Teen Challenge - Bakersfield, California

Hannah W.

I went there to find god and restore my heart and spirit especially after my fiancée committed suicide and instead of getting help and support from the staff I found hell! I would have been better off not going there at all! I suffer from ptsd and night terrors almost every single night and have horrific anxiety about my relationship with god. If you take meds for anything you basically have to stop cold turkey, you are isolated from family and friends all calls only five minutes max. There is literature that you have to learn and memorize as well as clean the whole facility and you won’t ever finish because they will have you stop what you’re doing to do something else all day long it’s so frustrating! I could write a book about my experience it was horrible please reconsider going please!!

Nenq Z.

This is suppose to be a Christian recovery program! Boy was I wrong. No empathy towards my daughters medical needs. They could have understood her need of being out for surgery but, they were very cold and raw. Daughter felt that they were brain washed and treated like slaves. Felt like a cult environment. They cover up the bad with church, Bible studies and hypocrisy. Think twice before you all choose this program. Very unhappy ☹️

Linda P.

Teen challenge has been a safe haven for my sister in law. She had to be forced to go and now she doesn't want to leave. God used this place to show her who he is and who she is in him. It's been exciting to watch her grow in the Lord. I'm so proud of her. Thank you Jesus for Teen Challenge Bakersfield California.

Ace A.

I brought my 13 year old nephew here to see his dad after 3 or 4 years of not having him in his life. I grew up without really eve knowing who my dad was and so it felt important to me that I’d bring my nephew to give him the chance to see his dad again. An now thanks to lord and his blessings through Teen Challenge it has gave my nephews dad the option to make a turning point in his life of living free.

Nicole M.

Teen Challenge is filled with hope and a destination to a spirit filled life outside of drugs and alcohol that challenge so many of us lost. Every person there shares similar stories but are unique because we are all god's children with different needs and similar upbringings. I love seeing and hearing about the success stories that come out of Teen Challenge.

Deborah I.

I do not think I would have my daughter if it wasn't for teen challenge. It doesn't have the fancy pools and landscape that a lot of the 30 day rehabs do. What it does have is your loved ones best chance of a recovery from their daily fight to use or not. To stop the lies and stealing or worse. They have support from people that have been there before you. My daughter had been through 4 other rehabs that we're offering her the pool and rec room but even after all of them she would relaps after only 5-6 months. Teen challenge was her last chance to save her from herself and she has been clean and sober since the day she stepped in the front door. She now has a gorgeous baby girl and one on the way. She has an education but most of all she has a loving family and we are all greatfull for the help that teen challenge gave her. The 30 day or 90 day programs just do not have enough time to get them to think differently when that stressful time comes and they want to run back to what worked for them but with teen challenge they have a year clean and sober so they do have the healthy alternative

John F.

I knew and was involved with Rev. Harald Bredesen for 15 yrs. Harald helped David Wilkerson & Nicky Cruz fund Teen Challenge 57 yrs. ago. It was established on Godly principals and is one of the most successful rehabs in the world.

Unfortunately, I had to experience it first hand when my daughter fell into the trappings of Meth. From taking one hit at a party, over night she went from being a A student, equestrian rider/jumper for 6 years, to now living on the streets, contracting MERSA and almost died ( a true miracle she's not dead) getting arrested and was sentenced to 6 months in jail.

When she served her jail time she was required to do 6 months of rehab. She choose Teen Challenge. After fulfilling her 6 months commitment she said I did my 6 months for the court, now I'm doing 6 months for me & God. Not only was she the happiest I've ever seen, she's been clean for over 7 years now.

Teen Challenge doesn't brain wash you as I saw someone post, it's God & Bible principled and they don't turn you away if you're broke. As long as you have a true desire to get clean and willing help do some fundraisers to help offset your expenses you're good. You are free to leave at anytime, in fact, she left 3 Teen Challenges after checking in, 2 the same day I checked her in. Amazing what 6 months in Jail can do in giving you a new perspective on life. If you sincerely want to be free of drugs and alcohol this is the place. God is good.

Veronica B.

Teen challenge saved my life. Drugs and the lifestyle that comes with it are very hardcore. It takes much more than cush sayings and living to bring a person out of that life. Here you get God. You learn great work ethic because that is a skill everyone needs to be able to give them self half a chance. Did I mention that it was free of cost for a whole year?! Enough said, my life was a mess. I'm proof this place is miraculous when it comes to transformed lives.