Anonymous’ Bloom Teen Challenge Testimony

I attended Teen Challenge Bloom when I was 12 years old. I immediately felt something off about the program, and have journal entries from my time there explaining specific situations I was put in. I was extremely manipulated and brainwashed. For example, one of the counselors claimed that “God told her” I was abused. When I was not willing to share that part of my past she, along with the program director, threatened to send me to a long-term program until I was willing to open up. I have an illness which causes me to pass out often. The first time I went unconscious they accused me of lying and wouldn’t help me get treatment until my parents confirmed it was real.

One night one of my friends had a severe asthma attack and was wheezing on the floor and sobbing. They refused to take her to the hospital. The program believed that Jesus heals all mental health issues, and that depression and other illnesses were a sign of “disbelief” or sin. There was so much neglect when it came to physical or mental health conditions. When we were in trouble we would lose “privileges”, which included getting served less food than the other girls as a punishment. The staff punished girls for their pet peeves. I once was punished for walking too loud. Another time I was drawing in my journal instead of writing and got in trouble.

I know many troubled teen programs are much more abusive and neglectful, but this is my personal experience with the industry.