I first contacted Seneca to try to get into their PHP around two months ago after a recommendation by my therapist. I have been calling them and emailing them nearly every week since then, even at my lowest points. I want to be able to work to make things better, but I know I need more support than my therapist can provide right now. I called them again today as a last resort and was told I missed my window to get in a week or so ago because I missed a voice mail. Missing the voice mail was my mistake, but Seneca failing to use alternative methods to contact me such as email was their choice. They have my email and have contacted me via email before. Only today they offered to call my mom with my consent if I dont pick up the phone. I cant start now unless I want to skip my fall semester because the PHP does not fit into my UVM class schedule and doing both at once would not be possible even with an adjusted schedule. Overall I think returning to normalcy of classes will be better for my mental health than skipping my fall semester for a program that may or may not be able to help me.Since I first tried to contact them I ended up in the ER after overdosing on my meds and also formed a habit cutting myself. This was my choice. No one made me do these things and I do not blame Seneca for my actions, but if I had more support I doubt things would have spiraled out of control like this. I regret contacting Seneca, but it is what it is now. I cant blame Seneca for me missing the voice mail, but I can blame them for their failure to communicate clearly and delays in the intake process. I dont want to tell anyone what to do or not to do, but please be wary of this program if you need urgent help. Overall the process to try to get into Seneca has ended in failure and has been a serious detriment to my mental health.

Seneca Center saved me. I had Clinical Depression and Generalized Anxiety over many years, culminating in a breakdown in my therapists office five years ago. She referred me to Seneca, where I learned all about these conditions, and even better, learned the processes, habits and ways of thinking that I needed in order to heal. My recovery took many months, but it was well worth the time and energy (and honesty) I put into it. I found my tribe, so to speak, in the group classes. Taking notes, telling our stories, and learning and celebrating ways to cope with distress and depression. They changed my life forever, and I will always be indebted to them.

Did not feel the level of compassion I needed during a difficult time. I was discharged from PHP without a solid plan for future care (I had no local therapist or psychiatrist, and was in/out of the ER). I thought I would be offered more support. They switched my case manager 3x, which made it hard to formany kind of therapeutic relationship or build trust.At one point during my admission interview I was called a liability by staff. That really hurt to hear. I was not invited back to do the step down PHP even though I could have used the additional support. I assume this is because they still considered me a “liability” despite the fact that I showed up every day and followed all their rules, They made me feel like there was no hope of recovery, I felt abandoned, it seemed I was not a person to them but a liability.