Priory Kneesworth House

Priory Kneesworth House Review

Priory Kneesworth House is located in Hertfordshire. It is simultaneously a locked and open rehabilitation community for men and women. Treatment protocol ranges depending on the severity of the issue—from complex mental health needs, to substance misuse and learning and cognitive disabilities. The programs are on a 12-week therapeutic cycle. The Kneesworth House branch of Priory employs a variety of therapies but, above all, it involves clients in their programming options every step of the way. As a result, they are constantly working towards developing skills for independence.

Accommodations and Food

Kneesworth House has 155 beds spread out across several wards on 48 acres. The campus has a gym, tennis courts, farm, social club, recreation center, social club and client lead cafe.

Priory provides clients with their own bedrooms and bathrooms. But they do share communal spaces like the lounge with TV, dining room and therapy rooms. There is also a library, media room, game area and spacious outdoor space.

Residents in the locked or higher priority wards eat prepared meals every day. Those who are in the lower intensity units have days where they take turns preparing meals for each other. Other days they receive catering from staff.

For clients who are learning to cook for themselves, there is an on-site recreational kitchen that provides ingredients.

Treatment and Staff

Treatment options vary between wards and individual clients. However, all participants can expect a bespoke program, the planning of which requires their direct involvement.

Clients with backgrounds of violence or prior offenses really focus on behavior modification and gaining skills that prevent relapse. Lower security clients work on core skills that lend themselves to reintegration into their communities.

Substance abuse treatment includes drug and alcohol education and 12-step support. During group and individual sessions clients address relapse prevention and receive CBT and Schema Focused Therapy.

Clients with a history of arson or sexual misconduct have specialty groups on a daily basis. This program takes place in three parts.

A multidisciplinary team of clinicians operate the program. They are psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, occupational therapists, art therapists, nurses and teachers.

Extras

Some recreational activities include yoga, tennis, badminton, volleyball and soccer. Weekends consist of several social gatherings on site. Clients have access to Pure Essence facials and massages.

A big part of the success of this program is due to the vocational training and placement. Clients attend workshops and receive assistance with resume writing, interviewing skills and feedback from their peers. This facility operates a retail shop and cafe where clients gain real world skills.

In Summary

Kneesworth House is a safe and secure treatment facility with multiple wards across a huge campus. Clients fully participate in their treatment planning and actively plan for their own future. Finally, as with the history and reputation of Priory Hospitals, the Kneesworth House provides stand out care through proven and effective treatment approaches.