Covid restrictions aside, New Bridge was a great experience for me. The counselors I worked with (Jose and Brenna) were by far the best for the job; caring, compassionate, straight forward and understanding. Due to covid, a lot of their regular activities came to a halt, but the facility did their best to accommodate clients so we could talk to family and get out to see the rest of the world. I can only speak on the Helios program which I was in for 30 days. Recovery is one of the hardest things that I will have to work on and New Bridge helped me build a strong foundation to get me started. The real work begins once you get out into the real world and face daily life on "its" terms. A lot of the group therapy meetings I did in NB is helping me develop a productive path towards a new lifestyle. There were some groups and facilitators I did not care for and rules that seemed a little far fetched, but as an addict, I welcomed the structure. The facility itself was beautiful, and the food was average. If you're willing to do the work and keep an open mind, I highly recommend New Bridge read more

I didn't care for my time at New Bridge. The place is old and cold. Drafty windows and only a few bathrooms. I did get sober but had a lot of medical issues in which the nurses on duty have no medical training on. The nurses only know how to take blood pressure and temperatures and give out meds that's it. One nurse Miquel who isn't a very sympathetic person doesn't care about the people there and it shows. The food is horrible they tend to cook alot of fish and Asian vegetables. Alot of people bring their own food to eat. If your spending good money to go to this place you would think they would have better food. A more rounded menu. This place isn't good for handicap people because it's not ADA . Lots of stairs. There was one nurse who was awesome there, his name was Feral not sure on the spelling but thats how his name sounds. He was the night nurse and he really cared and loved to talked. I won't miss this place and this wasn't my choice to go to. Kaiser made me go to this place. Just do your homework before jumping into any rehab. read more

oNew Bridge Yelp Review sent to the New Bridge Foundation in 2017-2021 by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This stay was very traumatic. First off I was sexually assaulted multiple times at the direction of the staff. Multiple times while I was living at Aisha house my medication that I kept in my drawers were switched. At night I would take them and I was assaulted multiple times. On one occasion I remember being passed out, more like paralyzed. I remember my face being held into a pillow while being r@ped. I can still remember the pain till this day. After this, the head counselor at the time Richard was making fun of me in group laughing indirectly saying that it was one of the roommates at Aisha house at the time Ricky. Ricky was one of the Federal Clients. In the Bridge One Program people who are facing serious Federal time undergo "Behavioral Modifications". The experience I had made me realize the extent to which the Federal Government holds control and the 'keys to freedom' for these people. I can only image what else goes on behind closed doors. This program can only be described as government experimentation and exploitation and all the staff are complicit. Bridge One follows a cult like format in which everyone refers to each other as "family" like Manson or something And they have to be completely obedient and submissive to all the staffs desires. In addition to this I had been fighting the VA for my pension and disability at this time. Whenever I went to the VA after these assaults, they would just write me off, Strange. None the less, I would not suggest going here at all. Especially if it's on the governments dime in someway. In sharing my experience, hopefully others that I know are also being exploited at this very moment feel safe enough to come forward. YOU KNOW WHO I AM. -Tyrone read more

New bridge and it's counselors are excellent. It's an awesome place to gain tools you need if your an addict or alcoholic, to gain sobriety. I highly recommend attending if you want to change your life. Come become part of the family read more

I urge anyone who is looking at this facility as a potential program choice to rapidly reconsider. This review is also for the families of those struggling with addiction or seeking help for your loved one. I am a former client of New Bridge Foundation and currently have over two years clean and sober. However, when honestly looking back on my experience at New Bridge, attending this rehab caused a significant regression in my recovery. The truth is, I gained little to nothing of value for my recovery during my time here. I wish I had done more research on this business, its reputation, and their attack therapy/behavior modification model before choosing to go. As to not sound like an unhinged review, I won't go into all the morally questionable, controversial, and borderline mentally abusive practices I experienced as a New Bridge client, but I assure you that there were many. I understand that completion of this program serves as an attractive alternative for prison time for the many court ordered felons that end up there, but for those who are struggling with alcoholism or an adjacent substance abuse disorder, I can't stress enough the importance of seeking help elsewhere. Yes, New Bridge is a gorgeous looking facility and for that reason, I will give just one star (which is, in my opinion, a bit generous for what this place deserves). Be safe and best of luck on your journey! read more

My counselor Rachel was my ONLY saving grace besides my Higher power whom I choose to call GOD!!! Rachel was hard working and empathetic... Food and amenities are NOT conducive for recovery in my humble opinion...read further reviews below and please if you're looking for a good rehab DO NOT SEND YOUR LOVE ONE to this place read more

I was an opiate addict for close to 15 years and had been through 7+ rehabs over that time frame (sadly I lost count). However I can honestly say that New Bridge changed my life. New Bridge consists of 2 separate programs. Helios, the 3 month and less program, and Bridge 1 the longer and more structured program. I attended Helios, so I can only speak to that program. Having been in and out of so many rehabs I consider myself an expert in the subject. Helios is by the far the best program I've ever attended. The staff there is incredible, several being ex-addicts themselves who genuinely care and understand your struggles. (Shout out to Tom, who legitimately saved my life, and reminded me that I have a life worth living) The program is structured into groups that you attend throughout the day dealing in a wide range of activities and topics to help you stay sober. The groups are excellent. On weekends there are less groups, and more down time which is nice. The grounds themselves are absolutely gorgeous. You will be staying in an enormous mansion once owned by the Hurst family in Berkeley. The rooms are nice as well as the showers and bath areas. You will be roomed with 1 or 2 other people (I've been in rehabs where you are roomed with 8+ people so this is a good thing) and I believe if you pay extra you can have a single room. The food is not bad at all, all made in house by actual chefs. If you or your loved one is detoxing, and needs to go through a proper detox, New Bridge assists with that too. As with anything, in rehab you get entirely what you put out. If you do the work, and maintain the tools, anyone can succeed. I entered treatment 12/14/2021, and have been sober since. read more

This place is not conducive to the growth and recovery of those who are fighting drug abuse snd on medical insurance. A huge lack of equality considering they house non medical patients in a different environment. They put women in homes where they are outnumbered by men. They also do not take safety seriously and let violent threats slip under the rug. So many red flags. And such an emotional rollercoaster for their patients and families supporting them. This is a very dark place that needs some MAJOR revamping. read more

I was at New Bridge in 2005, been sober for 16 years now. I told them I didn't want to do the steps while I was there, or get a sponsor. But after my treatment there ended, I went six months and finally tried meetings, steps and a sponsor. That place had kind counselors, my personal counselor has been retired a long time, but he didn't pull any punches with honesty, but he was a tough but kind counselor. I don't know if rehab works for anyone else, I was ready to quit and scared when I signed up for New Bridge. I'm glad I did. At family night, I became friends with my mom for the first time. I went back to speak a few years ago, and I remember the feeling that nobody wanted to be there. But I'm still sober, I'd like to think I got a foundation there. read more

Or remember the time I couldn't wear my own cotton clothing until I had a full-blown dermatological full-body skin rash of psoriasis, despite what I'd related to the staff? I had to attend an emergency visit to Highland Hospital to get a doctor's note saying that my full body psoriasis was due to the wretched clothing you required us to wear from the trailer. Meanwhile, Holly threw out over $3,000 of clothing to the dumpster that you would not let me keep. Also, people with severe conditions cannot bathe every day, especially elderly, which you also enforced me to do against medical advice. Obtaining the requisite medical advice was nearly impossible in the way the system is set up, and you have to be dire (like I was and was taken away by ambulance) or pass out (like I did) in order to get medical attention. read more

As a gay patient at this facility I felt that I had been bullied by other residents and that staff had been entirely unresponsive to my complaints. The tone had been set early on when at a Narcotics Anonymous Hospitals & Institutions meeting at the facility the lead speaker had stated that it was his impression of 12 step recovery meetings that they were "just a bunch of homosexuals" who wanted to grab his ass. I felt like I was targeted by by the staff after having complained about the blatant homophobia displayed in that meeting. The administration is very adept in the art of gaslighting and responding to any criticism by making counter-accusations of "negativity" and being insufficiently committed to one's own recovery. This is also a terrible facility for any patients with mobility problems as it is an older (pre-ADA) building with multiple stories and no lift. There are known and obvious tripping hazards in the music room where most of the groups are held. The Helios facility does not have an AED so good luck to you if you are having a heart attack in that facility and have to rely upon the nurse on duty there. It's also a awful facility to be placed in if you are a nonsmoker as the cigarette smoke from the deck pervades the entire facility and is pretty inescapable. It was a pretty toxic place to try to recover. Anyone who leaves there and is able to stay clean has done so in spite of, rather than because of, a Newbridge. read more

In my opinion, based on my observations and personal experience as a parent of a recovering former inpatient, there is no finer substance abuse treatment facility in the Bay Area. Empathetic intake staff, knowledgeable, professional counselors, the quality of sincere, serious care and attention given to inpatients are all remarkable. I found the programs and counseling to be meaningful to both inpatients and families, judging from attendance and engaged participation at the weekly family meetings, visiting days, and one-on-one counseling sessions. Treatment and recovery are not a walk in the park, so when my son wanted to leave after 2 weeks, stuck it out for 30 days, then asked to extend to 60 days, I took it as a testament to his commitment to recovery and the excellent treatment and guidance he received. read more

My son has almost died; many times. There seems to be serious problems with either communication or empathy with the Admissions people or both! I have tried and tried to get Jessica and the director of Admissions who is Brian to email me back and call me back but oddly they don't seem to want our $45 thousand bucks. Yes that is what it costs private pay. And our payee already got in contact with their financial person. They made sure of that! My son has been in and out of jail and when he is out he gets found passed out on the pavement. This last time he was in the ER hospital 6 times in 2 days and even ended up on the cardiac heart unit! I was willing to drive him there for an intake but the calls were not returned. Oddly Brian called my brother/my Son's uncle over the weekend when he would not call me or email me back during emergency life threatening times DURING THE WEEK. Then my son ended up in a drug induced delusional state so was put in a psych hospital two separate times. Brian said he has mental health problems obviously! So, should be in a mental health program. I get the feeling they want people with slight drug problems who are easy to fix. My son would be too much for them I guess. Now he got put back in jail and Brian does not want our $45K I guess. He did not listen to me when I told him my son was not able to do a phone interview in the psych hospital and did it anyway. I told him to leave him alone. That my son was hallucinating from doing every drug possible. He was put on a 2 week hold. I think that is not ok to judge someone by a phone interview during a drug psychosis and why would a drug rehab not understand this? Very odd. So, now they say he has to have an in-person interview but he is in jail and in jail an hour and half away from Berkley where New Bridge is located. Brian said they will let him out on an OR and I did not even know what that meant. But apparently he felt that the jail would let him come up for an interview. The attorney said they do not let inmates out to go to interviews. This rehab has no interest in saving my son's life. I suspect that the admissions dept is dropping the ball. I suspect the director would not be happy to be loosing $45K with a private pay client. My mom's friend's son was helped here years ago but I have a feeling things have changed since then. I am beyond my limit of stress and having to beg someone to talk to me and help is not ok. This has been a very bad experience trying to get help. I thought this would be my son's last chance to stay alive! I don't think they take peoples lives seriously. Which is odd. read more

New Bridge Saved my life. I can't thank the staff enough for their hard work and their belief in the program and in us and wanting us to succeed. It is a tuff program but very rewarding I don't know where I would be without my family at New Bridge. The Counselors care and I felt welcomed from the moment I walked in. The Director Wojtek is an incredible human being who is passionate about his job and cares to change lives one person at a time and it showed. All the attention they give to each individual person and the consistency and the way the program is set up to work has been designed by staff that know what it takes to recover and what tools are needed I can't say enough about New Bridge and how great full I am to everyone that was there for me and helped me on my way to recovery. It changed my life for ever and made me a better person for it. Thank you !!!!!! read more

First and foremost.. I'm sure the intentions of Newbridge are positive. However I cannot say the same about how the COUNSELORS run the program. HOLLY WEBB.. A counselor at Newbridge.. Has told me, 'quote' - "I don't care about what goes on with my clients outside of this place.. I only care about what goes on within. I've seen clients walk out of here hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt and they're just fine." So what I'm understanding is they only care about their paying clients while they're in and after they're out and not paying anymore they don't care?? HOLLY WEBB has said that to me multiple times. When I mean multiple I mean more than once. Not only has she said that, she never returns phone calls nor does she not give updates to her client/s family and friends on any progress made. Having a loved one enrolled in Newbridge and handling his/her finances while they're recovering, I would imagine the 'COUNSELORS' would care about their clients overall well being. Especially if it's in regards to personal finances! How is it responsible for them to let their clients go into debt while in rehabilitation? Do you think getting out of Newbridge with a ton of debt would positively impact their clients lives? Again I'm sure the CEO, the directors, and most others mean well for their clients. But the experience I'm having with them is more than terrible. I would hope to see changes on how their program is ran. Or better qualified COUNSELORS that actually want to help and not just sit there and collect pay checks. For all future clients.. Feel free to contact me on any questions you may have on how my experience has been thus far dealing with Newbridge. read more

Newbridge is amazing. The staff is great, knowledgeable and passionate about their jobs. The negative reviews are completely understandable, as many folks are at different places in their recovery and may have yet to reach an open-minded approach to recovery out of desperation, and that is ok. Once one has become willing to do whatever it takes for their recovery, it is easy to see the positive points of this program. I love this place and was able to accept and do the work suggested by my counselor which resulted in me having a strong, refreshed mind when I got out that helped me get on the road to the rest of my recovery in the right way.. thanks Newbridge! read more

Not a dual diagnosis as sold to by Kaiser. No single rooms as Kaiser is also under the impression. But the staff are kind. All except Eisha. Not sure what her position is but she lacks all sorts of professionalism and ethics. The staff try to take her side because they have to, but the residents pretty much hate her. Your job as a paid professional is not to try and bully any resident. Doesn't work. No one pays for that shit. New Bridge's standards drops way low having someone like that in a management position. The program can definitely use some work but its not the worse. Like I said, most of the staff at least for Helios are decent and show concern. Would I willingly go back, no. But was it completely awful, no. read more

This place has no good service! All they want is your money!! Other clients are rude and offensive, the staff were did not to help! I didn't feel comparable bc was very offensive and the staff did not to help the situation! Your suppose get help to be out down and offended! No good program at all!!!!!! read more

My son is alive today and in recovery for 11 years because of New Bridge. My son struggled with alcohol and marijuana abuse starting at age 15, went through a lot of rehab through HS and did fine for 1.5 years at a UC before withdrawing due to drug use. He refused to go in patient and failed miserably with the El Camino Hospital Outpatient program, ending up at Stanford psych ward where they don't know how to handle addiction. Then we found New Bridge. He spent 2.5 months in short term, refused to go to long term, so his brilliant Counselor, John Brewer made a deal with him. Deal was we'd support him in an SLE, but if it didn't work out, he'd enroll in the Long Term Program. He went missing from the SLE in the first week and was living in a park in Berkeley, when a young woman found him and instinctively brought him to New Bridge. He was hospitalized again and upon release agreed to enroll in the New Bridge Long Term Program. Our first impression when at orientation for the LT program was the stark difference between the confident joyful ones who were close to graduation and my drained, angry, withdrawn son. Would my son morph too? Unlike ST program where there is an outstanding weekly family Ed program and you see him weekly, in LT you do not visit. You let go and let New Bridge do their process. It's tough and disciplined, but addicts need that. The CBT used with AA and other tools works. Having a job is important. Doing the cleaning and helping with cooking is empowering. Working the phones to get community donations and knowing you are supporting the community is rewarding. Fast forward 6 months, out son gets a part time job in town and is given a pass to be away only for the job. At 11 months our son is promoted at the job and New Bridge allows him to move into an apartment with a few others in the LT program and transition to Intensive Outpatient. New Bridge keeps you closely connected and monitors you at each step back into the world. This continues for 15 months and my son takes classes at the CC. Then he goes back to his UC, tells them the truth about what happened and they admit him for the Fall. By this time he's been away 3 years from UC but they understand. New Bridge says OK but requires him to spend one afternoon and evening per week in their program. He arranges to do so. All goes well and during that first quarter back at the UC, New Bridge invites him to graduate. The ceremony was incredibly moving. All graduates speak. I still have the recording of our son. He ended up graduating with special honors from UC, then working in Berkeley and is now getting a PhD. It's been 11 years since we started at New Bridge and all is well. They are a non profit that created a very effective approach over 50 years. No other place in Bay Area has their depth of knowledge and experience. Staff is dedicated and very skilled. Thank you New Bridge for the gift of our son's life! read more

This program and the staff are top-notch. It is a very personalized program that allows individuals to focus on self-awareness. I'm extremely grateful to have had the chance to participate and begin my own healing process. Definitely not for those seeking an easy or pampered lifestyle. If you aren't willing to work for your recovery, you will not reap the benefits New Bridge has to offer, if you are, go and hang on for your life...literally! Laura J. read more

I've never been more grateful than to have found New Bridge, the place that saved my life. Every staff member is dedicated to helping you succeed and creating a safe space for you to recover from your addiction. I walked through their front doors broken and desperate. I had damaged all of my relationships and lost everyone's trust. I didn't think there was any chance that I would ever be able to get out of bed without getting high. At this point, I had nothing left to lose. So I did what was suggested, got vulnerable, and fought for my sobriety. Almost 7 years later and I never would have imagined that life could be so fulfilling. If it wasn't for New Bridge and their team of counselors, I would most certainly be dead. The rules may seem weird at first but they are there for a reason. Trust that it will work for you because it has to. read more

I can understand the multitude of negative reviews that New Bridge has gotten here. This is not a place you come to for fun. Or to relax, or get pampered, or to take a breather from the rigorous trials of active addiction. This is a RECOVERY program for DRUG ADDICTS. You come here to change your entire life, and it's not an easy process. I entered Bridge 1 (the long term program; at the time it was 1+ year to graduate, now I believe it is 6+ months) in 2005 as a condition of probation, with a mandate to complete 6 months of treatment (I later extended my contract for the opportunity to complete the full program). I was 21 years old and had no previous experience with recovery. I was on the START program, which meant that my mom paid out of pocket for treatment. I had skipped college due to my disease, so this was kind of like my college experience. I am exceedingly grateful for this. As of this writing, I have just celebrated 8 years clean (in a row, weekends included), and among others, I have New Bridge to thank. I addition to providing the tools I needed to start self-structuring my life with positive interactions with others and healthy behaviors, New Bridge introduced me to 12-step programs. New Bridge's core beliefs mirror the spiritual principles found in the 12-steps, and they often remind us that statistics favor those who regularly attend a 12-step fellowship after treatment when it comes to maintaining long-term recovery. As opposed to the short-term program at Bridge 2 (28 days usually, with other in- and out-patient services), the clients at Bridge 1 "run the house." Everybody has a job function, and when functioning properly (healthy interaction between clients and proactive group participation by the majority of the house), staff prefers to let the clients use the tools of the program to support each other. Staff regularly runs therapy and conflict resolution groups, and has a presence in the house at all times. At times when the house is functioning in an unhealthy manner, staff will step in to redirect the focus with consequences, though it is still up to the clients to become proactive participants in their own peer-support therapy. I said it already, but it bears repeating. This is NOT an easy program. The structure is often referred to as "behavior modification," though I don't know if this language is still current. There are rules. A million, unwritten rules that seem to change at random, and varying degrees of consequence. "What the hell? How am I supposed to deal with that?" you might ask. My experience is that most of us--especially those of us coming from institutions--become very adept at blending into the woodwork. The disease of addiction causes tremendous turmoil in our lives, but we still manage to hide it from others. With the New Bridge program being as it is, EVERYBODY will get "focus" during their treatment. It is impossible to finish the program without breaking rules or dealing with conflict among fellow clients. There are consequences attached to everything. It is said often in 12-step that we are "as sick as our secrets." What this process does is it illuminates the shadows of our diseased thinking and patterns of behavior that are self-destructive and isolating. Everything eventually comes out into the open, and we begin to see that we can live a life without secrets. We also learn how to be accountable for our actions, and how to interact with others in ways that aren't selfish and destructive. I give it four stars cause sometimes the food sucks, but after spending a total of 22 months learning how to live in the world with my disease, and building on that foundation for the next 6 years and counting, I have an amazing life and I can do about anything I want to do. Including going to 4-star restaurants (which i never did when I was using...). If you or someone you know is considering New Bridge as a foundation of recovery, just remember this: "It works if you work it." read more

It works. Period. This place is tough but if you're willing to do the work, its all worth it.

I'm sort of surprised by some of the extremely negative reviews of New Bridge. I know that it's a tough program, and it doesn't work for everyone, but my belief is that it has helped many, many people to deal with addiction. But I can only speak with authority on my own situation. My daughter recently went through the program and is now putting her life back together. It hasn't been easy. She entered New Bridge having tried just about every drug, and addicted to pot and Oxycontin. She hated the rigid structure, but came to understand that without it her life would whirr out of control. She fought with staff that she later came to trust and respect. At one point she even became disgusted enough to leave the program; she was back in two months, of her own choosing, wanting to get ahold of both her drug and alcohol addiction. She worked hard this second stint at NB, and is doing better than she has in years. The work she did in group was really valuable, and the "rough" treatment that some other people have mentioned enabled her to deal with many of the life circumstances that could kick her into using again. She had rules to follow, and other people to be accountable to; she had to deal with frustrating situations; she had to handle being called a "spoiled, entitled little brat" by other clients. But she did handle it, and had to own that some of the charges were true. She dealt with how she had trouble dealing with fear and sadness, always turning it to anger and going off on tirades about "the Man." None of this was easy for my wife and me, but we never doubted for a moment that she was in a safe place that had her recovery and, therefore, her life, as the top priority. She is now in their aftercare program, living in a nice apartment in a great neighborhood, has a decent job, goes to 12-step meetings, and hangs out with other graduates of New Bridge. They help to keep each other clean and sober. We see her as often as her busy life allows, and feel blessed to be building a joyful relationship with the girl that we feared we might lose. Is this an easy program? No. Do addicts lie, cheat, steal, and have to learn how to lose those behaviors? Absolutely; even if it means being strongly confronted or being forced to stand in front of a mirror for a few hours. Is AA a viable alternative to New Bridge? Yes, for some, and I'm happy that there are addicts who don't need any more than that. But my daughter needed much, much more. She needed New Bridge Foundation, and I'm grateful every day of my life that she was, and still is, part of the NB family. My wife, son, and I are also part of that family, and are really happy to be so. read more

Thank you Newbridge for all that you've done and you do. I was only in the day program which frankly to me was like a spiritual summer camp. I know alcoholism is something I'm going to have to deal with my entire life, sometimes I'm sober and sometimes I'm not but, Newbridge has made it possible for me to deal with my disease and has given me so many tools to come back to when I hit rough roads. Without Newbridge I can honestly say I wouldn't be alive today. Thanks for all of the wisdom and peace to help me keep living. read more

Without this program, I would probably be dead or in jail. I came to new bridge homeless, broken and spiritually bankrupt. I needed help desperately and was out of options. The counselors and clients at new bridge changed my whole perspective and taught me the tools to overcome my addiction. This was only the beginning of my journey to recovery, but without it I would not be in this healthy place I have arrived in my life. Addiction and Alcoholism are painful and difficult to overcome. Many people do not come through. t takes hard work and a miraculous strength from within to be successful. For me, New Bridge nurtured this realization and provided an environment and structure in which I could discover my own determination. No one can do this for you, but if you don't want to do it alone, this is the place. read more

Great place, very diverse staff, the behavior modification is truly what I needed to start living my life again, I owe this place my life, great food , facility , location... read more

I had a mixed experience at New Bridge but overall it was extremely negative and even counter productive. I was in Helios, which is the short-term residential program. I was there for one month and then lived in their firetrap of a sober living environment for a few months, continuing to come to intensive aftercare several times a week for six weeks, then the free aftercare once a week that they offer. They didn't explain that the time in aftercare covered by insurance had expired (it is always that counselors that speak to the insurance company so you rely on them to give the information you need to avoid being charged out of pocket). I ended up getting stuck with a huge bill as a result of this oversight. Next, I had the misfortune to end up in a group headed by the "counselor" Stephanie. When one night I revealed I was having problems with alcohol in my living environment and had had a non-alchoholic beer, she proceeded to berate me for 15 minutes in the harshest possible terms and threw me out of the program (at that point, I was in the free after care, where they don't give a damn if clients stay or leave because they aren't getting any money-- something New Bridge seems very concerned about, evidently more so than the clients). This experience was very disconcerting and as a newly sober person, really threw me off kilter. It was especially strange since I was going to meetings, had a sponsor, and was working a program (i.e. really trying) when other people in the group had said they planned on drinking again, weren't going to meetings, etc and Stephanie didn't bat an eyelash. Later I was trying to get approved for a mortgage and needed a letter stating I lived in the sober house rent free as a therapeutic environment. Since Aisha had always emphasized the money we paid did not give us the same entitlements as tenants and we were paying for a therapeutic environment. Aisha refused. So much for helping former clients get back on track. No program is perfect, and New Bridge does have some good counselors in their residential program (and probably in aftercare if you avoid the Stephanies). But the treatment I received after I left the residential program was pretty horrible. read more

Yes, its a very hard program. If you have an attitude, it is even harder. It takes all you have to complete the program and graduate. But it is well worth it. I had my doubts...but now I am grateful. Almost all of the counselors at New Bridge have gone through the program (or another). So they do understand what the clients are going through. And they also are sympathetic. They truly care. I still go back to visit, catch up, and get a free meal sometimes. I would honestly be in jail or dead if I didn't go to New Bridge. Thank you family! read more

This rehab facility quite simply saved my life! My drinking had gotten so out of control that I had jaundice to the point of looking a haunting yellow. Did the 30 day program, which was helpful for the research and study I was able to do on addiction, but doing the 6 month program was what truly nailed in my sobriety. It was incredibly tough, but I was at that point where I knew that I had to do the work to get and remain sober for life. Besides, the most important things in life are very tough to achieve and it is what makes them that much more appreciated. The counselors are incredibly adept and have more insight into addiction than any TV addiction hack. They may be tough and on you but it is often what one needs to have ones bad habits and addictive behavior broken. The program started me on a path to recovery that I continue to this day; as now I am the chair of an AA group here in Oakland that keeps me moving forward with sober confidence. I'm almost done with my Masters and life keeps getting better every year. My mood tends to be upbeat more and more, which used to be unheard of for this cynical critic. The facilities themselves are incredible. Formerly belonging to the President of UC Berkeley, the huge mansions are on a beautiful property. In the long term program, you work hard at various jobs and feel productive again. It is a behavior modification program and so it can at times feel like being in Boot Camp. If you are full of yourself and take no direction or feedback you will end up dropping out and be bitter and hateful of the program, Many of the friends I went to treatment with were helped finding work and lived in the New Bridge apartments (which is in a lovely area of Berkeley's gourmet ghetto). If you really want to get clean and sober this program is the best and will get you there with a huge amount of support. But you have to want it and you have to work hard to get there! read more

As a Licensed therapist, I frequently have the need to help clients find a treatment program. For the past 15 years, New Bridge Foundation has consistently been a referral that I have used. The staff is kind, the family program is effective, they take most forms of insurance and the accommodations are home-like. However, the most important reason that I refer to New Bridge Foundation is that the treatment provides all the important tools addicts and alcoholics need to begin a sober life. Over the years, I consistently return to New Bridge as a primary referral source because I know I can depend on the high quality treatment and care my clients will receive! read more

I recently recommended NBF to dear friends who were in search of a rehab facility for their child. It was with much confidence that I made this recommendation, based on my 1st hand experience in my own family. My son has completed both in patient and out patient treatment at New Bridge and graduated their program in 2007. He remains in recovery to this day, although he did have a slip about 2 years ago while still in California. It was his case worker he had at New Bridge, still there then and to this day, who helped support his way back into recovery. When my friends went online to read about New Bridge and came across the TWO yelp derogatory comments(coincidentally posted on the same day), needless to say they expressed concern. I was able to reassure them that those were not our family experiences and that I felt comfortable recommending NB based on our son's success and our entire family experience. I can't imagine how those 2 reviewers could have experienced New Bridge so differently than we have. I traveled weekly from the east coast to make those amazing family meetings that changed me in a most positive way. The facilitator and case workers are still employed at NB , 4 years later. From the beginning, at their admissions interview through graduation and yes even through a relapse, New Bridge has proven to be a honest, sincere, loving and caring supportive group to us and our family. My wife (as you can see in her post) and I hope that anyone in need of rehab will do their research beyond the dangerous yelp reviews to realize that New Bridge may be just the place for themselves or a loved one, as it has been for us. read more

I am giving New Bridge the benefit of the doubt with the 3 star rating. I did the Helios program in 2015 when I had just turned 21. The Helios program was designed for people to be there briefly (1 month usually) but some people stayed a little longer. I was there for 3 months in a row. It's important that I say "in a row" because the place was a revolving door. There were clients who came back multiple times over my 3 month stay. Most of the counselors were good people and some weren't, but I'm not trying to focus on that in this review. The first issue was that they made me stop taking klonopin without letting me wean off it properly. Another problem with New Bridge was the lack of dual diagnosis treatment. This was strictly for people with substance abuse problems. The only time mental health was ever brought up was one class a week (not even an hour) where a group of us talked about our meds and how we feel the dose is working for us right now. Over the course of my 3 month stay my mental health problems were not addressed and according to the counselors I only felt anxious and depressed because of my addiction. The counselors seemed to see everything as black and white. You're either an addict or not. If you're there then you're an addict so you're just like all addicts and you will be treated as such. When I left New Bridge my depression and anxiety disorder was worse than it had ever been. I can't imagine what the people at Bridge One went through though. It was a strict 9 month program that looked worse than a boot camp. One of the counselors suggested I go there and that got me questioning whether some of the counselors just automatically suggest that so they get you to stay longer thus getting more money. It took me a while to recover from the whole ordeal and I started receiving the proper care for my mental health problems. Now I live what I would have referred to as a "normal" life when I was younger. I don't do drugs and I drink occasionally. I have a great relationship with my family and amazing friends. I guess I should've put this in the beginning of the review but I was placed in New Bridge after I got a DUI a month after I turned 21. My lawyer suggested rehab to my parents because my BAC was so high even though it was my first offense. Making the situation even worse was the fact that I had wrecked the car when I got the DUI. Needless to say it scared my parents and it didn't take too much convincing by my lawyer to get them on board with sending me to rehab. Whenever my parents and I talk about New Bridge they always apologize for not listening to me when I first told them that it wasn't dual diagnosis. read more

I n a moment of desperation, I checked myself into Newbridge in early 2011, and I'm glad I did. The first few days were horrible, I was scared and confused. Then I began to 'get' the program and really enjoy it. I wish I had learned what I learned there years ago! Newbridge is not perfect, but it worked great for me. After almost a year,I am sober with no desire to ever repeat the mistakes of the past. read more

I am a recent graduate from from Bridge II program, which is a short term outpatient program, it was priceless. I called New Bridge nearly 2 years ago because I was extremely desperate, because alcohol was dominating my life and I was feeling like I did not want to live anymore, After completing New Bridge II program my LIFE has a positive purpose & meaning. New Bridge taught me about the disease of alcoholism, taught me about myself & how to be honest about myself, taught me how to relax, meditate, yoga and how to eat healthy. My self esteem was restored and I know exactly who I am today and how to reach out and help another human being. The staff at New Bridge are Saints and Angels because they sincerely care and go the extra mile to help you learn how to stay sober. I just had to let people know that New Bridge can help you start a new life, free of alcohol and drugs if you want the gift of a life with purpose and freedom from drugs and alcohol. May God Bless You All read more

I arrived at New Bridge as a broken and hopeless alcoholic, who was completely powerless to stop drinking, despite the fact that it was destroying my life , my health and my sanity.Anyone who actually knows anything about the disease of alcoholism would tell you that the majority of drunks of my age and consumption level don't usually make it, unless some form of "inexplicable transformation" or profound psychic change occurs. New Bridge facilitated that change and the staff provided me with the knowledge, care and counselling that not only transformed my life, but also saved it. They also introduced me to the tools I would need to continue to live a happy and productive clean and sober life going forward. I will be celebrating my 5th sober St Patricks day this year with a nice cup of Barry's tea and if you don't believe that's a miracle..maybe you should ask my friends and family. So Five Stars seems pretty meagre.What value would your loved ones put on it ? read more

This is a tricky area to review -- because recovery is such a personal process in and of itself. But here goes. My family found this place almost 6 years ago. I started out in the short term program, and found out it wasn't enough when I soon relapsed. I reached out to the staff, and they walked me and my family through the process of entering the long term program. It was SOOOOOOO HARD to adjust to all of the structure of the program. But by walking through the process, I was able to see that I could do anything, if I could do this. And so far, this has been my experience. An unexpected aspect of coming here, is that the program and the staff can feel like a surrogate family. One that knows all of my secrets and B.S. tactics. It is hard to see that stuff at first, and now when I return and see friends I went through the program with, we get to laugh about it in the rear view. My life has changed drastically because I got to see all of the ways I and others tick deep down and to set aside a lot of prejudices. It is a gift I never got from school, never learned at work, and didn't know amongst family. Today, I actually am able to give back to this world because I learned at New Bridge that it wasn't all about me. For those who have had a hard time at recovery, or at this place -- there are so many options. I found it here. You might. But don't give up on finding your way. It is worth it. read more

New Bridge is a great place for any family to find their loved one in. We couldn't have been happier with everything about it. Staff, family group night, visiting time, all of it was done so well, it made us feel very comfortably while our son was there. The counselor had us join in and what a help that was. Eye opening really! Helped us understand a lot of what was going on and how we could make it better because we needed to change too. So now we have new tools to use and so does he. What a difference that made. We also got to sit in on his pyshc visits. Again eye opening. What a difference, he didn't want to give him any drugs. Just the opposite, he would not refill any meds. We all, my son included were very happy with that. We have always loved our son but now we can enjoy him as well. What a blessing. We (my son and I) cry a lot about how we are so happy to be together again, happy and healthy. read more

Hi my name is Jimmy M. and I'm an addict. Prior to stepping through the doors of the New Bridge, I had never been arrested up until the age of 32 years; the year I tried Meth. The next 5 years of my life I was arrested 8 times; 7 of which was in the last 2 years before comming to NB. In the 5 years prior to arriving to NB. I stole, I lied, I cheated, I lost my home, my ENTIRE family, my job for 14 years, my self respect, morals and values, FREEDOM and state of mind. In addition to my ENTIRE family, the judge had enough of me and just wanted me out of his hair. I was facing 22 years in prison. In an attempt to manipulate the judge AGAIN, I begged him for liniency. I told him I was a drug addict and needed recovery. The judge felt it was a waste of time and felt someone other than me would benifit from the county funded progam. During the court proceedings and time in my cell staring at the ceiling I could see my life slipping away to prison for 22 years. I called my younger brother again and cried and begged him to get me into a program. He fell for it. He put 5K down on a program called The New Bridge Foundation. Upon my return to court I told the judge I was en-rolled in the NB foundation. The judge chuckled knowing that NB was a tough but successful program if the individual put the effort in. Being that I was paying for it with my retirement funds and not county funds, the judge allowed me to attend the program and put my hearing off. YES, it was a dificult program. But nothing more difficult tan what I endured during my addiction. YES somethings felt unfair and unjust, and it very well may have been, but I stayed anyway. YES at times I felt disrespected by peers and even staff; it doesn't mean I was, but I stayed anyways. After 9 months, and 3 face to face updates with the judge, he was convinced he was dealing with a new person. The judge then said I can go home and continue the court proceedings from home rather than in a program or jail. I thanked the judge and asked if he would mind if I stayed and graduated the long term program. To my surprise he said absolutly, but I want you to continue to come and see me every 3 months until we conclude my case. The judge kept my case on hold. During my 3 month check in, we never discussed my case. 24 months after stepping in the doors of NB I graduated the long term program. I met a wonderful woman, my kids are back in my life and I play a HUGE roll in theirs, when my aprents leave town they ask ME, out of 9 sibs to house sit( they changed the locks because of me before)! I have never been locked in a cage again. I mentor people in recovery. I own a happy home in sunny San Ramon California. I wok at Cal. I am one of 420 employees who take care of the grounds and ifrastructure of the campus. OH and of the 420 people, there are ONLY 4 people above me! The things I just mentioned are all bonuses. I can NOW make proper decisions regarding the direction of my life and I am FREE! Oh and remember those 22 years I was facing, my friend the judge dismissed my case. Thank you NEW BRIDGE and thank you GOD for putting them in my life!!!!! read more

The disease of addiction had our family by the throat. My 20-year-old drug addicted son had been to 4 rehabs and walked out of them all. When he finally crawled into a detox and asked for help, I gave him the phone number to New Bridge Foundation. The gift of desperation propelled him through their doors. Addiction is a demeaning disease that demands a tough antidote. New Bridge is well known for it's tough, no-nonsense structured program. In my experience, three things set New Bridge apart: a lengthy residential treatment with after-care, a program where addicts can own their recovery, and savvy, credible and caring counselors. It takes months of long term rehab to change behavior. After believing that 90-day programs were just too long for his "tiny" drug problem (read denial), my son not only finished both New Bridge's short (1 month) and long programs (6 months) but voluntarily extended his stay for a combined 10 months. They offer the opportunity to move to their structured sober living (getting a job is required), and participate in on-going after-care as well as attend strong AA/NA meetings all within this same community. New Bridge is for addicts/alcoholics who want to take responsibility for their recovery. The door is open and they can leave if they don't like it. My son chose to stay month after month because he felt he was gaining the tools to control his disease and growing in self-esteem from the various jobs he had there. The staff at New Bridge are extremely good at what they do. They command respect because they can immediately spot "stinking thinking" and because they have lived it themselves. Counselors are so busy helping clients they don't have much time to interact with family, but they do offer a valuable evening session as support for family members. They encourage attending Al-Anon meetings which continues to help our family tremendously. The progress is amazing. Thanks to New Bridge, my son is alive and doing well. read more