INSTILLING THE PROMISE OF
HOPE FOR A BETTER LIFE
“No one comes here on a winning streak. Instead, we meet people when they are at their lowest.”
So says Robin Piper, Clinical Director and CEO of Turning Point of Tampa, a residential and intensive outpatient treatment facility for people suffering from substance abuse, eating disorders, and dual-diagnosis issues.
A 12-Step Approach
Over the last three decades, Turning Point of Tampa has helped more than 12,000 clients change their lives through a combination of intensive therapy and compassionate care. The 12-Step model for addiction treatment is the keystone of Turning Point of Tampa’s programs.
“Other facilities might offer fads or quick-fix cure-alls,” says Piper. “But those don’t help addicts sustain recovery the way the 12-Step model does. It’s a model for living; it helps clients maintain recovery once they’re on their own.”
Safe and Stable Environment
Turning Point of Tampa’s campus also plays a role in recovery. The residential village backs up to the Hillsborough River (where manatees are occasionally spotted). It’s a serene environment that encourages self-reflection and discovery.
Creative self-expression also aids in self-discovery. Yoga classes, a meditation space, musical instruments, and art supplies are all available.
Client artwork, in fact, was on display at Turning Point of Tampa’s recent 30th birthday party. Piper recalls one woman in attendance in particular—a 20-year alumna who was once a client at the facility who credited the facility with turning her life around:
“She said, ‘Turning Point raised me up. You’ve helped me achieve all the things I never thought I could achieve.’ We’re proud to be a part of her story.”
Meet Robin Piper, CEO & Clinical Director
As Turning Point of Tampa celebrates a milestone this year, Robin Piper, LMHC, MCAP, NCC, CCTP, celebrates more than 20 years with the organization. Hired as Clinical Director during a time of uncertainty and struggle for the facility, she was tasked with turning it around. Piper met that challenge, building programs and reputation, and developing a stable force in an industry that is ever-changing. She became CEO in short order and has been fulfilling both roles ever since.
Piper says this combined role is a key to her success and that of Turning Point of Tampa.
“An administrator who is a clinician,” she says, “has a superior understanding of the whole picture. Being in this position allows me to make business decisions along with having insight into the lives, emotions, and struggles of our clients.
I was honored to be featured as the CEO and Clinical Director of Turning Point of Tampa in the publications of O, The Oprah Magazine, Entrepreneur & Fortune, in the section “Leading Women in Business.” As I said in the article, I surround myself with like-minded people who are well-educated and dedicated to serving as agents of change for our clients, leading them to hope for a better and different life in recovery.”
As a result, Piper surrounds herself with like-minded people who are well educated and dedicated: “We—the psychiatrists, nurses, therapists, dietitians, and others— believe it’s our job to serve as agents of change for our clients, leading them to hope for a better, different life in recovery.”
