ABOUT RIVERBEND CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Established in 1950 and located adjacent to the Eliza Coffee Memorial (ECM) Hospital in Florence, Ala., the Riverbend Center for Mental Health is a locally operated, not-for-profit organization that treats psychiatric and substance use disorders. The center offers residential and outpatient programs for children, adolescents, and adults in Colbert, Franklin, and Lauderdale counties. Medical detox is available at the adjacent ECM Hospital.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
The center’s substance abuse treatment is based on the 12- step model of recovery and medical models of addiction treatment. The length of treatment varies according to client needs, and dually diagnosed clients receive simultaneous treatment from the psychiatric services department, which may include specialized counseling sessions and medication management.
The adult intensive outpatient program (IOP) consists of 12 hours a weekly programming and is available in either mornings or evenings. Clients participate in individual, group, and family therapy, and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) / Narcotics Anonymous (NA) attendance is mandatory.
In the men’s residential program named Sunrise Lodge, treatment also combines individual, group, and family therapy with 12-step groups. Clients also participate in study groups, educational classes on the nature of addiction, and skill-building workshops in areas such as family dynamics, self-esteem, and stress management.
Outpatient treatment for adolescents aims for abstinence, a reduction in criminal behavior, more adaptive behavior at school, and improved family interactions. Aftercare programs for adults and adolescents are available, but the facility does not provide program specifics.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
According to Riverbend’s website, the organization employs a staff of 160, including full-time psychiatrists. The two individuals polled by Best-rehabs.com to date rated the center three and four out of five stars for its staff’s level of training and experience.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
There is currently no information provided by the facility regarding its living arrangements and related offerings; however, the three loved ones polled by Best-rehabs.com to date gave two, three, and four out of five stars for the cleanliness of the facility. Reviewers were impressed by the center’s exercise and leisure offerings, giving this aspect of the facility four, four, and five stars.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
On secondary sites to date, feedback of Riverbend ranged between positive to mixed. On the facility’s Facebook page, which may be curated, 11 reviewers to date rated it an average 4.4 out of five stars, leaving no comments.
On Google, seven reviewers rated the facility an average rating of 2.7 out of five stars. Two praised its staff and services, but two others criticized its focus on medication management and its lack of activities and engagement with clients. Alum Neit wrote: “Many ways to improve but they don’t. Because of possibly misfunding or underfunding. I wouldn’t recommend this for long term at all.”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
The three loved ones polled by Best-rehabs.com to date gave Riverbend generally positive ratings, though felt the physical facility could improve. One loved one gave four out of five stars for the staff’s level of experience and training, its discharge planning, and the amount of family participation. “I would refer this place to others,” the loved one wrote.
Another loved one gave four stars for the facility’s counseling options and five stars for the amount of family participation. “Works very well with family members,” the loved one wrote. The third loved one praised the adequate amount of helpful staff, but added: “The help provided is useful. However, the facility is run down and I don’t believe they have much funding to keep it up and running.”
On Yellowpages.com to date, one loved one rated the facility three out of five stars, writing it was “helpful to families with children.”
WHAT STAFF SAY
On secondary sites to date, current and former employees gave mostly positive feedback of the facility. On Glassdoor, two employees both rated the facility four out of five stars, and on Indeed ten reviewers rated it an average four out of five stars. The reviewers frequently praised their fellow staff members and spoke of positive relationships with clients. One employee on Indeed wrote: “Staff and management care for each client with dignity, confidentiality and integrity.”
FINANCING
According to the facility’s website, insurance is accepted, and a sliding fee scale is available. Per the website: “Riverbend will not discriminate against any person receiving health services because of his/her inability to pay for services.”