Freedom Institute was founded in 1976 by Mona Mansell, a recovering alcoholic. Motivated by a desire to help others become sober, Mona formed one of the first Intervention programs in the country. In the early years of Freedom Institute’s history, the treatment for substance abuse was largely inpatient programs, and Mona helped hundreds of people find safe, appropriate and comprehensive treatment after intervention. Click here to hear Mona’s story in her own words.

When Mona became sober, she recognized that her six children and husband had suffered during the years she was an active alcoholic. So from the outset, she was determined that Freedom Institute treat the whole family for addiction, not just the identified patient. The first Family Groups opened at The Institute 1999 to treat family members affected by their loved one’s substance abuse. To this day, the Family Program remains the heart of Freedom Institute, and we have long been recognized as a leader in the field of family therapy and addiction treatment.

Mary Condon and Connie Murray

For over thirty years, Mona's vision was carried out by two extraordinary women, Connie Murray and Mary Condon, who helped thousands of families through interventions, referrals and aftercare. Both retired in 2010 but continue to serve Freedom Institute in an advisory capacity. Today, what began as a family business is a state-of-the art outpatient treatment facility.

While the Board and Staff of Freedom Institute move forward daily with innovative and comprehensive treatment programs for addiction, we remain dedicated to the vision of the remarkable woman who founded our Institute.