ABOUT ADATC – PEARSON HALL
Pearson Hall, named for celebrated Alabama judge J. Richmond Pearson, is one of three treatment centers operated by Birmingham’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Centers (ADATC). From a quiet street on the outskirts of Birmingham, Ala., the center offers medically supervised detox for the indigent community and short-term crisis stabilization/residential care for adult men and women who are struggling with substance abuse. It is one of only 11 facilities across the state to offer detox services.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
The facility offers a traditional program, including individual, group, and family counseling. During the day, there are also educational lectures and film screenings. In its admissions process, ADATC prioritizes pregnant IV drug and substance users and IV users. The facility’s website indicates that psychiatric services are available, but does not indicate whether this is on a referral basis, or on-site.
To promote total wellness, clients are enrolled in nutritional and fitness programs to improve recovery. ADATC also stresses the importance of family involvement. Pearson Hall can arrange assistance with childcare for parents in need of detox. A family program is also available to help family members with any issues during the recovery process. It includes individual counseling, informational lectures, films, and group meetings.
The facility also offers support through an aftercare program, which offers weekly group sessions. Clients are encouraged to participate in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings. Family members are also encouraged to attend these meetings to assist alumni in maintaining their sobriety.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The facility’s website notes that services are provided by “medical and counseling staff,” but does not list credentials. According to its website, however, ADATC is certified by the Alabama Department of Mental Health-Mental Retardation. Across the state, 91.2 percent of facilities are licensed, accredited, or certified.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Photographs published on the facility’s website show sparse common areas and simple, shared bedrooms with twin beds.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Of the five reviews received by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing, three were positive and two were negative. Two alumni praised the food and nutrition offered by the center. Negative reviewers complained that the center was located in a bad neighborhood.
On Facebook, the facility earned four out of five stars from four reviews to date.
A number of reviewers were grateful to the staff and credited it with their long-term recovery.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
The three reviews from loved ones were more positive. Of the three reviews received at the time of this writing, two were positive and one was mixed. Each of the three reviewers gave the facility four out of five stars or higher for its family program, holistic options, and overall treatment effectiveness.
Praise was awarded to the hands-on approach to treating clients and the facility’s cleanliness. Yet one loved one echoed an alum by writing: “It needs to be in a different neighborhood.” Another added: “Some of the treatments are not what I think they should’ve been,” though they did not give further details.
FINANCING
The facility’s website indicates that the company accepts insurance, but does not specify which plans. Information listed for the Zukoski Center, an associated treatment facility run by the same organization, indicates that that center accepts Medicaid and charges on a sliding fee scale based on the client’s income and expenses. The Zukoski Center’s website also indicates that no one is denied services on the basis of their inability to pay.