Benchmark Transitions - also known as Benchmark Young Adult School - is nothing less than a criminally run facility. It practices the kind of "tough love" that damages at-risk young people forever. It is run for profit at brutally expensive rates and it helps, at best, a small fraction of its students - many others live in fear and are threatened by staff if they choose to speak out against the many abuses at this "school". To put the cap on all of this, the director, Jaynie Longnecker, is or was married to a Redlands police officer; rumors abounded while I was there that he had used his power either to hide suicides that had occurred at the school from the blotter, or to state that they had occurred elsewhere. And having been there for several months - I believe it, and believe this facility should be under state and/or Federal criminal investigation. When I was there, abusive treatments designed to break the human spirit - such as "the bans", which disallows students to *talk* to *anyone* for an extended period entirely at the discretion of the poorly trained "counselors" there, most of whom have no actual psychological training at all - were common. Thefts of personal property were rampant. The entire program is designed for those with chemical dependencies, but the same treatments designed for brain-damaged drug addicts are given to those there for purely behavioral issues. Psychiatric drugs are brutally and terribly overprescribed with little to no regard for the side effects, causing terrible mental hardship. And those who refuse to "work the program" are subject to an increasingly tyrannical set of restrictions which culminate in patients being left alone in motel rooms - effectively abandoned by the program but with doors unlocked, allowing the patient to wander the streets no matter how much danger he or she is to him or herself. I found out while I was there that one of the counselors I was working with was a *former hitman*. I'm not making this up. And he was more compassionate than a good deal of the rest of the staff by far! I joined the *military* to escape from this haven of psychopathy. This is the kind of facility that they write Law and Order: SVU episodes about. Do not send your child to this place, no matter how troubled he or she may be or how out of alternatives you feel you are - they might never come back. read more

One week ago today my son, who just turned 26, completed his program at Benchmark. He was placed at Benchmark through our insurance at a very critical time in his life. His addiction had taken him to rock bottom and Benchmark gave him the tools needed to help him in his recovery. The residential home placement is a very beautiful environment with supportive staff. There he began to learn how to handle his issues with his therapist, case manager, and equine therapy. Benchmark was very quick to assess and treat his medical needs and dual-diagnosis. Upon completion of his time there he transitioned to the outpatient phase of the program. He then had the opportunity to handle more responsibility, earning privileges, and gaining some independence gradually. He had a new treatment team which continued working with him with different therapies. He had a very good relationship with his case manager and therapist. They were both a very essential part of his recovery from his addiction and his behavioral needs. Larry, his case manager provided excellent communication and support, providing weekly updates and addressing all concerns that I had. I really appreciated how Benchmark recognized individual needs and work with clients in the areas that they struggle. I am very grateful for the progress my son has made with Benchmarks help. When he entered the program at Benchmark, his addiction had left him very broken and had damaged all of his relationships. Today he is in sober living, has a positive outlook, and is working on mending his relationships. read more

Benchmark transitions helped us through a very tough period in our life when our child was out of control due to Marijuana use and undiagnosed Bipolar disorder. This is a place about families helping families. The place is born out of a mother's love, desperation and dedication to her children and other children when all else must have seemed like a nightmare to her due to the loss of her husband in terrible circumstances. My first point of contact was with one of the daughters who continue their family legacy and is one of the siblings managing the place. She stayed on the phone with me through one of the darkest days of my life and kept me going until my child relented and agreed to go into rehab. The whole team at Benchmark are loving, dedicated, and beautiful individuals . Shelley Skaggs , Thank you. Much thanks to my child's team specially Ishmael Robles , Tina Collins, Rose and many other wonderful people who helped us through five months of trials and tribulations. I am a mom and also a professional in the same field and I would recommend Benchmark to parents who feel there may be no where else to turn. read more

THE WORSE FACILITY ANYONE CAN TAKE THEIR LOVE ONES TO. My boyfriend was admitted in this facility with the hopes that he would get the help he needs he was doing very well until he mentioned that he was gay and was dating a guy "ME". Keep in mind he is not there to "FIX" his gayness. He is there to get help with drugs and his self teem due to many years of miss treatment from others, and substance abuse. Keep in mind, facilities like this should help you build yourself up, well he mentioned to his so call "consular" that he was gay and that I will visit him when that time comes. The so call Consular told my boyfriend that been gay is an ABOMINATION ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE !!!!!!! and that he needed to start going to church !!!!!!!!!!!! Is this the type of treatment that this facility provides because you better believe I am calling his insurance company to see if they are aware of the treatments that they are providing their patients. I am taking actions big actions. This place should be shout down and I am going to make sure that happens. Is 2017 People!!!! AN ACCEPTABLE !!!! read more

Our son has been at Benchmark for 11 months and overall we have been very impressed. During this time we have met almost every staff member. We have gotten to know a few like his case managers quite well. Invariably they have all have been utterly professional and caring. Many of the employees have worked there over ten years which speaks to the stability of the school. Before placing our son at Benchmark we did extensive internet research and reference checks. All of the executive staff and primary employees are highly credentialed with many years of experience. For example the psychiatrist did his residency at Loma Linda University which is a highly ranked medical school. Here is the tough part, no program can guarantee success. The human mind is infinitely complex and often baffling. My wife and I love our son dearly and hope for the best. We also know that we can't control the future. But we are convinced that by working closely with Benchmark we have given our son the best chance possible at having a fulfilling life. That is all that we can ask of any program. read more

Proof is in the pudding, they say, and I see the proof in my son after his stint at Benchmark. He has been suffering for years from bipolar disorder, and Benchmark took him in and lovingly worked with him to provide the tools he needed to succeed in life. He has been clean for well over a year now ever since leaving Benchmark, has since gotten a job, been promoted, and continues to stay strong in the recovery community here in Tennessee. Benchmark helped to instill in him not only an appreciation for life, but also a desire to stay clean and give back to the community and hopefully soon become a counselor for troubled youth. Life has not been a cakewalk for my son, but I am so grateful for his newfound courage and "joy of living" and am confident it will continue. I am thankful to God for your good work, Benchmark, and can think of no greater calling in life than what you do. Keep it up! read more

I really liked this place a lot. I was resistant and oppositional to start here but at some point in my treatment something changed. My therapist John and my Case Manager Michael were excellent and they treated me with patience and understanding that helped my transition into the young adult I am today. They were both firm and fair at the same time and did not take my malarkey. I learned the coping skills that I needed to help me deal with my challenges in life and how to live a productive full day. I would recommend this program to anybody who is looking for help with behavioral or substance issues 100%. I was on their behavioral track and I have grown tremendously in the time I was here. My relationship with my parents has been restored and it is the best it has been in the past 18 years I have been with them. read more

Our son has been at Benchmark since the end of May, 2018. He's had his ups and downs, but his case manager, Larry, his therapist, Tina, and the rest of the Benchmark staff never give up!! They treat our son like we would treat him, except without enabling him! We totally trust them and feel completely comfortable with our son in their care. They really do care, and that comes through in so many ways. It took a while, but through Benchmark's persistence and caring, our son is progressing. He's a tough mixed bag of issues and behaviors, and Larry and Tina and the rest of the Benchmark team just keep on working to make it work and let our son have success. We are so grateful for all Benchmark has done, and continues to do, for our family. This is truly a wonderful Thanksgiving! read more

My son attended Benchmark many years ago when he desperately needed help, having so many manic and depression issues, including 6 weeks in a hospital psych center. Jaynie convinced me that they would find out if he truly needed all of the meds that he had been subscribed, not to mention the ones he had that were not doctor subscribed.. This as the main reason that we sent our son to Benchmark, over 3,000 miles away.. I just want to say that it took some time, but he graduated with honors with a Masters in Accounting and now is a truly fine and responsible young man, working for a large CPA firm.. Benchmark put him on this path for his journey to heal and reflect. Thanks to all of the wonderful people at Benchmark, and thank you Jaynie. GLK read more

It was a Friday of a long work week and I had one last appointment to visit Benchmark Transitions. To be honest I was intending to quickly tour and get my weekend started. When Kristen Byrom greeted me at the door, I was welcomed with open arms, a truly genuine interaction nothing fake about it. My attitude immediately changed. Kristen's enthusiasm and passion for Benchmark was contagious. She had my full attention. I met the staff who were all very engaging and knowledgeable. And the residential properties, forget about it, I was floored. I never take pics, and I was snapping away like a tourist in Hawaii. The grounds were serene and peaceful. I cant say enough. One of the top treatment centers I've had the pleasure of touring. read more

This place is the absolute biggest waste of money not to mention time and effort. Just horrible! My son went there and would cry on the phone to me every single day about how awfully he was treated and would send me videos of the verbally abusive staff and the RA's going on a power trip. I would never put my kid in a position like this again and I would definitely not recommend it to others. They should be shut down, and sued for the stuff they've done!!!! How could you treat children so poorly??? read more

Through my experience, Benchmark Transitions has the heart to treat their clients. I saw young men come into the program and turn their lives around completely. Some come in having failed out of just high school, but through the program get the help they need in order for them to live sober lives and receive their diploma. It has been a beautiful experience to see first-hand. read more

Benchmark has proved throughout the years that they are people first. The sole priority and goal of this company is to help young adults transition into a healthy lifestyle change. For something so important as to mental health and placement in this world, I would not recommend any place higher than benchmark transitions to place your trust in. read more

This place is beyond trashy I got sent to the hospital while I was here and it totally ruined my life. While I was there one kid was accused of crime and he got prison. I don't know what he did. But after he was gone for a while he came back and bashed the glass of off the fire extinguisher outside the main staff apartment. read more

I know these folks and they are a great group of people. There's a reason that Benchmark Transitions has been around so long. They have helped many people and turned around a lot of lives for decades. Highly recommend. read more

This is an amazing program. My son has a dual diagnosis of substance abuse and schizophrenia. They were patient, kind, and created a special program just for him. I am so thankful for their help and support. read more

This facility has really done so much for me & I am truly grateful. The staff here is excellent and this place really tailored to my recovery plan. I am blessed. Thank you Benchmark & Nick for saving my life. read more

It's a great program for young people who have "lost their way" and can't become independent. The people who run Benchmark really care and do all they can to help, even if it's tough love sometimes. read more

I have worked at Benchmark for 2 years and it has been an awesome experience. I have learned so much while I have been here. I am very grateful for the opportunities I've been given. read more