Koru Spring - Eating Disorder Treatment Center - Jacksonville, Florida

Stanlee C.

I am extremely grateful for Koru and for all of the people I have met along the way. I did not think I would ever even attempt recovery and I am so glad that I did. The entire staff is extremely kind and helpful, and I truly felt that everyone wanted the best for me and listened to me. The community was great. The facility is very nice, with spacious bedrooms and a lovely spa. The food is great, and again, the people are wonderful. The transitions between levels is individualized and they really know what they are doing. I am not dismissing any previous reviews, but I do think it is important to keep things in perspective. Recovery is so hard and that frustration can be misdirected to the facility. The people at Koru care about the clients. Suggestions and constructive criticism are definitely taken into consideration and promptly addressed. You will be heard at Koru. The staff members all work together beautifully and it really creates an environment of peace and unity for everyone. I would and will recommend Koru, and to anyone reading this, whether you choose Koru or not, best wishes and don’t give up. It’s worth the fight!

Crystal C.

My experience at Koru was unlike anything I imagined. I expected it to look like a hospital setting, but instead it was very homey and comfortable. I loved the different therapies such as DBT, body image, and food and mood. I also really enjoyed the alternative therapies such as music therapy, art therapy, and equine therapy. I was very impressed by the fact that we got to attend a cooking studio while there as it taught me to cook which is something I didn't know how to do before. The staff at Koru were very caring and compassionate as well as professional. I would definitely recommend Koru to anyone who needs help recovering from an eating disorder and I'm extremely glad that I had the opportunity to go through the program.

Kayla C.

No treatment center is perfect, so I will not give 5 stars. While I experienced some personal frustration at Koru, I would not be where I am in my recovery without the hardworking clinical and support staff. The support staff during the day work incredibly hard to ensure that each patient is heard when they are experiencing difficulty in this program and effectively provide support during meals. These people are the backbone of the program and have made an immense impact on the clients. The clinical staff are friendly and competent in working with clients to separate themselves from their eating disorders and provide complex therapeutic support to not only get you through your stay but to set you up for success upon discharge. Many of the support and clinical staff have lived experience that allow them to provide empathetic and empowering care.

This program is set up to comprehensively guide you towards outpatient, practical recovery. The program DOES operate on a levels system that is clearly laid out in your information binder upon arrival. There are two separate level systems, one operating as a nutritional/therapeutic guide and one operating as a movement level guide (guided yoga and personal training offered on movement levels 2 and 3). Every single client progresses at a different rate, and every client works through the levels at an individualized pace. Once a patient progresses to level three, they are treated as a partial hospitalization patient. Stepping down to this level while maintaining your inpatient treatment team is incredibly conducive to recovery and allows for gently guided independence.

The woman conducting intake for Koru tends to provide misleading information to prospective clients and I definitely faced and heard a lot of dissatisfaction around this women. However, during my stay at Koru the clinical director did her absolute best to accommodate expectations that were set based on misinformation while also complying with authentic program policy. She actively works to correct the mistakes of this employee and is always a listening ear in times of dissatisfaction. When you utilize the suggestion box, your concerns are often addressed ASAP.

The first few days and even weeks are incredibly challenging, but as you adjust to the routine and rules, you will find yourself a part of an extremely supportive community.

Before admitting to Koru I was extremely concerned about the reviews but after talking with my outpatient team I gave it a try. I hope my review provides a bit of confidence in the decisions of others to admit to this program. This program saw me through to a brighter future and I cannot express enough heartfelt thanks.

Abbi S.

I have been to many other treatment centers for my eating disorder, but never really felt like I belonged. I was blessed to have gone here and to have had such a wonderful group of women that supported one another. Koru Spring has an amazing staff and they truly care about their patients. While times were hard, I still felt an abundance of love and support from not only the staff, but also the community. Thank you Koru for helping me in my recovery journey!

Kaycee H.

If I could put less than one star I would. In my phone assessment I made it very clear that I had six years in recovery for my eating disorder and 2 1/2 years in recovery from alcohol. I told them that I was being dismissed by doctors and hospitals for gastric issues for over a year and a half now. They told me I was a good candidate and that they could help me medically. Little did I know they would admit me as if I was a brand new eating disorder patient. I brought in everything that I was using for my G.I. issues, including a substance that they sell in nutrition stores that are actually banned in most states. But this supplement was helping my pain so much. They said nothing about this supplement and even gave it back to me to use. I am now in a detox center for this supplement because those medical professionals did not know what they were doing. They qualified me as leaving against medical advisement when I was not even getting the proper medical attention. This place should be entirely shut down

Elizabeth W.

I am so grateful to Koru for all the ways that they helped me. I had been to many treatment centers over the years before finding myself at Koru, and finally, after completing the program there I have been able to maintain my recovery from my eating disorder as well as alcoholism. Something just clicked for me here and I was able to finally commit to doing the things I needed to fight my ED. I have immense gratitude for my therapist, dietician, the medical doctor, psychiatric providers, and BHAs.

First off, upon arriving here I just felt safe. The clinicians and staff are so approachable, kind, and helpful. If you ever have questions or feel lost, the people working here are right on it to provide you with clarity and guidance. The patients were generally recovery-focused, and when people struggled they were never alone - literally or figuratively. We supported each other and had a sense of community.

I was impressed with how quickly my dietician met with me and how attentive she was throughout my time here. Never before had I had such thorough and useful meetings with a dietician. She helped me plan real-world outings that gave me such good practice eating in public, exploring movement again, and even navigating the grocery store.

My therapist Savannah was also excellent. I was able to have both family sessions and individual sessions weekly. Now, out of treatment, my relationship with my family is the best it has ever been. I even felt comfortable with other therapists, and they were always around leading groups too.

Other things to note—it struck me right away how there are evening and weekend therapists at Koru, which is not something I experienced at other treatment facilities. This meant we had the same quality groups 7 days per week (psychotherapy group was my favorite) and if something came up at night there was a therapist there. The rooms are comfortable too, and you can do your own laundry any day of the week. There is a large selection of DVDs to choose from, for downtime at the end of the day or in between groups. A lot of art supplies and random fun games too.

Probably what I value most about Koru was that they really listened to me when I spoke, and I got to finally experience what it’s like to have a voice and be heard in treatment. Of course communication and navigating the ups and downs of early recovery in treatment is not easy, but I felt at peace knowing that I was taken seriously and viewed as strong and capable. The further along I got, the more I trusted myself and believed I could actually live free of my eating disorder. The PHP program was invaluable, because I had the support of being in programming during the day and then the practice of having freedom in the evenings.

Whether you have been to treatment before or are looking to embark on your journey now, I can’t recommend Koru enough!

Abie V. H.

I highly advise against going to this facility. If I could give 0 stars, I would. The only redeeming quality about this program is their behavioral health assistants. Not to diminish their work, but they are glorified babysitters, and in no way medical professionals, but they did provide some humanity and comfort when I could not find it elsewhere.

First off, admissions is INCREDIBLY misleading. The website and the admissions coordinators are not representative of life at this facility. It is not a paradise. You essentially live in a hallway, a living room, and at the nurses desk. If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies that are unrelated to your ED, you will literally have to FIGHT and advocate for yourself to have it accommodated. I was promised time and time again that my dietary restrictions would be accommodated, which is the main reason that I chose this facility, and spent money to travel from Montana to Florida for treatment. The admissions lady, Jacque, will rush you into accepting a place in the program and booking a flight. She even went as far as insinuating that if I didn’t accept the bed I was offered, it may be taken by someone else. Yet upon my arrival, there was 8 girls in the program, when they have the capacity for 25. Their negligence in regards to allergies and dietary restrictions went as far as one girl having a severe allergic reaction to something she was served, and having to be taken to the ER.

Once you give any push back to the program or try to advocate for yourself, the medical team is incredibly dismissive and misleading. I was disregarded and treated as a problem child. I gave my notice to leave due to distrust in the program, and they withheld my phone and my belongings from me. I was in Florida, across the country from home, with no way to make travel arrangements, or speak to my support system. Their 72 hour medical intervention hold is a policy, yet they treat it as law. It’s as if you’re incarcerated, and you’re not an adult in a voluntary program. It got to the point where I was so misled, that my mother had to call them over and over and threaten to call the police for me to be released. And even then, when my mother was promised by Sara, the clinical director, that I would receive my belongings and be released to make my flight at 8 am, they went silent, didn’t contact my mom, and didn’t notify me of the flight. At this point, further calls and extreme advocation had to be made for me to be released to make another flight arrangement. My therapist Madison was also incredibly dismissive, withheld information, and had an incredibly unprofessional attitude with me. I believe they do this more so for money than to truly hold you as a form of medical intervention. The medical team is not accessible, the program is disorganized, and receiving your medication is completely disorganized. I did not feel safe upon my arrival, and was never told what was going on, what the daily schedule was, or what the policies were.

The group therapies, meditations, outdoor times, etc were all a joke. All of the group “therapies” were led by other patients, and were superficial and not intensive treatment.

Some of the girls in there were generally satisfied by their treatment, but most stated having been misled, and were accepting of the program because it wasn’t the worst they had been to. I would say that this program could only be beneficial to a person who has little to NO cooccurring disorders, no dietary restrictions, and willing to be submissive to the program entirely.

In conclusion, although some of the girls did find a level of recovery and weren’t totally dissatisfied, everyone had expressed being misled and understood and empathized with every complaint I’ve listed here. I will continue advocation for myself by filing complaints. They were just bought out by another company, fired 62 employees, some of which were essential to the success that other patients had found. PS 99% of this facility is rehab for men and women.

Kristy

I am incredibly grateful to God for guiding me to Koru Spring, the treatment center that saved my life. His plan aligned every step, bringing me to a place where true healing could begin. It wasn’t just about addressing my eating disorder; it was about confronting the root causes—the trauma that had fueled it. This approach was unlike anything I’d experienced and was the only way forward.

When my doctor first suggested I needed to confront the trauma beneath the eating disorder, I was hesitant. Previous treatments had focused solely on managing symptoms. This time, however, I sensed that to truly heal, I had to address the trauma itself. Despite my reluctance, I knew Koru was the right place—a place where I would be supported and truly understood.

From the moment I arrived, I was met with kindness, compassion, and unwavering support. Sarah, the director, believed in me even when I was at my lowest, showing me a version of myself I had never seen—a person capable of healing and growth. My therapist, Terri, was a constant source of encouragement, listening deeply and gently guiding me forward. Another therapist, also named Sarah, taught me valuable lessons in forgiveness and patience, especially toward myself, helping me see that healing was a journey and each step mattered.

My dietitian, Avalena, helped me build resilience and self-love, encouraging me to step beyond my comfort zone. Her support was instrumental in showing me that I could change, even when it felt impossible. The Behavioral Health Assistants (BHAs) and nursing staff were the backbone of my recovery, offering comfort in my hardest moments and reminding me of my strength. Their presence illuminated my darkest days. Dr. O and Sam also played a vital role, ensuring I felt seen and valued.

The teamwork at Koru made all the difference. Each therapist, doctor, and staff member contributed to my journey in powerful ways. I never felt like a burden but a priority. Each person took the time to understand my struggles, offering insights and support that helped me grow stronger. Even Chef Amanda and her team played a crucial role, creating a safe environment around food and ensuring each meal became part of my healing rather than a source of fear.

Gabbi, the aftercare coordinator, was another key support, ensuring my transition from residential treatment to outpatient care was seamless. Her guidance made a daunting process manageable. Without her, I know this transition would have been overwhelming.

The community of residents at Koru was equally essential. Being surrounded by women who shared similar experiences gave me a sense of belonging. Together, we laughed, cried, and shared our journeys, building bonds that continue to provide accountability and support. This community was invaluable, connecting me with others who understood both my pain and victories.

Koru’s program also included exposures and outings that helped me face my fears around food and social situations. Activities like cooking classes, restaurant visits, art markets, pottery sessions, and equine therapy allowed me to practice skills in real-world settings. These experiences were instrumental in preparing me for life beyond treatment, building the confidence to face challenges on my own.

In every way, Koru was different from previous treatments. It felt like a family. Everyone genuinely cared about my well-being and wanted me to succeed. But recovery is a two-way street. I had to be willing to heal, to trust that God had placed me in the right hands. It was a leap of faith, but one I’m grateful I took—it brought me closer to a life of healing and purpose.

Looking back, my time at Koru Spring was transformative. The program, the people, and the lessons I learned gave me a foundation to build a life free from the shadows of my past. I am forever grateful to everyone at Koru for their kindness, patience, and unwavering support. This experience has shown me that healing is possible and that with faith, the right people, and determination, even the deepest wounds can begin to heal.