Testimonials

At Oakwood, we feel privileged to have touched the lives of so many amazing people throughout the years. We are always honored whenever we receive messages of gratitude and continuing client successes from the Oakwood community of parents and alums. Our hope is that these testimonials provide encouragement and hope to others seeking help and support for their current life challenges. Oakwood really is a place that brings families back together.

George (Parent)

My wife and I were overwhelmed and feeling alone in our pain. Our teenage son was out of control, acting out, and self-mutilating. Our family was unraveling before our eyes. We were given Dan’s name from our son’s therapist. After an initial consultation with Dan, our son and family began our journey with the Intensive Outpatient Program. Right from the start Dan and the program staff took us under their care and made us feel like there was real hope for our son and our family. During our time in the IOP, we attended group meetings, took direction, and worked together as a family. The change for all of us was remarkable. The goals we had set for our son when we entered the program were all met. Our son is now a healthy young man, working full time, living on his own and taking responsibility for his life. We are eternally grateful to Dan and his staff for their dedication to each and every family that enters their program.

Mary (Parent)

Intensive outpatient therapy and family therapy with this dedicated group of professionals was life-saving for my son and for our entire family. We entered the program with a 14 year old boy who was depressed, self-medicating and heading down a bad path. We were caring but clueless parents. We entered the program and accepted the help. We left the program with a healthy young man who enjoys life and manages its challenges with increasing maturity and clarity of thought. I and my husband communicate better with each other and all of our children; our family dynamics are so much better. We are all stronger and happier as a result of the individual, group, and family therapy with the Oakwood group.

Ben (Alumni)

Oakwood provided a healthy environment at a time in my life when I really needed it. After battling alcohol and substance use that ultimately resulted in a nearly fatal overdose, I was in desperate need of a drastic change to my lifestyle and coping mechanisms. Oakwood supported me throughout this difficult process and offered me the structure and guidance that I needed. I couldn’t have done it without them.

Briana (Alumni)

I still remember the first time I met Dan and his staff. I was 15 and I had just been kicked out of school. I was such a broken, scared, and lonely little girl. I was demoralizing myself, cutting myself, and starving myself. Everything in my life was out of control. My journey in treatment was by no means easy. The staff did everything they could to help put my family back together. My family and I have an amazing relationship today and my mom is my best friend, and that is only because of the intense family therapy and treatment I received while I was at Oakwood. I don’t even know how to express my gratitude. I have healthy and functioning relationships in my life, and I love myself and the people around me. I really don’t know what my life would look like if I hadn’t met Dan and his team. I will forever be grateful for the experience.

Professional Recommendation

As a practicing physician with over 25 years experience it is my pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for Daniel Leon and Oakwood Family Institute. Daniel and his program provide a unique, structured and safe environment which allows teens and their families the opportunity to begin the process of healing and growth during very difficult times. He has keen insight into the emotional and neurobiological changes which many teens and parents experience during periods of stress and substance abuse. The environment provided at Oakwood by Daniel and his staff creates a solid foundation upon which to a) Get through the initial shock of having a teen suffering from behavioral and mental health disorders and then b) Begin the process of rebuilding the teen’s self esteem and reconnecting with his/her family.

This is all done in a very nurturing, caring, compassionate and non-judgmental manner which allows the teen and the family to feel safe to explore their feelings, motivations and behaviors. The positive changes one sees in Oakwood clients are extremely dramatic and a testament to the learned and individualized approach Daniel applies to every client and family. He is one of the most gifted therapists I have had the pleasure to know and touches the lives of all those that come into contact with him. The lessons the teen and family learn during their recovery phase are life lessons which help them live healthier, happier, more productive and more fulfilling lives and relationships.

I give my highest recommendation to Daniel, his team and Oakwood Family Institute for those families who feel despair and hopelessness during those difficult periods. The changes one can experience are profound. The lessons to be learned are life changing.

L. Pacheco, MD, FAAFP – Board Certified Family Medicine,
Fellow American Academy of Family Physicians

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