When I walked into Cri-Help 2 years ago, I had just bailed out of jail after getting arrested for the 2nd time in 2 years, fighting a 24 year prison term. I was completely demoralized asking myself how I could have thrown 10 years of sobriety out the window to go down a road I swore I'd never travel again. I thought when I called they would put me on some long waiting list and I could tell the friends that referred me that I had at least tried. But as fate would have it they just happened to have a bed open and I was walking in the very next day. Nobody wakes up one morning and says I think I'll go into treatment. Something so major has to happen to make a person do something completely different than anything they know. My M.O. has always been to bail out and continue doing what got me arrested only to find myself arrested again before the arraignment. I didn't want history to repeat itself and I didn't want to do 24 years in prison. Cri-Help wanted to help me heal from the inside out. The whole body, mind, spirit. My thought was good luck on that. In the time I was there I learned some things about myself. They gave me an understanding of spirituality that I can implement without a specific religion attached to it. They taught me how to grieve and helped me do just that. WHAT A GIFT! They taught me responsibility and accountability. They made me look at myself with the understanding that I've done some bad things but I am not a bad person. I am whomever I choose to be at any given moment. I needed the structure they provide. I have done everything as I see fit for so long that I needed to be reminded that life is not always about me. Other lives are affected by the decisions I make and that there are rules and laws outside of the little bubble that Cri-Help had me in that I needed to follow. They taught me principled living thru the 12 steps of NA. I completed 90 days of residential treatment. I would have stayed longer but that was not an option for me.On the day I surrendered myself to serve the 3 year prison term I was sentenced to I liked who I was. I was not a hopeless, relapsed, criminal drug addict that the court believed me to be. I was being held accountable for bad choices but the person that walked in there was a productive and loving, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. I am someone that is not filled with shame for the things I have done. I am a person with a story, albeit colorful, that has taken turns that led me to the road to recovery. I absolutely could not have done this without the loving, patient guidance of the people at Cri-Help. I spent 17 months in prison carrying a message of hope that was so freely given to me before my incarceration. That message of hope carried me thru my incarceration and into today. Where would I be if not for them? A counselor there told me once that if she wanted to write a law she'd come to me, because I am so long winded. Get to the point she would say. I couldn't do this in a few concise sentences if I didn't tell at least parts of the story. I am forever grateful to Cri-Help for helping me find a new way to live that got me thru the very darkest time in my life. read more

Cri-Help was one the most crucial steps in getting me to where I am today. Everyone has their own path to recovery and it's really easy for alcoholics and addicts to nitpick and complain when they don't get their way or can't control how things are run...and I did that for years. I put my spin on things I was told would help me and I never got far. With any place like this you should take with a grain of salt the bitter, disgruntled rants people go on about. Coming from someone with a personal experience with not only this facility but a few others...the story remains the same as it's been for me plenty of times. There's expectations and rules set out when you come in (whether you choose to pay attention or not), things that are put into place to foster the best environment possible for a place housing addicts and alcoholics...so when you break those, inevitably the consequences follow and people throw a fit about it. But structure is necessary to break habits. I watched it happen while I was there, and was discharged myself, but I also saw chances given and people allowed to stay. From what I experienced it was really just about your attitude and willingness to take the help and direction given. The place has been around a long, long time and has had success with tons of people or it wouldn't still be what it is. The staff was a huge part in helping to recognize patterns, deal with trauma, and guide in the right direction. The grief group was key in helping me address things I wouldn't have been able to move forward from had I not faced them. Marco was incredible in creating a safe place to pour out very painful experiences that otherwise would have remained buried. Super cathartic. The counselors have all had battles and struggles of their own so how someone could expect them to perfectly consult and advise is ridiculous. There's no "perfect" thing someone could say or do that is going to make someone stay clean. It's about you and how receptive, desperate you are to change your life. And even though this was not my last stop...it was one of the foundational pieces of what brought me to the present, clean and with a completely different life. It's in the name, Cri-Help. Whether you come voluntarily or with your arm twisted by the court or family or just because you feel like you have no other options...one way or another if you find yourself here it's because you need help and that's what they offer. You can't design your own program and expect it to work...you go here for help and they will give it to you if you want it. read more

Let me start this by saying that I never thought I could be sober. Today, I am still clean and sober it is all because of Cri-Help!! When I came to detox here I was a total mess. I had just arrived from out of state and thought that a change of location would help me clean up my act. It didn't. I tried seeing a therapist at Kaiser and she suggested that I try outpatient. That didn't work either. So, they suggested I try an in-patient program. I was scared and didn't want to go to rehab. I always looked down on people who had been to rehab and I didn't want to be labeled as a drug addict. My life has changed drastically since then. I checked into Cri-Help in the hopes that I could kick my cocaine/benzo habit, that I might be able to gain some traction in my life.Cri-help may be a strict program with rules that seem to be overbearing and overarching at times, but the truth is, this place saved my life. The staff and treatment team at Cri-Help are top-notch: First, the technicians are the most dedicated employees in the filed and put up with outright outrageous and atrocious behavior from addicts (LIKE ME) who come through the doors kicking and screaming. Second, the case-workers are all incredibly insightful and empathetic to the plight of their clients. They are all easily accessible and are willing to hear us out anytime, even when all we really want to do is complain! When they overwork themselves, it is only because of the immense dedication they have for their jobs and the love they have for the community they are serving. Third, it really struck a chord in me when I found out that the Director of the program was a recovering addict herself. What's more, she completed the program herself some 40 odd years ago and is still clean today. I was so inspired by her infectious energy and the fact that she took time out of her busy schedule everyday to talk one on one with clients. I am so grateful to Cri-Help for giving me my life back. I don't know where I would be today without them. Gary H. is the most awesome case worker there! MAD LOVE to him for everything he does for his clients. He really went above and beyond, and bent over backwards for me, even when all I wanted to do was leave. I'm glad I stayed. read more

Cri-Help has been one of the best opportunities I've ever been blessed with, they have several different locations from North Hollywood, to their newest at Lincoln Heights and it is continuing to grow and become better and better with each advancement. Their detox locations are nothing short of miracle work. They got me back on my feet, and ready to step into their residential program which is where the work truly began for me and following that they offer sober living options among several other resources that promote rehabilitation in every aspect. But I have to say that the one thing that I love the most about the facilities is their staff. I have never been anywhere where each and every person who I was helped by has been so kind and welcoming. You will never find anyone in the facility who isn't going above and beyond to assist in any way that they can. Dana, Cheryl, Danny, TJ, Alex, Albert, Omar, Eric, Dr. Mylan, Lisa and so many others have made my detox journey at the Lincoln Heights location beyond comfortable and kept me feeling safe in times in wanted to bolt out the front door and continue in my near fatal addiction. I have been to so many treatment centers and detox's and I can truly say I don't think a better place exists. However that extends additionally to Pfleger (North Hollywood) and Socorro (Los Angeles) all of which are apart of the greater Cri-Help organization. Their CDW's (chemical dependency workers) are there to guide you one on one through your residential journey and I was blessed to have Neil be my guiding light in my darkest times. They offer one on one therapy services and Claudia at Pfleger has truly been a god send. I cannot recommend this organization enough! They've helped save my life when I thought it wasn't worth saving, and I guarantee you they can do the same for you. If you are looking for a place to get help with your addiction this is the place/places. So many beautiful options with clean facilities, amazing food, and exceptional services. Call them today if you are in need, and they will HELP! read more

..After 5 months of a terrible, all day every day drinking nightmare, that almost killed me, I finally made a call at the urging of my family and fellow clean and sober friends. It was Memorial day weekend and most if not ALL THE DETOX UNITS I CALLED WANTED ME TO WAIT UNTIL AFTER THE HOLIDAY TO COME IN..THEY TOLD ME TO DRINK UNTIL THEN...AND THEN COME IN..OR GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM... EXCEPT CRI-HELP!! THEY (Cri-Help) TOOK MY INFO ON THE PHONE..TOLD ME THEY WOULD GET APPROVAL & CALL ME RIGHT BACK & WERE VERY SUPPORTIVE AND CARING WITH ME on the phone.. Marlene Nadel Called me directly and told me to come right away.. and meet with Wallace Reid I was comforted by him ... . "we got you, you're gonna be alright" I got a ride immediately.. they took me in..the detox technician on duty Steven was very welcoming.. he also told me I was going to be alright... he said he would make sure that i would be .. when he said that he had a look of genuine compassion and care that meant something to me at that moment.. i had lost hope...and. needed someone else to have hope for me...he & the rest of the staff lived up up to that statement, time and time again, for the entire time I was there. The detox staff were all very sensitive and patient with me. I was worried about the pysical detox and how uncomfortable it would be and to be honest, they made me comfortable trought the process and it only took 5 days.. the food was great fattened me right up!! They smile alot it seems not to be a depressing place... that's exactly what I needed.. Nicole the head nurse is a Loving soul that really cares.. her staff is awesome!! Saying "Thank You" does not even begin to scratch the surface of the amount of gratitude I have for Cri-Help & Especially The staff of their Detox unit.. they have given me a fresh & Sober start to my new beginning. -Ben G. 53 days (&counting) read more

In 2003, I was 47 yrs old when I entered Cri-Help Inc. I had been on a self-destructive path for nearly 40 years, and there was absolutely nothing I had not done or seen. They picked me up from the county jail, where once again I was headed back to prison. I was filled with despair, demoralized, and degraded when I arrived. I was angry, belligerent, and resentful. I could not imagine anyplace or person with a solution that would restore any semblance of a fulfilling life for someone that was almost 50 years old, and had not accomplished anything in their life. This facility's treatment process, programming, and resources saved my life (literally). Cri-help Inc. not only dealt with my disease of addictions, but more so, with my diseased thinking, which lead to my destructive behavior. Their approach in treatment allowed me to address my thinking, my life, my fears, and some deep-rooted experiences that plagued me most of my life. The Cri-help's program offered me the opportunity to discover my strengths and weaknesses, to change my perception of myself, and obtain a new perspective on life. I used the tools offered me by this amazing, and successful approach to treatment in Cri-Help, to achieve a Baccalaureate Degree in Sociology with a Minor in Criminal Justice. All this from Cri-Help encouraging me to obtain a GED. I am pursuing higher education that will anchor my career choice toward the same efforts that Cri-Help Inc afforded me. I am forever grateful for Cri-Help Inc. I learned how to live as result of this Rehabilitation Center. Sincerely, Rennie R. Euwing (661) 575-3473 read more

Cri-Help, Inc. - North Hollywood, CA I had the absolute honor of working at Cri-Help for over two years as a Senior Detox Technician, and I can honestly say it was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. Cri-Help isn't just a treatment facility--it's a place of real transformation. From the moment clients walk through the doors, they're met with compassion, structure, and a level of care that is unmatched in the recovery field. The team here--nurses, counselors, techs, clinical staff--everyone works together with one common goal: to help people rebuild their lives with dignity and support. As a staff member, I always felt valued, supported, and part of something bigger than myself. I was given opportunities to grow in my role, learn from seasoned professionals, and contribute to a program that truly changes lives. The detox unit runs with professionalism and empathy, ensuring clients feel safe during one of the most vulnerable times in their recovery journey. I'm proud to have been part of the Cri-Help family. Whether you're looking for help with addiction or looking for a meaningful career in the recovery field, I can't recommend Cri-Help enough. They care deeply, they work hard, and most importantly--they help people heal. Thank you, Cri-Help, for the opportunity to serve and grow with you. You made a lasting impact on my life and on so many others. -- Phillip M. read more

I arrived at Cri-Help completely broken, with my life it utter chaos from years of drinking and substance abuse. I intended to only stay for a detox, and perhaps a brief stint in residential, but after working with the staff and seeing the positive changes in myself, I decided to stay on for the full program. The staff works incredibly hard to help each client grow and break the shackles of their addiction. Most notably, Tammy, my CDW (like a case worker) helped me in more ways than I can count. Not only in regards to providing a tailor-made program that best suited my needs for growth, but in many facets of my life that I was just beginning to navigate again. I came in with my whole life in shambles, and when I left a few months later, I had a clear path to move forward and the tools to keep me grounded and productive. Ive been sober for about a year now, have a good job, taking college courses (straight A's so far), feel and look great, and just signed a lease on a wonderful new apartment. None of this would have happened without Tammy and the great staff and Cri-Help, and I'm forever indebted to them. If you need help I strongly urge you to take that first step. It's not always easy, but I wouldn't trade my new life for anything. read more

This hole org. Socorro and Crihelp is a circus. I was a client there and was coerced into driving clients back and forth to meetings. The behavior of staff (three or four were fired due to inappropriate behavior. I kept a blind eye to this nonsense but when two clients were !@#$%% in the van I was driving I complained and the next day I was told to leave. I had no where to go but to them that was not an issue. The head Female of the orginazation has close relations with a heroin addict( how about a urine test) and the some of the employees must think it is a swingers club.I think it is terrible that the management does not screen their employees better so the emotionally unstable and vulnerable clients are not victimized. Even though the three or four employees I saw fired in my short stay were fired its like closing the barn door after the horse has ran.I would suggest a few less psych meds for the zombie like female director so she could make logical choices.Also a close friend of mine was found dead with a needle in his arm after"treatment" at this facility.If you have loved ones(or yourself) I would strongly advise against this place. Their are good people there like Erica,Manny and Lissette but The play is not good. read more

CRI-Help saved my life. After five years of unstructured sobriety, I went through four years of relapses and binges. CRI-Help provided the structure and sense of community that I needed to develop the habits and tools necessary to maintain my sobriety. The staff is a big part of their success. With most staff members, I meshed into their system immediately, and those with which I may have had minor conflicts, I was given the opportunity to employ the tools that I was learning through their groups. The clients were from all walks of life and I truly appreciated that aspect of the program. The food was so far above my expectation, that I gained ten pounds (before I started using their gym and took it off). I highly recommend CRI-Help to individuals who have reached a state of desperation and are open and willing to try a challenging, but effective program. read more

Full of unethical drug addicts who claim to be clean and sober and if you stay clean long enough or don't get caught you can work here too and prey on the children of friends. That's what people on the 12 step program do and that's exactly what their staff member has done, taken advantage of me, an ex client of this place and used their contracted relationship with DCFS to aid in stealing and alienating my children from me. Most drug rehabs are full of scum of the earth and this is no different. It is just a matter of time before anyone who works here drops dead of relapse or whatever hype disease they propagate. If you have to go here, run as soon as you can. Any one of these people will use you as a free ride and then later steal your children. read more

Cri-Help is wonderful place to recover from drug and alcohol abuse. I remember there was a lot of laughter, support and healing. I experienced all sorts of emotions throughout my stay. I needed help learning how to cope with everyday situations and not resort to drinking or using as a solution or coping mechanism. I will have 11 years of recovery in a few weeks thanks to Cri-Help. The facility is clean, the meals are hot, the rooms are comfortable, there are amenities like a gym, recreation room, tv room, meditation room, an amazing salt water fish tank. The clients live together in a peaceful and respectful way. Bravo Cri-Help! For serving your community and humanity, helping people heal from addiction and alcoholism. read more

If there are any other people with bad experiences please contact me I am planning on outing this place in the media ultimately I hope the state of California defunds this despicable place. I'm going to everyone, the state representative, mayor and anyone who is responsible for this. This place is disturbing. They don't care about helping addicts they care about taking money. I've had conversations with people who are used to talking to poor people who can't defend themselves so they think they can have the same tone with me. I have news for them... their days are limited. Please reach out to me. We are stronger in numbers and can get this place closed down. They don't deserve to be in business. read more

This is a magical place! A place where miracles happen. I was lost in my addiction and had tried other treatment centers to no avail. I made a decision to try cri-help on my own admission. I was leaving my home town to a place where I wouldnt know anybody. I was scared and alone and they took me in. Ive never looked back.cri-help saved my life! It gave my kids their mom back, my parents their daughter back and me , I got to learn how to live the life of my dreams.I just celebrated 6 years clean. This isnt an easy program, it takes work to change your behaviors. But thats what we as addicts need. I owe my life to cri- help. read more

Cri-Help saved my life. My addiction took me to hospitals and institutions and my next stop was death if I didn't change. Because of Cri-Help I learned how to live life on life's terms and not use. I'm so grateful to Cri-Help and the people there for what they taught me and my life now. It wasn't easy at first but if you stick it out you won't be sorry. Sometimes they have programs that you may qualify for like I did. read more

I never been to a program and cri help is a great one. All the staff was kind and helpful and I can't wait to move on and get to NoHo to start my residential program. Cri help helped me get back on track and get to my family. I want to thank all the staff at Lincoln heights facility for all the help even after I was being a jack ass at first they never gave up on me. Thanks to all the staff that are there. read more

I continue to work at this program. I was a client in 1971. We have been known, as the "Flagship of recovery from addiction treatment and mental health treatment."That quote was from the State of California health home and it was reported in writing as part of our report from them. We have also been known as one of the of a couple of extremely ethical programs in Los Angeles County and the SAPC. read more

I went to cri help in 1997 I have been drug and alcohol free ever since they gave me the tools I needed to stay clean and sober I stayed there for 90 days and then went to sober living it was not easy at all I struggled every day there program and the staff and people there got me through I gotta stop by there for the Monday meeting and check in read more

This place was terrible and should be closed I was there and was treated very unfairly and nearly relapsed due to the unproffessional conduct of Socorro? Cri help employees. Peoples lives should not be toyed with. Even clients who are unable to pay(General Relief) should be shown respect. Shame on you Cri Help read more