placed in this center. I was promised daily phone calls, weekly visits, daily follow-up calls from staff. All were non-existent! I understand the place is new and in the start-up phase but they really need to get their act together! The presiding doctor that has his name tied to the business, saw my loved one and My loved one told me, "he was a total jerk, he did not want to go through all my meds and deal with me because it would take to long and it was getting late" My last pet peeve would be the people working here are all new and very young. Experience is important! and I am referring to experience as in JOB EXPERIENCE not drug use experience! 99% of the staff including the facility administrator are past drug users!! If you are not concerned by now, you truly should be! These comments are from my personal, first hand experience dealing with these people, I will not say anything bad about the facility or defame them, I am simply stating facts based on what I had personal, first hand exposure to. Do yourself a favor and look into other treatment facilities in your local area and do you your homework!! get the facts upfront and get all the promises made to you in writing! Best wishes! read more

I am in my 5th month of therapy at First Steps Recovery and I have a good idea of how this facility operates on both an in-patient and out-patient basis. My experiences make me qualified to provide an objective review from a very personal perspective. In late January 2016 I was admitted into the facility after developing a substance abuse problem with opiates, benzodiazepines and alcohol. My situation was complicated by a le fort 3 head injury incurred in July of 2013 and my substance abuse was born from the resulting emotional and physical pain. I was not an ideal patient in the beginning. I was reluctant and resentful and hated being away from my home and family. I was with strangers in a strange place and I wanted to be home so being institutionalize felt like betrayal and not what I thought I needed. My first 14 days at FSR were brutal as I battled protocols and nitpicked every inconsistency I could find, but what surprised me was that they listened, they cared and they made changes. With that they earned my trust and won my affection. I completed my first 30 days of residential treatment in February and I'm now in my 4th month of out-patient therapy. I spend about 9 hours a week in individual, group and couples therapy with my wife. I come and go as I please and I raid the pantry and frig as if they are my own, but best of all I made a connection with the staff and administration that I'm sure will result in life long friendships. I've never been to rehab before so I am not sure how other patients feel about their rehab experience. Mine started as frightful and is ending as grateful. I am very happy to write this review First Steps Recovery because it gives me a chance to be thankful for what they have done for me and my family. Thank you FSR for giving me my life back. read more

This recovery program is awesome! The staff is very knowledgeable, and caring. The activities are fun, and there is a lot of visitation time for families. The houses are beautiful and the food is great. Although I was in rehab, it was a wonderful, life saving experience!! read more

My youngest child needed help. He'd been to another rehab two years earlier and was doing well for a while. He decided to get help locally and First Step Recovery was recommended for their one on one and their outdoor activities. They go to Clovis to the gym 4 times a week, do yoga, and go out as a group to movies once a week or so. So not only are they in meetings and receiving counseling but they are doing things together too. They are not separated and feel alone. Last time he was 3 hours away from us and felt left out of family communication and the public. This way he's 1 hour from us and doing things to keep busy as he repairs and makes himself stronger. I'll keep you posted on his recovery in 30 days. So far I love their family atmosphere and their small group of 6. read more

This is such a great place to go, the location is close to the Central Valley but far enough away for the change in scenery that is needed to help get through this time in your life. Their scheduled program is great and all around just a trustworthy helping hand. read more

This was my third rehab in 10 years. I realized when i got there that they were just six months old. There was turn over in staff and some miscommunication between staff and clients. If this is your first time in a residential rehab you will find it good. Compared with others I attended the facility was good for 6 clients, the food OK. The chef is a line cook, not a chef. You have to complain to get vegetables with your meals, he fixed a protein and a starch for dinner and if you wanted a salad or veggie you had to make it yourself. Also, rice is almost a daily starch. They claim to be a non-12 step program but the workbook and two of the three counselors push 12 step in almost every session. Also you are required to attend one 12 step meeting a week. The therapist are professional and good for first timers. Don't expect to get a lot of discussion on why you feel or wrote what you did if this is not your first time. You go around the group and say what you wrote and then they go to the next person without peeling back the onion to find out why you wrote what you did. The owner is a very patient person and compassionate. The house staff is a work in progress. The house manager is sweet but inexperienced in handling clients. Perhaps they have gotten better by this time. The things I was most disappointed in is: they talk about Yosemite National, don't expect to see it, the horseback riding is walking a horse in a pasture, the chef is not a true chef and leaves at 3PM and dinner is heated up by a guest or sometimes by the evening staff, program content is basic but good for first or second timers,house needs to be cleaned professionally not by staff as they are young and do shortcuts. I give them a B- Past client read more

I suffered with active addiction for 15 years with a year or two as a dry addict-wanting the drug and alcohol but just white knuckling it and my addiction was just sleeping gaining muscle mass ... it hit me again after a loss in my family and I had no clue how bad I had gotten until I almost died from it several times. I spent 93 days at first steps and they saved my life! I have read the reviews about rude techs and staff and limited calls to home.. let me help you understand. As addicts we are used to getting things our way...we manipulate people and things around us until we do, we take hostages during our addiction-our families and its fine if you want to deny this but ask your families that first! Limiting the calls provides time for you to detox first...your body and mind are in complete turmoil .(. and let me add this .. the Drs and staff are wonderful and make this part of your treatment as pain free physically and emotionally as possible with 24 hour staff checking you every thirty minutes around the clock! ) the not calling home allow you to detox and adjust to the home which by the way is a 800,000 home-a mansion your cooked for by a chef and you are given a wake up call about addiction and it being time to face the facts about how it has you by the throat...if you want to recover go to first steps now with a open mind and heart...stop making excuses for the addiction....the only reason is because it is cunning and deadly and its only reason to exist IS TO KILL US. NOW FIGHT IT OR IT WILL KILL YOU....I for the first time have almost four months sober . First steps recovery fights on the same level addiction when they need to...addiction makes us live rough lives some us homeless and other steal and sale our selves . It sometimes takes a little rude awakening to pull our high heads out of our self centered butts....stop committing slow suicide and choose to live..call First steps today...go drunk go high if u need to .. I did but I left clean and very educated , happy and able to deal with the issues that lead me to using drugs and alcohol to change the way I felt --- scared and depressed.....and thank God Im still clean and sober today ! Michelle B-S read more

I have nothing but love for First Steps! I was an inpatient and I'm a part of their outpatient program. The staff, counselors, and therapist made me feel right at home. I'm so thankful for First steps and consider them family. If you or a loved one have a problem with addiction just know you don't have to do it alone and that's the best feeling I've received from this program read more

They charge $1500.00 for just a consultation. No Doctor who charges this much cares about people!