It has been almost 20 years now since I was enrolled into Springfield Straight Inc. I have lurked in the shadows for a while now and decided to post up.
I left staff shortly after gaining access to my treatment record. In the psychological evaluation conducted by Dr. Richard Cohen the statement was noted and underlined indicating I did not have the symptoms of a chemically dependent patient, rather I was suffering from depression brought on by a number of external sources. Several other statements were noted attempting to justify an â??observation periodâ?? of 14 to 28 days. Sixteen months later I graduated. I do not know how the observation was justified as I was interviewed by Dr. Cohen only once. Leaning this broke me from the brainwashing and I left with little notice.
I took my treatment record, recording made upon intake, intake photos, and medical documentation maintained by Dr. Puglisi (sp) from the facility and kept all of it at my home. A few years passed and I finally burned all of it. I took many other records of people who I knew at the time and either gave them to their rightful owners or destroyed them. I also took many years worth of the â??homesâ?? assignment sheets which had my name on them and burned them all. My parents and I discussed this information and were able to resolve our differences. Turned out my father thought it was all a big con for money put on by a group of con-men. How right he was.
I left the Springfield VA area 15 years ago, completed college and a year ago returned to NOVA and have been doing quite well.
The entire experience was bitter sweet for me. I thought I had passed it all away until recently I was informed of close family friend who was a patient while I was on staff had taken their own life. I knew many of the people who have passed away who are mentioned here and several others who are not. It is strange how seeing some of your names bring back the memories I so sought to blur. Unfortunately I have excellent recall of my tenure with SI.
This is the first time I have openly discussed any involvement with SI NOVA in 15 years. I do not think the passage of time will change my thoughts of the place or what was done there. I once considered purchasing the building and having it plowed under but reconsidered as it stands as a monument to remind all of the pain which was endured. I will go out of my way to avoid 5515 Backlick Rd.
