ABOUT BANNER THUNDERBIRD MEDICAL CENTER
One of 23 hospitals operated by Banner Health, a nonprofit healthcare provider, Banner Thunderbird Medical Center of Glendale, Ariz., a suburb of Phoenix, provides inpatient care and outpatient-based programs for adults and adolescents (ages 13 to 17) struggling with substance abuse, a primary psychiatric disorder, or co-occurring disorders. If necessary, the facility also offers medically-supervised detoxification services. The facility is one of only 22 hospital-based inpatient programs in Arizona to offer detox services.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Upon admission, patients undergo an initial medical evaluation and behavioral health assessment. If detoxification or stabilization is necessary, patients may be referred to inpatient care. Typically lasting between three and seven days, inpatient care is designed to stabilize the patient and refer them to a less-intensive level of care.
Inpatient programming for substance abuse is a combination of individual, family, and group psychotherapy. Banner Desert also introduces patients to 12-step philosophies and practices, and patients attend on-site 12-step meetings. If necessary, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may also be utilized to help facilitate detoxification and minimize the discomfort of withdrawal.
Individuals with a primary psychiatric concern or co-occurring mental health disorders also receive ongoing psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may also be utilized to treat severe depression, and patients participate in dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). Once a patient is stable, clinicians may encourage patients to transition into one of the facility’s outpatient programs.
Utilized as both a stand-alone program for individuals who do not require hospitalization and a “step-down” treatment after inpatient care, Banner Thunderbird Medical Center’s age-specific outpatient programs are available for both substance abuse and primary psychiatric disorders.
The chemical dependency outpatient program also emphasizes 12-step involvement. In addition, patients attend relapse prevention classes, learn stress management skills, and participate in group, individual, and family psychotherapy. Mental health outpatient programs also involve therapy sessions, as well as medication management and alternative therapies, such as pet and music therapy.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
Banner Desert Medical Center’s behavioral and mental health programs are facilitated by a team of psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, state-licensed professional counselors, and behavioral health technicians. The six individuals polled by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing praised the aptitude of staff members.
Staff’s Level of Experience and Training: 4.67/5
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
There is currently no information provided by the facility regarding its living arrangements and related offerings; however, the six individuals polled by Best-rehabs.com to date felt the facility was well-maintained.
Facility’s Cleanliness and Upkeep: 4.5/5
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The two former patients polled by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing shared mostly positive feedback for the facility, though they did also offer some criticisms. One survey respondent praised all aspects of the facility, offering perfect five-star ratings for the facility’s counseling options, discharge planning, its ability to treat co-occurring disorders, and the level of family participation. “The care provided was great. However, the staff was not the best. It was a good place and I would recommend it,” the alum wrote.
The other reviewer also appreciated most elements of the facility, submitting five-star ratings for the facility’s family participation, treatment for co-occurring disorders, and the staff’s level of training and experience; however, the alum gave a low one-star rating for the facility’s counseling options. “Staff and facilities were good. However, there was very little personal involvement,” the survey respondent wrote.
While secondary sites did not review the behavioral health department specifically, secondary review sites yielded moderate feedback for the hospital in general. On Google reviews, 399 individuals gave the hospital an average rating of 2.6 out of five stars.[1] Offering similar feedback, 119 individuals on Yelp gave the facility an average rating of 2.5 stars.[2] While reviewers tended to praise the facility’s staff, some criticized long wait times and the facility’s cleanliness.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
The four loved ones polled by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing generally approved of the facility, specifically praising the level of family participation, its discharge planning, and counseling options. “Excellent staff,” a loved one wrote. Another loved one added: “The customer service was great, but it was a bit closed off.” Although reporting issues of understaffing, one loved one wrote: “Follow-up care was good.”
Family Participation: 4.5/5
Discharge Planning: 4.25/5
Counseling Options: 3.75/5
WHAT STAFF SAY
Secondary sourced painted a picture of employees as being generally satisfied with the hospital as a whole, citing management and co-workers as strengths of the facility. On Indeed, 51 employees gave the hospital an average rating of 3.9 out of five stars.[3] “The staff and management was like family to me at Thunderbird,” one representative reviewer wrote.
FINANCING
As a large hospital system, Banner accepts private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare. The organization’s website also indicates that financial assistance is available for uninsured clients. The six individuals polled by Best-rehabs.com offered generally positive opinions concerning the facility’s cost.
Affordability: 4/5
[1] GoogleReviews
[2] https://www.yelp.com/biz/banner-thunderbird-medical-center-glendale-2
[3] https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Banner-Thunderbird-Hospital