ABOUT LAUREL OAKS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTER
Located in Dothan, southeastern Ala, Laurel Oaks Behavioral Health Center is an acute psychiatric hospital that provides crisis intervention and short-term stabilization services for youth (ages four to 18), as well as longer-term, intensive residential treatment for youth and teens (ages 10 to 18). The center treats youth struggling with a primary psychiatric disorder, co-occurring substance abuse disorders, and those exhibiting high-risk behaviors, such as self-harm, violent tendencies, running away, etc.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Laurel Oaks provides two levels of treatment: acute stabilization and long-term residential treatment. Upon admission into the hospital, patients undergo an initial psychosocial assessment, psychiatric evaluation, and medical examination. The initial screenings help clinicians to identify specific mental health disorders and form an individualized treatment approach.
The goal of acute stabilization is to intervene during a psychiatric crisis and stabilize the patient. To promote stabilization, the center blends evidence-based treatment approaches with pharmacological intervention as indicated. Along with ongoing medication management, the center facilitates group, individual, and family counseling sessions, as well as psychoeducational classes on improving communication skills, daily living skills, and socialization. If necessary, the center also offers substance abuse classes and drug testing. During stabilization, the center sets daily patient goals and utilizes positive reinforcement to help patients meet these goals.
Patients who may benefit from longer treatment may be referred to the residential program. The center offers residential programs for males aged 10 to 18 and females aged 12 to 18, and treatment is age- and gender-specific. While the residential program is designed for youth struggling with a primary psychiatric disorder, the residential program also treats youth struggling with trauma, a history of abuse and/or neglect, and co-occurring substance abuse disorders.
During the residential program, patients adhere to a highly-structured schedule of individual, family, and group counseling sessions. Group therapy and psychoeducational classes address a range of issues to improve communication, social, and daily living skills, such as money management, personal hygiene, and nutrition. Substance abuse classes are also available. In addition, the center facilitates issue-specific groups on anger management, trauma, grief and loss, and self-harm triggers.
Along with core programming, the center organizes supervised community outings, recreational activities, and leisure activities. In addition, a certified private school is located on-site, and patients receive individualized, transferrable classroom instruction daily. Educational services include standard academic instruction, physical education, art and music instruction, and vocational readiness classes. Upon discharge, case managers provide patients and families with linkages to outpatient services and other community-based resources that offer ongoing support.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
Laurel Oaks Behavioral Health Center employs a multidisciplinary team comprised of psychiatrists, registered nurses, clinical therapists, social workers, clinical psychologist, accredited teachers, and mental health technicians.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
The facility’s residential program is separated into four gender- and age-specific units. The facility features an on-site private school, a cosmetologist salon, a full-service cafeteria, recreational areas, as well as an in-ground swimming pool, gym, tennis and basketball courts.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Although Best-rehabs.com has yet to receive alumni feedback to date, secondary sources revealed generally critical alumni opinions. On Google reviews, 15 individuals gave the facility an average rating of two out of five stars.[1] “I went here 4 or 5 times. It sucked the 2 or 3 time,” alum Haley, a representative reviewer, wrote, indicating relapse and an overall ineffective treatment experience.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
A loved one polled by Best-rehabs.com gave four-star ratings for the level of family participation, the facility’s counseling options, the treatment staff’s level of experience and training. “Very family friendly encourged parents to visit often,” the anonymous loved one wrote, adding: “Things seem to run smoothly.”
WHAT STAFF SAY
Secondary sources revealed mixed employee opinions. On Indeed, 25 employees submitted an average rating of 3.1 out of five stars for the facility.[2] While many employees felt the work experience was rewarding, some felt management set unrealistic expectations for employees. “Working with the kids at this job is very rewarding, one representative reviewer wrote; however, another reviewer commented: “Enjoyed my job but management was not professional at times.”
FINANCING
Laurel Oaks Behavioral Health Center accepts a range of private insurance plans
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